AGP Executive Report

West Bank Trade Restrictions: The UK, and now France and Canada’s allies, are moving to ban trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with targeted measures aimed at companies and services that enable settlement expansion. Canada–U.S. Trade War: The U.S. has announced bans on Canadian dairy, most alcohol and motorcycles, effective Sept. 29, while Canada’s retaliatory tariffs continue to reshape cross-border costs and procurement. Ukraine Support & Defence Industry: Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 100-year partnership declaration, with Canada pledging continued air-defence support and expanding drone production with Ukraine. Climate Targets Falling Further Behind: New analysis says Canada is more than 20 years off track for its 2030 emissions goal and may not reach net zero by 2050 without major policy changes. Energy Project Review Overhaul: Ottawa is shifting oversight of oilsands extraction, pipelines and transmission lines away from the Impact Assessment Act to the Canada Energy Regulator, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups. Water Security Consultation: The federal government launched the first National Water Security Strategy consultation and announced $6.6M for Great Lakes projects. 9/11 Commemoration in Canada: Gander and other communities marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, with ceremonies taking place amid today’s strained Canada–U.S. relations. Drone Marketplace for Defence: Carney announced a national Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace to scale up drone sourcing, with a third of new production earmarked for Ukraine.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: The White House announced Sept. 29 import bans on most Canadian dairy, most alcohol, and motorcycles, alongside new federal procurement rules that exclude Canadian goods from large U.S. government contracts—escalating a dispute that already includes retaliatory tariffs. Ukraine Defence & Drones: Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary, pledging $350M for air-defence support via the U.S. JUMPSTART mechanism and launching a Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace aimed at producing “millions” of drones, with plans to transfer about one-third of Canadian-produced drones to Ukraine. Public Health: Ottawa is expanding HIV prevention with $5M for 80,000 HIV self-test kits and peer-based support workers. Disability Benefits: Supplemental Canada Disability Benefit payments start Sept. 17, adding a one-time $150 to help cover disability tax credit costs. Labour & Policy: The Canadian Labour Congress criticized the government’s “What We Heard” labour code review for leaving room to restrict the right to strike. Health Care Access (Saskatchewan): Rosetown is getting a team-based primary care clinic, while Saskatchewan also awarded 44 community grants for suicide prevention. Education & Work: Saskatchewan proclaimed Sept. 10 as Youth Safety Education Day for young workers up to age 25. Ontario Science Centre: The Ontario Science Centre laid off 30 workers, including eliminating its science unit, as it restructures ahead of a new facility at Ontario Place.

Canada-Ukraine Defense Push: President Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska arrived for a three-day visit focused on defense, economic and energy cooperation, including discussions on ballistic missile defence, with stops in Calgary, Toronto and North Bay. Trade War Fallout: As U.S. tariffs and import bans tighten, Canada’s counter-tariffs took effect Sept. 8 and Ottawa is expanding support for tariff-hit businesses in southern Ontario through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, adding $1.5B and up to $3M in non-repayable funding. Immigration & Citizenship Delays: IRCC says eligible temporary workers can study for up to six months without a separate study permit, while citizenship certificate applications are now facing nearly 3-year delays (about 33 months) amid a surge in demand. Public Services & Accountability: A Nova Scotia mother is continuing her son’s fight after a court win on enhanced support for people living in tents, saying the province changed rules in a way that undermines the ruling. Tech & Online Safety: Government of Canada launched a public consultation on AI transparency, asking how people can know when they’re interacting with AI and how AI-generated content should be identified. Civic Life & Community: Canada’s largest carbon capture project broke ground in Alberta, and a new TIFF market is being launched to help Canadian film and TV projects find buyers and financing amid global uncertainty.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Trump escalated the dispute with new import bans on Canadian alcohol, dairy (including whey/cheese), and motorcycles, while also tweaking which goods face 50% tariffs—prompting warnings that the hardest hit will be targeted sectors like spirits and other producers. Business Impact: Ontario and Quebec firms and industry groups urged de-escalation, saying the measures raise costs and threaten jobs and investment; the U.S. move to exclude Canadian suppliers from major federal procurement also raised alarm in Quebec manufacturing. Federal Response & Procurement: The RCMP says it can keep operating under Canada’s procurement framework despite tariff uncertainty, while Ottawa’s counter-tariffs continue to reshape supply chains. Immigration & Work Rules: Canada expanded a temporary policy letting eligible work permit holders study without a separate study permit (effective Sept. 4, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2027). AI Literacy: The federal government launched a National AI Literacy Initiative with free online courses for Canadians, including educators and students. Nova Scotia Power Regulation: Nova Scotia tabled a bill to require a review of performance-based regulation for Nova Scotia Power, aiming at better value and accountability. Homelessness Income Support: A Nova Scotia mother vowed to keep fighting after the province moved to exclude people living in tents from enhanced income assistance, following a court ruling. Security & Extremism: An Ontario man was found guilty for participating in activities tied to the Atomwaffen Division, a designated terrorist group in Canada. International Development Leadership: IDRF appointed Nabil Ali as interim CEO starting Oct. 1, 2026. Lake Winnipeg Protection: Ottawa renewed its Lake Winnipeg watershed memorandum of understanding and added $2M+ for projects, including Indigenous-led efforts. Defence Investment Push (Manitoba): Manitoba launched a Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance to attract defence and security projects and procurement.

West Bank Sanctions: Canada, with the UK and France, announced trade restrictions on goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, citing settler violence and warning the steps are needed to protect a two-state solution; Diplomatic Fallout: Israel retaliated by ordering the UK to close its East Jerusalem consulate within 30 days and taking other measures against UK officials; Canada–U.S. Trade War: The U.S. escalated its tariff fight with Canada by banning imports of Canadian dairy, most alcohol and some motorcycles, and by moving to exclude Canadian products from large U.S. government procurement lists; Retaliation & Procurement Pressure: Canada’s counter-tariffs are already in effect, and the procurement dispute adds a new pressure point for Canadian exporters; Health Labour Dispute: Manitoba medical lab workers at Dynacare are ordered back to work after a one-day strike, following a Labour Board decision; Arts & Trade Policy: TIFF: The Market highlights how federal support for film and TV is being pitched as an economic strategy as the U.S. trade war spills into creative industries.

West Bank Sanctions: The UK, France and Canada announced coordinated bans on imports from illegal Israeli settlements, plus targeted measures against firms and individuals tied to settlement expansion, with Canada joining a broader group of countries citing “ethnic cleansing” and warning the two-state solution is at risk. Trade War Fallout: As Ottawa’s counter-tariffs took effect on about $20B of U.S. goods, Prime Minister Mark Carney warned Canadians to brace for tough times while pushing a faster pivot away from U.S. reliance and deeper ties with Europe. Tariff Impacts: Economists say grocery prices may be less affected than other sectors, but consumer goods like cosmetics and some health/beauty items could see short-term pressure. Quebec Buy Local: Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette unveiled local procurement rules aimed at injecting about $1.5B into the provincial economy over four months amid the Canada-U.S. tariff fight. Canada-China Military Talks: China says it held a “candid and in-depth” exchange with Canadian officials on military issues, reviving Conservative concerns about cooperation. Worker Protections (NS): Nova Scotia tabled a bill to tighten overtime rules and strengthen protections against unpaid wages and tip theft.

Canada-U.S. Trade War Escalates: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicked in Tuesday on about C$27.6B of U.S. imports, with duties of 15%, 25% and 50% hitting sectors like steel and aluminum, dairy (including cheese), appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics—while Ottawa says talks are stalled and the measures are “dollar-for-dollar.” Bombardier Pressure: The tariff fight is also tied to U.S. threats to block Bombardier aircraft sales unless the company manufactures in the U.S., prompting a sharp response from Ottawa and renewed uncertainty for cross-border aerospace jobs. Public Service Early Retirement Incentive: A new explanation of the federal Early Retirement Incentive says just over 10,000 public servants applied, and clarifies that the program’s “savings” are accounting impacts and operational reductions—not direct pension cash payments. Labour Day & Public Sector Bargaining: In B.C., union leaders say last year’s provincial government workers’ strike helped other public-sector unions negotiate better wage and benefit gains, with tens of thousands of workers involved in the settlement. Health Research Watch: A Canadian-linked study discussed at an international cardiology meeting reports higher long-term cardiovascular risk associated with elevated xylitol levels. Maritime Rules Under Strain: Canada is among nations warning global shipping rules are breaking down as wars and a “shadow fleet” reshape trade routes.

Canada-U.S. trade war heats up: Ottawa is set to impose new counter-tariffs on hundreds of U.S. products starting Tuesday, with rates reportedly ranging from 15% to 50%, as Prime Minister Mark Carney frames retaliation as leverage to end the dispute. Quebec election pressure: Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette says the tariff fight is now a campaign issue, warning that further U.S. retaliation could follow Ottawa’s latest measures. Bombardier showdown: Trump escalated pressure on Bombardier, threatening to block sales in the U.S. unless the company “build here,” adding to a broader tariff-and-politics clash. Territory and naming fights: Trump also shared a map suggesting parts of Canada and other regions under a U.S. flag, while “Lake America” and “New America” posts keep inflaming tensions. Government/NGO angle: Ottawa is investing in faster swine disease surveillance, and a new federal livestock tax deferral aims to help producers manage forced herd reductions during extreme weather.

AI & Compliance Tech: Process Street launched a hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) server so AI assistants can directly access compliance workflows, tasks, and data—aiming to make regulated work easier to run from the tools people already use. Government Transparency: A new report argues Canada’s government is becoming “too secret,” with critics pointing to access-to-information and public-record gaps. Education Equity in Quebec: A Quebec school-system debate is reignited after officials linked the province’s three-tier pathways to health inequality among young people, especially between private and public streams. Active Transportation Policy: As school starts, a push for “School Streets” is expanding—using pilots and funding (including Public Health Agency of Canada support) to reduce car congestion and improve safety around drop-off zones. Labour Day & Worker Rights: Coverage highlights Labour Day’s legacy and ongoing workplace safety concerns, including calls for stronger protections for workers and better enforcement. Canada–U.S. Trade Fallout: Multiple stories focus on Canada’s counter-tariffs and public reaction, with polls showing broad support for retaliation as negotiations remain tense. Data Centre Governance: Ottawa’s new responsible data-centre development principles face growing community backlash as governments try to balance growth with local concerns. Immigration & Work Permits: Canada continues adjusting immigration pathways, including express entry draws and new rules for who can apply for work permits at the border.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: Canada is set to impose countertariffs on about $28B of U.S. goods starting Tuesday, with duties aimed at swing states and key industries as Ottawa responds to U.S. tariff moves. Local Government Costs: Western municipal leaders warn tariffs and countertariffs could push up already-high construction and equipment costs, squeezing local budgets. Parliament & Work-from-Home: An editorial argues Parliament should end the hybrid/remote voting option, saying MPs should be in person. NORAD Radar & Farmland: Farmers in southern Ontario are organizing against planned Arctic over-the-horizon radar sites after federal letters raised concerns about losing prime farmland and wetlands. Seniors File: A federal media advisory says the government will highlight an extension of the federal fuel excise tax suspension to help lower everyday costs for Canadians. Public Safety & Youth: A Newmarket-area petition calls for stronger enforcement of e-scooter helmet and safety rules after injuries. Environment & Wildlife: A B.C. community is urged to be cautious as a viral “Cat in the Hat” AI threat trend surfaces, while a Chicago aquarium reports health concerns for belugas transferred from Ontario’s Marineland.

Tobacco Regulation Gap: A law update brought liquid e-cigarettes under oversight, but “nicotine-free” and “nicotine-imitation” products are still slipping through, with reports of actual nicotine showing up and calls for tighter rules. Urban Climate Action: Welland planted 171 large native trees with $80,000 in City and Federation of Canadian Municipalities funding to expand canopy, cool neighbourhoods, and improve air quality. Health Care Access: Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas asked Health Canada not to renew a downtown supervised consumption site, citing thousands of police and emergency calls and public safety impacts. Emergency Alerts for Vulnerable People: A Regina-based campaign, Indigo Alert Canada, is pushing governments to use existing Alert Ready tools for missing autistic children and other high-risk cases that don’t meet Amber Alert criteria. Trade Retaliation Backed by Public: A Nanos poll for CTV News found about 80% of Canadians support dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs against the U.S., and many say the U.S. is no longer a trustworthy ally. Made-in-Canada Rail Push: Ottawa’s $4.7B plan to build 313 VIA Rail passenger cars at Alstom Thunder Bay highlights continued federal support for domestic manufacturing. Data Centre Policy: The federal government’s responsible data-centre development principles face growing community concerns as AI and cloud build-outs accelerate. Indigenous Land Dispute: A Metis land purchase near Iron Bridge is being opposed by an advocacy group tied to the Robinson-Huron Treaty, raising questions about rights and community presence.

Health Access & Indigenous Services: Ottawa adds $5.4M for a Virtual Health Hub near Saskatoon, aiming to bring real-time remote care to rural and northern communities and support an Indigenous-led facility opening in early 2027. Trade & Small Business Support: Federal funding of $11.6M backs 10 Saskatoon-area projects to help firms respond to U.S. tariffs, including equipment and automation upgrades that are expected to support 137+ jobs. Tariffs Feedback Loop: A provincial online portal lets businesses report how U.S. tariffs and Canada’s retaliatory measures are hitting costs, supply chains, employment, and competitiveness. Immigration: IRCC issues 3,500 Express Entry invitations for permanent residence in healthcare and social services with a minimum CRS of 475. Education & Inclusion: Vancouver’s first dedicated dyslexia centre secures a permanent home, focusing on earlier identification and better classroom support for families and educators. Public Safety & Corrections: Okanagan mayors press B.C. to repurpose unused space at the Oliver Correctional Centre into a mandatory, secure care facility amid drug and mental-health pressures. Justice & Competition Policy: The U.S. DOJ antitrust division briefly paused cooperation with Canadian authorities, then said it was a misunderstanding and cooperation would continue.

Canada-U.S. Tariff Escalation: Canada’s retaliatory duties on 700+ U.S. products worth about C$27.6B are set to take effect Tuesday, with Ottawa saying there are no talks scheduled over the Labour Day weekend—raising the odds of more U.S. countermeasures. Port Expansion Under Review: Ottawa is moving to potentially fast-track Vancouver’s Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion as a “project of national interest,” but environmental groups warn it could weaken environmental protections. Quebec Emissions Deadline Pressure: Health experts in Rouyn-Noranda are urging Quebec’s next government to keep the Horne Smelter emissions timeline on track and avoid further delays that could erode public trust. Trade War Hits Border Towns: Upstate New York border communities are bracing for long-term damage as the dispute spills into symbolism, including Trump’s push to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.” Competition and Oversight in Trade Policy: The U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division was reportedly told to pause cooperation with Canada, though the DOJ disputes the claim—another sign of how the trade fight is spreading beyond tariffs. Digital Government Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is advancing a digital transformation agency to modernize federal services, aiming to speed up delivery for Canadians.

Canada–U.S. Trade Fallout: The U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division has been ordered to pause cooperation with Canada, reported by the Wall Street Journal, as Washington and Ottawa escalate their dispute. Federal Cost-of-Living Move: Ottawa extended its fuel excise tax suspension to Jan. 31, 2027, aiming to cushion motorists even as new counter-tariffs are set to take effect Sept. 8. Made-in-Canada Rail Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s stop in Thunder Bay highlighted a $4.7-billion VIA Rail contract that will build passenger coaches in Canada, with Alstom work split between Thunder Bay and Quebec. Regional Business Support: Ottawa announced $11.6 million for eight Saskatoon companies to help them respond to tariffs and diversify markets. Public Safety & Rights: NOMA urged highway safety action after Carney’s visit; a coalition of nearly 300 groups asked Ottawa and Alberta to halt deportations of international students targeted during protests. Animal & Health Surveillance: Saskatchewan’s SGI approved a 3.75% auto rate hike for 2027; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada backed improved swine health surveillance with about $3.1 million. Environment & Wildlife: Parks Canada closed a Bruce Peninsula campground over Labour Day due to increased bear activity.

FBI Most-Wanted Update: The FBI added India-born Manjit Singh Bedi to its Most Wanted list over an alleged SNAP scheme in Tacoma, accusing him of swiping EBT cards for cash instead of food and fleeing to Canada before reaching India; the agency is offering up to $150,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction. Indigenous Rights & Politics: Alberta independence rally star Leighton Grey, an Indigenous criminal defence lawyer, argued the Indian Act creates an “apartheid state,” framing a new Alberta as one that ends legal otherness. AI in Schools: Teachers and tech experts warned Ottawa needs a consistent framework for classroom AI so students don’t fall behind, saying policy is still patchy and feels like a “Wild West.” Labour Market Watch: Statistics Canada is set to release the August labour force survey, with economists expecting job growth to slow amid trade-war uncertainty. Public Safety & Charities: A Guelph non-profit is urgently seeking camping gear donations after a storm destroyed encampments, while a separate case highlights a Vancouver police officer charged with fraud and breach of trust tied to a youth charity.

VIA Rail Buy-Canadian Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $4.7B investment to build and maintain 313 new VIA Rail passenger cars in Canada, aiming to shift production away from the U.S. and support jobs and economic benefits. Currency Update: The Bank of Canada unveiled a redesigned vertical $20 note featuring King Charles III, with new security features and provincial floral emblems set to enter circulation early next year. Trade-Tariff Pressure on Families and Businesses: With Canada’s counter-tariffs set to begin Sept. 8, Manitoba expanded rent-control coverage to renters paying up to $2,000/month, while industry groups warned the Canada-U.S. trade dispute is driving uncertainty and potential cost increases. Public Safety Warnings: RCMP in Lloydminster issued alerts about Bitcoin ATM scams where fraudsters impersonate government officials and threaten arrest to force crypto transfers. Immigration and Student Costs: IRCC raised study permit proof-of-funds requirements for international students starting Sept. 1, and Canada also tightened work-permit rules at the border for certain categories. Wildlife Monitoring: The Canadian Wildlife Federation launched the CANFISHPASS app to help Canadians report fish-passage barriers, supporting freshwater connectivity and conservation. Health and Food Safety: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled Coaticook aged cheddar cheese over possible listeria contamination. Beluga Deaths Under Review: Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium reported two more beluga whale deaths, including one recently rescued from Ontario’s Marineland, as necropsies continue.