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

This article is new today!

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.

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.

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

This article is new today!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, Technology, Economy, Governance]

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen continued to champion making Canada an associate member of the European Union during a two-day summit in Montreal, despite objections from several member states within the 27-member bloc over the specific terminology. Prime Minister Mark Carney and EU officials advanced negotiations on a deeper strategic association focusing on policy alignment in artificial intelligence, climate, energy, and security, alongside the Prime Minister's announcement of a $1.6 billion federal investment in the Toronto-based generative AI company Cohere. The framework also encompasses efforts to deepen trade environments, Arctic collaboration, and negotiations for Canadian participation in the Erasmus student exchange program.

Budget 2026 title and theme focus on Canada’s sovereignty, minister reveals

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 15:00:05.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Economy, Trade, Seniors, Governance]

National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced that the federal government will table Budget 2026 on November 5, 2026, under the title and theme "MASTERS OF OUR DESTINY: BUDGET 2026" (inspired by Jean Lesage's 1962 Quebec slogan "Maîtres chez nous"). Prime Minister Mark Carney's government designed the upcoming budget to address a period of profound change and uncertainty involving redefined trade relationships, U.S. tariffs, trade tensions, and geopolitical conflicts threatening Canadian sovereignty and economic resilience.

A New Approach to Leasing Agricultural Crown Land

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-28 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Agriculture, Economy, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is transitioning to a new ongoing allocation model for agricultural Crown land leases, replacing the previous single annual offering system. Starting November 9, 2026, eligible agricultural Crown land leases, including expired leases, will be offered on an ongoing basis online through McDougall Auctioneers Ltd. as they become available. The policy aims to create a more responsive, transparent, and accessible lease allocation process that aligns with producer needs while maintaining public transparency and equal treatment for agricultural producers. Interested bidders must meet specific eligibility requirements published on saskatchewan.ca, with lease opportunities posted online at saskatchewan.ca/crownlands and mcdougallauction.com.

Six packs and 6/49: New bill will allow some Alberta liquor stores to sell lottery tickets

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-28 21:06:11.0
Tags: [Alberta, Economy, Governance]

Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally has tabled a new amendment act introducing a pilot project that permits 30 yet-to-be-determined liquor stores across Alberta to sell lottery tickets such as Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max. The comprehensive omnibus legislation also mandates transparent fee disclosures for ticket resellers like StubHub and Ticketmaster, establishes a automotive "lemon law" providing compensation for new vehicles requiring repeated repairs within the first three years or 60,000 kilometres, and grants farmers the right to perform simple repairs on their own machinery without risking warranty coverage.

Quebec premier wants Carney to 'do the right thing,' let him speak at Canada-EU summit

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 17:20:17.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Governance, Economy]

A diplomatic and jurisdictional standoff has emerged between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon ahead of the 21st Canada-EU summit in Montreal. Premier St-Pierre Plamondon is refusing to attend or speak unless granted formal speaking time to address international delegates regarding Quebec's negative trade balance with the European Union, invoking the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine. Prime Minister Carney rejected the speech request—citing federal jurisdiction over geopolitics while offering the premier an invitation to dine and welcome European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—leaving Quebec's official participation in the international trade negotiations in limbo.

EU dropping associate membership title for its closer alliance with Canada: sources

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 16:28:47.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Governance, Economy]

The European Union is dropping the title of "associate member" for Canada in an upcoming joint Canada-EU statement at the 21st Canada-EU summit in Montreal, replacing it with language promising an "ever closer association" following pushback from member states such as Germany. Prime Minister Mark Carney minimized the nomenclature change, emphasizing that the substance of the relationship and Canada's sovereignty remain the priority. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had initially announced the pursuit of associate membership status during Prime Minister Mark Carney's address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

2026 Speech From the Throne will Keep Saskatchewan Strong and Steady

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-28 02:09:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Economy, Healthcare, Justice, Infrastructure, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan delivered its 2026 Speech from the Throne, outlining a legislative agenda centered on maintaining economic stability amid global market uncertainties and highlighting over $100 billion in major projects currently underway. Premier Scott Moe's administration announced plans to introduce several new pieces of legislation, including the Safer Homes for Seniors Act, the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Additional Safeguards Act prohibiting MAID for minors and sole mental illness conditions, and the Protection of Economic Infrastructure Act to prevent disruptions to critical supply chains. Additional proposed laws include the Opioids Damages Act to recover health care costs from manufacturers, the Prevention of Deceptive AI Act, and amendments to The Traffic Safety Act and The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act. Furthermore, the government committed to raising the provincial income tax-free threshold for a family of four above the current $65,000 level in the upcoming spring budget.

Canada's new relationship with EU will be 'closer to membership' than ever, senior officials say

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-27 16:46:42.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Governance, Defence]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing a historic associate membership with the European Union, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen formally announced to establish Canada as the bloc's first associate member. The proposed strategic alliance aims to deepen co-operation in trade, security, and technology amid escalating U.S. tariffs and trade tensions under U.S. President Donald Trump. Formal discussions and negotiations are set to launch at a two-day bilateral summit in Montreal involving Prime Minister Mark Carney and EU officials, with an official framework expected to develop ahead of the subsequent 2027 summit.