Day One | September 8, 2025
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Carney rolls out industrial strategy to shield Canada from U.S. trade shocks
This Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a new industrial strategy to protect Canada from U.S. trade shocks. The plan includes pausing the 2026 EV mandate, imposing a stronger “Buy Canadian” procurement rule, and rolling out supports like a $5‑billion Strategic Response Fund, bigger SME loans, and expanded worker reskilling with longer EI. The plan also includes targeted help for agriculture and seafood, such as biofuel incentives and market‑diversification measures.
Draft List of 32 Major Projects Flags Northwest Coast Oil Pipeline
An internal government draft list names 32 projects being considered for fast-track designation under the Building Canada Act. The list covers ports, mines, LNG expansions, transmission lines, small modular reactors and major transportation corridors. It also includes a proposed Northwest Coast Oil Pipeline to ship Alberta crude to Asia; a plan that has drawn pushback from B.C. and Coastal First Nations. Any project’s inclusion is preliminary, with final vetting to be done by the new Major Projects Office and subject to consultations.
Poilievre calls to scrap temporary foreign worker program, urges domestic-first hiring
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre calls on the federal government to scrap the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, asserting it floods the market with cheap labor and makes it harder for young Canadians to secure jobs. He argues the program exploits foreign workers while enriching "liberal corporate elites."
Saskatchewan Led Canadian delegation heads to China to resolve canola tariffs and reopen markets
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe will lead a three-day trade mission to China aimed at persuading Beijing to remove steep tariffs on Canadian canola. The federal government will participate by sending Kody Blois, Carney’s parliamentary secretary, to engage with Chinese officials on that and other trade irritants. The visit was presented as part of broader efforts to defend a canola sector that exports about $15 billion annually, roughly $5 billion of which went to China in 2024.
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Premier Smith Kicks Off Southern Alberta “Alberta Next” Tour in Medicine Hat
Premier Danielle Smith launched the southern leg of her Alberta Next panel town-hall series in Medicine Hat on Sept. 2, joined by 15 panel members she appointed to solicit public input on Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa. The provincewide consultations — aimed at addressing grievances Smith says fuel separatist sentiment — will next visit Lethbridge, Airdrie, Grande Prairie and Calgary this month. While the panel’s six proposed recommendations have been broadly popular at past stops, events in Edmonton and Red Deer drew protests and criticism for stoking division. Smith says the consultations are intended to develop ideas and possible referendum questions to press Ottawa for policy changes.
Strike Averted as AUPE Members Ratify Mediated Deal
About 23,000 Alberta public servants represented by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) approved a mediator-recommended collective agreement Wednesday, averting a strike that could have begun next week. The deal, ratified by roughly 63% of voting AUPE members with a 71% turnout, covers administrative staff, some sheriffs, social workers and provincial wildfire fighters. It provides a 12% wage increase over four years, raises any roles below the $22.65 living wage to that floor, adds service-based bumps, and creates an $11.4-million annual recruitment-and-retention fund. The vote follows months of fraught bargaining and a prior 90% strike-authorization vote in May; while this sector’s strike risk is off, a separate small Coaldale municipal lockout remains pending.
Alberta Teachers Demand Pay and Classroom Supports as Strike Deadline Looms
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) says negotiations with the provincial government remain at an impasse after talks broke down on Aug. 28, leaving a possible strike or government lockout looming before the ATA’s Oct. 7 strike mandate expires. ATA president Jason Schilling said the union is pressing for wage increases to restore lost purchasing power and better staffing to address “some of the largest classes” teachers have seen this school year. The government and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) say they’ve offered hiring 3,000 teachers over three years and a compensation package similar to a previously tabled mediator recommendation, and urge the ATA to return to the table. Both sides must give 72 hours’ notice before any job action, and parents and school boards are preparing contingency plans as uncertainty continues
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Ottawa Delivers $33.4M to Strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador Communities
The federal government is providing more than $33.4 million to Newfoundland and Labrador this year through the Canada Community-Building Fund. The funding is meant to support foundational local infrastructure—such as public transit, water systems, and roads and bridges—that enables housing growth and economic development. Examples include over $2 million for Portugal Cove‑St. Philip’s to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant and local roads.
Election Looms as Hogan Holds Cards Close and PCs Pledge Ferry Fix
Newfoundland & Labrador Premier John Hogan declined to say when he will drop the writ at a recent public appearance. The Premier noted that the election must be held on or before Oct. 14 (meaning the latest call is Sept. 15). His government is emphasizing Churchill Falls, health care, affordability and seniors. Meanwhile, Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham pledged to overhaul the ferry system—promising an immediate tender for a backup ferry and a plan to add four new locally built vessels—though key details on costs, timelines and construction sites remain unspecified amid commuter frustration over recent service outages.
New Brunswick Advances Early Talks for LNG Pipeline and Export Hub
New Brunswick says it has held early-stage talks with TC Energy and Repsol to build a $4–5 billion pipeline linking Quebec City to Saint John. The plan will also potentially include an LNG export terminal to ship Canadian natural gas to Europe. N.B. officials tout Saint John’s existing infrastructure and shorter ocean access, but experts warn major challenges remain including concerns regarding additional pipeline capacity, community and First Nations consent, and high costs.
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B.C. Premier Urges Scrapping or Major Reform of Temporary Foreign Worker Program
B.C. Premier David Eby called Thursday for Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker program to be cancelled or fundamentally reformed, blaming it for straining shelters, food banks and housing and saying the system is being exploited by fraudsters. He and others acknowledge agriculture still needs seasonal labour, pointing to the separate SAWP as a model for a safer, more targeted approach. The proposal drew mixed reactions, federal Conservatives and some municipalities backing a pause, while industry groups warn scrapping the program would devastate farms and small businesses.
Major B.C. Public-Sector Unions Begin Picketing After Talks Collapse
The B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and the Professional Employees Association (PEA) launched picket lines Tuesday across Victoria, Surrey and Prince George after a 72-hour strike notice expired following failed talks with the provincial NDP government. Roughly 2,000 government workers initially walked the lines, part of over 34,000 BCGEU members, and the unions are demanding higher wages (BCGEU seeks 4% then 4.25% across two years), cost‑of‑living adjustments and better staffing/conditions. The provincial government says it cannot match original demands given changed economic circumstances but remains willing to bargain; ministers warn of fiscal limits amid post‑pandemic and trade‑war pressures. Unions warn the action could escalate and stress essential services will be affected if no deal is reached.
Eby Warns of Fiscal Headwinds as B.C. Faces Tough Fall
B.C. Premier David Eby said the province is confronting significant fiscal headwinds with slowing resource and real estate revenues and broader economic weakness that limit how generous government can be in current union talks. He defended recent health-sector framework deals while ruling out big tax hikes or cancelling needed capital projects, instead targeting administrative savings and efficiency. He urged a rapid appellate review of a recent Supreme Court decision on Indigenous title, saying it creates uncertainty for homeowners, businesses and reconciliation efforts.
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Ontario to Lift Interprovincial Barriers for Regulated Professions in 2026
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Ontario will allow certified workers from other provinces to start regulated jobs within 10 days of credential verification—down from waits of up to six months—across more than 50 regulatory authorities and 300+ certifications (including architecture, engineering and health care), with newcomers permitted to work for up to six months while completing full registration, easing labour mobility and helping address provincial workforce shortages.
Premier Doug Ford Announces $12.9 Million Investment in Skills Training for Waterloo Region Workers
Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford unveiled funding boost through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund to help over 50,000 workers gain training for in-demand jobs in construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades, emphasizing the lifelong value of trade skills amid workforce retirements and economic challenges.
Ontario Launches Health Innovation Pathway to Accelerate Adoption of New Medical Technologies
The Health Innovation Pathway is a streamlined system designed to fast-track the review and adoption of cutting-edge health-care technologies—including medical devices, digital tools, and AI-powered diagnostics—to improve patient care, support local health-care innovation, and strengthen the province’s position as a life sciences leader.
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Brampton Misses Housing Target, Loses $25M in Provincial Funding
Brampton will not receive Bill 23 housing incentive funds in 2025 after falling short of its provincial housing target, Mayor Patrick Brown confirmed at council’s first post-summer meeting. Last year, Ontario awarded the city $25.5 million for breaking ground on over 7,000 units, but this year Brampton reached only 60% of its goal, below the 80% threshold required for funding. The shortfall reflects a sluggish purpose-built rental market, with fewer than 750 such units added since 2014, compared to a surge in additional rental units (ARUs) that don’t count toward Bill 23 targets or generate development charge revenue. In response, council approved steep development charge cuts (50–100%) and payment deferrals to incentivize rental construction. While the move aims to attract builders and restore eligibility for provincial support, it leaves Peel Region facing a $1.3B fiscal gap, heightening tensions between municipalities and Queen’s Park over how to balance housing supply, affordability, and infrastructure funding.
TTC Balances Affordability Plans Against $37B Capital Shortfall
On September 4, 2025, the TTC’s Strategic Planning Committee will review a proposal to replace monthly passes with a fare-capping system as part of its 2026–2028 Ridership Growth Strategy. Under the proposal, riders would pay per trip until reaching a set threshold (40–47 rides), after which additional rides within the month would be free. Fare capping could boost ridership by up to 16 million trips annually but is projected to cause revenue losses of $10 – 35 million, depending on the cap level. At the same meeting, TTC revealed it faces a staggering $37 billion funding gap over the next 15 years, leaving critical infrastructure and repair projects unfunded. Of the $53 billion in identified capital needs, nearly $12 billion is dedicated to safety, compliance, and maintaining a state of good repair.
Honda Indy Leaves Toronto, Heading to Markham in 2026
After 40 years at Toronto’s Exhibition Place, the Honda Indy will relocate to Markham’s downtown core from August 14–16, 2026, due largely to scheduling conflicts with the FIFA World Cup and the Canadian National Exhibition. The move, announced by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and race promoter Green Savoree Toronto, will feature a 3.52 km temporary street circuit near Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, Highway 407, and the Unionville GO tracks. Organizers project the event will attract over 140,000 attendees and generate tens of millions in economic activity, making it the largest cultural and sporting event in York Region’s history. While the relocation is seen as a major win for Markham, it represents a significant loss of tourism revenue and prestige for Toronto, raising questions about event planning, infrastructure priorities, and inter-municipal competition for major attractions across the GTA.
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Legault Signals Imminent Cabinet Shuffle After Gallant Testimony
Quebec Premier François Legault said a significant cabinet reshuffle will take place “very soon” as he seeks to move past his appearance before the Gallant commission probing the SAAQclic fiasco. The unusually short weekly cabinet meeting and remarks to reporters suggest the changes could be announced within days. Speculation includes portfolio shifts — reports indicate Geneviève Guilbault may lose the deputy-premier title while retaining a cabinet seat, and Benoit Charette could take over Transport — though Legault’s team has not confirmed specifics. Christian Dubé, who signalled a desire to remain at Health, appears likely to keep his post. The shuffle follows mounting political pressure from the SAAQclic scandal and internal tensions, including an ultimatum by Abitibi MNA Pierre Dufour demanding regional representation. The premier has also postponed the return of the legislature, keeping the start of the fall session flexible as he finalizes the changes.
Legault Says He Was Kept in the Dark as SAAQclic Costs Soared
Quebec Premier François Legault told the Gallant commission he should have been informed about massive cost overruns in the SAAQ’s digital transformation and placed ultimate responsibility on his transport ministers. Confronted with documents showing significant avenants and a total project estimate far above initial figures, Legault lamented, “I should have known. We should have informed me,” and called the VGQ’s public disclosure of a roughly $500-million overrun unacceptable. Evidence presented to the commission included a 2022 budget evolution showing large additional costs and a 2021 SAAQ briefing that flagged a total bill of hundreds of millions. Legault blamed unclear information flows from his senior officials and the SAAQ’s leadership for failing to surface the scale of the problem, insisting on stronger accountability and consequences beyond simple reassignments. His chief of staff, Martin Koskinen, echoed frustration, accusing SAAQ executives of burying decision-makers in opaque documents while noting political actors believed the issue was under control.
Andrée Laforest Quits to Run for Saguenay Mayor
Quebec minister Andrée Laforest has resigned to run for mayor of Saguenay, prompting Premier François Legault to announce a cabinet reshuffle next week and to delay the legislature’s return to Sept. 30. France-Élaine Duranceau will take over municipal affairs while keeping the housing portfolio. Laforest’s departure forces a by-election in Chicoutimi within six months—an electoral test the governing CAQ, trailing in polls, could lose after recent byelection setbacks. Legault says the reshuffle aims to refresh his team and postpone parliamentary business so new ministers can get up to speed; caucus meetings scheduled for early September were pushed back. Laforest, a popular local figure since 2018, is among several prospective mayoral contenders and will face candidates including former PQ MNA Mireille Jean. The departure adds to political turbulence in Quebec as the CAQ manages fallout from recent scandals and internal tensions ahead of a pivotal year for the government.
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