Day One | August 25, 2025
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Canada Removes Retaliatory Tariffs
On August 22, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will remove all retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) by September 1, while maintaining tariffs on U.S. autos, steel, and aluminum. Carney stated this move, made after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to preserve Canada’s unique tariff-free trade advantage on 85% of goods and intensify discussions on remaining trade challenges. Carney also emphasized focusing on strengthening the Canadian economy through expanding trade with other countries, boosting home-building, and investing in national defence and nation-building projects.
Pierre Poilievre Wins Alberta Byelection
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has won the federal byelection in Alberta's Battle River–Crowfoot riding, setting the stage for his return to Parliament this fall. After losing his Ottawa seat in the spring election, Poilievre spent the summer campaigning in the rural Alberta riding, which was vacated by a fellow Conservative MP to allow his return to the House of Commons. Now, Poilievre's attention shifts to the fall sitting of Parliament, where he will face Prime Minister Mark Carney for the first time, and his upcoming leadership review in January, as he looks to reassert his party’s agenda and leadership.
Carney Vows Support for Ukraine During Kyiv Visit
Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Kyiv on Sunday, Ukraine's Independence Day, pledging Canada's continued support for the war effort and announcing new details for the $2-billion funding package, which includes advanced drone manufacturing, ammunition, and armoured vehicles. Carney also signalled the possibility of Canadian troops on the ground as part of security guarantees for Ukraine, while strongly condemning Russian aggression. This visit marks part of a broader European tour where Carney will meet with leaders in Poland, Germany, and Latvia to discuss expanding trade opportunities, particularly in critical minerals and energy, and strengthening defence and security alliances amidst global tensions.
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Alberta Teachers Union Rallies Support as Strike Deadline Looms
As a potential strike deadline of October 7 approaches, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is actively garnering support, including handing out lawn signs in Calgary, as negotiations with the province remain stalled. Parents are expressing concern about potential school disruptions, especially for high school students and childcare arrangements. In June, nearly 95% of teachers voted for strike action, citing chronic underfunding, crowded classrooms, and inadequate wages as key issues. The Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association has applied to hold a lockout vote on August 29, just before formal mediation talks between the ATA and the province are set to resume on August 26.
Premier Smith Warns Albertans to 'Brace Themselves' as Falling Oil Prices Threaten Budget
Premier Danielle Smith is warning Albertans to prepare for a "really difficult budget year" as oil prices have fallen significantly below the province’s budget forecasts. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is now trading around $62 a barrel, $6 less than expected, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts further drops to as low as $47.77 next year. This could push Alberta’s projected $5.2-billion deficit to over $8.5 billion, as every $1 decrease in WTI reduces provincial revenues by $750 million. Smith attributed the volatility to global factors and U.S. tariffs, while acknowledging a silver lining in a narrower price differential for Western Canadian Select. The province is set to release its first-quarter financial results soon, providing a clearer picture of the impact.
Alberta Privacy Commissioner Calls for Standalone Law to Regulate AI
Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Diane McLeod, is recommending a standalone law to govern artificial intelligence (AI) in the province, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation balanced with privacy and human rights protections. In a new report, McLeod suggests an AI law should reflect international standards while being tailored to Alberta’s values and industries. Recommendations include legislating the use of personal information in public sector AI, ensuring fair operation of AI systems, and granting individuals the right to object to automated profiling. McLeod noted that some of the most harmful AI applications have originated from the private sector, calling for more robust regulations there. While acknowledging legislation alone won't solve all AI impacts, she stressed its importance alongside modernized privacy laws.
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Ottawa Invests $63.2M in Nova Scotia Infrastructure through CCBF
The federal government is providing $63.2 million to Nova Scotia in 2025-26 through the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) to upgrade local infrastructure and support housing growth. The funding covers 19 project categories, including transit, water systems, roads, and recreation, with projects like Halifax’s Central Common Pool highlighted. Nationally, the CCBF will deliver $26.7 billion between 2024 and 2034, including $2.5 billion to 3,700 communities this year, promoting sustainable and inclusive development across Canada.
Ottawa Invests $20M in Stratford Affordable Housing Project in P.E.I
The federal government is investing over $20 million through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) to build 60 new housing units in Stratford, P.E.I. Located near key community amenities, the project supports affordability and accessibility. Since its launch, the ACLP has committed $23.35 billion toward more than 59,000 rental homes nationwide, reducing barriers for developers and strengthening inclusive, sustainable housing supply across Canada.
New Brunswick Signs Collective Agreement with Court Stenographers
The Government of New Brunswick and CUPE Local 1840 have reached a new collective agreement for more than 80 court stenographers. The deal provides a $5 per hour wage increase phased over four years, retroactive to October 2021, along with incentives, premiums, and enhanced vacation entitlements. The agreement aims to improve retention, recognition, and work-life balance for employees in the justice system.
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B.C. Government, Opposition Split on Federal Decision to End Retaliatory Tariffs
B.C.'s Jobs Minister, Ravi Kahlon, expressed surprise at the federal government's decision to remove retaliatory tariffs against the United States. Kahlon stated that the province has no intention of reversing its own retaliatory actions, which include a ban on U.S. alcohol in government liquor stores. In contrast, B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad supports the federal move, arguing that tariffs ultimately harm the Canadian economy and consumers. To gain leverage in Canada-U.S. softwood lumber negotiations, Rustad is also pushing for a provincial levy on U.S. thermal coal, but the B.C. government maintains it lacks jurisdiction over exports from federally-regulated ports.
B.C. Sets Target of 40,000 New Homes in 10 Additional Municipalities
To address housing demands, the British Columbia government has set new five-year housing targets for 10 additional municipalities, aiming to create about 40,000 new homes. This fourth group of municipalities with housing targets includes Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, and seven others. The orders, effective September 1st, specify the number of units, their size, and tenure for each municipality, with over 14,000 designated as below-market rentals. These targets represent 75 percent of each community's estimated housing needs and are part of a broader provincial strategy to increase housing supply.
New 'Conservative' Party Registers for B.C. Municipal Elections
A new group, the Conservative Electors Association, has registered with Elections B.C. to run candidates under the "Conservative" name in at least 15 municipalities. Registered by David Denhoff, former deputy director of the B.C. Conservatives, the association claims independence from provincial and federal parties, stating its focus is solely on municipal issues. The organization has registered in cities including Surrey, Vancouver, and Kelowna, with more applications pending. Municipal elections in B.C. will occur on Oct. 17, 2026.
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Ontario Invests $1.6 Billion in Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program
The Ontario government is investing an additional $1.6 billion to accelerate the construction of homes and critical infrastructure, nearly doubling the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP) to a total of $4 billion. Municipalities can apply through four streams, including one for building roads and bridges, and one for building water and wastewater systems. The MHIP has facilitated the construction of 800,000 homes and is complemented by the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund, which rewards municipalities for meeting housing infrastructure targets.
Ontario Invests $70 Million to Protect Workers Affected by U.S. Tariffs
The Ontario government is investing $70 million to expand training and employment services for workers impacted by U.S. tariffs and policies. This funding includes a $20 million allocation for Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres, which will offer training, upskilling, and employment support. An additional $50 million will be directed to the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) program, which provides job seekers, including youth and those on social assistance, with up to $35,000 to cover costs associated with vocational and skills training for in-demand careers.
Ranovus Invests Over $100 Million to Expand Ottawa Semiconductor Facility
Ranovus Inc., a Canadian technology company, is investing over $100 million to expand its optical semiconductor manufacturing facility in Ottawa. This investment will create 125 new jobs focused on producing optical semiconductors for faster data transfers in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. The company has also committed to reshoring their outsourced manufacturing capacity back to Ontario. The Ontario government is supporting this expansion with up to $2 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.
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Toronto to Face $107M Shortfall if Federal Government Doesn’t Provide Funding
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has stated that the federal government is only providing 26% of the necessary funds for the city's refugee and asylum seeker shelter costs in 2025, creating a projected $107 million shortfall. This funding gap is equivalent to a potential 2% property tax increase for Toronto residents. Chow emphasizes that while sheltering refugees is a federal responsibility, the city cannot abandon those in need and is urging the federal government to provide its full financial support to avoid a crisis. The city is currently sheltering over 3,500 refugees, a number that has dramatically increased since 2021.
Mississauga Advances Top Priorities with Provincial Government at 2025 AMO Conference
A Mississauga delegation, led by Deputy Mayor Mahoney, attended the 2025 AMO conference in Ottawa to advocate for the city's key priorities. They met with provincial ministers and officials to discuss critical issues. Their main goals included fixing the Peel Regional Police funding formula to ensure fairness for Mississauga taxpayers and securing a new financial deal to fund transit and other city needs. The delegation also sought support for accelerating affordable housing construction and advancing priority transit projects, including the Hazel McCallion Line LRT Downtown Loop and all-day, two-way GO service on the Milton corridor.
Oakville Holding Consultations to Create New ‘Bronte Waterfront Strategy’
Oakville is launching a three-phase "Bronte Waterfront Strategy" to guide future development and revitalize the area. The Bronte Waterfront Strategy project will be completed in three phases, with the first phase taking place from August to October 2025 to understand opportunities. The second phase – exploring options - will take place from November 2025 to January 2026. The final phase for developing the preferred plan will take place from January to March 2026. The project aims to create a vibrant waterfront with new programming, amenities, and public gathering spaces.
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Lucien Bouchard Urges Paul St-Pierre Plamondon to Reconsider First-Term Referendum Promise
Former Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard has advised Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon to reconsider his promise of holding a sovereignty referendum in a first mandate. Bouchard, a central figure in the 1995 referendum campaign, believes such a commitment could jeopardize the PQ's chances of winning the next election, as it offers an easy target for federalist opponents like the Liberals. He questioned the public's appetite for another referendum, warning of the "dramatic" consequences of a third loss, citing historical setbacks after the 1980 and 1995 failures. Bouchard emphasized that any future referendum question and its outcome would face intense federal scrutiny, urging Plamondon to prioritize the public interest and carefully weigh the implications for the sovereignty movement.
Premier's Office Knew of SAAQclic Disputes Since 2020, Gallant Commission Hears
Testimony before the Gallant Commission reveals that the Premier's office was informed as early as July 2020 about a "dispute" between the SAAQ and its SAAQclic system provider, "l'Alliance." Véronik Aubry, former chief of staff to then-Transport Minister François Bonnardel, testified she alerted a political advisor in the Premier’s office about the conflict and a potential project delay. This contradicts Premier François Legault's repeated assertions that he was unaware of the brewing SAAQclic fiasco, which eventually saw costs skyrocket to nearly $1 billion. The commission also heard that Bonnardel's office was aware that the true cost of the project was being withheld from other parliamentarians, drawing the commissioner's strong rebuke for providing "fragmentary information" that "no longer reflected reality."
Montreal to Create Registry for Vacant Buildings to Enhance Safety and Oversight
Starting in January of 2026, Montreal will require owners of long-term vacant buildings to register them annually, a measure aimed at improving safety, oversight, and maintenance. The city hopes to better monitor abandoned properties, which pose risks such as fires and illegal access, as highlighted by incidents like the 2023 Old Montreal blaze and electrical injuries at a former hospital. Owners will pay a $200 annual fee, with fines up to $10,000 for non-compliance. This new regulation will allow the city to track property degradation, demand necessary upgrades, and potentially identify suitable buildings for conversion into affordable housing, as suggested by Mayor Valérie Plante.
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