AGP Executive Report

World Cup (Canada-South Africa): Canada’s first-ever World Cup knockout match is set for Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with Jesse Marsch saying captain Alphonso Davies is “available to play” after using him as a decoy during group play; the big question is whether Davies starts as Canada faces South Africa in the Round of 32. Local Sports Watch: Port Alberni adds a last-minute free watch party at the Kinsmen Community Centre with giant-screen sound and door prizes for the match. Trade & Markets: CPTPP members are moving toward adding Costa Rica and speeding talks for Uruguay, while preliminary accession talks begin with the Philippines, Indonesia and the UAE—an expansion that could reshape Pacific trade flows that include Canada. Canada-China EVs: Reuters reports Geely’s Lotus EVs will arrive in Canada next month under the Carney-Xi deal, with up to 49,000 Chinese EVs annually at reduced tariffs. Immigration & Education: A new report says Canada is losing Indian students as visa rejections rise and funding proof requirements tighten, while Germany and Ireland gain. Finance Tip: Warren Buffett’s “spend what’s left after saving” is spotlighted as high earners struggle to actually save in practice.

NHL Draft & Trades: The Toronto Maple Leafs traded defenceman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues for two third-round picks at the 2026 NHL draft, part of a busy week of roster reshuffling. World Cup Round of 32: Canada heads to Los Angeles to face South Africa on June 28, with questions swirling around Alphonso Davies’ availability and how Canada’s style will match up against South Africa’s disciplined approach. Canada–China Auto Deal: China’s Geely’s Lotus brand says its first Lotus EVs will arrive in Canada next month under the Carney-Xi agreement, with other Chinese brands also working through steps to ship. Immigration & Asylum: A Chinese political dissident, Dong Guangping, who fled by dinghy to South Korea, has arrived in Canada to reunite with family already resettled there. Security & Terrorism History: CSIS acknowledgment that Canada-based Khalistani extremists were behind the 1985 Air India “Kanishka” bombing is being framed as a major validation of India’s long-held position. Community & Culture: Banff’s Peaks + Prairies Ensemble marks five years with an anniversary chamber concert at St. George in the Pines. Canada Day Local Plans: Thunder Bay is rolling out Canada Day events across Fort William Historical Park and Marina Park.

NHL Draft Frenzy: The 2026 NHL offseason is underway after a busy Day 1 in Buffalo, with the Maple Leafs taking Penn State winger Gavin McKenna No. 1 and the Canadiens moving up to pick Russian winger Gleb Pugachyov at No. 26. Canucks/Leafs Moves: Toronto also landed pending free-agent D Darren Raddysh, while the Red Wings traded goalie Sebastian Cossa to get back into the first round and selected J.P. Hurlbert. Trade Talk: More deals hit the ice fast—Rangers sent Brett Berard to the Canadiens for William Trudeau, and the Ducks traded Mason McTavish to the Blues for picks. Canada-Asia Trade: Diplomats say Canada aims to boost exports to China by 50% by 2030, while PM Carney is set to welcome Philippines President Marcos (July 1-4) to push a Canada-Philippines free trade deal and a Canada-ASEAN FTA. Public Safety & Justice: Canada’s intelligence agency says Khalistanis were behind the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing, and the FBI is seeking an Idaho-linked Canadian sailor charged with child sex crimes.

World Cup Round of 32: Canada’s men are set for a Sunday clash with South Africa at SoFi Stadium after finishing second in Group B behind Switzerland; coach Jesse Marsch says the South Africans will be a stern test following their historic knockout qualification. NHL Moves: The Winnipeg Jets’ GM says they’re listening to offers for Connor Hellebuyck but won’t confirm if he asked for a trade, while the Canadiens and Rangers completed a rare swap sending William Trudeau to New York for Brett Berard. Defence & Trade: Canada’s defence minister says Ottawa is “interested in learning more” about GCAP’s next-gen fighter after talks in Tokyo, as Canada-Philippines ties deepen with a push for free-trade talks. Energy & Industry: Ottawa is accelerating critical-minerals projects with up to $73M for 12 initiatives, and a consolidation wave has pushed the number of Canadian petroleum producers worth $1B+ to a decade high. Public Life: PM Carney announced a crowd-funded plan to restore the uninhabitable 24 Sussex Drive, and Air Canada opened a new premium lounge in Québec City as more Canadians head to the Caribbean.

World Cup, Canada in LA: Canada’s men reached the knockout stage for the first time as host, but after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland they’ll play South Africa in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday—marking the first time a host nation plays outside its own borders. Sports, injury update: Canada star Ismael Kone is out after a serious leg fracture, and FIFA handed Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo a five-match ban for the tackle. Public safety, Qatar deal: Canada signed an agreement with Qatar to strengthen public safety and tackle transnational crime, with the memorandum effective immediately. Energy & jobs: Moment Energy opened what it calls the world’s largest EV battery repurposing facility in B.C., aiming to produce 1 GWh of battery energy storage annually by 2030. Immigration planning: Federal and provincial immigration ministers met to shape Canada’s 2027–2029 immigration levels plan, balancing labour needs with population targets. Security & extremism: CSIS acknowledged for the first time in over 40 years that Canada-based Khalistani extremists were behind the Air India Flight 182 bombing. Community & culture: NPC3 launched a Filipino Canadian Studies special issue in B.C., spotlighting diaspora and belonging. Local news: Toronto police are investigating a fatal escalator-related industrial accident at a North York shopping centre.

World Cup Shock (Canada-Switzerland): Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 in Group B, with Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi scoring, sending Canada into the Round of 32 for the first time in program history—but not on home soil. Canada will face South Africa in Los Angeles after South Africa topped Group A’s runner-up spot by beating South Korea 1-0. Public Safety & Security: The CFIA says it stopped more than 150,000 kg of misrepresented food from reaching shelves after targeted food-fraud testing. Toronto police also charged 17 people for flying drones around World Cup venues despite warnings. Immigration & Citizenship: IRCC is reversing “surrender letters” tied to Bill C-3 citizenship-by-descent claims, after Carney said affected people deserve answers. Trade & Economy: Carney says Canada will work with the U.S. and Mexico to “modernize” CUSMA ahead of the July 1 decision deadline. Energy & Industry: Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE will deliver a 95 MW/426 MWh battery project to Florida, targeting early 2028 operations. Sports & Culture: CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the EBU, clearing the path for Eurovision participation.

World Cup Shock in Vancouver: Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 to win Group B, with goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi. Canada still made history by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time, but will now travel to Los Angeles for Sunday’s match against South Africa after South Africa upset South Korea 1-0. Immigration Courts: Canada’s immigration department is facing nearly 300 Federal Court challenges over asylum rules that fast-track many claimants toward deportation, potentially leaving tens of thousands without a hearing at the independent tribunal. Trade & Diplomacy: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan heads to Canada for talks on trade, energy and defence, including a visit to the Darlington nuclear site. Arctic & Defence: Canada and Australia signed a $2.5B over-the-horizon Arctic radar deal, as Ottawa also moves to fast-track “national interest” projects. Business & Energy: Ontario court approved a US$2.2B consolidation of Canadian gold projects in Guyana, expected to close in July 2026.

Bank of Canada: Officials held the policy rate at 2.25% despite a surprise Q1 contraction, saying the economy looks resilient once volatile data is smoothed and pointing to possible rebound signals. Telecom & public safety: Yukon says cellular service “deficiencies” are harming emergency response and the economy, and has written Bell, the CRTC and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly about coverage gaps and instability. World Cup (Canada–Switzerland): Fans packed Vancouver for today’s Group B decider at BC Place, with Canada aiming to top the group and keep the Round of 32 at home; Alphonso Davies is expected to be involved after injury. Health & cannabis: Health Canada says its retail cannabis oversight is keeping pace, responding to a Lakehead University report that flagged tracking gaps and inconsistent potency labeling. Environment: The Syilx Okanagan Nation is seeking urgent federal action to protect southern B.C. caribou, arguing habitat protection measures aren’t working. National infrastructure: Ottawa is moving toward listing major projects as “national interest” under the Building Canada Act, including a deep geological nuclear waste repository and Far North road/port proposals. Anti-Semitism: A new report highlights a sharp rise in anti-Jewish hate incidents in Canada, following a deadly Montreal attack.

World Cup Showdown: Canada closes Group B at BC Place vs. Switzerland with a knockout berth on the line, aiming to stay in Vancouver for the Round of 32; coach Jesse Marsch says they’ll play for a win, with Alphonso Davies expected to return off the bench after injury. NHL Offseason Shakeup: The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning made moves, while Ottawa’s blockbuster sent Brady Tkachuk to Florida; Buffalo also traded Bowen Byram to Chicago, reshaping draft plans ahead of the June 26-27 draft. Arctic Infrastructure Push: Ottawa is set to start the process to designate two major Arctic projects as “national interest” under the Building Canada Act, including a Grays Bay road-and-port plan in Nunavut and a Mackenzie Valley highway in the N.W.T. Pay Equity Spotlight (Atlantic Canada): A new report finds gender pay gaps persist across Atlantic provinces, with bigger gaps for racialized, Indigenous, immigrant women and women with disabilities. Trade & Industry Links: Canada’s ties abroad stay active, from nuclear study tours (Kenya looking to build its program) to Arctic radar procurement with Australia.

Trade & Security: The Canada Border Services Agency seized 520.6 kg of opium hidden inside paper rolls in a marine shipment at Tsawwassen, highlighting Canada-U.S. intelligence sharing. Food Policy: Ottawa is rolling out a National Food Security Strategy, with a media availability in Edmonton focused on building a more affordable, resilient food system. Health & Tech: VITAL is set to securely connect hospital data to improve care and speed research, while Dynacare launched Canada’s first at-home, self-collect blood tests for fertility hormones and testosterone. Business Moves: Lumine agreed to buy Synamedia’s video network business, forming Quortex, and Public Storage Canada is set to be sold for $1.67B. Economy & Markets: The S&P/TSX fell more than 150 points as base metals and tech dragged, and the Canadian dollar traded around 70.44 U.S. cents. Energy & Indigenous Participation: Canada’s Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation backed an Indigenous stake in the Darlington New Nuclear Project, a major clean-energy financing step. Sports: Rugby Canada named a 32-player men’s pool for Nations Cup matches in Edmonton and Winnipeg.

Arctic Defence Deal: Australia signed a landmark $2.5B government-to-government agreement with Canada to export Over-the-Horizon Radar tech, supporting Canada’s Arctic early-warning push. Nuclear Strategy: Ottawa unveiled a plan to build up to 10 new reactors over 15 years, expand CANDU exports, and double uranium output—aiming to boost grid capacity by 2050. Submarine Politics: South Korea’s industry minister said Canada’s submarine choice won’t be easy, with NATO interoperability and industrial cooperation both in play as bids near a decision. Trade & Industry: Solar manufacturers in the U.S. are seeking a probe into South Korean cell imports, while Canada’s CPI rose 3.2% in May, with gasoline driving the jump. Economy & Cost of Living: Food prices keep biting—tomatoes surged 45.2% year over year, and Food Banks Canada graded Alberta D- amid housing and income-support gaps. Sports & Culture: The Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers, and Keith Tkachuk was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame; meanwhile, Shen Yun returns to Toronto after earlier cancellations tied to security threats. Public Safety: British soldiers will train drones and electronic warfare at a major Canadian site, reflecting how modern conflict is shifting.

Auto Talks: Unifor has started contract negotiations with Ford for 5,150 workers across Canada, aiming for a tentative deal by July 10 and pushing on wages, pensions, benefits and workplace improvements. Energy Strategy: Canada unveiled a Nuclear Energy Strategy, targeting up to 10 new reactors over 15 years, expanded uranium and fuel opportunities, and more Candu exports. Food Security: Ottawa launched a Strategic Response Fund call for proposals to strengthen domestic food security and Canadian food supply chains. Crime Law: Sweeping Criminal Code bail and sentencing reforms targeting extortion, auto theft and organized crime have become law. Immigration & Students: A new report says Canada’s immigration policies are creating fresh barriers for international students. Indigenous Day: National Indigenous Peoples Day events marked the 30th anniversary, including Métis celebrations in B.C. Sports: Canada climbed in the VNL standings after big upsets, including a win over Poland. Markets/Tech: IBM says Canadian organizations are accelerating AI adoption, but governance and workforce readiness lag. Business Finance: C.S.T. Spark named CIBC Global Asset Management as sub-advisor for its education savings portfolios.

Arctic Defence Deal: Canada is set to sign a record A$2.5 billion agreement with Australia to buy over-the-horizon radar tech, boosting NORAD-style early warning and Arctic surveillance, with the system expected to be operational by 2029. Trade & Tariffs: An industry group is urging a “decisive shift to adaptation” as extreme-weather and cost pressures pile up, while US tariff threats and USMCA renegotiations keep Canadian manufacturers on edge. Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Communities across Canada marked National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including major events in Prince Albert and Nanaimo with Prime Minister Mark Carney and local Indigenous leaders highlighting culture, resilience, and healing. World Cup in Canada: Canada’s historic 6-0 win over Qatar is being overshadowed by Ismaël Koné’s serious injury, while fans and visiting supporters keep flooding Canadian host cities for the tournament’s next matches. Health & Fundraising: The Canadian Cancer Society announced its Cops for Cancer 2026 raffle, with prizes including a Mitsubishi Outlander and major travel and resort packages. Legal Fight Over National Interest Projects: A court decision allows most organizations to intervene in CQDE’s challenge to the federal “Projects of National Interest” law (C-5), raising stakes for environmental, science, and human-rights concerns.

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Canada marks the 30th National Indigenous Peoples’ Day with events nationwide, including a ceremony in Ottawa for the 25th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument and a Google Doodle created by Aamjiwnaang First Nation artist Nico Williams. Immigration & Asylum: Canada is rolling out major asylum changes under Bill C-12, including a single online application, tighter timelines, and faster work-permit access. Defence Procurement: The race to build Canada’s next submarine fleet is heating up as the government prepares to pick a supplier for up to 12 submarines. Trade & Jobs: Manitoba will join Team Canada’s Tokyo trade mission to boost agriculture exports, while Canada also moves on labour mobility talks with Kenya. Energy: Canada hit a new oil production record in 2025, and early 2026 estimates suggest output is climbing again. Public Safety & Health: Ottawa is investing $75 million to strengthen blood supply and emergency readiness with Canadian Blood Services and the Canadian Armed Forces. Weather: Toronto faces a hotter-than-average summer, with Environment Canada warning of high-risk heat waves.

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Sunrise ceremonies and community events are marking the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, including a public sunrise gathering in Sault Ste. Marie and an Okotoks pipe ceremony moved indoors due to rain. Workplace Privacy: TD says it will use WorkiQ software to track employee activity on work apps and browsers, raising consent and privacy concerns. Immigration & Jobs: Canada’s Express Entry 2026 priorities spell out new permanent-residence pathways for skilled workers, with updated work-experience rules and targeted categories. Economy & Cost of Living: A new United Way Canada survey finds 60% of Canadians feel anxious about personal finances, with many reporting food insecurity and sleep loss. Sports: Nicole McKenzie upset a strong field to win the women’s 800m title at the Canadian Track & Field Championships, while Ethan Katzberg won his fourth straight national hammer throw crown. Health & Safety: Canada’s National Microbiology Lab is again searching for new leadership after vice-president Jason Kindrachuk steps down.

World Refugee Day: Canada marked the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, with Ottawa pledging to keep protection strong while tightening the integrity of its programs. Immigration policy: Minister Lin Paddock attended the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration as Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial-territorial co-chair. Workplace privacy: TD told some employees it will use WorkiQ software to track time spent on browsers and internal chat/meeting apps, raising consent and privacy questions. Trade talks: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico will hold a trilateral USMCA review meeting July 1. Economy & jobs: Saskatchewan reported strong year-over-year growth in manufacturing sales and wholesale trade, plus rising housing starts. Parks & travel: The Canada Strong Pass returns for free Parks Canada entry and discounts, including at Prince Albert National Park. Sports (World Cup): Canada’s historic 6-0 win over Qatar puts it in a strong position in Group B, though Ismaël Koné’s injury casts a shadow. Aviation: Air Canada launched a new seasonal Halifax–Brussels direct route and opened an Air Canada Café at Québec City airport.