AGP Executive Report

Canada-Philippines Pivot: PM Mark Carney and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Vancouver signed deals on energy/natural resources, labor and migration, tourism, and culture, with both leaders stressing “middle powers” building resilience through partnerships. USMCA Shockwaves: The Trump administration declined to renew USMCA in its current form, triggering an annual review and raising uncertainty for the nearly $2T North American trade relationship. West Coast Pipeline Politics: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will work with Indigenous groups on a new B.C.-coast pipeline route, even as relations remain strained after a separation referendum fight. NATO Defence Bank Push: Canada is aiming to announce about 10 founding countries for a global Defence, Security and Resilience Bank at next week’s NATO summit, seeking up to £100B in low-cost financing. Public Safety & Cost of Living: Quarterly Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payments start today for eligible households. Extreme Weather: A heat dome and storms have disrupted Canada Day events, with flooding and heat warnings across parts of the country.

Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade uncertainty: With the U.S. declining to renew USMCA, Canada and Mexico move into annual review mode while businesses brace for longer-term uncertainty in supply chains and investment plans. Canada–Philippines strategic push: Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Vancouver to launch a Canada–Philippines Strategic Partnership spanning trade, energy (including nuclear), defence, cyber and maritime security, plus labour and tourism. B.C. energy and infrastructure deal: Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby unveiled a multibillion-dollar Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, including federal support for major projects like the Fraser River tunnel replacement and a commitment to keep the North Coast oil tanker ban in place. Pipeline politics in the background: Carney reiterated the tanker ban will remain while Alberta prepares its long-awaited West Coast pipeline proposal, keeping pressure on the federal-provincial balance. Labour pressure in health care: B.C. nurses began targeted job action after rejecting a tentative contract, escalating bargaining as the union seeks a better offer. Affordability politics in Alberta: Alberta’s $100 affordability rebate program drew more than 106,000 applications in a day, as officials work through website sign-in issues. Local governance labour dispute: CUPE filed a complaint alleging the Town of Penetanguishene violated labour law after outsourcing water and wastewater operations during bargaining. Housing messaging clash in B.C.: Eby defended the condo-buy plan as “liquidation,” while critics call it a developer bailout.

USMCA/CUSMA Shock: The U.S. won’t renew the Canada–Mexico trade pact “in its current form,” triggering a 10-year stretch of annual reviews while the deal stays in force and talks head to a July 20 Mexico round focused on rules of origin and “economic security.” Federal-Provincial Energy Rift (Pipeline): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to detail a West Coast oil pipeline proposal after a Canada Day weather delay, with analysts saying the timing is meant to repair Ottawa–Alberta relations and frame the project as a unity issue. Foreign Policy/Indo-Pacific: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrives in Vancouver for a July 1–4 visit, aiming to deepen trade, labour, energy, tourism, and defence/maritime cooperation with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Space/Industry Push: Minister Mélanie Joly is set to announce Strategic Response Fund support for ADF Group in Quebec. Climate/Carbon Markets: California, Quebec and Washington move toward linking carbon-trading systems, a shift that could affect costs and clean-energy funding. Canada Day Politics & Unity: Storms disrupted Carney’s Edmonton Canada Day plans, while separatism and unity messaging stayed front and centre. Trade/Workforce Training: New Brunswick gets $483K for forestry training tied to tariff-response efforts.

USMCA Shock: The Trump administration won’t renew the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact “in its current form,” triggering a decade of annual reviews while the deal stays in force until 2036 unless countries exit or agree to renew with changes. Canada Day Politics & Unity: Prime Minister Mark Carney used Canada Day messaging to push “connection” and unity as separatist tensions simmer, while Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats watch party for Canada’s World Cup run went ahead—then Ottawa festivities were later suspended by severe thunderstorm flooding. Federal Appointments: Carney appointed Justice Glenn D. Joyal to the Supreme Court of Canada, filling the vacancy from Sheilah Martin’s retirement. Provincial Education: Ontario’s education minister clarified students won’t be penalized for sports and extracurricular absences, with accommodations for high-performance athletes. Tech & Procurement: Quarterhill will buy Conduent’s tolling tech assets in a $70M deal. Trade & Cost of Living: Albertans can apply for a $100 energy rebate payout, and Ottawa is also rolling out new watch-party and community funding items.

Canada Day & 24 Sussex Dr.: A prominent Canada Day op-ed backs Prime Minister Mark Carney’s plan to restart the long-stalled fix for 24 Sussex Dr., pitching a design competition and fundraising to restore the prime minister’s residence as a national symbol. Inuit-Crown reset: Carney co-chaired Inuit leaders in Kuujjuaq, promising a new program to replace the Inuit Child First Initiative and pushing for a proposed Inuit Nunangat University, with more Inuit-first meetings planned for later this year. CUSMA/USMCA trade clock: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico begin virtual talks as the July 1 renewal deadline looms; reporting says the U.S. is expected not to extend, setting up a decade of reviews and contentious demands over autos and rules of origin. Alberta pipeline politics: Alberta is poised to make its “major announcement” on a West Coast pipeline after a self-imposed submission deadline, while Carney heads west for Canada Day amid the federal-provincial energy backdrop. Health-care debate: An opinion piece praises Alberta’s move to let patients pay for private care in-province, arguing it could improve outcomes versus Canada’s public-only model. Economy & cost-of-living: Manitoba cuts PST on store-bought food starting July 1, removing 7% PST on items like chips and rotisserie chicken (restaurants still charge). Conservative shadow reshuffle: Poilievre’s Conservatives reshuffled shadow portfolios, elevating three Indo-Canadian MPs as the party targets affordability and Canada-U.S. relations. NATO summit focus: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says the Ankara summit will prioritize defense investment, industry innovation, and continued support for Ukraine.

Canada-Philippines Diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will still visit Canada July 1–4 despite an Iglesia ni Cristo rally in Manila, with talks in Vancouver expected to cover defence, energy and a Canada–Philippines free-trade push. Prairies Politics: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office shrugged off UCP backbencher Jason Stephan’s criticism of the Alberta–Ottawa MOU tied to pipeline plans. Indigenous Health & Climate: Ottawa announced $3.3M over three years for Indigenous-led projects tackling climate-linked infectious disease risks, including tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses. Trade Tensions: China imposed a 73.5% anti-dumping tariff on Canadian pea starch starting Wednesday. Alberta Election Lawsuit: A proposed class action alleges a separatist group published voter data for nearly three million Albertans, raising privacy and election-integrity questions. Ontario School Rules: Education Minister Paul Calandra “clarified” that students can still get special leave for sports under new attendance rules. Conservative Caucus Shuffle: Pierre Poilievre named Aaron Gunn ethics critic as the House ethics committee weighs a possible condo buy-up conflict probe. Federal Court/Heritage Row: NDP leader Avi Lewis hit Heritage Minister Marc Miller over calls to change wording in the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ Nakba exhibit. Saskatchewan Finances: Saskatchewan ended 2025–26 with a $947M operating deficit, citing health and corrections pressures.

Canada-Philippines Diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will still visit Canada July 1–4 despite an Iglesia ni Cristo rally in Manila; he’ll meet PM Mark Carney in Vancouver to discuss defense, energy and critical minerals. Opposition Watch: Pierre Poilievre shuffles his front bench, moving long-time MP Michael Chong into the finance critic role. Indigenous & Arctic Governance: Carney heads to Kuujjuaq for the Inuit-to-Crown partnership committee, with priorities including Arctic sovereignty, security, housing, food security and Inuit health. Northern Security & NATO: Turkey’s defense minister says NATO is adapting to a shifting security landscape and urges Canada to assume more responsibility for Europe’s security ahead of the Ankara summit. Public Safety & Health: Ontario jail guards seek more help after a coroner’s report details a suicide crisis among correctional workers and calls for major resource upgrades. Cybersecurity: Canada’s spy agency says Russian-linked hackers breached a Quebec water treatment plant, gaining control over pumps and chlorine dosing. Rights & Culture Flashpoint: A viral video shows a Canadian college official removing a Palestinian keffiyeh from a graduating student, reigniting debate over bias. Trade Pressure: Reuters reports the U.S. is set to declare it won’t extend USMCA, starting a countdown as Canada, Mexico and the U.S. negotiate changes. Democracy Reform Debate: A Fraser Institute study argues term limits could reinvigorate federal politics without constitutional change.

Inuit-Crown Tensions: Inuit leaders head to Kuujjuaq for a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney and six federal ministers, with some observers warning the relationship is strained after recent Inuit criticism of “colonial approaches.” Health Care Labour: B.C. nurses issue a 72-hour strike notice, saying burnout, violence threats, and staffing shortages have pushed the system to a breaking point. Criminal Justice Reform: Federal reforms make femicide first-degree murder and add a new offence of coercive control, alongside tougher rules for technology-facilitated abuse. Road Safety Crackdown: Saskatchewan moves toward faster administrative penalties for impaired driving, including immediate licence suspension and vehicle impoundment after roadside breath tests. Canada Day Heat: Ottawa braces for a Canada Day heat wave with mid-30s temperatures, urging hydration and cooling-off breaks. Opposition Shakeup: Pierre Poilievre is set to shuffle Conservative Opposition critic roles and front bench. Museum Controversy: Heritage Minister Marc Miller says the Canadian Museum for Human Rights should rectify its Palestinian displacement exhibit, citing problematic wording and Hamas portrayal. Arctic Defence: Ottawa launches Operation NANOOK-TAKUNIQ to boost land-based surveillance and sovereignty patrols across the Arctic. Trade Politics: A former Canada trade chief says a Canada-U.S. tariff deal is unlikely before U.S. midterms as CUSMA review ramps up. Ethics Watchdog: Democracy Watch alleges Carney’s 24 Sussex “design-and-build” plan using private donations could breach ethics rules. Arctic Sovereignty & Nuclear Waste: Treaty #3 leaders ask for a meeting with the PM over the proposed Deep Underground Repository designation.

Canada-Philippines State Visit: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to Canada July 1–4 for talks with PM Mark Carney on defense, energy and critical minerals, plus a push to speed up a Canada–ASEAN free-trade deal. Critical Minerals Push: Ottawa is backing mining and infrastructure for critical minerals, including up to $73M for 12 projects and $7M in Greenland for a molybdenum project tied to defence and aerospace supply security. Energy Politics: Offshore Energies UK urges Labour MPs to reset energy policy toward homegrown production, while Canada’s own ministers frame new investments as “putting cards in our hands” for allied markets. Trade Tensions at Home: The U.S. dairy industry is pressing Canada for more access to its market under USMCA-era quota rules, keeping supply management in the spotlight. Justice System Pressure: RCMP says it has changed how it charges and processes disclosure after the Supreme Court’s R. v. Jordan timelines. Indigenous Voices on Honours: Federal officials face calls to address “deep colonial symbolism” in the Order of Canada as they modernize the system. World Cup Politics: Canada’s 1-0 knockout win over South Africa sends it to the round of 16 and sparks continent-wide online debate. Wildfire Watch: A remote N.W.T. community near Fort Simpson ordered to evacuate as the Dehcho fire spreads.

Armenian Genocide Recognition: Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved formal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, a major diplomatic break that signals a sharper stance toward Turkey. Housing & Ethics: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is pushing Parliament’s ethics committee to investigate Ottawa’s plan to help finance the purchase of 2,200 unsold B.C. condos, calling it a “condo bailout” that blocks a price correction. Immigration & Integration: Justin Trudeau says successful immigration hinges on “shared values” and integration, after admitting Canada’s post-pandemic admissions outpaced housing. Asylum Overhaul: IRCC is consulting on new regulations to modernize Canada’s asylum system, aiming for clearer timelines and faster decisions. Telecom Consumer Pressure: New CRTC moves target “junk fees,” with consumers questioning whether bills will truly get cheaper. Public Safety on Canada Day: Victoria police outlined road closures, security and traffic plans for July 1 celebrations. Health Policy: Researchers are urging annual medication reviews for seniors to curb overprescribing and reduce harmful drug combinations. International Response: Canada is among the countries providing humanitarian aid as rescue teams race to find survivors after Venezuela’s earthquakes. Tech & Defence Watch: Canada’s Saab GlobalEye purchase plan is being discussed alongside fighter-jet strategy and NORAD commitments.

Telecom Consumer Rules: The CRTC moved to cut “junk fees,” banning certain activation/cancellation/modification charges, but critics warn savings may be limited as carriers push back. Energy Procurement: Ottawa paused the $560M Griffon helicopter modernization over “technical complexity,” with the scope under review. Food Policy: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s $2.1B national food strategy aims to lower costs and boost jobs, but it omits plant-based proteins entirely—drawing sharp criticism. Housing Politics: Federal and B.C. leaders defended a plan to buy unsold condo units for rent-to-own housing, after backlash that it could function as a developer bailout. Trade & Security: Canada’s China EV deal keeps rolling—Geely/Lotus vehicles are set to arrive next month under the Carney-Xi framework, while national-security experts warn about hybrid warfare risks. Immigration Enforcement: Canada deported 81 people tied to alleged extortion-linked crime and opened hundreds more investigations. CRA Oversight: The CRA ombudsman is probing long delays on complex T1 tax adjustments. Canada Day Ops: Ottawa’s July 1 holiday hours and downtown closures are set to shift for events and fireworks. World Cup Politics: Canada and South Africa meet in the Round of 32, with South Africa’s government rallying fans behind Bafana Bafana.

Deportation Crackdown: Canada has deported 81 people tied to alleged extortion-linked crime, with 139 more removal orders being enforced after 484 extortion-related immigration investigations opened by June 18. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Global aid is pouring into Venezuela as deaths climb past 1,400 and rescuers race to find survivors; Canada is among the countries sending support. Canada–China Auto Trade: Under the Carney-Xi deal, Geely’s Lotus EVs are set to arrive in Canada next month, with up to 49,000 Chinese EVs annually allowed at reduced tariffs. Military Restructuring: The Canadian Army is standing down the 5th Division, shifting from region-based divisions to mission-based units while keeping Atlantic personnel in place. Canada–CARICOM Diplomacy: Foreign ministers in Panama City backed a new action plan focused on resilient economies, climate action, and regional security, including Haiti. Public Safety & Immigration Messaging: CBSA warns that some travellers crossing from the U.S. to seek asylum without meeting Safe Third Country exceptions will be sent back. Energy & Housing Pressure: Extreme weather is driving record home insurance claims and faster premium growth, while Saskatchewan backs Ottawa’s nuclear strategy as a path to a “nuclear energy superpower.” Canada Day Politics & Identity: Government and commentators marked Canadian Multiculturalism Day and Canada Day with renewed debate over freedom, unity, and how to manage rising social tensions.

Canada–U.S. Infrastructure: Prime Minister Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe International Bridge ribbon-cutting may happen Friday, but the full opening to traffic could take longer than expected. Parliament & Rights: The Canadian Civil Liberties Association urges Parliament not to exclude patients whose sole medical condition is mental illness from MAiD, warning it would violate Charter rights. Health & Data Access: A rare-disease advocacy piece argues Canada’s “rare disease promise” is failing in practice, with approved treatments still out of reach for patients. Labour Relations: Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu is looking to cool tensions between unions and employers, especially when prolonged strikes threaten critical industries. Crime & Justice: Liberals’ spring agenda included a renewed crime crackdown, including tougher bail and sentencing measures. Immigration & Scrutiny: A report on Ken Ofori-Atta’s case raises questions about whether a U.S. immigration court’s “not credible” finding is publicly available. Federal Oversight: A StatCan critique says short-term manufacturing and trade numbers are losing reliability, making economic signals harder to trust. International Trade: Carney is set to welcome Philippine President Marcos Jr. to push a Canada–Philippines free trade deal and broader security cooperation. MAiD & Public Debate: A separate MAiD-focused parliamentary push is framed as a major flashpoint for how Canada handles mental illness and end-of-life decisions.

24 Sussex Overhaul: PM Mark Carney has launched a national design-and-build competition and fundraising drive to restore the uninhabitable 24 Sussex Drive, with a jury led by Moshe Safdie and a winner due July 1, 2027. Housing Politics: BC Premier David Eby pushed back on “developer bailout” claims over the federal plan to convert 2,200 vacant condos into affordable homes, saying details were announced too early. Public Service Cuts: Treasury Board data shows the federal public service shrank for a second straight year, down 12,683 jobs to 345,282, with the CRA shedding 3,725. Human Rights Museum Fight: Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights is set to open a Palestine exhibit despite controversy and a trustee resignation, as critics argue about context and consultation. Maritime Security: Coast Guard expansion will add a Niagara operations centre plus new Great Lakes radar sites. Great Lakes Surveillance: Coast Guard expansion will add a Niagara operations centre plus new Great Lakes radar sites. AI for Healthcare: Carney’s “AI for All” strategy highlights health AI missions and new data infrastructure to speed adoption in patient care. Canada-U.S./Arctic: Carney says he discussed Arctic protection and NATO with Donald Trump ahead of the Turkey summit. Labour: USW members at Salit Steel in Niagara Falls voted down a contract and began a strike after rejecting rolled-back workplace rights. Venezuela Quakes: Canada announced $5M humanitarian aid as the death toll rises after deadly earthquakes. Philippines Ties: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will visit Canada July 1-4 to expand trade, defence, energy and critical minerals cooperation.

Air India Kanishka Bombing: CSIS has, for the first time, publicly described the 1985 Air India Flight 182 attack as carried out by “Canada-based Khalistani extremists,” a long-awaited shift that is likely to intensify Canada–India pressure for follow-through. Federal Housing & Politics: Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to outline plans to “restore” 24 Sussex, reviving a long-running debate over costs and whether the property should stay in public hands. Energy & Climate Bargaining: Ottawa is nearing a major projects deal with B.C., tied to Alberta’s West Coast pipeline push and a carbon-capture “Pathways” agreement. Food Security Push: Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is holding a media event to launch Canada’s National Food Security Strategy in Scarborough. Labour & Transit: A tentative union deal has averted a Metro Vancouver transit strike during the FIFA World Cup, pending member ratification. International Aid: Canada is sending $5M in humanitarian aid for Venezuela after deadly earthquakes. Public Safety & Youth: Parliamentary Secretary Ramsay is announcing federal support for youth crime prevention in Nunavut. Wildfire Tragedy: A firefighting aircraft crash in Canada’s Northwest Territories killed three. Tech & Business: Statistics Canada says the AI adoption gap with the U.S. is narrowing, with some sectors nearly caught up.

MAID Oversight: A special joint parliamentary committee released an 88-page report that could expand medical assistance in dying to people whose sole reason is mental illness, marking a major policy turning point after 100,000 MAID deaths in a decade. Prime Minister’s Residence: Carney says the government will announce plans Friday to “restore” 24 Sussex, ending years of vacancy and mounting maintenance costs. CUSMA Talks: Carney told reporters he won’t sign a “bad deal” with Trump and said the breakthrough will likely come at leader level. Indigenous Rights Accountability: A Senate committee urged Ottawa to improve transparency and reporting on how it’s implementing UNDRIP commitments under the 2021 act. Diplomacy in Iran/Venezuela: Carney said Canada lacks an embassy presence in Iran and Venezuela, putting it at a disadvantage for consular help—while insisting engagement isn’t endorsement. Public Safety Law: Halifax businesses backed federal bail and sentencing reforms aimed at retail theft and violence against transit workers. Health Data & AI: Unity Health and U of T’s VITAL platform is set to get $100M to expand secure hospital data sharing nationwide. World Cup/RCMP: Montreal’s shooting is now under a national security investigation, while Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 to top Group B. Soft Power: CBC’s full Eurovision eligibility is now official after joining the EBU, with Carney pushing Europe ties. Housing Politics: Carney defended the B.C. plan to buy vacant condos for affordable rent-to-own, saying rollout explanations have been weak.