AGP Executive Report

Canada-EU Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney is exploring an “associate member” status with the EU as Ottawa tries to reduce dependence on the U.S., with talks reportedly covering freer movement for goods, services and workers plus projects in energy, AI, defence and critical minerals. Middle East Trade Measures: Canada, France and the U.K. say they’ll ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements and target those who facilitate or profit from settlement activity. Canada-U.S. Trade War: Canadians are increasingly shunning U.S. products and travel as tariffs bite, while Ottawa pushes for deals at a Toronto investment summit and industry watches costs and supply-chain disruption. Solar Cell Duties: Canada-linked global trade ripples continue as the U.S. finalizes anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar cells from India, Indonesia and Laos. Sports & Culture: The Canadiens lock in Zack Bolduc with a four-year extension; and Canadian filmmaker Elliott Scott sets a Guinness record for live-action Bigfoot movies.

EU-Trade Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney is exploring associate membership in the EU as Ottawa seeks closer ties after the U.S. trade talks stalled, with potential cooperation in energy, AI, defense and critical minerals. Middle East Trade Rules: Canada is moving in step with the UK, France and others by backing bans on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, targeting companies and services tied to settlement expansion. Immigration Overhaul: IRCC is shifting focus toward master’s and PhD students, with faster processing (doctoral timelines cut to about two weeks) and a new Express Entry digital platform using an Expression of Interest system. Work Permit Reminder: IRCC says foreign workers must follow every condition on their work permits and apply to extend at least 30 days before expiry. Cost of Living & Wages: Ontario’s minimum wage rises $0.35 to $17.95 on Oct. 1, 2026. Housing Watch: CMHC warns affordability gains could weaken if new construction slows. Sports & Culture: George Chuvalo, the iconic heavyweight who went the distance with Muhammad Ali, dies at 89; and the Canadiens sign Chris Kreider to a one-year deal.

Canada-UK-EU Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Strasbourg and Liverpool, addressing the European Parliament and meeting UK PM Andy Burnham for the first time, with talks focused on defence, security, energy, AI and critical minerals. U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions: Donald Trump says Canada “wants to make a deal very badly” and hints it could come “fairly soon,” while repeating claims the U.S. has been “ripped off for 50 years,” as tariffs and counter-tariffs keep spreading uncertainty for businesses and consumers. Settlement Goods Ban Push: The UK and France move to restrict trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements, and Canada is part of a broader Western coalition backing measures that target settlement-linked activity. Sports & Culture: The Canadiens agree to terms with Chris Kreider on a one-year deal; in rugby, Canada falls to Fiji 45-29 in the Pacific Nations Cup semifinal; and Jay Baruchel says Canadians can “punch above our weight” as TIFF’s The Stunt Driver premieres amid the trade-war backdrop. Health & Community: Childhood Cancer Canada asks Ottawa for $15M as demand for support rises.

Canada–U.S. Trade Tensions: Trump threatens to lift tariffs on Canadian-built Silverado, RAV4 and CR-V vehicles from 25% to 50% starting Jan. 1, 2027, raising fresh uncertainty for auto supply chains. Digital Sovereignty: Canada’s experts and public-policy voices are pushing for “digital sovereignty,” arguing Ottawa must keep control over data, regulation and online services rather than defaulting to U.S. platforms. Banking Tech: OSFI says tokenized deposits are legally the same as traditional deposits, clearing the way for banks to adopt the tech under existing rules. Immigration & Travel: IRCC posts a step-by-step Canada travel checklist for Kenyans, while Sweden’s election spotlight keeps tightening migration rules under scrutiny. Canada–Ukraine: Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada focuses on air defence and a deeper 100-year partnership, including drone cooperation. Middle East Policy: The UK, followed by France, moves to ban trade with Israeli settlement-linked goods and target settlement-supporting firms and individuals. Sports: Fiji beat Canada 45-29 to reach the Pacific Nations Cup final.

Trade War Escalation: The U.S. rolled out new Section 338 import bans on Canadian dairy, most alcohol, whey, molasses and motorcycles, with restrictions tied to Sept. 29 and no clear off-ramp yet. Canada–U.S. Diplomacy & Politics: Trade talks remain stalled, but officials say communication continues; meanwhile, former PM Jean Chrétien used the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in Gander to warn Washington not to mistake Canadian generosity for weakness. Ukraine Support: Zelenskyy and PM Mark Carney agreed on seven new aid packages and a drone-focused marketplace plan, including $350M for air-defence interceptor missiles. Immigration Debate: RBC’s new report argues Ottawa should stabilize population growth and rethink selection and data, but critics say the legal and social goals of Canada’s immigration system complicate “fixes.” Local Economy & Industry: Unions estimate BC Ferries’ China-built vessel plan could cost B.C. $1.5B and thousands of jobs; in Taber, Alberta’s sugar beet factory remains a key food-supply engine. Sports & Culture: Ian MacInnis named CCHL commissioner; and Gander marked “Come From Away” roots with 9/11 remembrance events.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: Prime Minister Mark Carney says he’s still in touch with Donald Trump “in recent days” and Canada remains ready for a “fair” deal, even as tariffs and import bans keep escalating. Cross-Border Impact: New data suggests Canadian business travel to the U.S. is still rising despite tensions, while auto-parts makers warn the tariff uncertainty is especially damaging for smaller suppliers. U.S. Import Bans: The U.S. moves to ban Canadian dairy, most alcohol and motorcycles, adding new procurement rules that exclude Canadian products from major federal contracts. Canada’s Response: Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs and also sanctioned eight Russians tied to the deportation and militarization of Ukrainian children. Ukraine Defence Push: Carney and Zelenskyy signed a 100-year partnership focused on air defence and drones; Canada announced a national drone marketplace and says it will train Ukrainian pilots and send a major share of future drone production to Ukraine. Climate Targets Concern: A new analysis says Canada is more than 20 years behind on its 2030 emissions path and may miss 2030 even by 2050. Education Results: PISA results show Canadian teens still score well in science, but reading and math have dropped sharply over time. Travel Rules: Canada confirmed the eTA fee for eligible foreign travellers is CAD $7.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: The U.S. is set to ban Canadian dairy, most alcohol and motorcycles starting Sept. 29, while also tightening federal procurement rules—another escalation after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. Canada–Ukraine Partnership: Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 100-year declaration and defence/security deals, including a Canada-wide drone marketplace and major air-defence support as Canada pledges millions of drones, with a share going to Ukraine. Immigration & Education: IRCC says eligible foreign workers with valid work permits can study short courses up to six months without a study permit, easing skill upgrades while keeping longer programs permit-bound. Business & Industry: Ontario shuffled its cabinet as it prepares for a long trade fight, adding an AI adoption role; meanwhile, Alberta promoted AI data-centre investment amid referendum and U.S. tension. Health & Public Safety: Ottawa backed expanded HIV self-testing and peer support, and Saskatchewan marked Youth Safety Education Day to reduce workplace injuries for young workers.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Trump’s latest moves add bizarre items to the 50% tariff list and expand import bans, with alcohol, dairy and motorcycles among the hardest hits—while Ottawa counters with tariffs and keeps pushing for de-escalation. Federal Politics: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet is meeting in Banff as the dispute intensifies, and the government is also streamlining major project assessments to keep the economy moving. Business & Travel: Canadian business travel to the U.S. is still rising even as leisure trips fall, showing companies can’t easily pause cross-border ties. Energy & Industry: Enbridge is buying Tallgrass’s crude oil business for $2.55B to expand U.S. pipeline reach. Ukraine Support: Zelenskyy is in Canada to press for more air-sky support and winter readiness, meeting Carney and cabinet. Citizenship Backlog: Citizenship certificate applications are now facing nearly 3-year delays. Tech & Work: Canada is letting eligible temporary workers study up to six months without a separate study permit, and a new AI transparency consultation is underway. Culture & Sports: TIFF is launching a formal market to boost Canadian film deals, and the Buffalo Bills will play “O Canada” at their home opener amid cross-border tensions.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: The U.S. escalated its dispute with Canada by banning some Canadian goods starting Sept. 29, including many dairy products, alcohol and motorcycles, while keeping 50% tariffs on additional items; Canada’s retaliatory levies are already in effect, and economists say the overall hit to Canada may be limited even as specific sectors and border communities feel it fast. Prairie Business Support: In Saskatchewan, firms welcomed federal tariff-response funding, including $5.3M for six enterprises via PrairiesCan, but leaders want a quick return to free trade. Research Talent Pull: A U.S. epidemiologist left for Canada after funding restrictions and political pressure in the U.S., highlighting Canada’s push to recruit researchers. EU Partnership Talk: Canada’s EU ambassador says Ottawa is working on a “unique” deeper security and economic partnership ahead of Carney’s European Parliament visit. Middle East Trade Sanctions: Canada joined a 12-country push to restrict trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements, drawing praise from Canadian Muslim groups and condemnation from pro-Israel advocates. Local Culture Amid Tensions: The Buffalo Bills will feature both “O Canada” and the U.S. anthem at their Sept. 17 home opener, reflecting growing cross-border fan focus.

US-Canada Trade War: Trump ordered new bans on Canadian imports, hitting alcohol, dairy (including whey), and motorcycles, with restrictions starting Sept. 29, while also tweaking the 50% tariff list (cement and road salt removed; ATVs, motorboats, golf carts and some cheese added). Canada’s Retaliation: Ottawa’s countertariffs on about $20B of U.S. goods are already in effect, with both sides trading dollar-for-dollar measures and threatening wider fallout for prices and jobs. Procurement Pressure: Trump also directed the U.S. to remove Canadian-origin products from major government contract lists, raising the stakes beyond tariffs. Middle East Trade Sanctions: Britain, France and Canada moved to ban trade tied to Israeli West Bank settlements, drawing sharp Israeli countermeasures and praise from human-rights groups. Education Snapshot: A Fraser Institute study says independent K-12 enrolment rose to nearly 1-in-12 students nationwide (+45% since 2000/01) while public enrolment share fell.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs (15% to 50%) kicked in Tuesday on about $20B–$28B of U.S. goods, with Prime Minister Mark Carney warning Canadians to brace for “tough times” as Ottawa tries to reduce reliance on the U.S.; markets slid and economists warn some costs may filter into Canadian prices. U.S. Contract Threats: Trump escalated the fight by directing the U.S. General Services Administration to remove Canadian-origin products from federal contracts unless “full and fair reciprocity” is restored. Regional Fallout: Border-state businesses in places like Vermont and Michigan are bracing for higher costs and delayed impacts on bids and supply chains; Nova Scotia’s premier says firms are preparing and a $50M contingency fund is available. Global Sanctions: Canada joined the UK, France and 10 others in plans to restrict trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, drawing praise from the UN human rights office. Housing & Finance: CMHC looked at how Canadians are shifting mortgage terms as rates stay high, while the CSA advanced data portability ideas for investment markets. Tech & Agriculture: Canada announced funding for clean lighting tech for indoor agriculture and a National AI Literacy Initiative. Community & Culture: Timmins’ Tamarack Festival returns with northern theatre, poetry and art.

Canada-U.S. Trade War Escalates: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about C$27.6B of U.S. imports (15%, 25%, 50%) kicked in Tuesday after talks stalled, hitting steel and aluminum plus dairy like cheese, appliances, electronics, and farm goods. Bombardier Pressure: Hours before the tariff deadline, Donald Trump threatened to block Bombardier jet sales in the U.S. unless the company builds there; Bombardier pushed back and Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran urged the administration to consider Bombardier’s local jobs. Quebec Alcohol Rules: Quebec is still lagging other provinces on removing interprovincial barriers for direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, raising concerns about being left out of the decision-making loop. Education & Health: Ontario rolled out major back-to-school changes, while Food Allergy Canada is calling for laws requiring schools to stock epinephrine devices. Indigenous Boarding Schools: Two students from Canada’s federal Indian boarding school system are set for repatriation to tribes in Oklahoma. Labour Day Update: In B.C., unions say recent wage gains from last year’s provincial government strike are still rippling through public-sector bargaining.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are set to start hitting U.S. goods just after midnight Tuesday, with Ottawa aiming to match Washington’s Section 338 duties dollar-for-dollar as Trump keeps escalating the fight. Bombardier Pressure: Trump also demanded a U.S. sales ban on Bombardier unless the company “builds here,” adding fresh pressure to an already tense aerospace dispute. Quebec Politics: Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette warned the tariff countdown could trigger another round of retaliation, while urging support for Bombardier as the issue stays front and centre in the campaign. Labour Day Angle: In Port Elgin, workers and union supporters pointed to Canada’s push for major projects and skilled-trades hiring as tariffs threaten jobs and prices. Cabinet Planning: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a fall Cabinet Planning Forum in Banff focused on speeding up delivery on the economy, infrastructure, and global partnerships. Other Canada Watch: NOAA said northern lights could be visible across parts of the U.S. near the Canadian border before dawn Tuesday.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Trade watchers warn Canada’s retaliatory tariffs could trigger a painful escalation after the U.S. moves to hit $20B in imports with 50% duties and negotiations stay stalled. Markets & Economy: Labor Day closures pause major U.S. exchanges (including Toronto’s), while Canadian job and cost pressures keep showing up in the background. Business & Industry: Bombardier’s Challenger 3500 supply chain gets a boost with a 20-year partnership deal for cockpit and forward fuselage components. Immigration & Education: Quebec’s school debate resurfaces as campaign coverage spotlights fairness across public, specialized, and private pathways. Public Safety: A Canadian sailor was rescued after his catamaran sank in the Timor Sea, winched to safety by Australian navy aircraft. Tech & Crime: Ukrainian authorities dismantled a crypto fraud ring accused of draining wallets and stealing up to $1M monthly across 20+ countries. Culture & Sports: The Wilkinsons are set for CCMA Hall of Fame honours in Saskatoon, while golf’s Solheim Cup heads to the Netherlands with Nelly Korda leading the U.S. bid.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Donald Trump again slammed Canada’s “dollar imbalance” as “unacceptable” and the dispute keeps escalating after negotiations collapsed, with the U.S. moving to 50% tariffs on about $20B in Canadian imports and Canada preparing “dollar-for-dollar” countertariffs. Local Impact: Western municipalities warn tariffs and countertariffs could hit already-stretched budgets, raising costs for steel, equipment and infrastructure. Public Mood: A Leger Happiness Index finds Canadians happier than last year, with Quebec topping the list. Military Leave in B.C.: B.C. reservists’ job-protected training leave is now aligned with national standards. Sports & Culture: Otto Jelinek, former figure skating champion and federal cabinet minister, has died at 86; and Curling Canada awarded scholarships to four young curlers. Community Health: A Sarnia Kidney Walk fundraiser is nearing its $30,000 goal.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: A new Nanos poll finds record support for Canada’s dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs, with about 80% backing retaliation and many saying the U.S. is no longer a trustworthy ally as talks collapsed and fresh 50% tariffs hit. Business Impact (Toronto): Some Toronto retailers say the tariff shock is pushing customers toward Canadian-made goods, creating a “sweet spot” for small producers. Provincial Diplomacy: Alberta’s U.S. envoy says a diplomacy-first approach is helping the province weather the trade fight better than others, including noting no retaliatory levy on U.S. alcohol. Critical Minerals Leverage: Canada is signaling it won’t treat critical minerals as a bargaining chip, while Ottawa points to power and infrastructure plans tied to new mining. Media/Streaming: Unifor is welcoming CRTC moves aimed at making Canadian programming easier to find on streaming services. Immigration/Border: Guyana signed a temporary framework to accept some deported migrants from the U.S., with case-by-case veto power. Other Canada Notes: A Vancouver dyslexia centre is getting a permanent home; and a Canadian mountaineer is reported missing in the Alps.