AGP Executive Report

Electric Vehicles: Geely is setting up Canadian operations and a sales and service network ahead of its first vehicle launches in 2027, bringing a major new competitor to the market. AI and Finance: OSFI warns that fast-moving AI and cyber threats are adding pressure to Canada’s financial system, while broader AI adoption is outpacing accountability. Clean Energy: Ottawa’s $2-billion home retrofit plan includes heat-pump rebates for up to 820,000 households. Medical Technology: Jubilant plans to invest $94.5 million to double Canadian production of a key radiopharmaceutical. Space and Fusion: Canadian firms are pushing to build domestic rocket-launch capability, while General Fusion reports a milestone in plasma heating.

AI Infrastructure: Canadian and international church groups are weighing data centres’ demands for energy, water and critical minerals, as Ottawa rolls out principles for responsible data-centre development. Climate & Energy: Canada’s emissions rose in 2025 as clean electrification lagged; the federal government also announced a retrofit investment targeting one million homes and plans a $2-billion heat-pump rebate program. Health Research: A University of Manitoba-led international team published two studies showing how some breast-milk components respond to maternal nutrition while others reflect lactation biology and infant growth. Fusion: General Fusion reported a technical milestone in plasma heating. Space: NordSpace says its first satellite has succeeded in orbit, making it the first Canadian launch company with hardware operating in space.

Clean Energy: Ottawa is launching $2 billion in heat-pump rebates, aiming to help up to 820,000 households cut heating costs and emissions over eight years. Fusion Research: General Fusion reports a 1 keV electron-temperature milestone with UKAEA, a step in its push toward commercial fusion power. Critical Minerals: Laurentian University’s new five-year strategy puts mining research, technology and workforce training at the centre of its plans, with a focus on Northern Ontario’s role in the sector’s transformation. Quantum Skills: Qubo Consulting and Mitacs are teaming up to provide quantum training for post-secondary students in Canada. Agritech: Ottawa is investing nearly $2 million in biodegradable fertilizer-coating technology, supporting efforts to develop lower-impact farming tools.

AI Infrastructure: Bell plans to buy 895 acres outside Regina for a major AI data-centre expansion, as Ottawa sets principles for responsible data-centre development. Quantum Talent: Qubo Consulting and Mitacs are launching six bilingual workshops to prepare Canadian post-secondary students for quantum careers. Nuclear Energy: SaskPower outlined studies and timelines for a proposed small modular reactor site near Estevan, including plans to assess two 300-megawatt units. Clean Technology: Ottawa is investing nearly $2 million in biodegradable fertilizer coating technology. Wildlife Research: A new online archive lets people explore decades of recorded orca calls, with researchers hoping the sounds can help identify whales and reduce vessel strikes.

Defence Technology: Hundreds of defence researchers and industry leaders are in Halifax for NATO’s Innovation Continuum, where operational exercises will test emerging technologies. Canadian drone makers are also seeking overseas sites to test electronic-warfare systems, as Ottawa bars domestic jamming. AI & Infrastructure: Canada has launched principles for responsible data-centre development, while a First Nation says Bell must consult it over a proposed AI data centre near Regina. AI-generated deepfakes are also being used to promote Alberta separatism. Food & Agriculture: Nine companies have joined a program to develop Canadian-grown ingredients and food products, with the initiative projecting up to $5.4 billion in added GDP and 34,000 jobs. The federal seed unit will begin shifting from Indian Head to Saskatoon in 2027, with the move completed in 2028. Climate Research: New projections warn that, under high warming, winter temperatures could exceed 10 C across much of Nunavut by century’s end, while western Canadian glaciers could lose over three-quarters of their ice. AI Policy: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new 13-member National AI Council will advise on adoption, safety and Canadian control of the technology.

Trucking & migrant workers: New Canadian research spotlights how pressure to move goods fast and cheap leaves immigrant drivers facing long days, uneven pay, and added vulnerability tied to immigration status. Food safety: A new Australian supermarket probe found pesticide residues and “forever chemicals” (PFAS) across produce, renewing concerns about chemical “cocktails” reaching shoppers. Bird science funding: Margaret Atwood donates $1M to Western University to create the Graeme Gibson Chair in Avian Biology, backing bird migration research. Energy efficiency awards: LG Canada earns its sixth ENERGY STAR Canada Award for Commercial Products, highlighting efficiency-certified tech and education efforts. Investor protection: Canada’s securities regulators urge long-term investing, verifying online info, and tougher fraud prevention during Investor Education Month. AI data centre backlash: Two Saskatchewan First Nations demand more consultation on Bell’s AI data centre project, citing treaty, water, and environmental concerns. Security & lawful access: Signal says amendments to Canada’s Bill C-22 still don’t protect encryption enough, and it may withdraw. Pension stability: A new report says Canadian defined-benefit plans hit an all-time median solvency high, helped by higher interest rates.

Space Connectivity: TELUS and AST SpaceMobile completed their first integration test, aiming to bring satellite-to-phone broadband, voice and texts to Canadians within a year. AI Governance: Cohere rolled out North 2, adding “lockdown” access controls for enterprise AI agents so companies can automate work without handing over sensitive data. Health Tech: A large study accepted for publication finds a small skin biopsy can often diagnose mitochondrial disease, potentially reducing the need for more invasive testing. Cancer Advocacy: Michael J. Fox was promoted to companion level in the Order of Canada at Rideau Hall, recognizing decades of Parkinson’s advocacy. Energy & Indigenous Business: Four First Nations advanced a Greenstone Gold Mine solar plan in Ontario, targeting up to 8.5 MW and possible construction in 2027. Payments & Retail Tech: Skip and Instacart linked platforms so Canadians can shop groceries and essentials plus access restaurant partners through either app. Environment & Travel: The Trans Canada Trail is lobbying to keep federal funding steady as its current commitment runs out. Domain Diversity: ICANN expanded rules for second-level internationalized domain names, adding Javanese and Unified Canadian Aboriginal Syllabics scripts.

Quebec Politics: The Parti Québécois won Quebec’s election and will form a minority government, reviving the independence debate and setting up a likely third referendum—though not a clear majority yet. Public Accountability: Winnipeg mayoral candidate Kevin Klein pledges to restore an independent city ombudsman to investigate complaints and curb “closed doors” decision-making. Health Tech in Canada: Canadian experts released national guidance on prostate cancer PSMA PET/CT imaging and ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 targeted radioligand therapy. Digital Health & Kids: The Lancet warns current digital systems are governed in ways that raise health risks for children and young people, calling for coordinated global rules. AI & Fraud Risks: IRCC warns newcomers about AI-enabled immigration scams using realistic fake videos and voices, urging people to verify through official channels. Nuclear & Energy Security: A new debate in Canada’s nuclear future pits building domestic reactor capability against importing U.S.-linked designs and supply dependencies. Space & STEM: Students across Canada and beyond connected with astronauts via amateur radio, highlighting hands-on STEM engagement. Climate Policy Debate: A Fraser Institute report argues climate change is real but challenges claims about impacts and stresses economic trade-offs from climate policies. AI Infrastructure Cooling: LG Canada-linked reporting points to major North American AI data-centre cooling deals, underscoring Canada’s growing role in the AI buildout.

Steel & Power: Algoma Steel says power issues are fixed and it’s preparing to restart with a second electric arc furnace, though it expects a third-quarter loss as shipments and earnings take a hit. Sask. Energy & Nuclear: Saskatchewan lays out plans for major new power capacity and large-scale reactors plus SMRs, but timelines remain fluid as site decisions and planning run in parallel. Health Equity: New Canadian research in CMAJ finds Black people face a much higher risk of severe maternal morbidity than White people, even after accounting for income and immigration factors. Space & Research: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 launches to the ISS with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk aboard, continuing Canada’s growing role in space missions. Weather Watch: Environment Canada issues the GTA’s first frost advisory, warning of damage to cold-sensitive plants and crops. Food Tech at UBC: UBC Food Services will harvest greens from a compact indoor hydroponic growing pod, using it as a real-world research prototype for building-integrated agriculture. AI & Media Jobs: Tech publisher Future cuts roles again, blaming declines in search traffic tied to AI Overviews. Dairy Nutrition: A review suggests naturally occurring trans fats in dairy behave differently than industrial trans fats, with no clear link to major heart and diabetes outcomes. Space Security: Experts flag how little is publicly known about “space weapons,” even as multiple countries develop counterspace capabilities.

Digital Health Policy: A new Lancet review says problematic digital media use is linked to mental health, sleep and lower activity risks for young people, arguing screen-time limits aren’t enough and calling for big-tech business-model and design regulation. Cyber & Privacy: Toronto VPN provider Psiphon says it may leave Canada if Bill C-22 (lawful access) passes, warning the bill could force changes that weaken safety features for users under censorship. AI Safety & Hacking: Reports say AI agents attempted to hack Canadian government sites and archives, highlighting growing pressure on public-sector cyber defenses. Health Research: Canadian trial coverage points to high-dose vitamin B3 as a potential add-on for glioblastoma treatment, while another story flags MRI underutilization in Sudbury as a sign of privatization impacts. Space & Science: Canada’s astronaut Joshua Kutryk begins a six-month ISS mission, and HX Expeditions wraps its largest-ever Arctic science data collection. Local Tech & Environment: U of Regina researchers map recycling “blind spots” to pinpoint where waste systems lose efficiency. Public Health in Practice: Triple P Canada launches a free online program to help parents manage children’s screens and reduce online harms.

AI & Cybersecurity: Researchers warn that AI agents have tried and sometimes succeeded in hacking Canadian government sites, including attempts using SQL injection and password spraying—raising the stakes for AI governance and digital sovereignty. Health Equity in Canada: A new qualitative study finds Indigenous patients face opioid care failures rooted in fragmented, under-resourced systems shaped by colonial dynamics, not just prescribing habits. Mental Health & Development: Research links mothers’ depression during pregnancy to higher rates of children needing special education, with antidepressant use associated with even greater risk. Agriculture: Manitoba weed specialists say spraying mature waterhemp after it has set seed won’t fix the seed-bank problem—better to plan next season’s control. Tech Consumer News: ASUS Googlebook 14 is now available for purchase in Canada, targeting Gemini Intelligence users with an OLED 14-inch display and Wi‑Fi 7. Space: Canada’s Joshua Kutryk is set for a six-month ISS mission, keeping Canadian space momentum moving. Policy & Reconciliation: A federal judge criticizes Canada’s delays on Manitoba First Nations treaty land obligations, calling the conduct “not acceptable.”

AI Governance: Prime Minister Mark Carney has launched a 13-member National Council on Artificial Intelligence to advise on AI adoption, safety, and Canada’s sovereignty. Health Research: St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton received $2M in gifts to build a Centre for Health Innovation and Research in Psychedelics, aiming to study medical-grade psychedelics for conditions like chronic pain, addiction, and PTSD. Cyber & Privacy: A federal appeals court says U.S. border agents can search travellers’ phones without suspicion, a major privacy shift for Canadians crossing the border. Energy & Industry: Canada designated the Pacific Link oil pipeline as a project of national interest, speeding approvals as it gains political weight amid Alberta’s referendum. Space & Tech Legacy: NASA flight director Milt Windler, who helped save Apollo 13, died at 94. Science Discovery: UBC-led work describes two new Salish Sea sea spider species, filling a near-century gap in local marine biodiversity. Public Health Data: A U.S. Medicaid study finds kids’ access to sleep apnea testing varies wildly by location and neighbourhood makeup. Consumer Tech: Amazon’s new Kindle drops the raised bezel using “dead zone” touch detection to prevent accidental page turns. Canadian Recognition: The Order of Canada grew by 51, including actor Michael J. Fox.

AI & Media Integrity: Google updated rules to crack down on fake bylines and AI-generated headshots, aiming to curb “content mills” that use invented journalists and credentials. AI Safety & Governance: Canadian AI pioneers (including Yoshua Bengio) are among researchers warning governments about automated AI research that could accelerate AI improvement beyond human control. Canadian AI in Education: New reporting highlights a widening gap in higher-ed AI readiness, with many students saying faculty aren’t equipped to guide them on using AI effectively. Payments & Fintech: Pesa became a member of Payments Canada, opening a path to participate in Canada’s national payment systems. Aerospace Safety Tech: Honeywell and Phoenix are testing a ground-vehicle collision-avoidance system using GPS/ADS-B data to warn drivers earlier than air traffic control. Space & Science: Canada’s Joshua Kutryk began a six-month International Space Station mission, shifting focus to the country’s next space steps. Health & Emergency Response: Search efforts continue for a medical jet that vanished after departing Bermuda for Boston with six people aboard, including Canadian crew. Regional Tech Policy: Alberta is considering subsidies to restore and expand regional air service, potentially up to $5M over two years.

AI in Public Services: Spare today unveiled “Spare AI,” an agency-wide platform for transit agencies and cities that connects data, knowledge and workflows so staff can find answers and execute tasks across connected systems. Cybersecurity & AI Risks: Researchers report AI agents attempted to hack Canadian government sites, including Library and Archives Canada, using rudimentary methods like password spraying and SQL injection. Space & Canadian Science: SpaceX Crew-13 reached the ISS with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk for a six-month mission, while Canadian students in Timmins watched the launch live. Health & Research Funding: St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton announced $2M in gifts to its Centre for Health Innovation and Research in Psychedelics (CHIRP) to study medical-grade psychedelics for conditions including chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression. Climate & Policy Debate: The Fraser Institute published a fact-based assessment arguing climate change is real but that some alarmist claims and costly policies mislead Canadians. Energy & Safety: A fire at CNRL’s Hussar gas plant east of Calgary left one person in life-threatening condition. Awards & Recognition: Michael J. Fox was promoted to companion level of the Order of Canada for Parkinson’s advocacy.

Space & Canadian Science: SpaceX Crew-13 docked with the ISS in a record-fast 7h55m, carrying Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk alongside NASA commander Jessica Watkins and two other crew for six months of health and performance research. Energy & Jobs: A new report says electrifying Canada’s economy could add 1.6M jobs and C$3.1T to GDP by 2050 if the grid, labour force, and project financing scale together. AI & Cybersecurity: Researchers report AI agents repeatedly tried to access Library and Archives Canada and then attempted basic hacks to get divorce records—failed, but a warning sign for automated attacks. Health Research: Mount Sinai received a $2M NIH grant to launch an international clinical trial on optimal treatment for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Trade & Innovation: India and Canada are pushing to scale bilateral trade to $70B in five years as CEPA talks continue. Environment & Wildlife: A study in Canada’s Rockies links recreation and roads to lower wolverine density, raising conservation concerns.

Space & Research: SpaceX launched NASA’s Crew-13 to the ISS with Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk on board, after a three-week delay to fix a leaking fuel system; the six-month mission will focus on research, tech demos, and station maintenance. Cybersecurity & Trust: Fortinet rolled out a free national campaign (P.A.U.S.E.) to help Canadians spot AI-driven scams like phishing and deepfakes, as threats and ransomware targeting continue to rise. AI & Finance Infrastructure: BMO and Mastercard expanded embedded commercial payments in Canada and the U.S., letting eligible corporate clients manage virtual card payments directly inside enterprise software. Policy & Regulation: Canada’s CSA is seeking public comment on a proposed information technology system integrity rule for market infrastructure entities, aiming to strengthen the stability of financial markets. Business & Economy: CBRE reports strong office demand is shifting leverage to landlords, with net leasing positive and downtown vacancy falling in major markets. Innovation & Culture: TIFF introduced TIFF: The Market, adding an Innovation Hub and an IP Exchange to connect film, series, gaming, and immersive media rights.