AGP Executive Report

Board & Business: RBC says it will appoint tech CFO Tarek A. Robbiati to its board effective Sept. 1. Housing: Asking rents in Canada fell 4.3% year over year in June, to an average $2,033, with Ontario and B.C. posting the biggest drops. Public Health: Saskatchewan is urging people to seek medical assessment after any possible rabies exposure from bats, after a fatal case linked to delayed care; in Simcoe Muskoka, officials warn about a “zombie drug” medetomidine entering the street supply. Health Care Funding: Alberta Cancer Foundation pledges $35M over five years to expand clinical trials across Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge. Climate Sentiment: StatCan finds Canadians over 65 are more worried about climate change than youth, and many report monthly stress. Tech & Defence: NATO’s Ankara summit backs major defence spending, while Canada’s Ukraine aid package totals $900M, including air defence support. Sports & Culture: Michael J. Fox and “The Pitt” creator R. Scott Gemmill are among Canadians up for Emmys.

Trade & Diplomacy: Canada and Türkiye have formally launched negotiations for a comprehensive free-trade agreement after talks at the NATO summit in Ankara, with technical teams set to define scope and a first round of talks ahead. Wildfires & Safety: B.C.’s Fraser Canyon wildfires are worsening, with Highway 1 closed near Boston Bar and evacuation alerts/orders expanding as hot, windy conditions drive growth and heavy smoke. Health Canada: Health Canada issued a recall for a banned baby walker sold in Canada, warning consumers to stop using it and dispose of it safely. Public Health & Research: UNBC received an NSERC Discovery grant totaling $866,000 for projects including earthquake-resilient buildings, forest diversity, and smart compostable food packaging. AI & Accountability: B.C. has hired lawyers in B.C. and California to pursue action against OpenAI over the Tumbler Ridge shooting, arguing no one should escape accountability when public safety is at risk. Energy & Industry: Ottawa plans up to $400M for Teck’s Trail, B.C. critical-minerals smelting expansion under the Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator. Climate & Livability: Copenhagen was named the world’s most livable city for 2026, with Vancouver ranking ninth.

Canadian Defence Procurement: South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean is pulling out of a Hamilton partnership after Canada chose Germany’s TKMS for the patrol submarine project, ending a training-hub plan tied to the bid. Public Safety: Ontario Provincial Police laid 19,133 traffic and marine charges during Canada Day week, including thousands for speeding and seatbelts, plus impaired and stunt-driving offences. Health Watch: A cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to spread in the U.S., with Michigan reporting hundreds of cases and Florida among states affected; Canadian readers are urged to follow prevention guidance. Sports & Health: Summer McIntosh has scratched the rest of the Canadian swim trials due to illness after breaking the 200m butterfly world record. Climate & Weather: Southern Saskatchewan saw heavy June rain while the north stayed unusually dry, highlighting uneven summer storm risk. Tech & Economy: WELL Health Technologies reported record Canadian patient visits and higher primary care margins in Q1-2026. Business & Innovation: A.I.S. Resources says New Brunswick geophysical modelling has identified drill targets and plans an initial campaign in late July or August.

Submarine Procurement: Prime Minister Mark Carney named Germany’s TKMS the preferred bidder for Canada’s next patrol submarine fleet, touting the Type 212CD’s stealth and Arctic reach and saying first deliveries could come by 2033; the deal is framed as the largest in Canadian history, with up to 12 submarines and an estimated cost up to $24B. Defence Diplomacy: South Korea’s leaders vowed to press on after losing the contract to TKMS, while Seoul’s shares slid on the news. Cyber Security: Canada’s spy agency (CSE) disclosed it ran state-authorized overseas cyber operations targeting drug traffickers, violent extremists and ransomware networks in 2024. Public Safety Tech: Woodstock, Ont., is rolling out next-generation 911 to improve caller location and enable sending texts, photos and video to dispatchers. Health Alerts: Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo was recalled in Canada and the U.S. after bacteria linked to serious infections was found in specific lots. Climate & Energy: UNEP and partners are ramping up efforts to boost responses to major methane leaks worldwide.

Aquatic Invasive Species: Manitoba and Saskatchewan have activated a joint response after zebra mussel larvae were found in Lake of the Prairies, with decontamination rules for anyone moving watercraft and equipment and inspection stations set up across Manitoba. Severe Weather: Environment Canada issued an orange tornado watch for parts of northwestern Ontario, warning of damaging winds, hail and possible tornadoes. Defence & Jobs: Canada is set to pick Germany’s TKMS to build 12 new submarines, a major NATO-aligned contract that could reshape Arctic capability and industrial spillovers. Energy & Pipelines: Alberta and Ontario unveiled the Northern Shield Energy Corridor, proposing a 3,300-km pipeline to move western oil east to refineries, with minerals also routed through the corridor. Health: Health Canada approved ropeginterferon alfa-2b for adult polycythemia vera patients, expanding treatment options. Workplace Health: A CCOHS Corner piece highlights why long seated workdays can harm comfort and health, urging better movement and posture. Local Tech/Transit: Lime is taking over e-scooter and e-bike operations from Neuron in multiple Canadian cities, including Regina and Saskatoon. Business: Ottawa plans to simplify “Buy Canadian” procurement so small and medium firms can compete more easily.

Canada-Philippines Dealmaking: President Ferdinand Marcos says his four-day Canada visit delivered about $2.5B in investment commitments and launched a new strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Mark Carney pointing to an initial $1.4M pledge tied to the Luzon Economic Corridor and clean-energy, logistics and supply-chain projects. Health & Safety: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis cases jumped to 572 as of July 4, prompting fresh foodborne-illness prevention guidance; in Canada, Toronto Public Health warns of possible measles exposure at multiple end-of-June healthcare sites. Public Health Watch: Manitoba teens’ vaping rates are rising, with a Health Canada survey cited showing 18.4% of teens reporting use in 2023-24, as advocates call it a crisis. Weather Alerts: Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings across parts of the Prairies and Manitoba, with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain possible. Health Care Policy Debate: Alberta’s Bill 11 is drawing sharp criticism over allowing surgeons to work in both public and private-pay care. Tech & Economy: Bell/BCE and partners announced a major “sovereign AI compute” push to keep AI infrastructure in Canada, with an initial $300M investment. Sports: Summer McIntosh set a world record in the women’s 200m butterfly at Canadian swim trials in Montreal.

Philippines-Canada Dealmaking: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wrapped a Canada visit with US$2.5B in investment commitments, with talks focused on mining, critical minerals, energy, security, trade, and IT-BPM. AI Business Moves: Elementera AI announced an angel investment from an Amazon principal AI scientist, backing its Lenz and Prizm tools for getting brands recommended by AI systems. Immigration Rules: IRCC clarified that most visitors need a visitor visa (TRV) and must meet health, financial and security conditions; processing times vary and fees start at CA$100. Health & Community: A Surrey family is fundraising for a gene-editing procedure for their son’s rare disease. Public Safety Weather: A fog advisory warned drivers in the Hamilton/Burlington area about near-zero visibility. Energy Infrastructure: SaskPower got approval to proceed with international power lines boosting capacity between Saskatchewan and the U.S. Climate Readiness: Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc are pursuing a federal-funded project to assess shared wildfire and disaster risks.

Philippines-Canada Dealmaking: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wrapped up a Vancouver visit touting a strategic partnership with Canada and about US$2.5B in Canadian investment commitments across mining, critical minerals, energy, services and IT-BPM, with Carney backing infrastructure, supply chains and clean energy through the Luzon Economic Corridor. World Cup Shockwave: Canada’s historic run ended with a 3-0 Round of 16 loss to Morocco; coach Jesse Marsch said Canada “deserved better” while Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi scored twice to send the Atlas Lions to the quarter-finals. Healthcare Friction for Seniors: A new column argues Canada’s system is too complex for older adults, with seniors facing endless forms, approvals and disconnected services. Food Prices Bite: Opinion points to Statistics Canada data showing food inflation running hotter than overall inflation for 15 straight months, leaving grocery bills rising faster than the headline rate. Weather Watch: Environment Canada issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings in central Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan, including reports of baseball-sized hail. Consumer Safety: Health Canada recalled 1.2M Thermos containers due to stopper ejections that can cause impact injuries and lacerations.

Health-care labour: BC nurses will escalate job action with pickets at Vancouver General Hospital starting Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30 a.m., while maintaining essential services; the move follows a provincewide non-nursing ban and overtime restrictions. Sports & public spending: Toronto’s FIFA World Cup hosting costs topped $1.06B, with data suggesting limited economic gain for the host cities as taxpayers carried much of the bill. World Cup Round of 16: Canada opens knockout play against Morocco today in Houston, with Morocco calling it their toughest test yet and Canada aiming to build on its first-ever World Cup win in the Round of 32. Canada–Philippines business: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. courted Canadian investors in Vancouver, citing nearly $2B in commitments, including mining expansion plans and IT-BPM growth tied to a future free trade push. Environment: Saskatchewan and Manitoba have issued containment orders after invasive mussel larvae were detected in Lake of the Prairies, requiring decontamination of boats and equipment. Weather: Toronto remains under a heat warning for a fifth straight day, with humidity raising health risks. Local transport: Y Drive launched in Sudbury, adding a new on-demand rideshare option with upfront pricing and screened drivers. Public safety: RCMP closed a stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway near Clarenville due to a serious crash, with no detours available. Community: Thunder Bay Police arrested a suspect in a Canada Day assault described by a Muslim council as potentially Islamophobic.

Philippines-Canada Energy Ties: President Ferdinand Marcos met Canadian mining leaders B2Gold and Filminera in Vancouver, backing about $14M for a solar expansion and exploration at the Masbate Gold Project, with B2Gold also offering technical support to help extend mine life. Severe Weather Watch: Environment Canada issued and then cancelled multiple tornado warnings across Saskatchewan, including near Saskatoon and Chatham-Kent, as thunderstorms brought damaging winds, hail and heavy rain. Health Research Boost: USask received a $4M gift to create a pediatric research chair focused on how early-life factors shape chronic disease risk. Conservation in Banff: Parks Canada plans to reintroduce threatened bull trout into two Banff creeks after non-native fish are removed, as part of a broader 10-year restoration effort. World Cup Spotlight: Canada’s Round of 16 vs Morocco is set after Ismaël Koné’s tournament-ending injury, while Morocco’s coach says Canada is a major test. Pipeline Politics: Alberta and B.C. leaders continue to debate the proposed west-coast oil pipeline’s route and impacts on smaller communities.

RCMP Marine Modernization: Ocean Pacific Marine won a $74.7-million federal contract to design and build three new Next Generation Police Coastal Patrol vessels for the RCMP, with ships to be built in B.C. Pipeline & Climate Accountability: Environmental groups say the Alberta–federal pipeline plan to the B.C. coast still lacks a clear decarbonization commitment, urging stronger carbon capture follow-through. Quebec Caribou Funding: Environmentalists are split on a new Quebec–Ottawa deal aimed at protecting dwindling caribou herds. MAiD Anniversary: A decade after MAiD became law, Diane Sims’s story spotlights choice, support, and the legacy of advocacy. Great Lakes Invasion: Researchers confirm the bloody red shrimp is now in all five Great Lakes, raising new concerns for ecosystems. Severe Weather Watch: Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of southern Ontario, warning of damaging winds, hail and heavy rain. AI Data Centres: CPPIB is investing $2.4-billion (US$1.75-billion) with EQT to expand AI infrastructure via data-centre projects. Power Outages: After Canada Day storms, about 55,000 clients were without power across Ontario and Quebec. Air Canada Network Cuts: Air Canada cancelled eight U.S. routes as it shifts into its winter schedule. Hantavirus Outbreak Over: WHO says the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak is contained, with no further transmission expected.

Health Mystery in BC: A year-long Tyee investigation still can’t determine how many people overdose in BC hospitals, after only one health authority provided usable data—raising concerns about tracking and accountability. Medicare Under Pressure in Alberta: Mark Carney’s stance is drawing fire as Alberta’s Bill 11 and “dual practice” move toward two-tier care, with critics warning it violates the Canada Health Act. Pipeline to Asia: Carney and Danielle Smith unveiled Alberta’s submitted route for a new Trans Mountain–corridor pipeline to the B.C. coast, aiming to ship over a million barrels a day to Asian markets while preserving the northern tanker ban. Climate and Canada Day Disruptions: Extreme heat and storms across the Prairies and central/eastern Canada triggered flooding, power outages, and cancelled events, including Ottawa and Toronto. Public Safety Alert: Environment Canada issued tornado warnings in Saskatchewan, urging people to take cover immediately. Rabies Case: A Canadian boy died after bat contact with no visible bite—doctors stress urgent medical care after any bat exposure. Canada-Philippines Boost: Carney met Marcos as both pushed to finalize a Canada–Philippines free trade deal by year-end and expanded cooperation.

USMCA Shock: The U.S. says it won’t renew USMCA in its current form, with trade officials pointing to tighter rules of origin and using China as a stated pretext—sparking fresh uncertainty for Canada’s economy. China-Canada Trade Signals: China’s commerce ministry says it’s willing to expand cooperation with Canada and reduce sticking points, aiming for steadier ties. Health Care Access: A new commentary warns primary care access is slipping across provinces, with lower-income Canadians hit hardest. Measles Alert (Quebec): Quebec’s measles outbreak climbs to 27 cases, concentrated around Quebec City, with exposures including hospitals and local stores. Food Costs & Red Tape: Commentary argues hidden administrative delays are inflating grocery bills, while another piece pushes salmon aquaculture as key to food security. Public Health & Safety: Health Canada recalls a BC Cancer radiopharmaceutical after a cracked vial. Weather & Power: Severe storms and a stubborn heat wave leave thousands without power in Ontario and Quebec, with Environment Canada heat warnings continuing. Northern Health Training: NOSM and the University of Toronto receive $123K to expand physician assistant training in Northern Ontario. Business & Industry: Canada backs steel upgrades with a $12.5M investment for ADF Group, and Ontario’s MK Kosher highlights certification opportunities for summer food producers.

Canada-Philippines diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Vancouver for his first official visit to Canada in more than a decade, aiming to deepen trade, defense and maritime cooperation with PM Mark Carney. USMCA uncertainty: The U.S. says it won’t renew USMCA “in its current form,” pushing the pact into annual reviews and raising fresh worries for Canadian businesses. Extreme weather: A heat wave and storm system disrupted Canada Day events, with warnings across provinces and flooding impacts reported in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Public health: An 11-year-old Ontario boy died of rabies after a bat contact went untreated for weeks, renewing calls for urgent care after any bat exposure. Environment & culture: Pacific herring decline is hitting coastal identity and ecosystems in B.C., with Indigenous stewards warning of wider food-web fallout. Tech & research: McGill researchers unveiled a quantum “sound” device that could enable new communications tools. AI safety: A researcher claims Anthropic’s Fable 5 can still help plan IoT botnet attacks after its reinstatement. Business & defence: INKAS announced major North American expansion, while Canada’s nuclear push faces renewed scrutiny over costs and risks.

USMCA Uncertainty: The U.S. says it won’t extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal, kicking off fresh negotiations and raising fresh questions for Canadian industry and automaking. Canada Day Unity: Prime Minister Mark Carney told Canadians unity doesn’t mean sameness, urging togetherness as Alberta’s separatism debate heats up. Health Policy: Ontario becomes the second province to lower routine colorectal cancer screening to age 45, following P.E.I., as advocates push for nationwide access. Heat Safety: Environment Canada warnings keep sweltering conditions on the radar for parts of Ontario and beyond, with cities urging hydration and heat precautions for holiday crowds. Public Health Tragedy: A Canadian boy died of rabies after waking up with a bat on his nose and mouth, highlighting the need for prompt medical care after animal contact. Trade & Tech: Central bankers, including Canada’s, are discussing less prescriptive guidance, while new Canadian space and AI business moves underscore continued investment momentum. Sports & Culture: Canada’s inclusion in Eurovision is confirmed, and World Cup coverage continues as heat risks and safety concerns follow the tournament.

AI Governance: UNICEF says children are adopting AI more than three times faster than adults, with 20M+ kids using it and many worried about scams, misinformation, and deepfakes—calling for stronger guardrails. Trade Uncertainty: The U.S. is expected not to extend USMCA, starting a six-year “sunset” review as Canada and Mexico weigh whether to keep the pact and what changes the U.S. demands. Mental Health & Virtual Care: New data from a major Canadian virtual care platform finds mental health is now the top reason people use virtual visits, especially anxiety and depression among 18–34-year-olds. Health Policy & Access: Health Canada approved Apotex’s first generic semaglutide injection for chronic weight management, while a B.C. family is appealing a rare-disease funding denial for treatment in Germany. Canada Day Safety: Greater Sudbury is expanding cooling options and lifeguard hours as Environment Canada issues heat and tornado warnings. Biotech & Business: Zymeworks is buying U.S. Theravance Biopharma for $929M; Dominion Dynamics raised $100M for Arctic defence tech. Weather Alerts: Tornado warnings hit parts of Ontario, with Environment Canada urging immediate shelter.