AGP Executive Report

Federal Workforce: The Canada Revenue Agency is planning another round of layoffs, targeting 260 employees as it reshapes its operations. Interest Rates: The Bank of Canada raised its key rate to 2.5 per cent, its first increase in more than three years. Major banks are lifting prime rates to 4.70 per cent, raising costs for borrowers with variable-rate mortgages and lines of credit. Trade and Alliances: Canada signed a free-trade agreement with the UAE, which will remove or reduce tariffs on more than 99 per cent of current Canadian exports once fully implemented. At the Canada-EU summit, leaders dropped the proposed “associate member” label but agreed to work toward closer ties by 2027. U.S. Trade: Canadian officials say progress in talks with Washington remains limited, with the trade dispute continuing to cloud the economic outlook. Indigenous Rights: Matawa First Nations told MPs that federal Bill C-39 could undermine treaty rights and consent as Ottawa seeks to speed up major projects.

Trade and Investment: Canada and the UAE signed a trade pact expected to cut or eliminate tariffs on more than 99% of Canadian exports to the UAE, as Ottawa seeks alternatives to the U.S. market. Interest Rates: The Bank of Canada is widely expected to raise its key rate by a quarter point to 2.5% today, its first hike since 2023, as energy costs fuel inflation concerns. Municipal Elections: Olivia Chow won a second term as Toronto mayor, while Mark Sutcliffe was re-elected in Ottawa; women now hold a majority of Ottawa’s city council seats for the first time. Health Care: Canada faces thousands of nursing vacancies while many internationally educated workers remain unable to use their qualifications. Public Services: More than half of Parks Canada employees in Newfoundland and Labrador have been told their positions are under review amid planned job cuts. MAID: Ottawa has tabled a bill to allow advance requests for medical assistance in dying, with safeguards. Canada-EU Ties: Leaders are pursuing closer cooperation, but Canadian steel and aluminum exporters could face EU carbon charges as early as 2027.

First Nations: Leaders welcomed new federal commitments after talks in Ottawa, including $2.5 billion over five years for emergency readiness, $630 million for Indigenous policing and work on revenue-sharing. Trade and Diplomacy: Canada and the UAE signed a free-trade deal and agreed to begin extradition-treaty talks, as Ottawa seeks new partners. But a Canadian official says U.S. trade talks have made “limited progress,” despite signs of possible tariff relief. MAID: The Liberals introduced a bill allowing advance requests for medical assistance in dying in specified circumstances, with safeguards. Interest Rates: The Bank of Canada’s decision is due Wednesday; analysts are divided on a hike as inflation and energy costs rise. Municipal Elections: Olivia Chow won a second term as Toronto mayor, while Mark Sutcliffe was re-elected in Ottawa, where women will hold a majority of council seats for the first time since amalgamation.

MAID Legislation: Ottawa is set to table changes that would keep mental illness as a sole condition from qualifying for assisted death and allow advance requests, reopening debate over consent and safeguards. Municipal Elections: Olivia Chow won a second term in Toronto, while Mark Sutcliffe was re-elected in Ottawa. Trade Talks: Mark Carney says U.S. discussions have intensified slightly and Washington is moving closer to Canada’s position; Donald Trump predicts a deal soon, but no agreement has been announced. Canada-EU Ties: Leaders are preparing to deepen cooperation on defence, energy, critical minerals and digital trade at a Montreal summit. Defence: Canada has received its first two F-35s, but the full 88-jet purchase remains under review. Provincial Politics: B.C. Conservatives won a decisive majority, ending more than nine years of NDP government. Digital Finance: Ottawa has opened a 60-day consultation on draft stablecoin rules that would let non-banks issue tokens if they meet reserve and registration requirements.

Canada-U.S. Trade: Mark Carney says talks have intensified slightly because Washington is moving closer to Canada’s demands. The countries are discussing relief from steel and auto tariffs, though a deal is not yet secured. Indigenous Relations: After meeting First Nations leaders and premiers, Carney said he will direct ministers to work with First Nations on moving beyond the Indian Act, through reform or possible abolition. Municipal Elections: Voters are heading to the polls in Ottawa, while Toronto’s mayoral race is tight between Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford. Climate Court: A youth-led trial has opened in Vancouver, with 15 plaintiffs arguing federal climate policy violates their constitutional rights. Interest Rates: Economists increasingly expect the Bank of Canada to raise its key rate this week, its first move in a year. Digital Currency: Ottawa has opened consultations on draft stablecoin rules that would bar yield payments and require reserve assets. Toronto Search: Police found a vehicle linked to the alleged abduction of three children, but the children and their mother remain missing.

Interest Rates: Markets put the odds of a Bank of Canada hike on Wednesday near 80 per cent. The bank has held its key rate at 2.25 per cent, but September inflation rose to 3.1 per cent as energy costs climbed, even as the economy lost 68,000 jobs. Canada-U.S. Trade: Donald Trump says a deal is coming soon, while officials report renewed momentum in talks. The tariff dispute remains unresolved, with levies affecting billions of dollars in goods on both sides of the border. Municipal Elections: Voters are choosing mayors, councillors and school trustees across the Ottawa Valley and in Ottawa. Toronto’s Olivia Chow faces a close challenge from Brad Bradford. Canada-EU Ties: Mark Carney is hosting EU leaders in Montréal to advance cooperation on defence, AI and critical minerals as Canada seeks broader trade ties. First Nations: Carney and premiers are meeting First Nations leaders amid concerns that fast-tracking major projects could threaten Indigenous rights. Stablecoin Rules: Ottawa’s draft regulations would ban stablecoin yields and require non-bank issuers to hold reserves at banks; public consultation is open for 60 days.

Trade Talks: Washington says negotiations with Ottawa are gaining momentum, but a deal is not yet guaranteed; the U.S. has agreed to lift some tariffs on Canadian goods. B.C. Election: The Conservatives won a two-thirds majority, and premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says his government will review provincial finances and focus on keeping emergency rooms open. Defence: Canada has received its first two F-35s, though the planned purchase of 88 remains under review. Britain declined to join Canada’s defence bank, but the two countries will coordinate their separate financing initiatives. Canada-EU Ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney will host EU leaders in Montreal this week for a summit aimed at deepening the partnership.

B.C. Election: The Conservatives have won a majority, ending David Eby’s NDP government. Eby kept his Vancouver-Point Grey seat but resigned as party leader; OneBC interim leader Dallas Brodie was soundly defeated, while Green leader Emily Lowan won her riding. Trade and Industry: Donald Trump eased some tariffs on Canadian goods, including lumber and paper products, as Ottawa and Ontario announced $9 billion in support for industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Women’s Rugby: Canada beat England 31-22 in Ottawa, completing back-to-back wins over the reigning world champions and ending their long unbeaten run. MAID Policy: As the federal government moves to decriminalize advance requests for assisted dying, Quebec doctors are urging other provinces to learn from the only jurisdiction that permits them. Ottawa Road Safety: Police say 32 people have died on Ottawa roads this year, the highest toll in more than a decade, with speeding, impaired and distracted driving among the concerns. Vancouver Rescue: More than 150 young people and chaperones were rescued after their graduation cruise ran aground on a sandbar in Burrard Inlet.

Metro Vancouver: More than 150 people were rescued after a graduation cruise ran aground, police said. Women’s Rugby: Canada beat England 31-22, handing the Red Roses consecutive losses for the first time in a decade. Toronto Election: Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford made final appeals ahead of Monday’s vote; one poll put Chow at 51% and Bradford at 46% among decided voters. Trade: Donald Trump rolled back some tariffs on Canadian goods, while Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa is prepared to wait for a U.S. deal. Canada and the EU are also nearing a digital trade agreement. Para Hockey: Canada beat the United States 5-1 to win the International Para Hockey Cup. Missing Children: Toronto police are searching for three children allegedly taken by their mother during a visit and have named a second person of interest.

U.S. Trade: Donald Trump is removing 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods, including plywood and paper products, from Oct. 30, while adding duties to other imports. The changes follow lobbying by a Republican senator ahead of U.S. midterms. Canada-U.S. Relations: Mark Carney rejected U.S. accusations that Canada is interfering in the midterms, calling them baseless and criticizing the U.S. ambassador’s claims. Military: A grenade-training exercise sparked the deadly fire at CFB Wainwright that killed four soldiers and injured 39. Strong winds rapidly spread the flames; 27 injured soldiers remained in hospital. Health Care: A Fraser Institute report says Canada spent the second-highest share of GDP on health care among 32 countries with universal coverage, yet ranked near the bottom on several measures, including doctor availability and MRI wait times. Local Elections: Toronto voters choose a mayor and council Monday, with Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford locked in a close race. Ottawa’s mayoral contest and ward races are also reaching their final days. Rural Connectivity: An Ontario couple went 11 days without their landline after a cable was cut. With no reliable cell service at home and one partner on home dialysis, the outage left them without a dependable way to call for emergency help.

U.S. Trade: President Donald Trump eased tariffs on some Canadian goods, including farm equipment and packaging, but Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa may wait months for a broader deal. Canada is also pursuing closer trade ties with Turkey and the EU. Wainwright Tragedy: A live-grenade exercise sparked the deadly Alberta base fire that killed four soldiers and injured 39. The U.S. has offered help for those recovering from severe burns. Industry: Ottawa announced more than $193 million for Quebec aluminum projects, aiming to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on the U.S. Public Safety: Toronto and Ottawa police paused Crime Stoppers partnerships after a major data breach raised concerns about the security of confidential tips. Parks Canada: The agency is preparing organizational changes as it faces plans to eliminate 500 positions; Banff’s decades-old search-and-rescue dog program is ending. Quebec: Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pledged $28 million for warming centres and emergency shelters, adding 1,000 spaces as winter approaches.

Trade and Diplomacy: Canada and Türkiye have launched a strategic partnership, with free-trade talks expected to begin in late November. A new Türk Eximbank–EDC agreement will support joint export projects. Mark Carney also rejected U.S. claims that Canada is interfering in American elections. Air Travel: Air Canada will drop four U.S. routes next summer, including Vancouver–Nashville and Toronto–Charleston, amid weaker cross-border travel. Defence and Space: Ottawa signed a 10-year, $20-million deal for priority access to a launch pad at NordSpace’s Newfoundland spaceport; it covers facility readiness, not a set number of launches. Military Tragedy: The army says a live-grenade exercise sparked the Wainwright base fire that killed four soldiers and injured 39. Privacy Breach: Toronto Crime Stoppers has suspended tip services after a major data breach exposed more than 176,000 tips, raising questions about how sensitive information was protected. Steel Jobs: Ottawa gave Cleveland-Cliffs 15 days to reverse planned cuts at its Ontario mill or face sanctions, including a possible forced sale.

Trade and Industry: Ottawa and Ontario announced a $9-billion plan to support steel and auto jobs and build roads to the Ring of Fire as U.S. tariffs strain trade. Ottawa also gave Stelco’s owner 15 days to reverse planned layoffs or face legal action. Foreign Relations: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Türkiye’s president launched a strategic partnership and free-trade talks, part of Canada’s push to diversify trade; the visit came as U.S. officials accused Canada of election interference, allegations Ottawa denies. Privacy and Policing: Toronto Crime Stoppers has paused tips after a breach exposed nearly 177,000 tips and about 15,000 names; police partners in the GTA are reviewing their involvement. Indigenous Affairs: Federal officials faced Senate questions after more than 700 Innu in Quebec lost their status, putting access to benefits and homes at risk. National Unity: Alberta’s unofficial referendum count showed broad support for staying in Canada, though a small number of ridings backed starting the process toward a separation vote. In Quebec, a judicial recount flipped Vachon to the Parti Québécois by three votes; Liberals are weighing their options.

Trade and Diplomacy: Ottawa and Ontario unveiled a $9-billion package to help steel and auto industries hit by U.S. tariffs, including $5 billion for steel and $2.5 billion for automakers. In Turkey, Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing closer trade, defence and energy ties to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. National Unity: Alberta voters overwhelmingly rejected independence. Premier Danielle Smith told separatists to support Canada or find another party, while Carney said Ottawa would stick to its immigration plan. Food Insecurity: Food bank use has more than doubled since 2019, reaching a record 2.35 million visits a month, according to a new report. Major Projects: More than 50 leading Canadian scientists urged Parliament to amend Bill C-39, warning its fast-track rules could weaken environmental protections. U.S. Tensions: The U.S. Embassy accused Canadian officials of trying to influence the American midterms, as Carney and President Donald Trump discussed trade.

National Unity: About 75% of Alberta voters rejected separation. Premier Danielle Smith says separatists should leave the United Conservative Party, while 53% backed seeking more provincial control over immigration. Prime Minister Mark Carney hasn’t ruled out a Quebec-style deal. Quebec Politics: Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon was sworn in as premier, naming an independence minister and renewing his promise of a referendum. The lieutenant-governor skipped the ceremony at his request. Cost of Living: Food banks reported a record 2.35 million monthly visits in 2026, up 117% since 2019; children accounted for nearly 776,000 visits a month. Trade and Economy: Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced an $8.7-billion package for steel, auto and critical-mineral industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Ottawa also pledged up to $254 million for upgrades to New Brunswick’s Saint John Trade Corridor. Inflation climbed to 3.1% as gasoline prices surged, raising expectations of a Bank of Canada rate hike.

Quebec Politics: Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is set to be sworn in as Quebec’s premier and unveil his cabinet, returning the sovereigntist party to power after more than a decade. Food Insecurity: Food bank visits reached a record 2.35 million a month in 2026, up 117% since 2019. Nearly one in five clients is employed, Food Banks Canada reports. National Unity: About three-quarters of Alberta voters rejected starting a process toward separation. Mark Carney called the result a win for Canada; Premier Danielle Smith says she won’t hold another separation referendum while in office. Trade Dispute: A U.S. food importer is suing to block Trump’s 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods, arguing he exceeded his authority. The court has not ruled. Foreign Relations: Carney is expected to sign a cooperation pledge with Türkiye covering defence, energy, trade and other ties during his visit. Indigenous Heritage: Wiikwemkoong First Nation in Ontario is using its own data centre to safeguard Anishinaabe language recordings and community records.