Canada, EU lay out vision for closer ties in ‘dangerous and divided’ world

This article is new today!

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 17:50:16.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, Defence, Education]

Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a strategic alliance agreement in Montreal to establish Canada as the European Union's first associate member amid rising international trade tensions. The agreement establishes collaborative frameworks for digital money transfers, labour and research mobility including potential participation in the Erasmus+ education program, critical raw minerals development, outer space cooperation, and joint security support including the Ukraine Support Loan. The pact also sets out cooperative efforts regarding artificial intelligence, climate change solutions, and cross-border instant payment systems.

New Brunswick’s surplus power sales to U.S. could close Irving Paper, firm warns

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Source: New Brunswick - Regional News
Date: 2026-10-30 15:32:23.0
Tags: [New Brunswick, Energy, Industry, Economy, Governance]

J.D. Irving Ltd. executive Mark Mosher warned that a policy change by New Brunswick's Crown-owned electric utility, NB Power, could force the closure of the Irving Paper mill and increase operational costs by an estimated $10 million annually. The policy shift allows NB Power to sell its excess surplus electricity to out-of-province and U.S. buyers at market rates first, forcing in-province industrial clients to rely on more expensive excess power. Energy Minister Rene Legacy stated that the provincial Liberal government will not intervene or reverse the regulatory decision, leaving the matter to be reviewed through an application submitted by J.D. Irving Ltd. to the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board.

Province-Wide Red Tape Reduction Consultations to Support Actions to Make Government Services Easier, Faster and More Responsive

This article is new today!

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-30 13:55:46.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Economy, Industry, Governance]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched a province-wide red tape reduction consultation initiative, running until November 20, 2026, aimed at moving the province's ranking from an F to an A on the Canadian Federation of Independent Business annual Red Tape Report Card. Led by Minister of Government Services and Minister of Red Tape Reduction Lloyd Parrott, the initiative builds on Budget 2026 measures such as the introduction of Bill 23, the Regulatory Improvement and Efficiency Act, and the establishment of a dedicated Red Tape Reduction Office and a Deputy Ministers' Steering Committee. Practical reforms already implemented include a One Project, One Review environmental assessment framework with the Federal Government, simplified fish processing licence and home repair assistance applications, and an online driver's licence photo renewal service via MyGovNL.

Provincial Investment Advances Aquaculture Innovation in Harbour Breton

This article is new today!

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-30 13:00:21.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Economy, Industry, Technology, Fisheries]

The Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $882,581 to 360 Marine Ltd. to support a 21-month research and development project based in Harbour Breton. The company is developing and validating a compact, vessel-based sea lice treatment system combining fish-pumping and treatment technologies for smaller, multi-use vessels. The project receives additional public and private investment totaling $3.55 million, including $750,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and up to $144,876 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The initiative is expected to create four new full-time positions focused on research and testing activities.

C-31 (45-1) - Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2

This article is new today!

Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-30 12:26:14.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Taxation, Economy, Governance]

Bill C-31 (45th Parliament, 1st Session), titled the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 and sponsored by Minister of Finance and National Revenue, has advanced to the report stage in the House of Commons following committee review by the Standing Committee on Finance, which presented its report with amendments on October 30, 2026. The legislation implements provisions stemming from the federal budget tabled on November 4, 2025, and the 2026 Spring Economic Update titled 'Canada Strong For All'. The Senate has concurrently authorized pre-study of the bill's subject matter across multiple standing committees, including the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and specialized sectoral committees assigned to specific divisions of Part 4 of the bill.

Staring down a $40M tariff bill, this American importer is suing Trump to end some tariffs on Canada

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Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Agriculture, Industry]

The U.S. food distributor Gellert Global Group is suing the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade to overturn a 50 per cent tariff bill estimated at $40 million US on Canadian dairy and food imports. Filed by the Liberty Justice Center, the lawsuit challenges the administration's reliance on Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act (Smoot-Hawley Act), arguing the executive branch lacks the statutory authority to impose sweeping punitive tariffs under the guise of foreign trade discrimination. The disputed trade actions affect approximately $80 million US in annual Canadian cheese imports, including products from Mariposa Dairy in Lindsay, Ontario, while domestic dairy processors face supply shortages and potential permanent loss of commercial shelf space.

Carney points to EU's strong belief in democracy as political winds shift for 2 largest members

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Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, Defence]

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted European Union leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during the 21st Canada-EU summit in Montreal to advance negotiations on making Canada the bloc's first associate member. The bilateral talks aim to forge a strategic "alliance for the future" to counter protectionist U.S. trade pressures under President Donald Trump and address volatile political shifts in key European nations such as France and Germany. A forthcoming joint statement from the two-day summit outlines mutual commitments to reinforce predictable trade environments, collaborate on critical mineral supply chains, counter cyberattacks, maintain support for Ukraine, and initiate negotiations for deeper Canadian participation in the Erasmus student exchange program.

Quebec premier’s boycott of Canada-EU summit turns heads

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 01:43:00.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Governance, Economy]

Quebec Premier Paul St-Prime Plamondon boycotted the Canada-European Union summit held in Montreal, declining an invitation to sit at the head table alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa because he was denied an official opportunity to speak or negotiate on Quebec's behalf. Instead, the premier sent Quebec chief diplomat Pascal Paradis to represent the province while issuing a critical letter to European representatives arguing that the federal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, had marginalized Quebec. Prime Minister Carney pushed back against the exclusion claims, stating that four meetings had been held with Quebec officials to discuss the summit and emphasizing a commitment to cooperative federalism.

Crown Sector 2025-26 Payee Disclosure Report Released

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-29 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Finance, Governance, Economy, Indigenous]

The Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) tabled the Crown sector's 2025-26 Payee Disclosure Report with The Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies, detailing sector payments between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. CIC provided $68 million in dividends to Saskatchewan's General Revenue Fund, while total Crown procurement reached $2.1 billion, including $1.5 billion awarded to Saskatchewan suppliers and $152 million to Indigenous suppliers. Crown corporations employed over 11,000 people with total remuneration of just over $1.3 billion, and contributed over $35 million in grants, donations, and sponsorships to organizations like STARS air ambulance and the sector-wide Indigenous Bursary Program. The report lists ministerial and board expenses, supplier payments over $50,000, employee remuneration exceeding $50,000, and grants greater than $5,000 in accordance with Standing Committee guidelines.

Innovation Saskatchewan Launches ACRE Program to Accelerate Agtech Commercialization

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-29 21:30:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Economy, Technology, Agriculture, Industry]

Innovation Saskatchewan has launched the Agtech Commercialization Readiness (ACRE) program, providing up to $30,000 in funding for on-farm pilot projects that connect local agtech companies with agricultural producers and industry partners. Administered by Innovation Saskatchewan and supported by organizations such as the Saskatchewan Cattle Association, the program builds on the previous Made In Saskatchewan Technology (MIST) model to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of emerging agricultural technologies.

Public Advisory: Help Shape Newfoundland and Labrador’s Rural Revitalization Strategy

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-29 19:10:13.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Economy, Governance, Infrastructure]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced public consultations for its new Rural Revitalization Strategy, inviting residents, municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, businesses, community groups, and local leaders to share priorities. Stakeholders can participate through in-person or virtual consultation sessions beginning November 2, 2026, in Conception Bay South and Wabana, by completing an online questionnaire at EngageNL, or by providing written submissions via mail or email to the Executive Council. The strategy aims to implement a region-by-region approach to foster sustainable economic growth and strengthen rural communities across the province.

Public Advisory: Help Shape Newfoundland and Labrador’s Rural Revitalization Strategy

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-29 19:10:13.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Economy, Infrastructure, Governance]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development, has launched public consultations to shape its upcoming Rural Revitalization Strategy. Residents, municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, businesses, community groups, and local leaders are invited to participate through in-person and virtual consultation sessions beginning November 2, 2026, an online questionnaire via EngageNL, or written submissions sent to the Natural Resources Building in St. John's. The strategy aims to implement a region-by-region approach to foster sustainable economic growth and stronger rural communities throughout the province.

A Plan to Protect Ontario

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Finance
Date: 2026-10-29 18:10:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Economy, Taxation, Finance, Trade, Industry]

Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2026 Ontario Economic and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Protect Ontario, projecting a deficit of $16.9 billion in 2026-27 and a return to a balanced budget in 2029-30. The fiscal plan features an $8 billion Ontario Competitiveness Tax Cut tied to the federal Productivity Mega Deduction, an $8.7 billion Canada-Ontario action plan targeting the steel, automotive, and critical minerals sectors, and nearly $30 billion in cumulative tariff relief and business supports implemented since April 2025. Additionally, the government committed to streamlining 35 to 50 percent of the province's 375 business-facing permits by the end of 2028 and restoring capital expenditures as eligible under the Ontario Research and Development Tax Credit and Ontario Innovation Tax Credit to provide over $50 million in tax support over three years.

Competition Bureau chief urges limits on non-compete clauses for workers

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 17:35:50.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Labour, Economy]

Interim Commissioner of Competition Jeanne Pratt sent a letter on October 29 calling on provincial and territorial governments to limit the use of non-compete clauses to foster more competitive labour markets. Citing an OECD survey showing Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates of non-compete clauses—covering between 29 and 39 percent of private-sector employees, with 30 percent of firms applying them to all employees regardless of role—the Competition Bureau highlighted negative impacts on wage growth, job mobility, and entrepreneurship. The federal government committed in its 2025 budget to restricting non-compete agreements, while Ontario remains the only province to have enacted a statutory ban through its Employment Standards Act in 2021, which prohibits most new employment non-competes except for senior executives and the sale of a business.

Canada to invest up to $1.6B in Toronto-based AI company Cohere

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 17:12:24.0
Tags: [National, Economy, Technology, Industry, Infrastructure]

The federal government of Canada announced an equity investment of up to $1.6 billion in Toronto-based artificial intelligence company Cohere as part of a broader $7 billion funding round led by Germany's Schwarz Group. The funding will support model development, products for regulated industries, and computing infrastructure, with Cohere committing to invest at least $1.7 billion in new computing infrastructure in Canada by 2030. Additional participants in the funding round include Nvidia and BCE subsidiary Bell Canada, ensuring Cohere's incorporation and headquarters remain in Canada.

Ministerial Statement: Minister O’Driscoll Celebrates Renewal of Atlantic Fisheries Fund

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-29 16:25:37.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Fisheries, Economy, Industry, Infrastructure]

Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Loyola O’Driscoll announced the renewal of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, which will invest over $300 million across the Atlantic Region, including approximately $90 million specifically for Newfoundland and Labrador. The funding targets four core pillars: market diversification, innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships. This initiative aims to build upon the sector's record market value of $2.11 billion achieved in 2025, with project applications officially open to interested participants.

Ministerial Statement: Minister Parrott Recognizes Opening of Equinox Gold’s Valentine Gold Mine

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-29 16:15:13.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Mining, Resources, Economy, Industry, Energy]

Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Energy and Mines Lloyd Parrott announced the official opening and commercial production of Equinox Gold's Valentine Gold Mine in Central Newfoundland. Equinox Gold plans to invest $436 million over the next two years for a Phase 2 expansion to double its throughput capacity, raising average annual gold production to approximately 223,000 ounces across its 320-square-kilometre property.

Canada's new national security strategy will shield economy, modernize military

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:59:34.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Economy, Trade, Public Safety, Governance]

The federal government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, has released a new national security strategy designed to protect the Canadian economy and modernize military capabilities amid global instability. The framework outlines a multibillion-dollar expansion plan that allocates more than $163 billion toward the military by the mid-2030s, alongside pending legislation to create a dedicated Crown corporation for defence procurement. While the strategy emphasizes trade diversification and a clear-eyed approach to relations with the United States, a final decision regarding the establishment of a separate foreign intelligence agency akin to the U.S. CIA or Britain's MI6 is currently being deferred by senior officials. Completely redrawn defence and foreign policies are scheduled to be released in the coming months, accompanied by a comprehensive review of national security legislation within a year.

Canada's new national security strategy will shield economy, modernize military

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:59:34.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Economy, Trade, Public Safety, Governance]

The federal government released a sweeping national security strategy committing over $163 billion toward military expansion and defence industrial base rebuilding through the middle of the next decade. The framework emphasizes protecting economic sovereignty across sectors such as critical minerals, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, while managing a clear-eyed relationship with the United States and deferring immediate decisions on establishing a standalone foreign intelligence agency. The strategy also includes plans to review existing national security legislation within a year to modernize intelligence capabilities against emerging geopolitical threats.

EU chief continues to push making Canada an associate member despite objections

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:14:58.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, International]

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union during a summit in Montreal, despite objections and internal resistance from member states like Germany. The formal title "associate member" was dropped from a joint statement negotiated by Prime Minister Mark Carney and European officials, replaced instead with a commitment to an "ever closer association" covering areas such as artificial intelligence, climate, energy, and security. The diplomatic push and broader bilateral trade discussions also drew scrutiny and retaliation threats from United States President Donald Trump.