AGP Executive Report

Fatal Wildlife Attack: A mother, 48, and daughter, 20, were found dead near Bella Coola, B.C., after a suspected grizzly attack. Conservation officers say more than one bear may have been involved and have urged people to stay away from the trail. Canada-U.S. Trade: Democrats’ midterm sweep has raised hopes of tariff relief, but experts warn it is no quick fix. Ottawa says its trade strategy is unchanged as talks with Washington continue. Federal Budget: Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne says the budget, due today, will focus on affordability, support for tariff-hit industries and making Canada’s economy more resilient. China Trade: Canada and China extended a deal through 2028 that lowers tariffs on Canadian canola and seafood, restoring market access for key exporters. Food Affordability: A new survey finds one in three Canadians are skipping meals because of grocery costs. Space: Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set for a second spacewalk in two weeks to install the final solar array on the International Space Station.

Trade and Tariffs: Ottawa says its U.S. trade strategy will not change after Democrats swept the midterms: negotiations remain with the Trump administration, while Canada continues to diversify its markets. Experts warn the result may not bring tariff relief. China Deal: Canada and China extended an agreement through 2028, preserving market access for Canadian seafood and farm exports in exchange for access for some Chinese steel and aluminum. Affordability: Ahead of Thursday’s federal budget, a poll found 63% of Canadians rank the cost of living among the country’s top concerns; only 10% expect the budget to leave their household better off. Separately, a Salvation Army survey found nearly one-third of Canadians are skipping meals because of food costs. Public Safety: A mother and daughter were found dead after a suspected grizzly bear attack near Bella Coola, B.C.; conservation officers are investigating whether multiple bears were involved. Hockey: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Russia and Belarus will be barred from the World Junior Championship in Alberta, despite a court ruling that cleared Russia’s return to international competition.

Trade Talks: Mark Carney says Canada-U.S. negotiations have intensified and Washington has dropped some demands, while Donald Trump says a deal is close. Tariff relief remains the key test. Defence and Security: Canada is considering an upfront order of eight German submarines, with four more later. Separately, purchases of two Canadian defence firms by foreign companies appear to have proceeded without a national security review. Cost of Living: A new survey finds nearly one in three Canadians are skipping or shrinking meals because of grocery prices, while Ontario farmers warn that fuel and equipment costs are surging. Health Care: Half of Canadians say they have avoided a doctor or hospital because they expected long waits; 84 per cent believe the system needs reform. Immigration: A new study finds many highly educated newcomers work below their skill levels, underscoring barriers to using their qualifications. World Juniors: Carney says Russian and Belarusian athletes will be barred from competing under their national flags at the Alberta tournament while Russia’s war in Ukraine continues.

Wildfire Readiness: Ottawa is offering De Havilland Canada up to $2.5 billion in financing to double production of its Canadair firefighting aircraft, with capacity targeted to reach 20 planes a year. Food Insecurity: A new survey finds nearly one in three Canadians have skipped meals because of grocery costs. Arctic Security: Algoma Steel and Stigterstaal Canada will supply up to $182 million in Canadian-made steel for as many as six Coast Guard icebreakers. Energy Investment: Blackstone and Canadian pension funds are investing US$3.1 billion for a 49.9 per cent stake in Mitsubishi’s LNG Canada holding company. Trade and Ties: Canada and the EU agreed to deepen cooperation on energy and clean technology, while Ottawa and Washington have resumed trade talks; President Donald Trump says a deal may be close. Public Trust: Canada’s chief electoral officer warns AI tools can give voters inaccurate election information. A separate federal translation tool has also produced errors in government documents.

National Unity: Alberta voters rejected a proposed independence referendum, with 74.95 per cent choosing to remain in Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the result creates room to focus on trade and infrastructure. Trade Talks: Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump say they see the outline of a possible deal, but negotiations are still underway. Canada’s manufacturers are feeling the strain: October activity slipped into contraction for the first time this year, amid tariffs and weaker orders. AI Investment: Ottawa plans to invest up to $1.6 billion in Toronto-based Cohere, which must remain headquartered in Canada and invest in domestic computing infrastructure. Digital Privacy: Bill C-22, now before a Senate committee, would expand authorities’ access to information. A constitutional lawyer warns proposed powers could weaken privacy and digital security. Jobs and Technology: A Statistics Canada study found no broad evidence that AI has driven a drop in hiring or rise in job separations since ChatGPT launched, including among younger workers.

Alberta Referendum: Official results show 74.95 per cent voted to keep Alberta in Canada, rejecting separation and four proposed constitutional changes. Turnout on the main questions was 70.4 per cent. U.S. Trade: Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump say talks have made progress, with teams aiming to advance a deal in the coming weeks. Its terms remain unclear. Canada-EU Ties: Experts urged Ottawa to lock in gains through binding legal frameworks, warning that the proposed “associate member” label has no formal definition and could prove short-lived. Economy: The TSX rose Monday on gains in industrials and materials. Biofuel producers, meanwhile, say Ottawa’s proposed rules are a first step but may not close the gap with U.S. incentives. The federal budget is due this week amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty. Canadians Abroad: One Canadian was among 69 people killed in last week’s high-speed train collision in Spain; authorities say three people remain missing.

Canada-U.S. Trade: Mark Carney says negotiators will work in the coming weeks toward a deal after a “good conversation” with Donald Trump. Trump called it a promising concept, but no agreement has been announced. Federal Budget: Carney’s budget is due Thursday, with affordability measures, business tax incentives and spending on infrastructure, defence and culture expected. Time Change: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, northwestern Ontario and the Northwest Territories have adopted year-round daylight time, while Saskatchewan already keeps the same time year-round. Energy Investment: Blackstone and Canadian pension investors are buying a 49.9 per cent interest in Mitsubishi’s LNG Canada holding company, backing a planned expansion in B.C. Public Health: A CBC investigation found at least 220 gambling-related suicides in Canada over the past decade; several jurisdictions do not track such deaths, and no Canadian coroner has held an inquest into the issue. Space Industry: MDA Space won a contract worth more than US$100 million to supply antenna systems for the first 66 satellites in Europe’s Iris² network.

Canada-U.S. Trade: Mark Carney says he had a “good conversation” with Donald Trump, and negotiators will work in the coming weeks toward a mutually beneficial deal. Trump says the sides have a “concept,” but neither leader has announced details. Global Ties: Canada and the EU have launched an “Alliance for the Future” focused on closer cooperation, trade and economic resilience as Ottawa seeks to diversify beyond the U.S. Economy: The Bank of Canada raised its key rate and signalled further increases may be possible. Tech and Sovereignty: Ottawa is investing up to $1.6 billion in AI company Cohere, aiming to strengthen Canada’s domestic technology capacity. Housing: CMHC research finds Canadian home prices have more than doubled since 2005, as population growth outpaces construction. Federal Politics: Carney called six by-elections for Dec. 7 in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. Youth Sport: Quebec judoka Mati Anes won Canada’s first medal at the 2026 Youth Olympics, taking silver in the men’s 66-kilogram event.

Canada–EU ties: Ottawa and Brussels launched an “Alliance for the Future” in Montreal, promising closer work on clean growth, AI, critical minerals and security as Canada seeks to diversify trade. The proposed EU “associate member” status remains unsettled. Skate Canada: Canadians Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud won pairs gold in Kelowna, their first Grand Prix title in three years. NHL: Montreal beat Pittsburgh 5-4 for its fifth straight win; Sidney Crosby set an NHL record for assists with one franchise, passing Ray Bourque. Economic pressures: The Bank of Canada raised its key rate to 2.5%, its first increase in more than three years, and signalled further hikes may follow as inflation rises. University funding: Budget strain is putting satellite campuses at risk, with some schools weighing closures as enrolment and finances weaken. Animal welfare: Ottawa has shelved plans to revive the Jane Goodall Act, which would have restricted new elephant and great ape captivity in Canada. Defence: Mark Carney says Canada won’t tie its defences to a satellite network that a private owner could switch off; Ottawa’s own low-Earth-orbit system is expected to operate by 2028.

Trade and Diplomacy: Canada and the EU launched an “Alliance for the Future” in Montreal, with agreements spanning digital trade, critical minerals and security. Mark Carney is aiming to settle a deeper partnership by June 2027, though “associate membership” remains disputed. As trade talks with Washington stall, Anita Anand says Canada wants to double non-U.S. trade over the next decade; Carney says he won’t accept a deal just to reach one. Ukraine Support: Ottawa pledged €500 million toward a European loan for Ukraine as Canada and the EU reaffirmed support for Kyiv. Travel Warning: Global Affairs Canada urged Canadians to avoid travel to Russia and consider leaving, echoing a U.S. alert about a credible mass-casualty threat in Moscow. Canadian Sports: Félix Roussel won gold and silver at the Montreal short-track World Tour event, while Leylah Fernandez reached the Tokyo final.

Canada–EU Pivot: Mark Carney and European leaders launched an “Alliance for the Future” in Montreal, covering trade, critical minerals, AI, energy and security. They aim to define a closer association by June 2027, though the proposed “associate member” label remains disputed. Trade and Infrastructure: Ottawa designated the $5.9-billion Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion a project of national interest, aiming to boost port capacity and diversify exports beyond the U.S. Ukraine: Canada pledged €500 million toward an EU support loan, as both partners vowed continued aid and pressure on Russia. Health: Canadian cervical cancer rates are rising among women aged 35 to 54 despite screening and vaccine advances. Africa’s top public health official also urged Canada to help as an Ebola outbreak surpassed 10,000 cases. Hockey: A sports court ruling has cleared the way for Russia to return to IIHF events, including the World Juniors in Alberta this December; the IIHF says it disagrees with the ruling. The U.S. beat Canada 4-0 in a women’s exhibition ahead of the world championship. Tennis: Leylah Fernandez reached the Tokyo final with a straight-sets semifinal win.

Canada–EU Alliance: Mark Carney says Canada has learned it is too dependent on the U.S. Ottawa and Brussels launched an “Alliance for the Future,” covering trade, technology, energy and security, and aim to define a closer partnership by June 2027. The summit’s final statement avoids the disputed “associate member” label. Canada will also contribute €500 million to the EU’s Ukraine loan. Economy and Costs: Canada’s economy was flat in August for a second month, while the Bank of Canada raised its rate by a quarter point to 2.5%—its first increase in three years. The Canadian Dairy Commission says farmgate milk prices will rise 2.8% from February, adding just under three cents per litre. Technology and Security: Ottawa plans to invest up to $1.6 billion in AI company Cohere as part of a push for sovereign technology. Canada’s new national security strategy also highlights growing threats, while the auditor general warns of critical gaps in military ammunition stocks.

Canada–EU Ties: The Montreal summit ended with plans to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, AI, defence and digital trade. The proposed “associate member” label was dropped amid EU opposition, but leaders backed an “ever closer association.” National Security: Mark Carney unveiled Canada’s first national security strategy in more than 20 years, pledging to strengthen the military, Arctic security and economic resilience. The Auditor General also warned of critical gaps in combat ammunition stocks. Economy: Carney says Canada is not ready to sign a U.S. trade deal. The Bank of Canada raised its key rate to 2.5% for the first time in three years, citing an inflation outlook pressured by higher oil costs; Air Canada cut its earnings forecast as fuel expenses climbed. AI Investment: Ottawa plans to invest up to $1.6 billion in Cohere as part of a major funding round, aiming to build Canada’s sovereign AI capacity.

Security: Mark Carney unveiled Canada’s first national security strategy in more than 20 years, citing threats from cyberattacks and foreign interference to economic pressure. It calls for stronger supply chains, a rebuilt military and deeper partnerships. Canada–EU ties: Leaders meeting in Montreal pledged closer cooperation on trade, defence, energy and AI as Ottawa seeks alternatives amid U.S. trade tensions. But the proposed “associate member” label was dropped from their summit declaration after resistance within the EU. Interest rates: The Bank of Canada raised its key rate to 2.5 per cent—the first increase in three years—as higher oil costs fuel inflation concerns, putting added pressure on borrowers and housing markets. Sovereign AI: Ottawa plans to invest up to $1.6 billion in Toronto-based Cohere to expand Canadian AI capacity and compete globally. Trade: Canada and the UAE signed an economic partnership agreement, with Ottawa projecting bilateral trade could reach $7 billion a year. Defence: The auditor general warned that Canada has critical ammunition shortfalls and may take years to rebuild stockpiles, citing poor inventory data and slow contracting. Air travel: Air Canada cut its 2026 earnings forecast as a $906-million jump in fuel costs weighed on results, despite record third-quarter revenue.

Interest Rates: The Bank of Canada raised its key rate to 2.5 per cent, the first hike since 2023, citing oil-driven inflation and warning more increases may follow. Borrowers and Toronto homebuyers face fresh pressure. Canada-EU Ties: As Mark Carney hosts EU leaders in Montreal, a draft declaration drops the proposed “associate member” label but pledges closer ties, with details to be worked out by next year’s summit. Trade: Carney says Canada is not ready for a U.S. deal, while Honda warns that a planned tariff increase on Canadian autos and steel could be catastrophic for the industry. Ottawa is also seeking new markets: Canada and the UAE signed a free-trade agreement. Space: Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is set to perform Canada’s first spacewalk in seven years, helping install solar panels on the International Space Station.

Interest Rates: The Bank of Canada raised its key rate by a quarter-point to 2.5%, its first hike since 2023, citing persistent inflation and higher energy costs. Governor Tiff Macklem said another increase may be needed; major banks are lifting prime rates, raising costs for variable-rate borrowers. Airline Competition: The Competition Bureau warned a proposed Air Canada–United partnership could push up fares on 10 Canada-U.S. routes, costing customers millions each year. Trade and Alliances: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not yet ready for a U.S. trade deal as talks make limited progress. Ottawa has signed a trade pact with the UAE, aiming to diversify markets and expand two-way trade. Ahead of a Canada-EU summit in Montreal, the bloc dropped plans to discuss an “associate member” status, opting for less formal language on closer ties. Spain Rail Crash: Global Affairs Canada says six Canadians were injured and one remains unaccounted for after a deadly high-speed train crash; Canadian officials are assisting families.