AGP Executive Report

AI Policy: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled “AI for All,” a national artificial intelligence strategy focused on building trust, boosting AI education via libraries and schools, and investing $50M in an AI Safety Institute plus a “Canadian Trusted AI Certification.” Trade Tensions: China’s commerce ministry condemned new U.S. “forced labor” tariff moves under Section 301, urging the U.S. to keep economic ties steady. Markets Watch: CIRO issued multiple trading halts and resumptions for Canadian-listed firms, including Freedom Gold (FRDM), TransAlta (TA), and PRO Real Estate (PRV.UN). Northern Lights: A strong geomagnetic storm is expected to raise aurora chances across Canada tonight—here’s how to watch. Health & Safety: A reported MAiD case describes an 87-year-old man not properly sedated, repeatedly crying “help me” before sedation was achieved. Sports & Community: Rugby Canada extended coach Stephen Meehan through 2028; Winnipeg hosts the first Canadian Trail Summit (June 16–19) as trail networks face climate and funding pressures. Local Economy: Oil and gas drilling activity in Canada hit its busiest May since 2014, with 160 rigs active.

Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. is moving to rebuild its tariff regime after a court setback, proposing 10% to 12.5% duties on imports from about 60 economies, including Canada, tied to forced-labour enforcement failures—setting up fresh trade uncertainty for Canadian exporters. Trade Talks: Canada is pushing for a 16-year renewal of USMCA and parallel sectoral tariff talks with the U.S. after steel and aluminum measures were extended for another year. Economy Watch: New data has Canada’s GDP flatlining and slipping into “technical recession” territory, adding fuel to debate over how serious the slowdown is. Culture & Media: Ottawa ordered the CRTC to back off a plan to triple foreign streamer contributions for Canadian content, while also announcing $600M yearly support for music and media. Indigenous & Environment: Canada endorsed a plan to move remaining captive whales from Marineland to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain, and wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan are returning as conditions improve. Industry Focus: The federal government is pouring more money into forestry as a report warns homegrown problems are driving an “existential risk” for the sector.

Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. is proposing new 10% to 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, including Canada, after a forced-labour supply-chain probe—prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to say Canada will introduce new forced-labour legislation and “reinforce” its measures. Trade Talks & USMCA: Canada is also pushing to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal for 16 years as Washington’s review deadline nears, with officials warning of “turbulence” ahead. Ontario Education Bargaining: Ontario unions have served notice to bargain as contracts expire in August, with top demands including smaller class sizes, better special education funding, and higher wages. Streaming Rules Review: Canada has ordered a review of the CRTC’s Online Streaming Act decision that would triple streaming giants’ Canadian-content contributions, as the U.S. continues to flag it as a trade irritant. World Cup Focus: Canada’s World Cup campaign kicks off June 12 in Toronto, with Alphonso Davies sidelined by a hamstring injury for the opener. Labour Crunch: RBC warns Canada is heading into a “labour squeeze” as retirements rise and immigration cutbacks bite. Environment & Fire: Parks Canada is using prescribed fires in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay to protect communities and restore ecosystems. Sports & Culture: The Canadian Screen Awards highlighted a documentary on the Chinese Exclusion Act, while MusicFest Canada continues to spotlight student performers nationwide.

Trade Talks: Canada has formally asked the U.S. and Mexico to renew USMCA/CUSMA for 16 years, with sectoral tariff discussions running in parallel as Dominic LeBlanc heads to Washington. U.S. Tariffs Watch: The U.S. proposes new forced-labour tariffs—10% for Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and the UK, and 12.5% for others—under a Section 301 process. Energy & Industry: South Korea and Canada plan a critical-minerals and energy stockpiling push, including more Canadian crude and LNG. Economy & Services: A new report argues cutting CRA tax experts won’t save money and could leave billions behind. Business Growth: CIMtech Green Energy expands CNC capacity for clean energy, hydrogen, aerospace and AI data-centre supply chains. Local News: A 71-year-old cyclist died after a crash on Highway 1 in Banff National Park near the east gates. Sports Canada: The NHL announced a revamped 2027 All-Star format with a “World” team.

Trade Talks: Canada has formally asked the U.S. and Mexico to renew USMCA for 16 more years, while pushing for parallel talks on sector tariffs as LeBlanc heads to Washington. Economy Watch: Prime Minister Mark Carney says the economic plan is “settling in,” pointing to uneven data and “weakness” amid growth headwinds. World Cup Build-Up: Alphonso Davies rejoined Canada’s camp after a hamstring injury and the team beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in a rainy Edmonton warm-up; Canada’s World Cup Group D preview is also in focus. Sports Governance: The ICC suspended Cricket Canada over governance breaches, leaving Canada’s cricket team facing a tougher road while national teams remain eligible. Tech & Business: OpsGuru was named a launch partner for AWS’s Toronto Partner Innovation Hub, highlighting Canada’s push into cloud and AI adoption. Public Safety/Industry: Railserve launched YardGUARD™, a real-time railyard safety system aimed at reducing switching risks. Local Life: Uber’s Lost and Found Index ranks Victoria as Canada’s most forgetful ride-share city again.

Caribou Crisis: The Syilx Okanagan Nation is urging Ottawa to use an emergency order under the Species at Risk Act to halt logging in critical habitat for three caribou herds in B.C., warning the herds could be “doomed” without federal action. World Cup Tune-Up: Canada beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in a rainy Edmonton friendly, with goals from Jonathan Osorio and Jayden Nelson, as captain Alphonso Davies returned to running while being monitored after a hamstring injury. Antisemitism Response: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new federal advisory council to combat antisemitism after hate crimes surged, saying Canada is failing Jewish communities and needs a targeted plan. Cricket Governance: The ICC suspended Cricket Canada over serious governance breaches, though national teams remain eligible to compete while reforms are set in motion. Tech & Industry: TechCon 2026 in Seoul will spotlight “agentic” AI and autonomous manufacturing, while Robinhood pushes deeper into Canada after completing its WonderFi acquisition. Defence & Trade: South Korea and Canada discussed stronger space and defence cooperation as Seoul tries to win Canada’s submarine bid, with a preferred bidder expected in late June.

Cricket Governance Shock: The ICC has suspended Cricket Canada’s membership immediately after “serious breaches” tied to governance obligations, though Canadian teams can still play in sanctioned events. Economy & Politics: New data shows Canada’s real GDP contracted again, reviving recession debate; Pierre Poilievre says the government is dodging accountability and calls for an emergency debate. Immigration Backlash Poll: A federal survey finds 47% of Canadians think “too many” immigrants are coming, with views shifting when respondents hear the planned 380,000 permanent residents this year. Ebola Travel Disruption: Montreal’s Congolese community says Ebola-related travel restrictions have derailed plans, including an international student blocked from returning to school. Defence Industry Moves: Thales Canada and Lockheed Martin Canada advance River-class destroyer sonar work, while Canada also weighs major fighter modernization changes and Airbus floats helicopter manufacturing in Canada. Energy & Trade: Statistics Canada reports natural gas exports to non-U.S. markets hit record levels in March, and Canada’s Mercosur free-trade talks advanced in Toronto. Sports Spotlight: Nova Scotia’s Jacob Shaffelburg makes Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad; Canada also faces late World Cup injury reshuffles ahead of friendlies vs Uzbekistan.

World Cup Update: Canada’s men’s soccer team is heading into the 2026 tournament with injury trouble—Marcelo Flores is out after rupturing his ACL, and Canada will still face Uzbekistan in a Monday friendly in Edmonton as players return to fitness. Hockey: Canada’s IIHF run ended again short of medals, falling to Norway in overtime for bronze. Indigenous Governance: First Nations leaders are pushing changes to the Indian Act, with renewed focus on how status rules and past discrimination still shape lives. Ebola Preparedness: An infectious-disease expert says Canada’s Ebola travel restrictions should focus on stopping spread at the source, warning the outbreak may take time to control. Trade & Industry: The U.S. is pressing for tougher North American auto rules under USMCA revisions, while Canada and India keep building momentum on trade talks. Tech & Food: Canada is exploring smart sensors to cut its massive food-waste problem, and a new analysis argues AI data-center timelines are increasingly driven by power equipment lead times. Arts & Culture: “Heated Rivalry” swept the Canadian Screen Awards, underlining Canada’s cross-border TV momentum.

Technical Recession Debate: Pierre Poilievre is demanding an emergency debate after StatsCan data showed Canada slipped into a technical recession, while economists warn the numbers may not fully reflect a deeper downturn. Youth Job Struggles: New data shows the share of young Canadians without work keeps rising, with experts saying it may take months to improve. Housing Pressure: Equifax reports more Canadians are missing mortgage payments than last year, with sharp jumps in Ontario and B.C. Canada-India Trade Push: At a Regina summit, officials said CEPA talks are moving again, aiming to boost bilateral trade toward $50B by 2030. Defence & Arctic Readiness: Ottawa is moving ahead on major surveillance and submarine plans, including talks with Saab for GlobalEye and continued momentum on Ukraine drone production. Civil Liberties Clash: Groups are blasting Canada’s new “Combatting Hate Act” over vague “hate symbols” and free-speech concerns. Sports: Norway stunned Canada to win bronze at the IIHF worlds in overtime; Canada also faces World Cup injury worries with Marcelo Flores hurt.

World Cup Watch: Canada named its final 26-man FIFA World Cup squad, with captain Alphonso Davies included despite a hamstring injury, as Jesse Marsch’s team prepares for Group B at home in Toronto, plus Edmonton friendlies. Stanley Cup Drama: The Carolina Hurricanes crushed the Montreal Canadiens 6-1 to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 20 years, extending Montreal’s long drought. Economy & Cost of Living: StatCan says Canada has slipped into a technical recession, with weak growth and falling business investment adding pressure on Ottawa and households. AUKUS Defence Tech: The U.S., UK and Australia will develop unmanned underwater vehicles under AUKUS, aiming to boost maritime capability amid China tensions. Immigration & Citizenship: New Canadian citizenship-by-descent rules are driving a surge in approvals, with about half of the extra cases tied to Americans. Justice & Public Safety: Kenneth Law, accused of selling lethal “suicide kits,” pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicide in Ontario, with related deaths reported in the UK and Scotland. Business & Industry: Ross Video plans a $122.5M Ottawa-area expansion creating 125 jobs, boosting AI-enabled broadcast tech.

World Cup Roster: Canada named a 26-player FIFA World Cup squad with captain Alphonso Davies included despite a hamstring injury, while striker Promise David returns after hip-tendon surgery; coach Jesse Marsch says it’s the team’s best-ever group but cautions Davies may not be ready for the June 12 opener. Indigenous Infrastructure: Ontario backed a $75M loan guarantee that helps six First Nations boost their stake in the East-West Tie transmission line from 3.5% to 20%, aiming for jobs and long-term community control. Public Safety & Justice: Kenneth Law, accused of selling lethal “suicide kits” linked to dozens of UK deaths, pleaded guilty in Ontario to 14 counts of aiding suicide; UK authorities say they won’t seek extradition. Ebola Travel Rules: US, Mexico and Canada aligned World Cup travel measures, adding airport screenings and restrictions for travellers from high-risk African regions. Wildfire Emergency: Norway House Cree Nation declared a state of emergency as a wildfire threatened Fort Island, prompting evacuations and roadblocks. Economy & Mail: Canada Post reported a $205M quarterly loss as volumes fall and labour uncertainty continues. Trade & Defence: Saab says Gripen production could be established at a Canadian plant if Canada buys jets; meanwhile Canada-Ukraine drone production plans move forward.

Markets & Economy: Canada’s GDP stalled in Q1, slipping into a surprise annualized contraction that some economists call a technical recession, while others warn it may be revised and isn’t yet a clear downturn. Canada–China Trade: China’s foreign minister Wang Yi says Canada could double exports to China by 2030 as he meets PM Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand during a rare visit. Defence & Industry: Canada and Ukraine are pushing drone co-production for battlefield use, while Canadian firms also move to meet new defence cybersecurity certification expectations. Public Safety & Justice: Kenneth Law, a Canadian accused of selling lethal “suicide packets” online worldwide, pleaded guilty to aiding suicide, with UK victims included in the Canadian case. Energy & Climate: EV rebates are piling up in claims—over $122M so far—yet some dealers say Ottawa still hasn’t paid them. World Affairs: New Ebola-related travel rules for the FIFA World Cup are being aligned across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Ebola Border Measures: The U.S., Mexico and Canada announced aligned Ebola travel rules for people arriving from the highest-risk African regions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with Canada banning entry from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan for 90 days and requiring a 21-day quarantine. Suicide Poison Case: Kenneth Law, accused of selling lethal substances online linked to more than 100 British deaths, is expected to plead guilty in Ontario to 14 counts of counselling or aiding suicide, with Canadian prosecutors withdrawing murder charges. Trade & Food Security: The Canadian Cattle Association urged Ottawa to resist expanding beef access in Mercosur talks, warning it could pressure Canadian ranchers and complicate the USMCA review. Canada–India CEPA: Trade minister Piyush Goyal says India and Canada will focus on “low-hanging fruit” and keep sensitive sectors off the table to target a CEPA deal by year-end. Defence Industry: Airbus signed new collaboration agreements in Canada with CAE, L3Harris and Pratt & Whitney Canada, aiming to boost propulsion, reconnaissance and simulation expertise. First Nations Land Rights: Canada’s Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal tied to Wolastoqey Nation claims over private land in New Brunswick, preserving the status quo for landowners. Local Events: The National Truck Show returns to Cloverdale Fairgrounds July 11, with the B.C. Vintage Truck Museum hosting tours and a free “show n’ shine” component.

Ebola & World Cup Readiness: Canada, the U.S., and Mexico announced aligned public-health travel measures for people arriving from Ebola high-risk African regions as FIFA World Cup 2026 ramps up. Trade & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mark Carney told New York business leaders Canada wants a “new partnership” with the U.S., pitching sectors like autos, aluminum, and critical minerals while Canada pushes trade diversification. Defence Procurement: Ottawa is in talks to buy Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft, with Bombardier tied in as the jet supplier. Energy Deal: Canada signed a landmark LNG agreement with Germany for 1 million tonnes annually from B.C.’s Ksi Lisims project, though regulatory and environmental hurdles remain. Economy Watch: The Bank of Canada says the financial system is resilient but warns vulnerabilities are rising amid global shocks and cyber risks. Politics in Alberta: Mayors in Banff are urging a “remain in Canada” vote ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 separation referendum. Sports: Canada’s hockey run hits a scare as Evan Bouchard leaves the world championship quarterfinal vs. the U.S. after a head hit.

Energy & Industry: B.C. NDP’s plan to raise natural gas royalties starting Jan. 1 is drawing sharp pushback from the natural gas sector, with critics warning higher rates could deter investment and even shift LNG supply toward Alberta and Saskatchewan. Trade & Diplomacy: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in Canada pressing India-Canada CEPA talks toward a year-end finish and aiming to lift bilateral trade to $50B by 2030, with meetings spanning clean tech, AI, semiconductors, critical minerals and digital infrastructure. Defence Procurement: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is negotiating to buy Swedish airborne early warning aircraft (Saab GlobalEye) instead of U.S. options, tying the move to Arctic security and industrial capacity. Indigenous Rights: Canada’s Supreme Court will hear a case testing how UNDRIP applies to B.C.’s mineral tenure system, after First Nations challenged “free miner” permits without consent. Health: A B.C. report says alcohol use hit a 20-year low, but residents still drink above the national average and recommended limits. Sports & Community: FIFA says Canada’s men’s World Cup base camp will run through UBC’s National Soccer Development Centre, while Skills Canada launched the 2026 national skills competition in Toronto.

AI Strategy Watch: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s long-delayed national AI strategy will be released next week, laying out pillars from privacy and online safety to building a “sovereign AI foundation.” Defence Pivot: Canada will buy Sweden’s Saab GlobalEye early-warning aircraft instead of a U.S. option, as Ottawa pushes to reduce reliance on American defence supply chains. Energy Exports: Canada signed a major deal to supply Germany with LNG from the Ksi Lisims project—up to 1 million tonnes a year for 20 years—boosting Europe’s energy security and Canada’s push beyond U.S. markets. Trade Tensions: The U.S. is starting USMCA talks with Mexico while excluding Canada, and Washington says tariffs will remain, keeping uncertainty high for Canadian exporters. Cost of Living & Travel: A TD survey finds 35% of Canadians plan to spend less this summer, with fuel and airfare costs driving the cutbacks. Ebola Border Measures: Canada and the Bahamas imposed temporary travel restrictions tied to Ebola, including 90-day entry bans for residents from affected countries. Sports & Community: Claire Meadows was named assistant coach for Canada’s U18 women’s basketball team, and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees.