GOVERNMENT_POLICY · SECTION
Important federal, provincial, and municipal policies, regulations, budgets, and public-service changes.
The Competition Bureau of Canada has finalized a legally binding consent agreement with Empire Co. Ltd., the parent company of Sobeys and other grocery banners, to address anti-competitive property controls in the Canadian grocery industry.
The Liberal government has introduced Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, which amends the Canada Labour Code to streamline project approvals and introduce new measures for resolving labour disputes. While the government argues the bill provides necessary guardrails and transparency, union leaders criticize it as an attack on workers' rights that formalizes government intervention in strikes.
The Canadian federal government has proposed a collective 15% ownership stake in the Trans Mountain pipeline to Indigenous groups, facilitated by low-cost loans. While officials frame this as economic reconciliation, some industry leaders criticize the offer's size and compensation terms.
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne introduced Bill C-38 to extend the federal fuel excise tax suspension until January 31, 2027. The move aims to provide $2.9 billion in additional relief as global instability and Middle East conflicts keep fuel prices elevated.
The Government of Canada has introduced Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, aiming to accelerate project approvals through a one-year timeline and modernize federal labour relations. While the government argues the bill boosts competitiveness and worker protections, environmental groups and unions have raised concerns about weakened oversight and expanded government powers over strikes.
Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu announced that free trade negotiations with the Philippines and the ASEAN block are over 90% complete, targeting finalization before Prime Minister Mark Carney's November visit to Manila. The agreements aim to diversify economic ties and strengthen supply chains, with a focus on LNG exports and investments in Philippine infrastructure.
The Nova Scotia government will spend $1 million annually starting in 2027-28 to cover RCMP critical incident response services for eight municipal police departments, alleviating financial concerns for smaller communities.
Newly disclosed agreements between the Trump administration and major pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Eli Lilly indicate plans to share increased revenue from drug sales in eight specified countries, including Canada, with the U.S. government.
On September 21, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act. The legislation aims to complete federal infrastructure reviews within one year, designate strategic trade corridors, and enhance worker protections by adding health and safety officers and clearing labour board backlogs.
The Canadian House of Commons reconvened on September 21, 2026, as the Liberal government introduced Bill C-39. The legislation aims to accelerate project reviews and modify labour laws, drawing sharp criticism from unions and opposition parties while the government cites economic necessity due to escalating trade tensions with the United States.
The Government of Canada has approved the expansion of FortisBC's Tilbury LNG facility in Delta, B.C., marking the third substituted impact assessment completed under a federal-provincial cooperation agreement.
Hundreds of Iranian former conscripts living in Canada have received procedural fairness letters warning they may be inadmissible due to mandatory service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the UK and Australia have issued guidance distinguishing involuntary conscripts from active members, Canada’s approach has triggered legal challenges and personal hardships for those who self-disclosed their past military service.
The Liberal government plans to amend the Canada Labour Code, specifically Section 107, to facilitate collective agreements rather than prevent strikes. This move follows recent interventions in Air Canada disputes and comes alongside the 'Building Canada Strong Act' aimed at expediting federal project approvals.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to transform a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington D.C. into a military facility, citing national security requests. The project faces lawsuits over congressional approval requirements and concerns regarding historic sightlines and aviation safety.
The Government of Canada has announced a new five-year investment to support Black-led organizations, building on previous initiatives that funded over 3,000 projects.
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians is examining Canada's foreign intelligence gathering capabilities as the Carney government prepares a new national security strategy. The review highlights ongoing debates about establishing a dedicated overseas spy agency, a proposal that has historically faced resistance due to cost and bureaucratic concerns.
Internal EPA documents show the agency allowed pesticide manufacturer Bayer to choose specific regulatory mitigation options for dicamba, a decision that has sparked criticism from environmental groups and legal challenges.
The Nova Scotia government has terminated a $25 million partnership with Saint Mary's University aimed at transforming health care through data analytics. Officials cited unsatisfactory progress and fiscal constraints, leading to the non-renewal of approximately $11 million in unused funds.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll announced pre-election commitments to strengthen laws against domestic and family violence, including new criminal offences for manslaughter and abandoning victims, alongside increased penalties for sexual offences and partner murder.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills extending mail-in voting hours, criminalizing ballot seizures, and penalizing undisclosed political content on social media.
The newly revised 'Housing Provident Fund Management Regulations' officially took effect on September 20, 2026. The update expands eligible withdrawal scenarios from six to nine, allows flexible employment personnel to contribute voluntarily, and strengthens risk controls against fraud.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham for prioritizing welfare over defence, urging budget cuts to fund the military amid Russian threats. The debate follows Burnham's statement that national security should not compromise social security, while former military officials express concern over Britain's preparedness.
The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have finalized a security deal granting Washington permanent control over island security. While NATO and allies welcome the pact as stabilizing, key details remain undisclosed, and parliamentary ratification is still required.
The Highwood UCP riding association has formally requested a leadership review of Premier Danielle Smith, citing her support for the 'stay' option in the upcoming referendum. While this single request cannot trigger a vote without 21 additional associations, it highlights internal party tensions ahead of the October 19 ballot.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to create an "AI Force" and appoint an artificial intelligence czar, dismissing concerns about AI dangers as a "hoax" while emphasizing the need for US leadership over China in the sector.
US President Donald Trump has banned journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, citing 'fake news.' Reporters were denied entry on Saturday, drawing sharp condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates who argue the move violates First Amendment rights.
Gen. Carsten Breuer of Germany has been elected as the next chair of the NATO Military Committee, defeating Canadian candidate Gen. Jennie Carignan in a secret ballot held on Saturday. The election marks a significant moment for the alliance, as Carignan would have been the first woman to lead the committee in its 77-year history.
Premier Tim Houston returned from the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, where a document outlined plans to replace the A. Murray MacKay Bridge at an estimated cost exceeding $3 billion. Opposition MLA Becky Druhan questioned how private investors would receive returns without tolls, suggesting taxpayers might bear the cost. Minister Fred Tilley stated investors could earn returns through various means, while Houston mentioned naming rights or commercial developments as potential funding sources.
European governments are grappling with record-high fuel and gas prices driven by Middle East tensions, leading to varied national responses and political pressure ahead of elections in eight member states.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is seeking a formal city council endorsement for Alberta remaining in Canada ahead of the October 19 referendum, citing a University of Calgary report estimating separation costs at up to $170 billion. While some councillors support the move to reassure investors, others argue that taking an official stance on provincial matters exceeds municipal jurisdiction or diverts focus from urgent budget deliberations.
