AGP Executive Report

World Cup roster shake-up: Canada will replace centre back Moïse Bombito on its 26-player roster after a surgically repaired tibia was deemed not healthy enough for the tournament, with Luc de Fougerolles stepping in. Indigenous & Pride spotlight: Canmore’s Two-Spirit Takeover returns as a drag and burlesque night to kick off National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month. Volleyball momentum: Canada beat France in Quebec City in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League before a record North American crowd. Screwworm alert: Canada temporarily banned Texas livestock imports after New World screwworm was detected in South Texas, with CFIA working with U.S. counterparts. Trade uncertainty: The U.S., Mexico and Canada are set to miss the July 1 USMCA review deadline, extending a period of uncertainty for tariffs and supply chains. Sports diplomacy friction: Iran’s World Cup preparations are clouded by visa disputes and claims of unequal treatment, as the team’s base camp shifts to Tijuana for U.S. match days. Public safety in B.C.: Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation is moving ahead with a funded trail network plan to improve safer walking and cycling routes. Business & services: Canada Post reported a $205-million pre-tax loss in Q1, citing declining volumes and the need for transformation.

Defence & Industry: South Korea’s HD Hyundai broadened its Canadian Patrol Submarine bid, pitching a wider energy and manufacturing “whole-of-economy” package as Ottawa moves toward a preferred supplier decision. Parks Canada: The agency has notified staff it’s entering a “workforce adjustment” period, with job cuts coming in phases as it targets more than $140M in savings. Labour Market: Greater Sudbury added 900 full-time jobs in May, even as unemployment edged up to 6.4%. World Cup Canada: Qatar fans are lining up for the 2026 tournament with a 1,000-supporter delegation and charter flights, while FIFA’s water-bottle rules are still sparking cost and heat-safety concerns for travellers. Climate & Safety: Environment Canada warns Nova Scotia remains wildfire-susceptible after a drier spring, and Parks Canada is expanding grizzly bear collaring in Banff. Economy & Trade: Air Canada is suspending Cuba service indefinitely, citing political and economic uncertainty. Community & Inclusion: An Indian man in Kentville shared a viral video alleging racist slurs during a morning run. Sports Business: Canadian warehouse workers signed Walmart’s first-ever collective agreement in the country, calling it a historic step for union drives.

World Cup Trade Boost: Canadian pubs are gearing up for a “huge boost to trade” as FIFA World Cup matches kick off June 11, with owners betting big-screen England games will pull crowds. Canada-U.S.-Mexico Talks: Business leaders are split as the July 1 CUSMA review deadline nears—some want a quick deal for certainty, others warn rushing could mean costly concessions. Defence & Drills: Canada and South Korea held a joint naval drill off the West Coast, including submarine and anti-submarine exercises. Antisemitism & Islamophobia: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new antisemitism council is drawing debate among Jewish groups, while CMPAC released a policy handbook aimed at tackling Islamophobia. Safety & Wildlife: Parks Canada is enforcing a no-stopping zone in Banff to prevent “bear jams” and reduce human-bear risks. Food & Agriculture: CFIA shelved proposed beef traceability changes after industry backlash, while Canada will temporarily limit livestock imports from Texas over flesh-eating screwworm. Jobs & Cost of Living: Canada’s May jobs report showed strong gains and lower unemployment, and Loblaw is bringing back frozen juice from concentrate under its No Name brand.

Jobs & Economy: Statistics Canada says Canada added 88,000 jobs in May and the unemployment rate fell to 6.6%, even as the economy is still flagged as risky after a technical recession. Trade Tension: The U.S., Mexico and Canada are set to miss a July renewal date for USMCA, raising the odds of months of uncertainty and new talks over tariffs and auto rules. AI Push: Ottawa’s “AI for All” strategy is rolling out with plans to speed work permits for AI professionals and boost adoption, while critics warn the rollout may not reach everyday Canadians fast enough. Immigration Moves: British Columbia released details of a temporary rural/remote health stream for workers in select jobs, and Ottawa is also tightening sea-entry screening for travellers from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon with new eTA requirements. Cost-of-Living Relief: Canada began one-time grocery benefit top-ups for about 12 million people. Food Safety: CFIA testing reports compliance rates above 97% for food sold in Canada. Sports & Culture: Canada’s World Cup co-host build-up continues, with opening-ceremony hype and a Canada-Ireland pre-tournament match in Montreal.

AI for All Strategy: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada’s long-awaited national AI plan, aiming to boost business adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034, create up to 250,000 jobs, and add $200B in growth, with major funding for AI companies and data-centre buildout. Trade & Tariffs: Canada’s trade team says it made “some progress” in Washington on CUSMA talks, while the U.S. pushes forced-labour-related tariff measures that could ripple through Canadian exporters. Canada–Korea Industry Push: Canada and South Korea expanded cooperation in energy security and critical minerals, with potential CA$100B economic impact and tens of thousands of jobs. Forestry Turnaround: Forest ministers agreed old timber methods won’t work; a new action plan is coming after a task force flagged homegrown barriers like regulation, weak manufacturing investment, and low domestic demand. Quebec Language Law: Quebec tabled Bill 8 to extend French rules to adult education and vocational training, drawing backlash from English-language institutions. Postal Deal: Canada Post workers ratified new contracts through 2029, ending a dispute marked by strikes and government intervention. Northern Lights: A strong geomagnetic storm watch raises odds of auroras across Canada. Sports: Canada’s women beat the U.S. in the Volleyball Nations League for the first time; and in hockey, reports say Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade.

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.