Canada needs a ‘good mix’ of new tech like drones, AI: NATO commander

This article is new today!

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 18:50:51.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Technology, Finance]

As Canada prepares to detail its defence spending plans in the upcoming federal budget to meet NATO's 2% GDP target this year and a 5% GDP target by 2035, senior NATO officials emphasize integrating a mix of advanced technologies like AI targeting and drones. Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, noted during exercises in Latvia involving Canadian Armed Forces personnel from Operation Reassurance that unmanned systems enhance the lethality and survivability of traditional military assets. The Department of National Defence recently launched the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) to supply new drone tech to the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard while bolstering domestic manufacturing. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Budget Office analysis indicates core defence spending would need to scale significantly from $95.7 billion in 2030 to $163.7 billion in 2035–36 to meet long-term alliance commitments.

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.

Canada-European Union summit in Montreal concluding with digital trade on agenda

This article is new today!

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-30 11:44:47.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Culture, Technology, Education]

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at the Canada-European Union summit in Montreal, which concluded with announcements concerning digital trade agreements, scientific research partnerships, and university student exchanges. Culture Minister Marc Miller discussed cross-border regulatory convergence with European counterparts regarding streaming services, online child safety, and co-productions like the television series Vikings and the documentary Villeneuve: The Rise of a Legend. Discussions also explored making Canada an 'associate member' of the European Union, though some member states and domestic critics raised concerns regarding ratification hurdles and terminology.

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.

Experts highlight the 'double-edged nature' of Starlink in the North

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-29 20:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Technology, Infrastructure, Indigenous]

The federal government is pursuing made-in-Canada satellite alternatives to Starlink amid network sovereignty concerns and geopolitical risks highlighted by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Ottawa-based satellite communications company Telesat plans to deploy 225 low Earth orbit satellites to compete with Starlink, utilizing a $1-billion launch contract with SpaceX. Meanwhile, academic studies of Northern communities—where Starlink provides download speeds averaging over 100 megabits per second—warn of a 'double-edged' social impact, including accelerated online harms like cyberbullying, gambling, and scams.

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.

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.

Canada welcomes EU leaders to Montreal for talks on next steps in relationship

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 11:47:19.0
Tags: [National, Quebec, Trade, Economy, Technology, Energy]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders in Montreal for bilateral talks aimed at forging closer strategic and economic ties. While full European Union membership is off the table, officials are negotiating an "alliance for the future" partnership focused on business, technology, clean energy, and critical minerals. The high-level summit has also sparked domestic political tension, with Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pressing the federal government to secure a speaking role at the event.

N.S. premier’s office scolds professor over comments on AI data centre

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-28 18:24:41.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Energy, Technology, Infrastructure, Environment]

The office of Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston filed a formal complaint against Toronto Metropolitan University associate professor Sibo Chen after he publicly raised validity concerns regarding water usage and electricity rate hikes associated with Everwind Fuels' proposed $10-billion artificial intelligence data centre leased to Anthropic. William Burns, a communications adviser in the premier's office, criticized Chen's remarks as irresponsible and lacking local research, while Chen defended his statements as peer-reviewed analysis concerning the general environmental impacts of large-scale data centres. The controversy centers on the massive infrastructure project, which involves a 20-year lease for the U.S. AI company and has faced public scrutiny over its potential strain on provincial power rates and environmental resources.

Privacy commissioner investigating provider behind Crime Stoppers data breach

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-28 14:44:48.0
Tags: [National, Public Safety, Justice, Technology]

Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne has launched an investigation into Navigate360, the U.S.-based commercial provider managing the P3 tip platform used by Crime Stoppers programs across Canada, following a cybersecurity breach. The breach, which occurred between November 21, 2025, and March 5, 2026, compromised 176,859 tips submitted to the software, exposing sensitive personal details including names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses. In response, several Canadian police forces, including Toronto Crime Stoppers—where 12,392 of the affected submissions potentially contained personal information—have temporarily suspended their use of the platform pending security assessments and regulatory compliance checks under federal private-sector privacy law.

MLAs open Alberta legislature's fall sitting amid internal UCP pushback

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-27 21:47:51.0
Tags: [Alberta, Governance, Education, Technology, Transportation]

The Alberta legislature opened its fall sitting on October 27, 2026, with the governing United Conservative Party (UCP) introducing new legislation aimed at removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices and bolstering protections against deepfake intimate imagery. Government house leader Joseph Schow stated that 13 to 14 bills are expected this session, covering policies on bike lanes, e-scooters, AI data centres, auto insurance changes, and an overhaul of school report cards. Meanwhile, the UCP caucus is managing internal pushback and separatist pressures, sitting at 47 of 87 seats following the immediate resignation of MLA Shane Getson, with Premier Danielle Smith's office indicating no byelection will be called prior to the scheduled October 18, 2027 provincial election.

Privacy commissioner to investigate Canadian Crime Stoppers breach

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-27 20:18:31.0
Tags: [National, Public Safety, Justice, Technology]

Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne has opened an investigation into Navigate360, a U.S. third-party vendor hired by Crime Stoppers chapters worldwide, following a data breach that compromised over 1.5 million Canadian tips spanning 25 years. Approximately 850,000 of the leaked tips included personally identifiable information. The probe will examine the security safeguards Navigate360 had in place to determine compliance with Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), while highlighting a legal gap regarding the law's applicability to not-for-profit organizations like the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association.

Nova Scotia committee to discuss $10B AI data centre planned for Cape Breton

Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
Date: 2026-10-27 12:36:41.0
Tags: [Nova Scotia, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Economy, Environment]

Nova Scotia’s standing committee on natural resources and economic development is scheduled to discuss EverWind Fuels' controversial $10-billion artificial intelligence data centre project planned for Cape Breton. Announced on October 16, the project features a 20-year lease signed by U.S. artificial intelligence firm Anthropic for an 18,600-square-metre facility in Point Tupper that will draw 95 megawatts of electricity during its initial phase. Opposition parties and legislative witnesses—including Richmond County officials and provincial energy and environment deputy ministers—will examine potential environmental impacts, local water supply strain, and electricity rate implications. Premier Tim Houston’s government maintains that sufficient checks and balances will govern the project and has asserted that household power rates will not increase.

L'ARTM dévoile son nouveau Pôle de données en mobilité

Source: Quebec - Fil de presse gouvernemental
Date: 2026-10-26 15:00:00.0
Tags: [Quebec, Municipal, Transit, Technology]

The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) has launched the Pôle de données en mobilité, a new regional data hub designed to facilitate the sharing, analysis, and reuse of mobility-related data across the greater metropolitan region. This platform serves as a centralized access point to improve transportation planning and data transparency for regional stakeholders. The initiative aims to streamline information regarding transit networks and mobility patterns within the jurisdiction of the ARTM.

Canada receives first F-35 jets from U.S., as full order remains under review

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 13:54:58.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Trade, Technology]

The Royal Canadian Air Force has accepted delivery of its first two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II fighter jets at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona. Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused the broader planned acquisition of 88 stealth fighter jets amid a federal review prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade and annexation threats. The ongoing defense review is considering potential alternatives, including a mixed fleet incorporating Saab Gripen jets, as questions persist regarding American control over F-35 software and capabilities.

Carney’s Turkish defence tango: A dance of dollars, drones and overcoming distrust

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-25 20:01:24.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Defence, Industry, Technology]

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new strategic trade and defence partnership between Canada and Turkey during a visit to Istanbul and Ankara, aiming to reduce Canadian procurement reliance on the United States. The agreement follows the 2024 lifting of a de facto Canadian arms embargo—which had been imposed after Wescam camera equipment meant for NATO operations in Syria was illicitly diverted to Azerbaijan—and establishes that future military exports will undergo strict case-by-case permit reviews. Turkish officials and private companies, including drone manufacturer Baykar, have also expressed interest in making direct investments in Canada's aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors.

Canada needs concrete results from EU summit this week, former envoy says

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-25 17:58:19.0
Tags: [National, Trade, Economy, Defence, Technology, Governance]

Ahead of the Canada-European Union summit in Montreal, former special envoy to the EU Stéphane Dion emphasized the necessity of achieving concrete results across trade, science, defence, security, and artificial intelligence, rather than issuing a routine status communiqué. Prime Minister Mark Carney and European leaders are negotiating a new alliance that includes potential participation in the European Erasmus+ mobility program and resolving the ratification status of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which currently remains unratified in nine EU member states including France, Italy, and Poland. Additionally, incoming Canadian Ambassador to the European Union Jonathan Wilkinson and bilateral officials are advancing negotiations on a digital trade agreement to govern e-commerce, electronic transmissions, and secure cross-border data flows.

Affordability measures, consumer protection legislation coming: Alberta government

Source: Alberta - Provincial Politics
Date: 2026-10-24 00:52:20.0
Tags: [Alberta, Affordability, Technology, Energy, Governance]

Ahead of the Alberta legislative session, Government House Leader Joseph Schow outlined an upcoming suite of bills focused on lowering auto insurance costs, revising utility bill protections, and updating consumer rules for ticket resales and used vehicles. The provincial government under Premier Danielle Smith also plans to introduce new regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence data centres—addressing grid stability, power bills, and water usage following public backlash over a $13-billion Sturgeon County project involving Meta—alongside merit-based public sector hiring rules, bike lane legislation, and stricter illegal dumping penalties.

Ontario Funding More Than 2,700 Additional Seats at Toronto Metropolitan University to Prepare Students for In-Demand Careers

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Colleges and Universities
Date: 2026-10-23 20:30:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Education, Labour, Economy, Technology, Healthcare]

The Ontario government is investing $73 million to fund 2,776 additional postsecondary seats at Toronto Metropolitan University starting in the fall 2026 academic year. This allocation comprises 2,115 seats for STEM programs, 627 seats for health programs, and 34 seats for education programs. The funding is part of a broader $1.7 billion provincial investment supporting over 70,000 new seats across publicly assisted colleges and universities under a $6.4 billion postsecondary funding model.

Carney says 'direct casualties' are result of Ukraine's restricted access to Musk's Starshield

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-23 19:16:05.0
Tags: [National, Defence, Technology, Governance]

Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly criticized restrictions placed on Ukraine's access to Elon Musk's military-grade satellite network, Starshield, stating that the limitations have resulted in direct civilian casualties and compromised Ukraine's defence capabilities. Speaking from Istanbul, Carney highlighted Canada's vulnerability to foreign-controlled single-provider infrastructure and emphasized the necessity of diversifying sovereign defence and communications partnerships. The restrictions, which U.S. and Ukrainian officials indicate originated from the White House or SpaceX operations, have limited Ukraine's ability to track incoming Russian missiles and jet-powered drones traveling faster than 160 kilometres per hour.