AGP Executive Report

Trade & Security: Canada Border Services Agency is targeting trade-based illicit financial flows by disrupting schemes that hide value through false invoices and misdescribed goods, stressing the need for coordinated action across customs, police and finance. Housing Affordability: Royal LePage says several cities—including Lethbridge, Saint John and Thunder Bay—are among the most affordable in Canada, and many Torontonians, Montrealers and Vancouverites would consider relocating if they can find work or go remote. Canada-U.S. Relations: Pew polling finds only 33% of Canadians view the U.S. favourably, with just 35% calling it a reliable partner as confidence in Washington slips. Public Safety: Montreal police warn of possible copycat attacks after a deadly shootout tied to an incel-linked manifesto, prompting alerts to forces nationwide. Business & Investment: Public Storage Canada is set to be sold for $1.67B, while Walmart Canada opens a new Milton fulfillment centre. Health & Policy: Health Canada is set to announce climate action tied to the health sector, and the government is investing in a VITAL health data platform.

Arctic Defence Deal: Australia and Canada have signed a landmark $2.5B government-to-government agreement to export Australia’s Over the Horizon Radar tech to support Canada’s Arctic early-warning system. Nuclear Push: Ottawa released a new nuclear strategy aiming for up to 10 new reactors, faster CANDU development, and higher uranium exports. World Cup Fallout: Canada’s historic 6-0 win over Qatar came with a major blow—Ismaël Koné’s gruesome leg injury—and Nathan Saliba is now in the spotlight as Canada prepares for Switzerland. Public Safety: A Montreal shooting killed three people, including a police officer, with another officer critically injured. Economy Watch: Canada’s CPI rose 3.2% in May, driven largely by higher gasoline prices. Business & Tech: MDA Space is buying Blue Canyon Technologies for $620M, while DMG Blockchain signed its first colocation contract for prefabricated data centres at Christina Lake. Community & Canada Day: North Vancouver’s July 1 Canada Day festivities are set for the waterfront with family programming and live music.

Labour Talks: Ford of Canada has formally opened Unifor contract negotiations, saying it wants “constructive, good-faith” talks to stabilize jobs while keeping Canadian manufacturing competitive. Public Safety Law: New federal bail and sentencing changes targeting extortion, auto theft and organized crime have now become law. Official Languages: Ottawa is launching cross-country consultations to shape the next federal action plan for Canada’s official languages. Cybersecurity Scam: Newfoundland and Labrador health workers say they were tricked by a “June Holiday” email that promised a paid day off, only to reveal it was an internal test. Inflation & Cost of Living: Canada’s inflation jumped to 3.2% in May, driven by higher gas prices tied to renewed oil pressure from the Iran conflict; food and transportation costs also rose. Nuclear Push: The federal government unveiled a nuclear energy strategy aiming for up to 10 new reactors by 2040 and expanding Candu exports. Arctic Defence: Australia and Canada signed a major over-the-horizon radar deal worth about A$2.5B to boost Arctic surveillance. Immigration & Students: A new report says Canada’s immigration policies are creating fresh barriers for international students.

Arctic Defence Deal: Canada is set to buy Australia’s over-the-horizon radar tech in a record A$2.5 billion agreement, aimed at early warning and long-range surveillance for the Arctic, with initial operation targeted for December 2029. Extreme Weather & Safety: Lightning Safety Week is urging Canadians to seek shelter at the first sound of thunder, as storms can turn deadly fast. Food Security Push: Ottawa unveiled a $3-billion food security strategy to lower costs and boost Canadian production, including more support for processing. Wildfire Watch: Canada’s wildfire season is starting slower than recent years, with far fewer hectares burned so far this year. World Cup Spotlight: Canada’s historic 6-0 win over Qatar is driving huge momentum, but the tournament has been marred by Ismaël Koné’s broken-leg injury and Canada now faces key fitness questions ahead of Switzerland. Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Communities across Canada marked National Indigenous Peoples Day with events in Ottawa and Toronto, including ceremonies and cultural programming. Health & Inclusion: A new documentary, “Unified Voices,” profiles six Canadians living with Down syndrome. Public Safety Abroad: A Canadian wanted for child sexual abuse material offences was arrested in the Philippines and is awaiting deportation proceedings.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Canada marked the 30th National Indigenous Peoples’ Day with events nationwide, including an Ottawa ceremony tied to the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Air Travel & Tourism: Air Canada launched two new seasonal transatlantic routes—Montréal–Palma de Mallorca and Halifax–Brussels—expanding its European network ahead of peak summer. Weather & Safety: Heavy rain hit southern Quebec, flooding parts of Montreal’s West Island and the South Shore, closing roads and causing power outages for about 7,500 Hydro-Québec customers. Asylum Overhaul: Canada unveiled six major asylum-system reforms under Bill C-12, including a single online application, tighter timelines, and faster work-permit access. Public Health & Heat: Toronto faces a hotter-than-average summer, with Environment Canada warning of above-normal temperatures and higher wildfire and air-quality risks. Sports: Marco Arop made a 1,500m senior debut at the Canadian championships, finishing second. Local Governance: Regina Coun. Victoria Flores was appointed to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board.

Workplace Privacy: TD says it will use WorkiQ software to track how some employees spend time on browsers and internal apps, raising consent and privacy questions. Immigration & Jobs: Canada’s Express Entry 2026 priorities spell out new work-experience rules and targeted categories for permanent residence, including healthcare, trades, STEM and French proficiency. Clean Energy: Ottawa is funding Canada’s first national deep geothermal roadmap with $468,000 to map opportunities and research priorities. Public Safety & Hate: A coalition of rights groups warns the new Combatting Hate Act is too vague and could chill peaceful protest; it takes effect July 18. Economy Watch: The Canadian dollar slid to a 14-month low as oil prices and softer core retail sales weigh on demand. World Cup Canada: Canada’s historic 6-0 win over Qatar and the run-up to knockout scenarios keep fans buzzing, while Ismaël Koné’s injury and recovery dominate team updates. Sports: Nicole McKenzie upsets for the women’s 800m title in Ottawa; Ethan Katzberg wins a fourth straight hammer throw crown. Community & Culture: Protesters in Calgary rallied for Afghan women, while a Victoria imam was assaulted outside a mosque in an alleged Islamophobic incident.

World Cup Shock: Canada’s historic 6-0 rout of Qatar is now shadowed by midfielder Ismaël Koné’s gruesome leg injury; he underwent surgery after fractures to his tibia and fibula, and teammates rallied around him as Canada looks ahead to Switzerland. Weather Watch: Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Calgary, with storms and possible damaging hail or winds expected Saturday into Sunday. Workplace Privacy: TD told some employees it will use WorkiQ software to track time spent on apps and browsers, raising consent and privacy questions. Refugee Focus: On World Refugee Day, Canada marked 75 years of the 1951 Refugee Convention and pledged to strengthen protection while keeping programs fair. Travel & Tourism: Air Canada launched a new seasonal Halifax–Brussels direct route, and Parks Canada’s Canada Strong Pass returns for free park entry this summer. Local Life: A new catskiing operation is set to add terrain at Baldy Mountain Resort, and a cultural centre in B.C. opens to the public for Canada Day.

World Cup shock and pride: Canada’s first-ever men’s World Cup win, a 6-0 rout of Qatar in Vancouver, is being celebrated across the country—while the night is also defined by the gruesome injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné, who was stretchered off after a tackle and has since undergone surgery, with Canada coach Jesse Marsch calling the team “shaken” and saying Koné will miss the rest of the tournament. Sports culture in Canada: Fans packed BC Place and flooded Vancouver’s Granville viewing areas; TSN says the match drew a record average audience of 5.2 million and 11.7 million unique viewers. Trade and cost of living: Ottawa introduced a temporary 10% safeguard tariff on imported canned vegetables for up to 200 days, with exemptions for the U.S., Mexico and some developing countries, aiming to protect domestic producers. Weather watch: Environment Canada issued and then ended a tornado watch for the Prince George region, while severe thunderstorm conditions remain possible. Legal spotlight: Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach was found guilty of sexual assault and indecent assault in Ontario court.

World Cup Shock: Canada’s historic 6-0 win over Qatar is being overshadowed by a gruesome leg injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné, who has now undergone successful surgery after a tackle by Qatar’s Assim Madibo sent him off with a broken left leg; coach Jesse Marsch says the “bones snap” moment was heard from the bench, and Madibo apologized after being shown a red card. PM Mark Carney: Carney praised the team’s character and resilience after the landmark victory, calling it a defining moment for Canadian soccer. Tariff Fight: Canada announced a 10% tariff on imported canned vegetables for up to 200 days, with exclusions for the U.S., Mexico, Israel, Chile and developing countries. Loonie Watch: The Canadian dollar slid toward 70 U.S. cents amid a sharp greenback surge tied to expectations of further Fed tightening. Corporate Accountability: The USW condemned Ottawa’s move to abolish the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, warning it weakens remedies for workers and communities. Justice & Reconciliation: Manitoba appointed its first associate chief judge for reconciliation, Jerilee Ryle, aiming to better reflect Indigenous traditions in the court system. Beef Industry Concern: The closure of Lacombe’s research facility has left Canada’s beef sector scrambling over lost specialized expertise and uncertain research materials. Business & Travel: Air Canada launched a new non-stop Halifax–Brussels route, adding a direct Europe link for Atlantic travellers. Sports Spotlight: Marco Arop is set to compete at the Canadian track and field championships in Ottawa after recovering from an Achilles tendon issue.

World Cup Shock & Joy: Canada made men’s World Cup history in Vancouver, routing Qatar 6-0 with Jonathan David’s hat trick, goals from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, and a Qatar own goal—while Qatar collapsed after two red cards. Horror Injury Overshadows Win: The night turned heartbreaking when midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a gruesome left-leg injury after a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo; Canada coach Jesse Marsch said the squad was “shaken,” and Koné is set for surgery. Group Stage Stakes: The result puts Canada on the brink of the knockout round, with a key next match against Switzerland. Immigration Watch at the Tournament: Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi, previously denied entry amid a betting-related investigation, has now been authorized to enter Canada for the Germany match. Other Matchday News: Mexico became the first team to qualify for the last 32 after beating South Korea 1-0, while Switzerland beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1.

World Cup Shock in Canada: Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been denied entry and will miss the Group E match vs. Germany in Toronto, with the Ivorian federation saying the needed administrative authorizations couldn’t be obtained. The move follows French investigations into alleged spot-fixing tied to a yellow card betting probe. Canada vs. Qatar Build-Up: Canada’s second World Cup game in Vancouver is set for Thursday, with captain Alphonso Davies cleared to play as the team looks to turn a 1-1 opener into a first win. Housing & Cost Pressure: Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Vancouver to announce measures aimed at accelerating homebuilding and lowering costs, after G7 meetings. Tax Filing Relief—With a Catch: A federal watchdog says Ottawa’s automatic tax filing plan could pay thousands more to low-income Canadians who usually don’t file, with estimates of $342M over five years. Food Prices Debate: The Competition Bureau is launching a review of competition across Canada’s food supply chain, seeking input on where prices and barriers may be hurting households. Public Safety Law Change: Bill C-11 would strip the Canadian Armed Forces of authority to investigate and prosecute military sexual assault cases, moving them to civilian police and courts.

World Cup Build-Up: Canada heads into its Group B showdown with Qatar in Vancouver with a four-team tie on one point each, and coach Jesse Marsch says captain Alphonso Davies will be available after a hamstring layoff, though his exact role is still a game-day decision. MAID Debate: A Canadian expert panel recommends blocking medically assisted death when mental illness is the only underlying condition, citing hard-to-define “irremediable” suffering and concerns about consent and decision-making. Infrastructure & Economy: The Parliamentary Budget Officer projects about $159B in federal infrastructure spending from 2025-26 to 2029-30, excluding the NATO 5% target, as Canada navigates a technical recession. Trade & Investment: Pakistan and Canada are holding talks in Ottawa on a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement to boost investor confidence and long-term cooperation. Business & Aviation: Air Canada plans retrofits to bring its Signature Plus suites and upgraded premium economy to parts of its widebody fleet, while Airbus has delivered the first H135 trainer for the RCAF’s Future Aircrew Training program. Local Canada Day: North Battleford is lining up family activities, live music, food and fireworks for July 1 at InnovationPlex.

G7 Energy & Middle East: In a G7 statement on the Iran war fallout, Canada’s “potential” to add energy capacity to global markets was highlighted as part of efforts to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Canada-U.S. Border Tensions: U.S. Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin told Canada’s public safety minister the relationship is “fracturing” and needs repair to protect both countries from criminal networks. Citizenship Shock: Some people who recently became Canadian through expanded citizenship-by-descent rules say IRCC is asking them to return certificates after files were reopened. Extreme Weather Impact: A Leger poll finds 30% of Canadians say they’ve been personally affected by extreme weather in the past year, up from 23% last year. Housing Watch: Statistics Canada reports the New Housing Price Index fell 0.3% in May, extending pressure on residential construction. Local Canada Day: Orillia launched a “Share your Canada Day memory” contest, while Melfort’s museum is planning a full day of family events July 1. Weather Alert (GTA): Environment Canada warns of heavy rain, strong winds and possible thunderstorms Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

Courtroom Drama: Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s bid to enter Canada for the World Cup opener was rejected by a federal judge, leaving him in the U.S. while Ghana plays Panama in Toronto; his legal team says other requests are still active as he awaits trial on rape charges in Britain. Sports Broadcasting: “Hockey Night in Canada” will not return to CBC next season after the Rogers-CBC sublicensing deal expired, marking the end of a near-75-year run on the public network. World Cup Fitness Watch: Canada’s Alphonso Davies status remains unclear as he continues a structured return-to-play after injury, with officials keeping details tight ahead of the key match vs. Qatar. Public Safety & Weather: Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of eastern and central Alberta, warning of strong winds, large hail and heavy rain. Canada Day Local Plans: St. Marys is set to mark Canada Day with a parade, flag-raising, Indigenous land welcome and family activities at Cadzow Park. Trade & Diplomacy: India and Canada agreed to push free trade talks toward a year-end finish and to launch negotiations on a security information agreement.

World Cup Court Fight: Ghana has appealed Canada’s refusal to let midfielder Thomas Partey enter for the opener, with a Federal Court hearing Tuesday ahead of Ghana vs. Panama in Toronto; Partey, facing rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, is seeking temporary entry while his case plays out. Public Safety & Heritage: Victoria firefighters battled a blaze at the Tam Kung Temple in Chinatown—Canada’s oldest Chinese temple and a national historic site—with the building evacuated and no injuries reported. Sports Broadcasting Shake-up: “Hockey Night in Canada” will not air on CBC next season after Rogers and CBC’s NHL sublicensing deal expired, ending the Saturday-night CBC tradition. Business & Jobs: BCE is cutting about 690 positions as it shifts investment toward U.S. internet and AI services, including data centres. Food & Consumer Watch: The Competition Bureau will examine how competition across the food supply chain affects grocery prices. Health & Innovation: Exdensur (depemokimab) was approved in Canada for severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Science Spotlight: A 12-year-old’s AI-assisted milk spoilage tool won gold at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Accessibility Push: Canada’s Accessibility Commissioner released a report on progress toward a barrier-free country.

World Cup Court Fight: Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey’s bid to overturn Canada’s visa denial heads to Federal Court Tuesday, after he was blocked over rape and sexual assault charges in the U.K., keeping him out of Ghana’s opener vs. Panama in Toronto. Privacy Overhaul: Ottawa tabled Bill C-36, the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, to replace PIPEDA and let Canadians request deletion of personal data, with new limits aimed at “surveillance pricing.” Drug Crisis Update: Federal data show opioid-related drug deaths fell 23% in 2025, though officials warn the decline is fragile and toxic supplies remain unpredictable. Food Recall: Lactantia recalled UltraPūr 2% lactose-free dairy (2-litre cartons) due to over-fortification with vitamins A and D; no illnesses reported. Public Safety/Training: CF-18 jets from 4 Wing Cold Lake will train near Comox and across Vancouver Island June 15–22, with residents advised to expect noise and offshore low-level flying. Business/Markets: CIRO reported multiple trading halts and resumptions for several Canadian-listed companies. Tech Deal: Nuvei is set to acquire Payoneer Global for US$2.75B as it pushes deeper into cross-border B2B payments.