AGP Executive Report

U.S. Trade Fight: President Donald Trump is reshuffling 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, exempting some paper, machinery and packaging products while adding others from Oct. 30. The changes come before U.S. midterms and offer relief to Maine industries; an economist told MPs Ottawa’s counter-tariffs cost Canadians about $100 million a week. B.C. Election: Voters head to the polls Saturday in a tight race between the NDP and Conservatives, with affordability, housing, health care and public safety prominent. U.S. Election Tensions: Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected claims Canada is meddling in U.S. midterms, calling them meritless. Canadian diplomats have also been told to avoid candidates and seek permission before meeting them. Ontario Spending: Ford’s government spent a record $117 million on advertising in 2025-26, topping the previous year’s high.

U.S. Election Claims: Mark Carney says accusations that Canada is meddling in U.S. midterms have “no merit” and criticized Washington’s ambassador. Canadian diplomats have been told to avoid appearing with U.S. candidates. Türkiye Ties: Carney and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan launched a strategic partnership and free-trade talks, with defence and energy cooperation on the agenda. Carney says Canada needs Turkish defence expertise, while defending engagement despite concerns over LGBTQ+ rights. B.C. Election: Voters head to the polls Saturday; election-day ballots will be counted by hand, and advance voting was down more than 11 per cent from 2024. Military Fire: Investigators say a fire that killed four soldiers at CFB Wainwright spread from a grenade range after winds shifted. Its original cause remains under investigation; 39 people were injured. Trade and Jobs: Ottawa and Ontario announced an $8.7-billion plan to protect steel and auto industries from U.S. tariffs; Stelco has 15 days to reverse planned job cuts. National Unity: Alberta voters rejected separation, with 76.6 per cent choosing to remain in Canada.

Trade and Diplomacy: Mark Carney and Türkiye’s president launched a strategic partnership covering trade, energy and defence, with free-trade talks set to begin in November. The move fits Ottawa’s push to diversify beyond the U.S. U.S. Tensions: Washington accused Canadian officials of trying to influence its midterms; Mélanie Joly denied meddling, while Ottawa advised diplomats to avoid public appearances with U.S. candidates. Industry Support: Ottawa and Ontario unveiled billions in support for steel and auto industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Industry Minister Joly also gave Stelco’s owner 15 days to reverse planned layoffs or face legal action. Alberta Referendum: Unofficial results show roughly three-quarters of voters rejected starting the process toward a separation referendum, though some local ridings backed the move. Courts and Elections: The Supreme Court will hear Ottawa’s appeal over its 2022 use of the Emergencies Act. In B.C., advance voting fell from 2024 levels ahead of Saturday’s provincial election.

Trade Diversification: Mark Carney launched a “strategic partnership” with Türkiye, targeting a free-trade deal and closer defence and energy ties as Canada seeks to reduce reliance on the U.S. U.S. Tensions: Washington’s embassy accused Canadian leaders of trying to influence U.S. midterms; Carney rejected the claim, saying Ottawa’s actions respond to U.S. tariffs and protect Canadian jobs. Steel Jobs: Ottawa and Ontario announced an $8.7-billion industry support package, while Industry Minister Mélanie Joly gave Stelco’s U.S. owner 15 days to reverse planned layoffs or face court action. Emergencies Act: The Supreme Court of Canada will hear the federal government’s appeal over its use of the act during the 2022 convoy protests. National Unity: Alberta voters decisively rejected separation, though Premier Danielle Smith has warned separatists to support Canada or leave her party. B.C. Election: NDP Leader David Eby is campaigning under pressure over the province’s deficit, broken promises and long record in office, with voting set to end Oct. 24.

Trade Diversification: Mark Carney is in Turkey seeking closer trade, defence and energy ties to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. The visit comes as Ottawa and Ontario commit $8.7 billion to steel, auto and critical-mineral industries hit by U.S. tariffs. U.S. Tensions: The U.S. Embassy accuses Canadian leaders of trying to influence American midterm voters through anti-tariff efforts; Carney and other officials reject the charge. Alberta Unity: About three-quarters of voters rejected starting the process toward separation. Premier Danielle Smith says UCP members who campaign for separation should leave the party. B.C. Election: With voting set for Saturday, the NDP and Conservatives are locked in a close race, and analysts say smaller parties could affect who wins seats. Cost of Living: Food banks report a record 2.35 million monthly visits, up 117% since 2019, as more working people and children rely on support.

Alberta Unity: About 76% of voters rejected starting the process toward separation, giving Mark Carney a political lift. Premier Danielle Smith says she won’t call another separation vote while she is in office, though the result does not settle Alberta’s grievances with Ottawa. Foreign Policy: Carney heads to Türkiye for the first standalone bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister, seeking closer defence, energy and trade ties as Ottawa looks to diversify beyond the U.S. Tariff Response: Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford are expected to announce support for steel and auto industries hit by U.S. tariffs, including help for clean investments. Ukraine Funding: The EU plans to ask Canada and the U.K. to contribute more toward Ukraine’s €70-billion funding need by 2027; talks are not a formal demand. Cost of Living: Food bank use reached 2.35 million monthly visits in 2026, with children accounting for nearly a third, intensifying pressure on governments to address food and housing costs.

Alberta’s Vote: Premier Danielle Smith says she will not hold another separation referendum while she is premier, and that disputes with Ottawa will be fought through political and legal channels. About three-quarters of voters rejected starting the process for a binding independence vote. Unity and Autonomy: Prime Minister Mark Carney called the result a strong vote for Canada, while Smith said Albertans also want more provincial control. Quebec’s incoming Parti Québécois leader argued the ballot showed the federation’s status quo is failing. Trade and Growth: A U.S. importer is challenging President Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods in court. The Parliamentary Budget Officer warns a lasting trade conflict could leave Canada’s economy 1.4% smaller after five years and cost 185,000 jobs. Federal Budget: Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne will table the Carney government’s 2026 budget on Nov. 5, as growth forecasts weaken under tariff pressure.

Alberta Unity: About 76% of voters rejected starting the process for a future separation referendum, giving Prime Minister Mark Carney a major win. Carney called the result “a great result for Canada” and spoke with Premier Danielle Smith about next steps; separatist leaders say their campaign will continue. Economic Outlook: The Parliamentary Budget Office cut its growth forecasts to 0.9% for 2026 and 1.5% for 2027, citing U.S. tariffs. It projects the federal deficit will reach $63.3 billion this fiscal year. B.C. Politics: The province has called a snap election for Oct. 24.

Alberta Referendum: Vote counting began Monday on whether Alberta should start the legal process for a binding independence referendum—not on separation itself. More than 1.3 million people voted early, but delayed poll openings pushed back results; the count was starting with the unity question. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith have both urged Albertans to keep the province in Canada. Wainwright Investigation: Ottawa has deployed 50 investigators to probe the fast-moving fire at CFB Wainwright that killed four service members and injured 39. Carney has pledged resources for a thorough inquiry; the cause remains unknown. Political Departures: Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan says he won’t seek re-election next year. Senator Pamela Wallin has resigned, saying it’s time for the next generation. B.C. Campaign: With the provincial election set for Oct. 24, a review of BC NDP promises from 2024 finds a mixed record on housing, health care and affordability.

Alberta Referendum: Voters are deciding whether to launch a process toward a binding separation vote. The ballot is non-binding; more than 1.3 million Albertans voted early, and polls showed a strong majority favour staying in Canada. Mark Carney, Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre all urged voters to choose unity. Carney has also warned of outside efforts to divide the country. Military Tragedy: A fast-moving grass fire during training at CFB Wainwright killed four service members and sent 39 people to hospital, including 19 in critical condition. Carney called it one of the country’s worst peacetime military tragedies and ordered flags lowered as the cause is investigated. Local Politics: Vancouver elected its first Green mayor in municipal elections, a notable shift ahead of B.C.’s provincial vote.

Military Tragedy: Four soldiers were killed and 39 people hospitalized, 19 critically, after a grass fire swept through CFB Wainwright during live-fire training. Officials say a sudden wind shift drove the flames toward troops; the cause is under investigation. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered flags at federal buildings lowered to half-mast. Alberta Vote: A record 1.36 million Albertans cast advance or special ballots ahead of Monday’s referendum on whether to start the process toward a future separation vote. Carney and Premier Danielle Smith have urged voters to keep Alberta in Canada. Vancouver Politics: Pete Fry has become the city’s first Green mayor, promising a community-safety office and a renewed push to address homelessness. Trade: Ottawa is looking to diversify beyond the United States as tariff tensions intensify, with China among the markets drawing attention.

Military Emergency: A major fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta has left people dead and injured, with hospitals overwhelmed. Reports say at least seven were killed, but officials have not confirmed a toll or cause. Defence Minister David McGuinty is heading to Alberta as the investigation continues. Alberta’s Future: Voters decide Monday whether to start a legal process toward a future separation referendum. Separatist organizer Keith Wilson says the movement will continue whatever the result; Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith have campaigned for unity. Party Shake-up: Mathieu Lévesque is the CAQ’s interim leader after Christine Fréchette resigned following the party’s election defeat. Immigration Policy: Ottawa will award extra Express Entry points to some high-wage workers and remove the LMIA requirement for qualifying job offers starting Nov. 3. B.C. Municipal Results: Green Party leader Pete Fry has unseated Ken Sim to become Vancouver’s mayor, while Doug McCallum returns as Surrey mayor.

Military Emergency: Deaths and injuries have been confirmed after an explosion and fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. Defence Minister David McGuinty says the situation remains active and delicate; the cause and casualty count have not been released. Federal, provincial and local officials are coordinating the response. Alberta’s Future: Separatist organizers say their movement will continue even if Monday’s vote rejects starting a path to independence. The vote is not a decision to leave Canada. A new poll puts support for staying at 68%, while Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith have urged unity. B.C. Elections: Municipal voting took place across British Columbia as advance voting continued in the provincial election, an unusual overlap officials say may confuse voters.

Alberta Referendum: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith made a joint appeal for Alberta to stay in Canada before Monday’s vote. It will not decide independence; voters will choose whether to remain in Confederation or start the process toward a future binding separation referendum. Carney warned that outside forces are seeking to divide Canada, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also urged Albertans not to give up on the country. Carney’s Agenda: A new poll finds 73 per cent of Canadians want Carney to press ahead with economic changes without seeking a fresh election mandate, including faster infrastructure approvals and closer trade ties beyond the U.S. Federal Powers: Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, faces scrutiny over provisions that could give cabinet lasting authority to designate projects as being in the national interest and speed their approval. B.C. Elections: Municipal voting is underway across the province, while advance voting continues for the Oct. 24 provincial election—two overlapping contests that local leaders say have confused voters and strained campaigns.

Alberta’s Unity Vote: Mark Carney made a final appeal in Edmonton Friday, joined earlier in the week by Premier Danielle Smith, while Pierre Poilievre also urged Albertans to stay in Canada. Monday’s vote asks whether Alberta should remain a province or begin a process toward a future separation referendum—not whether to leave immediately. More than one million ballots have been cast early, with turnout and polling suggesting an advantage for the stay side, though the result is not settled. Carney has warned that the U.S. is trying to divide Canada. B.C. Elections: Municipal elections take place Saturday as advance voting begins for the Oct. 24 provincial election. India Ties: Carney confirmed Narendra Modi will visit Dec. 11–12, as the two countries work toward a trade agreement by year-end. Health Funding: Ottawa made its $500-million annual rare-disease drug strategy funding ongoing.

Alberta Referendum: Mark Carney urged Albertans to reject steps toward separation at a Calgary rally, warning that outside forces are trying to divide and “own” Canada. Monday’s non-binding vote could trigger a process for a future separation referendum. B.C. Election: Advance voting is underway ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election, with housing and the province’s mounting debt among the key issues. Ontario Student Aid: The Ford government’s pause on OSAP payments to private postsecondary institutions is drawing scrutiny after an audit raised concerns about career colleges; students at a wider range of schools say they are caught in the freeze. Trade and Industry: Canadian steelmakers are redirecting sales toward domestic buyers as U.S. tariffs bite, with government support and new infrastructure projects helping lift the domestic share of steel used in Canada.