AGP Executive Report

Canada-Ireland ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Ireland next week for meetings in Dublin and Mayo, then travels to France for the G7 summit. World Cup health watch: Experts warn the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s massive crowds across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico could spread infections, from flu and measles to less expected outbreaks. Diplomacy and visas: Iran’s World Cup squad can enter the U.S., but many officials and support staff are still denied visas, keeping tensions high. Domestic politics—antisemitism: Carney announced a new ministerial advisory council to fight antisemitism, but Canadian Jewish groups are split on whether it goes far enough. Immigration backlog protest: Hong Kong residents in Canada rallied over long delays in the PR pathway, with some saying they’ve waited years. Economy: The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hold rates as growth stalls and trade uncertainty weighs on the outlook. Travel disruption: Canadian airlines indefinitely suspend flights and packages to Cuba amid worsening political and supply conditions. Inclusive hiring push: A national campaign urges employers to create at least one opportunity for people with disabilities or other underrepresented groups.

Canada-UK Justice: Three men extradited from Scotland have admitted involvement in the death of Canadian restaurant owner Sharif Rahman after a dispute over an unpaid $150 bill in Owen Sound in 2023. Viceregal Spotlight: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed reflects on Gov. Gen. Mary Simon’s legacy as Louise Arbour prepares to take over Monday. World Cup Security & Media: FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations include net-shooting hunter drones, robot-dog patrols, and thousands of AI cameras, while a sports press group says “many” Iranian and African journalists were denied US visas to cover the tournament. Wildfire Response: Canada’s federal plan to lease 10 firefighting aircraft and support assets for the 2026 season is framed as helpful but not a full fix for structural wildfire vulnerability. Canada in Global Diplomacy: Vietnam and Canada agree on a 2026–2028 action plan covering trade diversification, supply-chain resilience, critical minerals, clean energy, and logistics. International Courts: The ICJ has authorized a second round of written submissions in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, pushing key deadlines further out.

Antisemitism & Public Safety: Toronto police say an object was thrown through a synagogue window Friday night, the second attack on a Canadian synagogue in 24 hours; no injuries were reported and an investigation is underway, after a Montreal-area synagogue was hit the day before. Livestock Biosecurity: Canada temporarily bans Texas livestock imports after New World screwworm was found in a Texas calf; CFIA will halt entry for animals from (or present in) Texas within 21 days before trying to cross the border. B.C. Labour Talks: B.C. Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside appointed veteran mediator Vince Ready to help settle a 911 call-taker contract dispute; the mediator can work up to 10 days and issue binding recommendations if no deal is reached. World Cup Build-Up: Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch stayed upbeat after a 1-1 friendly draw with Ireland, insisting goals “are coming” despite a dry spell and limited shots on target. Cyber Policy: Canada’s Senate passed a cybersecurity framework bill for critical infrastructure, while privacy concerns were raised by the Privacy Commissioner. Economy Watch: Canada Post reported a $205-million pre-tax loss in Q1 as revenue and volumes fell, citing ongoing transformation needs.

AI & Economy: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled “AI for All,” aiming for $200B in added growth, 250,000 AI jobs, and higher adoption—while stressing “trust” and protections as the government moves to regulate and speed work permits for AI talent. Diplomacy & Europe: Stéphane Dion says Canada must substantially staff embassies in Europe and set deadlines so EU agreements don’t stay “on paper.” Trade Policy: At the OECD, Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu’s counterpart in the coverage urged a rules-based trade system and warned against protectionism. World Cup Build-up: Canada and Ireland played to a 1-1 draw in Montreal; Canada dominated early but conceded after a penalty, with Maxime Crépeau making a key save. Public Safety & Wildlife: Parks Canada introduced a legally enforceable no-stopping zone in Banff to stop crowds from approaching bears near the tracks. Hate Crime Response: Police arrested a suspect after an arson attack on a Montreal synagogue, as antisemitism concerns continue to rise. Labour Skills Push: Carney announced “Team Canada Strong” to recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 Red Seal trades workers over five years. Sports/Travel: Edmonton Public Schools will pause international trips and exchanges for 2026-27.

Food Safety Watch: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says its latest national testing and monitoring shows very high compliance with Canadian food safety standards, with tens of thousands of products checked and thousands of investigations and recalls when needed. Animal Health: After New World screwworm was found in a Texas calf, CFIA is tightening livestock import rules, blocking animals from affected areas for 21 days. International Policing: Canada’s border agency signed a letter of intent with the Netherlands, Belgium and France to share info and coordinate joint efforts against international drug trafficking. Weather: Environment Canada is forecasting a hot, humid summer for much of the country, with some regional variation. Housing & Safety: Meadow Lake opened a second-stage housing project for women and children fleeing interpersonal violence, funded by Canada and Saskatchewan. Cost of Living: The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit begins quarterly payments today, with a one-time GST/HST top-up for eligible households. Health Policy: Quebec tabled a bill to ban energy drink sales to youth under 16, requiring ID for higher-caffeine drinks. World Cup Build-Up: Canada and Ireland meet in a pre-tournament friendly in Montreal as FIFA preparations ramp up across North America. Economy Update: Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 6.6% in May as hiring jumped, even as trade uncertainty and recession worries linger.

AI Strategy Launch: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s long-awaited national AI strategy is out, with promises of major adoption, a $500M push for Canadian AI firms, and support for large data-centre buildout in B.C. Economic Reality Check: Canada’s “technical recession” debate is heating up, but the C.D. Howe Institute says it’s too soon to slap the recession label on two quarters of shrinking GDP. Streaming U-turn: Ottawa told the regulator to back off a proposed “streaming tax” that would have forced Netflix and others to pay more for Canadian content, opting instead for about $600M in sector funding. World Cup Canada-U.S.-Mexico: Star-studded opening ceremonies are planned across the three host countries, and Canada’s next match is a final warm-up vs Ireland in Montreal. Finance & Trade: Canada’s Finance Minister met the OECD secretary-general and also held talks with Canada’s trade counterpart, while a Reuters poll suggests the Canadian dollar could strengthen if CUSMA review progress continues. Business Moves: Robinhood has completed its acquisition of WonderFi, entering Canada via Bitbuy and Coinsquare. Global Watch: Pew polling shows Israel’s image worsening sharply worldwide, including in Canada.

AI Strategy Launch: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, “AI for All,” promising faster adoption, jobs, and new protections—while critics say it’s missing key details on privacy, safety, timelines, and data-centre impacts. Data Centres Debate: The plan’s push for “large-scale” AI data centres is colliding with public resistance, with a new Angus Reid poll showing most Canadians oppose big facilities near home. Streaming Tax Backtrack: Carney also walked back parts of the Online Streaming Act approach, directing the CRTC to revisit rules after concerns about higher costs for Canadians. Foreign Relations: Carney met leaders from Barbados and Grenada to deepen ties on development, climate, security, and trade. Energy & Growth: Industry voices at a Calgary roundtable say global energy disruption is reshuffling investment—and Canada needs to quickly identify what will attract capital. Crime in Quebec: Montreal police are seeking three people tied to a mock guillotine execution of Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet during a May Day rally. Travel Update: Air Canada told customers there’s no fuel shortage expected to disrupt summer flights.

Carbon Removal Deal: Deep Sky signed a 10-year direct air capture of CO2 agreement with TD Bank, selling 18,000+ verified permanent removal credits—another sign Canada is building real carbon-removal infrastructure. World Cup Build-Up: Canada, the U.S. and Mexico are staging three star-studded opening ceremonies with a shared “unity” theme, while Canada’s improved talent pool is raising hopes for a better run at the tournament. Trade Talks: Canada has formally asked the U.S. and Mexico to renew CUSMA for 16 years, aiming to blunt the impact of Trump’s tariff threats. Forced Labour Tariffs: Ottawa is bracing for new U.S. tariffs tied to forced-labour enforcement claims, just as the free-trade renewal deadline looms. Economy Debate: Carney says lower immigration helps explain two quarters of weakness, while critics argue immigration masked deeper structural problems. NATO Pressure: The U.S. says it will “rightsize” NATO force contributions and expects Canada and Europe to step up air, naval and other capabilities. Infrastructure & Energy: Quebec and Ottawa unveiled nearly $10B in infrastructure funding, and LNG Canada contractors got limited notice to prep Phase 2 expansion. AI Backlash: Canada’s new AI strategy lands as data centres surge—polling shows most Canadians oppose large AI data centres near home.

World Cup Update: Canada captain Alphonso Davies says “anything is possible” for his June 12 opener in Toronto, but recovery from a hamstring injury will decide whether he plays. Provincial Autonomy: Alberta and Quebec premiers meet in Quebec City to compare approaches to growing autonomy, with trade and “Que-Berta/Alber-Bec” cooperation on the agenda. Cuba Fallout: Cuba’s tourism keeps taking hits as foreign hotel operators pull back and Visa/Mastercard transactions are set to be suspended amid tightening U.S. sanctions. Defence Industry: South Korea’s Hanwha ramps up Canada’s submarine bid with a jobs-and-steel package tied to a June decision, pitching tens of thousands of roles. Cost of Living Support: Eligible Canadians will get a one-time top-up to the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit this week, with larger quarterly payments starting July 3. Economy Watch: Canada is officially in a “technical recession” after two straight quarters of GDP contraction, reigniting political debate. Public Safety/Health: WHO urges Canada to lift Ebola travel restrictions, after Canada paused visas and added self-isolation rules for recent travellers from affected countries. Local Life: Barrie is pushing a June recreation month challenge with hundreds of free activities.

Canada–USMCA Trade Talks: Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he met U.S. officials in Washington and sent a letter urging Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to renew their continental pact for another 16 years, with sector issues still on the table. Ebola Border Measures: Ottawa is pausing immigration documents and blocking entry for residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan for 90 days, with a separate 21-day isolation rule for people who recently visited affected regions. Antisemitism Response: Prime Minister Mark Carney told Canadians antisemitism is surging to post–World War II levels and announced a new expert council to tackle the crisis. World Cup 2026: FIFA has finalized rosters for the expanded 48-team tournament, with 1,248 players set to compete across Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Uranium Deal: Orano Canada and Cameco agreed to jointly buy TEPCO’s 5% stake in the Cigar Lake JV, lifting Orano to 42.582% and Cameco to 57.418%. Business & Growth: Zellers plans to expand in Ontario with new stores in Toronto and Windsor, while Alberta is adding $300,000 to a youth trades program at TELUS Spark.

Canada–USMCA Push: Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc has urged the U.S. and Mexico to renew the Canada–U.S.–Mexico free trade deal for another 16 years, as Trump again floats the “51st state” idea. Infrastructure & Housing: Ottawa says it has struck a new deal with Quebec to transfer billions for infrastructure, while Ontario–Canada launches a development charges reduction program aimed at speeding homebuilding. Economy & Markets: Canadian and U.S. stocks hit fresh highs, with energy and AI driving gains. Public Services & Rules: The federal government is updating livestock traceability rules for goats, sheep and cervids, and revising pig requirements, while pausing some cattle/bison movement reporting. Defence: Canada confirms it will buy 26 HIMARS rocket launchers from the U.S., with deliveries starting in 2029. Sports & World Cup: Alphonso Davies is still not ready for Canada’s World Cup opener, but he returned to training ahead of friendlies. Community Tensions: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is failing Jewish Canadians amid a surge in antisemitism, announcing a new advisory council. Travel Disruption: Drivers face summer delays in Kootenay National Park due to major Highway 93 South upgrades.

Antisemitism Crackdown: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is “failing Jewish Canadians” as antisemitic hate crimes surge, announcing a new government council with its first focus on tackling antisemitism. AI & Sovereignty: Ahead of Ottawa’s national AI strategy, a report says Amazon, Microsoft and Google control 85% of Canada’s public cloud market, raising pressure to build more Canadian-run compute. World Cup Build-Up (Canada): Canada beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in a World Cup tune-up in Edmonton, with Jonathan Osorio scoring and Jayden Nelson adding late; Moïse Bombito left injured and Marcelo Flores is out with a knee ligament tear. Global Sports Governance: The ICC rescheduled the Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to February (Feb. 14–28) and suspended Cricket Canada’s membership over governance breaches, while teams remain eligible. Trade & Diplomacy: Canada’s trade minister Maninder Sidhu met Qatar’s foreign trade minister to review ways to deepen Qatar-Canada trade and investment ties. Travel Deal: Air Transat is offering limited-time return fares from Manchester to Toronto starting at £409, with onward connections to other Canadian cities. Economy Watch: Gasgoo data shows Canada’s auto sales rose from March but fell year-over-year, reflecting affordability pressure from high borrowing costs.

Canada–India trade push: High commissioners at the Western Canada–India Leaders Summit in Regina sounded upbeat about CEPA, saying a free trade deal is “on the way” and Canada must be ready to use it. World Cup on the home front: FIFA released another batch of tickets as Canada, the U.S. and Mexico prep for the 48-team tournament; meanwhile, Qatar named its final 26-player squad and Austria beat Tunisia 1-0 in a warmup. Hate and safety at home: Prime Minister Mark Carney said a new national unity council will study what’s driving antisemitism and improve data on hate incidents. Quebec police accountability: Quebec opened an administrative probe into how Longueuil police handled the Sept. 2025 fatal shooting of teen Nooran Rezayi. Ontario transit deal: Ottawa and Quebec reached agreement on federal public transit funding, potentially worth nearly $6B for projects like Montreal’s Blue line and Quebec City’s tramway. Labour and services: Canada Post workers voted in favour of new collective agreements, ending a long contract standoff. Public health and justice: A former Canadian chef, Kenneth Law, pleaded guilty in Canada to aiding suicide, with prosecutors linking him to 79 deaths worldwide.

World Cup Rules Update: IFAB has approved major 2026 FIFA World Cup changes for the US-Canada-Mexico tournament, including expanded VAR powers, a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations, and stricter timing and treatment rules. Canada Defence Watch: Germany’s defence minister says if Ottawa picks TKMS for up to 12 submarines, four Type 212CD boats could be delivered to Canada by 2036, with Norway and Germany adjusting their own delivery plans. Canada-China Diplomacy: China’s foreign minister Wang Yi is in Canada for talks with senior officials, as both sides push to deepen engagement after a decade gap. Ottawa Tackles Antisemitism: Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to outline how Canada will combat antisemitism and Jewish hate after Toronto incidents and a reported spike in antisemitic cases. Economy & Regulation: Connected-vehicle data could be used for surveillance, warns a federal document, while New Zealand moves to charge insurers and banks for supervision costs. Business/Markets: Big Tech “hyperscalers” are using corporate debt sales in currencies like the Canadian dollar to fund AI infrastructure. Arts & Culture: Fashion Art Toronto spotlights Qatari designer Rayan Alami’s Authentic Roz as part of the Qatar-Canada-Mexico 2026 Years of Culture.

Ebola Preparedness: Infectious-disease expert Dr. Isaac Bogoch says Canada’s Ebola travel quarantine rules should focus on stopping the virus at the source, warning the outbreak is likely to last and is hard to control without vaccines or treatments. World Cup Rules & Culture: IFAB approved 2026-27 law changes for FIFA World Cup 2026, including new red-card rules for discriminatory mouth-covering and for leaving the field to protest. Indigenous Languages Scrutiny: The federal government ordered an audit of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages after anonymous complaints, with concerns raised about spending and impact. Privacy vs Surveillance: Canadian civil-liberties groups and U.S. lawmakers warn Bill C-22 could create cross-border privacy risks by forcing tech backdoors. Economy & Politics: Pierre Poilievre demanded an emergency debate after Canada slipped into a technical recession. Hockey Shock: Norway beat Canada 3-2 in overtime to win bronze at the IIHF Worlds, denying Canada a medal again. Canada-India Trade Push: Leaders at a Western Canada-India summit in Regina boosted optimism for a CEPA free-trade deal, targeting $50B trade by 2030. Skilled Trades Spotlight: A Saskatchewan student competed at Skills Canada nationals as Ottawa promotes hiring and training for Red Seal trades.

Canada–China Reset: Beijing says Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Anita Anand that ties are “fully restored,” with plans to resume political and security talks and a new annual foreign-ministers mechanism. Ukraine Support: NATO’s parliamentary assembly urged faster, sustained help for Ukraine ahead of the July summit, with Canada and Europe urged to lead. Defence Procurement: Germany says it can deliver four Type 212CD submarines to Canada by 2036, as Ottawa weighs bids and a GlobalEye airborne early-warning deal nears. Tourism Boost: The Canada Strong Pass returns June 19–Sept. 7 with free park entry and discounts, plus rebates for campers. International Students: A Canadian homestay program says families are urgently needed for the Rocky Mountain International Student Program. Sports: Canada faces Finland in the hockey worlds semifinal, and Jesse Marsch named a 26-man World Cup squad featuring Marcelo Flores. Citizenship Demand: After Canada expanded descent rules, approvals for proof of citizenship are up sharply—about half from Americans. Public Safety: A Canadian “poison seller” case continues as Kenneth Law pleads guilty in Canada linked to deaths in the UK, including Scotland.