AGP Executive Report

Canada-France ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron Sunday in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to deepen economic and defence cooperation, with energy front and centre as France looks to secure more Canadian LNG for Europe’s Atlantic supply. Trade pressure: The talks come as Ottawa tries to diversify partnerships amid US tariff tensions and talk of Canada’s EU “associate member” path. Immigration rules: Canada says Indians planning to work here can apply for a work permit from outside the country, with eligibility depending on whether they need an employer-specific or open permit. Travel hit: WestJet is cutting flights to Hawaii, shrinking capacity by about 23.5% year-over-year for September. Education update: Ontario is rolling out enhanced mandatory Grade 10 Holocaust education, with teachers adapting new curriculum resources. Sports (soccer): St. Louis City extended its MLS unbeaten run to 16 with a 3-1 win over Toronto FC. Local culture: A Quebec line-dancing school says attendance has surged, adding more classes across the Montreal area.

Canada–U.S. trade tensions: Canada’s counter-tariffs are raising costs for shoppers on both sides as the tariff fight continues, with supply-chain uncertainty lingering. International defence ties: Foreign Minister Anita Anand signed a defence and security cooperation MoU with Kuwait’s foreign minister during a visit to Ottawa. NATO leadership: Canada’s top general, Gen. Jennie Carignan, lost a vote to lead NATO’s Military Committee, with Germany’s Gen. Carsten Breuer selected instead. Greenland file: Defence Minister David McGuinty called the U.S.–Denmark Greenland deal “encouraging,” saying it moves forward while Denmark and Greenland still need parliamentary action. Sports—wheelchair basketball: Canada won silver at the women’s wheelchair basketball world championships in Ottawa after a 77-76 gold-medal loss to the U.S. Sports—rugby: England’s 39-match women’s winning streak ended in a 26-26 WXV draw against Canada in Exeter. Local policing: Metro Vancouver Transit Police arrested a man wanted on eight Canada-wide warrants in Surrey. Culture & business: Toronto’s Absolutely Fabrics opened a new 7,000-square-foot flagship boutique in Summerhill. Tech in Canada: Waymo robotaxis are increasingly appearing in Vancouver as the company prepares for expansion.

Canada-EU Pivot: Mark Carney’s push for a deeper EU relationship is heating up after Ursula von der Leyen floated Canada as the EU’s first “associate member,” while Washington warns of tariff retaliation; Canada’s incoming EU ambassador says Ottawa won’t pay directly into the EU budget “across the board,” but could fund specific programs. Ukraine Support Loan: Brussels is also in talks with Canada to let Canadian defence firms compete under the EU’s €90-billion Ukraine loan, potentially expanding the weapons supply chain for Kyiv. Arctic Presence: CTV reports Canada is expanding its Arctic presence as a warship commander says “the global order is changing.” Immigration: IRCC invited 2,000 skilled workers through an Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class, with a reported CRS cut-off of 519. Public Safety & Rights: A B.C. Human Rights Tribunal ordered the Vancouver Police Board to pay $25,000 to a Black woman over discrimination tied to a 2020 traffic stop. Local Politics: In Toronto’s east end, candidates are clashing over a Gardiner ramp that was demolished years ago. Business & Travel: Air Canada extends Athens-to-Toronto and Athens-to-Montreal flights into January 2027. Sports: Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell powered Indiana’s 103-85 win over Toronto Tempo, while Félix Auger-Aliassime gave Canada a 2-0 Davis Cup lead over France in Quebec City. Canada-ASEAN: Singapore and Canada reaffirmed plans to strengthen ASEAN-Canada ties and push the ASEAN-Canada free trade talks.

Canada-EU Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is moving fast beyond reliance on the U.S., embracing the EU’s proposal to make Canada its first “associate member,” while warning the latest U.S. tariffs are a “miscalculation.” Work Permits at the Border: IRCC laid out two work-permit routes at ports of entry (employer-specific vs open) and listed five reasons eligible applicants can still be refused. Food Sector Jobs: Food Processing Skills Canada says Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing needs about 173,000 new hires by 2034, with expansion driving much of the demand. Agri-Food Funding: Farm Credit Canada announced a $1-billion project financing fund plus a $150-million equity fund to boost value-added processing capacity. Public Health & Research: Laurentian University can resume recruiting Canada Research Chairs after insolvency, and SickKids in Toronto was named the world’s best children’s hospital again. Safety & Recalls: Volkswagen Canada recalled 44,000+ vehicles over a steering loss risk; CFIA confirmed spotted lanternfly in Windsor, Ont. Local Life: Canada Post will cut door-to-door delivery in parts of Regina and Saskatoon; Vancouver warned of rolling road closures for “Bike the Night.”

EU-Canada Tensions: The European Commission pushed back on Donald Trump’s tariff threats, saying its proposed Canada “associate member” partnership is “not against anyone,” as Mark Carney told the European Parliament the goal is resilience, not a rival bloc. Diplomacy & Security: Von der Leyen also floated a new European security council idea that could involve Canada, but Ottawa defence experts say it’s unclear what Canada’s role would actually be. Ottawa Politics: A mayoral candidate in Ottawa faces charges over alleged death threats targeting Doug Ford and Mark Sutcliffe. NATO Leadership: Canada’s top general, Gen. Jennie Carignan, is in the running for a senior NATO post, with a vote by Western commanders Saturday. Energy Watch: LNG Canada partners could decide on Phase 2 expansion as early as October, while experts say any Canada-EU energy alliance may rely more on swaps and minerals than new Atlantic tankers. Business & Travel: American Express and Aspire opened a co-branded lounge at Calgary International Airport.

Canada-EU Pivot Under Trump Pressure: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa won’t be pressured to ditch closer ties with the EU after Donald Trump warned of “serious tariffs” if Canada becomes the bloc’s first “associate member,” with Carney pitching the idea as resilience and sovereignty, and trade experts warning it could raise costs for U.S. importers. Quebec Election Focus: Quebec’s five main parties’ candidates will debate the province’s economy tonight, with Radio-Canada host Gérald Fillion grilling plans on tariffs, cost of living, energy and public finances. Toronto Crime: Police have charged a 16-year-old with first-degree murder in the daylight shooting death of another teen in Toronto. Toronto Police Corruption Files: New details from newly unsealed court records describe hidden cameras, bribes and drug sales tied to alleged Toronto Police Service corruption. Ottawa Sports: Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators says he’s aiming for 30 goals as the team looks to rebound in the post-Tkachuk era. Public Safety: 9-1-1 service was restored after a brief outage affecting the GTA, Ontario and parts of Canada, with Bell investigating. Retail & Jobs: A new No Frills opened in Toronto’s North York, creating about 130 jobs and supporting a school breakfast charity. Energy & Industry: LNG Canada partners could move toward a Phase 2 expansion decision as early as next month, potentially doubling export capacity.

Canada–EU Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Prime Minister Mark Carney to pursue Canada becoming the EU’s first “associate member,” aiming to deepen cooperation on trade, tech/AI, defence, energy and critical minerals—while EU officials say it’s not meant to target the U.S. Trump Tariff Threat: Donald Trump called the idea “laughable” and warned the U.S. could hit Europe with “very serious” tariffs or cut trade if Washington deems the move a “hostile act.” Ottawa’s Next Step: Carney is set to address the European Parliament as details remain unclear, with Canada’s ambassador-designate saying it will take time to agree what the status means. Defence Spending Boost: NATO chief Mark Rutte said European allies and Canada are adding about $258B in extra investment (2025–26) and nearly 20% higher core defence spending in 2025. Toronto Police Corruption: Newly unsealed court records add details to major Toronto Police Service corruption allegations, including alleged misuse of police databases and bribes. Quebec Election Watch: In the Quebec campaign, sovereignty and referendum talk heated up in the second debate, while a CBC analysis shows parties’ fiscal plans ranging from QS tax hikes to Conservative cuts. Homelessness Pressure in Quebec: Montreal women’s shelters say they’re turning away people daily as homelessness costs soar, with a new report putting the average public-service cost per person at over $95,000 a year.

EU-Canada Pivot: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Mark Carney she wants Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member,” aiming to deepen cooperation on tech, defence and energy as U.S. ties get shakier—though EU capitals say they weren’t warned and the meaning of the status is still unclear. Defence Cooperation: Carney’s office says Canada has formally applied to join the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force as a full-time member, and Ottawa is also in talks with Britain to merge defence financing initiatives. Trade & Investment: At the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, Canada pushed major investor deals and partnerships, including Indonesia-Canada CEPA implementation targeted for late 2026. Public Safety: A diver was hospitalized after a great white shark bite off Percé, Que., and diving operations were suspended for the season. Cybersecurity: RCMP says it’s aware of an FBI probe into a reported dark-web sale of millions of drivers’ licences. Sports: NHL camps kick off with storylines from Auston Matthews’ Leafs reset and the Oilers’ controversy over Alex Formenton and Mike Babcock, while Vancouver Canucks continue a rebuild.

EU-Canada Pivot: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Prime Minister Mark Carney in Strasbourg the bloc wants to open the door for Canada to become its first “associate member,” aiming to move beyond CETA toward an “Alliance for the Future” covering tech, defence, energy and Arctic cooperation as Ottawa seeks less dependence on the U.S. amid tariff threats. Canada Investment Push: Carney used the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto to pitch Canada as a safe investment haven, targeting C$1 trillion over five years with tax incentives, less red tape, and plans to open four major airports to private investment. Local Safety: RCMP say a small Cessna 172 made an emergency landing on Highway 21 east of Edmonton; two people were aboard and no injuries were reported. Air Canada Probe: Air Canada removed an in-flight service director from duty and launched an investigation after allegations of antisemitic posts and promotion of violence on social media. Quebec Election Watch: Quebec party leaders gear up for a second campaign debate, with language-law disputes and election communications in the spotlight.

Trade War & Investment Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney told global investors in Toronto that Canada can “wait for the right conditions” in the U.S. trade fight, aiming to come out “stronger, more resilient and more independent,” while unveiling a major expansion of the “productivity mega deduction” to make Canada more tax-competitive for new investment. Airport Privatization Plan: Carney also said Ottawa will seek private investors to operate Canada’s four largest airports through long-term concessions, while keeping public ownership of land and assets. Tax Breaks for Business: The federal government is making full expensing permanent and broadening the deduction to cover more assets, including software, patents, rail and roads, as part of a bid to unlock about $1 trillion in investment. Vancouver Parking Crackdown: Vancouver is weighing a crackdown on chronic “scofflaw” parking violators, warning a small group keeps abusing the system without a dedicated program. Alberta Politics: The Alberta NDP’s win in the Calgary-Shaw byelection is being framed as a “wake-up call” for the governing UCP. Sports—Kawhi Returns: The Raptors-Clippers trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto is officially complete after NBA approval. Immigration/Border Enforcement: CBSA says it removed 111 people linked to extortion since August 2025. Health & Community: Muscular Dystrophy Canada launched a national patient-powered neuromuscular registry, and Intact Insurance joined a youth sports initiative tied to the 2027 Canada Games. Tech & Infrastructure: Bell is expanding Saskatchewan’s AI data-centre buildout to 1.2 gigawatts, and federal-plus-Alberta funding will bring high-speed internet to 1,833 rural homes.

Canada-EU Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing a “unique alliance” with the European Union (not EU membership), with reports he’ll formally propose “associate membership” at the European Parliament as Ottawa tries to reduce dependence on the U.S. amid the trade fight. Investment Summit: Carney’s first Canada Investment Summit in Toronto is drawing about 300 global investors as he targets $1 trillion in new capital over five years, while protesters warn it could threaten public services and security-related industries. Quebec Election: Quebec party leaders will spar in their first televised debate tonight on TVA, focusing on the economy, taxes and public services, and the future of Quebec, with voters going to the polls Oct. 5. Public Safety: Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating two new sexual assault complaints involving Ottawa police officers, bringing active SIU sexual-assault probes to three. Homelessness Costs (Quebec): A new report says homelessness services now cost more than $95,000 per person per year in Quebec, up from about $72,000 in 2023. Crime/Deportations: Canada removed 111 people in an extortion crackdown, and Punjab Police say a Lawrence Bishnoi associate was arrested in Delhi after deportation from Canada. Sports: Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors-Clippers trade is officially complete after NBA approval, sending him back to Toronto. Utilities: Hydro-Québec will hold a public consultation on its Argenteuil substation project Sept. 24 in Lachute.

AI & Jobs: Bell is expanding its Saskatchewan AI data-centre plan, aiming for a Regina-area “Bell AI Fabric” hub and more than $50B in capital investment, with up to 1.2 GW of capacity and thousands of jobs. Community Safety: Toronto police opened a new community safety hub at Dufferin Mall, a “welcoming and accessible” space for residents to talk crime concerns and build trust. Politics & Place Names: Ottawa is revisiting whether to rename Trump Avenue after a 21-21 split in a 2021 vote, as Trump-related tensions spill into public life. Economy & Cost of Living: Canada’s inflation held at 3% in August, with gasoline and food pressures easing only modestly. Canada-EU Push: Mark Carney is pitching a “unique alliance” with the EU as trade strains with the U.S. grow, while privacy groups warn Canada’s Bill C-22 could threaten encryption and Europe’s data security. Sports: Kawhi Leonard’s blockbuster trade to the Raptors is set to be completed; Canada’s men’s wheelchair basketball team was eliminated by Poland 79-65 in Ottawa.

Canada-EU Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada wants a “unique alliance” with the EU, not EU membership, as reports swirl about possible “associate member” status amid the Canada-U.S. trade fight. Ukraine Support: Canada is in talks to contribute to the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine loan, with Ottawa and Brussels aiming to agree on the size of Canada’s share before an October Montreal summit. Investment Push: Carney is set to kick off Canada’s first investment summit in Toronto, pitching global investors on energy, infrastructure and critical minerals. Tech & Kids Online: Google is rolling out “age assurance” in Canada to flag under-18 users and add protections, as Ottawa moves toward a ban on social media for kids under 16. Local Politics: Indigenous turnout in Quebec remains low, with Kahnawake’s leaders saying they don’t want to participate in provincial elections. Sports (Toronto): Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his ninth homer of the season in Toronto’s 8-1 win over Baltimore, sparking a sellout crowd at Rogers Centre.

EU Pivot/Trade War: Prime Minister Mark Carney is exploring a new “associate member” status with the European Union as Ottawa tries to reduce dependence on the U.S., with talks reportedly covering freer movement for goods, services and workers plus cooperation in energy, AI, defence and critical minerals. Investment Summit: Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says Ottawa is confident it can secure deals and MOUs at Carney’s Toronto investment summit as global funds pitch Canadian projects. Quebec Secularism: Quebec’s new prayer restrictions are reshaping rules at public workplaces and universities, including Montreal’s STM ending prayer on agency property. Ukraine Support: Canada is reportedly looking to expand its financial assistance role for Ukraine to strengthen EU ties. Sports (Wheelchair Basketball): Canada stayed undefeated at the wheelchair basketball worlds in Ottawa, beating Brazil 80-37 behind Arinn Young’s 23 points. Local Business (Vancouver): Vancouver’s first licensed weekend child care for school-aged kids opened in Champlain Heights, targeting a major gap for weekend workers. Tech/Ads: Apple Maps is adding paid business ads in Canada and the U.S., showing up in search results and a “Suggested Places” section.

EU Pivot Talks: Prime Minister Mark Carney is exploring associate membership in the European Union, aiming for closer access to the EU single market and cooperation on defense, energy, AI and critical minerals as U.S.-Canada trade tensions bite. Immigration Overhaul: IRCC is fast-tracking graduate study permits, with doctoral processing cut to about two weeks, and is also reminding foreign workers to keep their work permits valid and follow every condition. Cost of Living Watch: Ontario’s minimum wage rises $0.35 to $17.95 per hour on Oct. 1, 2026, with other wage categories also increasing. Trade War Pressure on Groceries: Canada’s new counter-tariffs hit food ingredients and packaging first, raising the odds of later grocery price pressure. Quebec Election Trail: Quebec leaders head into their first debate Tuesday as the campaign focuses on transport, health, and the tariff fight. Local Economy & Culture: Hamilton’s Film Board is hosting its first TIFF party, highlighting the city’s growing production scene. Sports: Orlando City beat Toronto FC 3-0 with Antoine Griezmann scoring again.

Canada–Europe Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Strasbourg and Liverpool (Sept. 15–17) to push closer ties with the EU and the UK on trade, investment, security, defence, energy, AI and critical minerals. U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions: Trump again says Canada “wants to make a deal very badly” and could reach one “fairly soon,” while repeating claims the U.S. has been “ripped off” for decades as both sides trade tariffs. Quebec Election Watch: Party leaders ramp up debate prep, with transport and health front and centre, including promises focused on prevention to ease pressure on the system. Toronto Dog Attack: Police want a 40-year-old woman after two dogs allegedly escaped an off-leash enclosure and attacked a person and their pet, causing non-life-threatening injuries to the victim and life-threatening injuries to the dog. Ottawa Digital Push: Ottawa launches Digital Transformation Canada to modernize federal services, consolidate digital functions, and expand responsible AI use. Vancouver Police Oversight: B.C.’s IIO is investigating after a man fleeing police in a three-wheeler died following a downtown collision near Canada Place. TIFF Culture: Toronto Film Festival reviews highlight new works including “Closing Night” and “The Face of Horror,” plus TIFF coverage of major premieres and documentaries.