AGP Executive Report

Canada–U.S. Trade War Escalates: The White House announced a Sept. 29 ban on specific Canadian dairy products, most alcohol and motorcycles, alongside new federal procurement rules that exclude Canadian goods from major U.S. government contracts—adding to the tariff fight that began after talks broke down. Cross-Border Traffic Watch: StatCan says the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge logged 270,000+ crossings in its first full month, including 34,800 truck trips, while overall Windsor-Detroit travel patterns show signs of shifting after earlier trade-war drops. Freight Costs in Focus: Diesel prices in Canada are surging past $6 a gallon, raising costs for trucking and shipping—right when border enforcement and penalties are already stretching delivery times. B.C. Ferry Shipbuilding Debate: A coalition of shipbuilding unions says BC Ferries’ plan to build four vessels in China instead of Canada could cost the B.C. economy $1.5B and bypass $413M in government revenues. Highway Infrastructure Update: Alberta’s Highway 3 Twinning Project is “actively underway,” with the Taber–Burdett segment under construction and expected to finish this fall. Safety & Compliance: Toyota expanded a Canada recall for Highlander seatback recliner issues affecting 52,000+ vehicles, urging owners not to use the second row until repairs.

Canada–U.S. Trade War Hits Freight: Shippers say U.S. border enforcement has ramped up sharply, with more audits and heavier documentation demands, adding time and cost to cross-border cargo. U.S. Import Ban Escalates: The White House announced an import ban on specific Canadian dairy products, most alcohol and motorcycles, plus new federal procurement rules excluding Canadian goods from large U.S. contracts—effective Sept. 29. Auto Supply Chain Pressure: Tariffs and counter-tariffs are creating planning headaches for auto makers and bigger risks for smaller parts suppliers. Border/Prices Politics: Michigan swing voters say the Canada trade fight will raise prices and worsen affordability ahead of midterms. Logistics Capacity Boost: Komatsu opened a new 135,000 sq. ft. parts distribution centre in St. Albert, doubling Canadian warehouse capacity to cut dealer delivery times. Cross-Border Security Mood: As 9/11 commemorations return, coverage highlights how strained Canada–U.S. relations are shaping public sentiment in places like Gander, N.L.

U.S.-Canada Trade War: The White House announced a Sept. 29 ban on Canadian dairy, most alcohol and motorcycles, alongside new federal procurement rules that exclude Canadian products from large U.S. government contracts—another escalation after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs hit about $20B in U.S. goods. Canada-Ukraine Defence & Drones: Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Canada to expand co-production and drone support, including a Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace to speed drone supply for the Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard, plus a 100-year partnership declaration and new air-defence cooperation. Aviation & Security: A CBC report highlights “Jim Wilson” as unofficial airline slang for carrying human remains, while Canada’s army is reorganizing into three purpose-built divisions, including a new 1st Canadian Division for expeditionary combat operations. Road Safety & Infrastructure: B.C. is replacing all 140 red light and speed cameras provincewide under a $67M, 10-year contract, and B.C. also plans intersection camera upgrades to reduce serious crashes. Logistics & Trade Impacts: A Great Lakes shipping update says Duluth’s port is watching tariff-driven demand shifts for iron ore and other commodities moving between Canada and the U.S. Local Transport Notes: Lacombe is reminding residents how to ride e-scooters safely through Oct. 31, and Wood Buffalo delayed the Fort McKay Access Road work to manage traffic during a CNRL shutdown.

Canada–Ukraine Defence Push: Zelenskyy arrived in Canada for a three-day visit with Mark Carney, focusing on air-defence support, economic and energy cooperation, and winter readiness after a drone incident delayed his flight from Moldova to Norway. Aviation Disruption Watch: Norway’s PM said Zelensky’s plane was “almost hit” by a drone; Ukraine and Moldova played down the risk as an alert tied to a Russian drone that led to Moldova airspace closures and flight delays. Labour & Supply-Chain Stability: Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications (FETCO) backed a federal mediator and stronger bargaining tools after recent work stoppages affecting aviation, courier, maritime and rail. Cross-Border Business Travel: Canadian business air bookings to the U.S. rose in August as firms keep operating despite the trade war, while leisure travel fell sharply. Trade War Fallout for Alcohol: Experts say distilleries and spirit makers face the biggest hit from the U.S. ban on Canadian booze, with limited room to reroute product. Rail & Logistics Safety: Ontario’s labour ministry is again criticized for not complying with freedom-of-information orders tied to the Skills Development Fund. Transportation History Reminder: A look at how Canada managed massive air traffic disruptions during 9/11, including decisions made with minutes to spare.

Indigenous Trade & Ports: Nisg̱a’a and Tahltan Nations, with Arrow Transportation, officially opened B.C.’s first majority Indigenous-owned deep-sea Portland Canal Marine Terminal in Stewart, built to move critical minerals like copper concentrate to global markets. Border Operations: U.S. Customs and Border Protection will briefly close all Michigan crossings Friday morning for a Sept. 11 ceremony, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Prairie Industry Support: Saskatchewan firms say federal tariff-response funding helps, but they want a quick return to free trade under CUSMA. Cross-Border Cost Pressure: New data highlights how U.S. tariff costs are landing on households and industries, while Canada’s retaliatory levies raise the stakes for supply chains. Energy & Logistics Risk: Oil surged back above $100 a barrel as U.S.-Iran tensions escalated, feeding inflation fears and higher fuel costs. Freight Market Watch: Truckload volumes fell about 15% after Labor Day, but spot rates stayed elevated and tender rejections didn’t fully ease. Air & Cruise Disruption: Royal Caribbean cancelled an Alaska sailing after guests boarded in Vancouver due to a mechanical issue, leaving families scrambling.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: The U.S. is set to ban a broad range of Canadian alcohol, motorcycles and dairy starting Sept. 29, after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about $20B of U.S. goods took effect—raising new pressure on cross-border supply chains and political fallout for both sides. Energy Markets: Brent crude pushed above $100 a barrel as Middle East tensions intensified, with fears that attacks could disrupt oil flows via the Red Sea and raise shipping risk for global trade. Rail & Manufacturing: Ottawa is moving ahead with major VIA Rail fleet renewal and made-in-Canada passenger rail car production tied to Alstom, as the country leans on domestic supply chains amid tariff uncertainty. Aviation & Security Procurement: Canada’s GlobalEye surveillance aircraft deal is under scrutiny after reporting that Ottawa lacked full confidence the platform met operational needs without modifications. Fintech Compliance: AXON says its Canadian entity is registered with FINTRAC as a Money Services Business, supporting its build-out of financial infrastructure.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicked in Tuesday on about $20B of U.S. goods, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying Ottawa is moving to reduce reliance on the U.S. while bracing for Trump’s next move. Cost Pressure: Economists warn the counter-tariffs could feed through to higher prices for Canadians, even for some domestically made products, as businesses absorb costs or pass them on. Aviation in the Crosshairs: Trump renewed threats to block Bombardier aircraft sales in the U.S. unless the company builds in America, rattling the aerospace supply chain on both sides of the border. Transit Update: Transit Windsor completed an $8.1M East End bus terminal, shifting services from Tecumseh Mall to a city-owned, purpose-built site. Fuel Relief: The federal fuel excise tax relief was extended to Jan. 31, 2027, with a phased rate change after that. Infrastructure Disruption (U.S.): Idaho plans Sept. 9 bridge work on US-95 near Culdesac Canyon, with overnight closures Sept. 14–16.

Canada–U.S. Trade War Escalates: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs kicked in Tuesday on about C$27.6B (US$20B) of U.S. imports, hitting steel/aluminum and dairy (including cheese), plus electronics, furniture and appliances, with rates 15% to 50% as talks remain stalled. Aviation Shockwave: The tariff fight is also spilling into aerospace, with Trump again threatening to block Bombardier sales in the U.S. unless the company builds in America. Supply Chain Risk: A global shipping group says maritime rules are eroding as wars and a shadow fleet expand, warning routes are becoming “instruments of leverage” that can fragment supply chains. Aviation Safety Update: Investigators recovered black box recorders from an Amazon Prime Air cargo crash in Miami that killed five and injured others. Mining & Jobs: Almonty Korea Tungsten says it expanded staffing at the Sangdong tungsten mine to 133 workers as redevelopment nears full operation. Energy Watch: Oil stays near $100 despite Middle East disruptions, with alternative routes and supply offsets limiting the spike.

U.S.-Canada Trade Flashpoint (Aviation): Donald Trump escalated his trade war with Canada by demanding a ban on Bombardier aircraft sales in the U.S. unless the company “build here,” calling its jets “aren’t good enough” and citing alleged revenue dependence on American buyers. Retaliation Countdown (Cross-border Trade): Canada’s counter-tariffs are set to take effect Tuesday on hundreds of U.S. goods, with some duties as high as 50%, aiming to match Washington’s “dollar-for-dollar” approach. Supply Chain Pressure (Customs/Logistics): Customs brokers say the tariff swings are forcing rapid pivots in how shipments are classified and declared at the border, adding friction for everything from food and wood products to pharmaceuticals. Air Quality Watch (Wildfire Smoke): The UN’s WMO warned extreme wildfire smoke events have tripled since the 1990s, with northern Canada among areas seeing above-average PM2.5 in recent years. Defense Trade (Canada Abroad): Canada is sending hundreds of delegates to Poland’s MSPO to promote defense and aerospace partnerships, as officials push for more resilient supply chains.

VIA Rail Fleet Renewal: Ottawa is moving ahead with a landmark C$4.7B investment to renew VIA Rail’s long-distance passenger car fleet, with new cars built in Canada after decades of production abroad—an industrial boost for Thunder Bay and Quebec manufacturing. Trade War Pressure: Trade watchers warn Canada should brace for “pain” as retaliatory tariffs are set to take effect and an American response is expected, with talks still stalled since Aug. 21. Airport Air Monitoring Dispute: Dorval residents are pressing for answers after Montreal-Trudeau’s air quality station (Station 66) was shut down due to airport construction, raising questions about where monitoring will resume and how pollution is measured. School Safety & Traffic: In Mississauga and Montreal West, parents and advocates are pushing to reduce car congestion around schools—calling for “School Streets” pilots and a permanent crossing guard near the train station after multiple student hits. Aviation Safety Watch: A deadly Amazon Prime Air cargo crash at Miami International—runway overrun, vehicles struck, and at least five deaths—has triggered FAA and NTSB investigations, a reminder for carriers and ground ops. Arctic & Shipping Stakes: EU leaders are updating Arctic policy as melting ice opens new sea routes, while security and raw-material competition intensify.

Made-in-Canada Rail Push: Ottawa is set to spend C$4.7B on 313 VIA Rail passenger cars built in Canada, with Alstom work in Thunder Bay and Quebec—a major boost for domestic rail manufacturing as U.S.-Canada trade tensions simmer. Cross-Border Trade Shock: Canada’s countertariffs are scheduled to hit Sept. 8 on about C$28B of U.S. goods, with charts highlighting the heaviest impacts on key U.S. swing states and industries that rely on cross-border freight. Aviation Safety Watch: RCMP say two people died in a crash near Mount McDougall in Kananaskis Country, while elsewhere a Amazon-contracted cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International, triggering major airport shutdowns. Public Safety—Lithium Fires: Toronto reported two separate e-bike battery fires hours apart, reminding residents to use certified chargers and safe storage for lithium-ion devices. Arctic/Logistics Context: The week also included broader signals of shifting routes and disruptions tied to global shipping and airspace risk, underscoring how quickly logistics plans can change.

Rail Access Fight: Saint-Lambert, Que. residents are pushing back against Via Rail plans that could add a stop near Montreal Metropolitan Airport (MET), fearing it could eventually sideline their downtown station. Aviation Disruption: British Airways says a technical error caused an emergency slide to deploy while a Boeing 787 was being serviced in Montreal, delaying flights by about 2.5 hours with no injuries reported. Arctic & Marine Tourism: Churchill, Man. is spotlighting beluga-whale kayaking and paddleboarding as a second wildlife draw beyond polar bears. Autonomous Trucking Push: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 backs large-scale driverless freight trials, aiming to equip a share of its truck fleet with autonomous-driving tech. Energy & Shipping Tensions: The U.S. says it destroyed three Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on naval vessels, while Iran’s IRGC claims further strikes tied to Hormuz-area actions. Mining Finance Reality Check: Canada’s minerals sector shows capital spending is recovering but still tighter, with lenders demanding stronger construction, permitting, and cost assumptions. Infrastructure Cost Warning: A new opinion argues Canada pays far more than peers to build major projects, pricing private capital out. Trade Backlash Poll: A Nanos survey finds most Canadians support dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs against the U.S. Copper Exploration Context: New drill results across Alaska, Arizona, Peru and Canada are drawing attention, but analysts stress intercepts don’t automatically mean new mines or near-term supply gains.

VIA Rail Fleet Renewal: Ottawa is moving ahead with a landmark $4.7B plan to build 313 new VIA Rail passenger cars in Canada, with Alstom manufacturing in Thunder Bay and Quebec—aimed at bringing long-distance rail car production back home. Highway Safety Push: Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis is pressing for urgent fixes on the dangerous Highway 1 stretch between Field and Sicamous, after a meeting was set for Sept. 23. Air Cargo Route Oddity: North Star Air is bringing an ATR 72-500F freighter-converted aircraft into its northern Canada network after a long multi-stop ferry flight from the Philippines to Thunder Bay. Labour Day Travel Pressure: AAA expects heavier traffic and higher holiday costs, with the busiest driving periods Thursday through Monday. Quebec Courts on AI: Quebec’s courts issued guidance limiting generative AI in judging—supporting tasks are allowed, but judges must keep reasoning and deliberation fully human. Arctic/Defence Tech Training: Niagara College partnered with CERRA to build a Canada-wide platform for defence and public-safety robotics and drone skills.

Canada–U.S. Tariffs: Canada’s retaliatory duties on 700+ U.S. products worth about C$27.6B in annual imports are set to start Tuesday, with vehicle-related goods hit hard (15%–50%, including 25% on trailers and semi-trailers) as both sides signal little appetite for talks. Port Expansion Under Scrutiny: Vancouver’s Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion could be fast-tracked as a “project of national interest,” triggering a 30-day consultation—while environmental groups warn expedited reviews may bypass protections for at-risk species. Labour Day Disruptions (Hamilton): Hamilton municipal and transit services posted holiday closures and modified schedules, including closures for HSR customer services (phone line still open) and multiple city facilities and programs. Great Lakes Conservation: New research suggests lake sturgeon may live up to 400 years, reshaping recovery timelines for a species still listed as at risk in Ontario and the Great Lakes. Cross-Border Naming Fight: Upstate New York border towns are bracing for fallout from the Lake Ontario “Lake America” rename amid broader Canada–U.S. tariff tensions. Energy Shock: Russia’s refining outages and diesel export cuts—plus Middle East disruptions—are pushing U.S. diesel and gasoline prices to record highs heading into the Labor Day weekend.

Rail Manufacturing Push: Ottawa’s $4.7B VIA Rail deal with Alstom will bring long-distance passenger car production back to Canada, with work split between Thunder Bay and Quebec/Kingston—an economic win for the region and a major step in fleet renewal. Highway Safety & Funding: In Thunder Bay, NOMA says highway safety needs urgent federal-provincial action after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit, as families continue to push for Trans-Canada Highway upgrades. Maritime/Shipping Finance: Star Bulk Carriers moves toward a parallel listing on Euronext Athens and launches an equity offering in Greece, signaling continued capital-market activity for dry-bulk shipping. Cross-Border Disruption: Rainbow Bridge on the U.S. side is closed after a vehicle crashed into a duty-free shop, with a staff member injured and investigators checking whether a medical issue played a role. Public Safety & Enforcement: Brockville police report a traffic stop that led to handgun, meth and fentanyl seizures and multiple charges. Labour Market (Local): Brantford-Brant employment rose for a seventh straight month in August, with hiring concentrated in transportation/warehousing and manufacturing. Animal Transport Watch: Shedd Aquarium says two more belugas have died, bringing recent losses to three, while teams monitor the remaining whales.

VIA Rail Modernization: Alstom has signed a C$4.7B deal with VIA Rail to design, build and support 313 new long-distance passenger cars, with work split across Quebec (design/engineering and carbody) and Thunder Bay, plus 15 years of technical support—aimed at replacing VIA’s aging fleet and expanding service across major Canadian routes. Cross-Border Rail Disruption: GO Transit commuters in Niagara say Metrolinx’s temporary GO service cuts and bus replacements are worsening delays, with riders reporting near-hour late trains and longer commutes while construction work continues. Trade Talks Watch: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa is ready to negotiate a durable, mutually beneficial Canada–U.S. trade deal, while continuing to build its economy and diversify ties beyond Washington. Supply Chain & Manufacturing: Canada’s push to keep more rail production at home is framed as a jobs-and-industries move amid U.S. tariff pressure. Security & Mobility: A Canadian intern accused of espionage in Belgium is tied to a multi-department damage assessment, underscoring how mobility and international postings can intersect with logistics and information access.