AGP Executive Report

Food Security Strategy: Federal officials are rolling out Canada’s National Food Security Strategy, with $1B for food infrastructure and a push to boost grocery competition, plus new funding for domestic production and processing. Food Safety Recalls: Health Canada issued a recall for a BC Cancer radiopharmaceutical after a cracked vial was found, while U.S. regulators flagged salmonella-linked onion and peach recalls that also hit Canadian shoppers via distribution links. Retail & Staffing: A Mercer Canada interview argues grocers can cut turnover by differentiating with benefits like employee discounts on everyday essentials. Trade & Prices Watch: The U.S. decision not to renew USMCA “in current form” sets up annual reviews and raises uncertainty for North American supply chains and consumer prices. Heat & Consumer Impact: Extreme heat is stressing power systems and public health across North America, with guidance focused on staying hydrated and planning cooling. Tech for Consumers: Robinhood’s expansion adds AI trading tools and new 24/7 stock tokens, signaling more retail-facing fintech competition in Canada.

USMCA Shock for Consumers: The U.S. won’t extend USMCA in its current form, triggering a new cycle of rolling annual reviews and raising uncertainty for North American supply chains and prices. Food-Budget Hacks: “Surprise bags” apps like Too Good to Go are pushing steep grocery discounts by selling mystery surplus food, often at 30%+ off. Grocery Tax Relief in Manitoba: Manitoba’s PST cut on store-bought food kicks in July 1, expected to save the average family about $100 a year, while restaurants still pay PST. Product Safety Recall: Daikin/Amana recalled 13,514 window-room A/C and through-the-wall units (53 sold in Canada) over a fire/burn hazard tied to an energized heating element. Energy Efficiency Push: Dozens of countries backed energy efficiency as a cornerstone policy at an IEA conference in Montreal, aiming to lower costs and improve resilience. AI Financial Worries: Economists and central bankers warn the AI boom could amplify leverage and financial instability, with cyber risks rising alongside. Crypto Meets Sports Retail: Kraken’s FIFA World Cup sponsorship is driving fan-token and prediction-market activity, blending sports shopping and digital finance.

Convenience Retail Promo: Circle K is rolling out a summer “Scratch & Win” daily instant-win game in its mobile app (starting July 1 through Sept. 1), with Inner Circle perks including weekly $250 gift cards, $10,000 weekly cash prizes, and $25,000 grand prizes, plus community tie-ins like roundups for disaster relief with the American Red Cross. Consumer Budget Support: Canada’s new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) replaces the HST/GST credit, with the first quarterly payment set for July 3 and amounts up to $679 for singles, $890 for couples, and $234 per eligible child (25% higher than the former credit through 2031). Transit Costs: TransLink’s July 1 fare increase lifts adult three-zone cash bus fares to $6.70, while Metro Vancouver still keeps the lowest bus fares among major Canadian agencies—though longer-distance commuters face some of the highest monthly pass costs. Food & Safety: Health Canada is urging people to stop using certain kitchen products tied to recalls, while other consumer recalls this week include shellfish and food items flagged for Salmonella or undeclared ingredients. Trade Watch: USMCA renewal talks begin July 1, with businesses bracing for months of uncertainty that could ripple through North American consumer pricing and supply chains.

Food Prices & Competition: The Competition Bureau has launched a broad review of Canada’s food supply chain, from farm inputs to grocery shelves, to see whether weak competition is helping keep prices high—though the story notes foodservice is a big missing piece and expectations should be tempered. Grocery Affordability Reality Check: A separate opinion argues your grocery bill won’t fall soon, even if competition improves, because affordability is driven by more than market concentration. Food Safety Recalls: Health Canada/CFIA recall coverage flags multiple consumer risks, including oysters recalled for Salmonella and other product recalls tied to contamination or safety issues. Trade & Tariffs Watch: As USMCA/CUSMA renewal talks loom, reporting says Canada expects a “constructive exchange” and isn’t expecting drama—while broader tariff commentary suggests impacts can be smaller than feared. Canada–Taiwan Continuity: Canada’s representative says the long-standing framework for ties with Taipei “has not changed,” with economic and safety priorities driving engagement. Tech & Consumer Products: Casio’s new G-Shock collab adds heart-rate and training features, while UL Solutions warns about unauthorized UL marks on certain water-based fire extinguishers sold online. Health & Pharma: Canada’s first generic semaglutide for weight loss gets Health Canada approval, and a Lancet review reiterates mRNA vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Health Canada Approval: The regulator has approved the first generic semaglutide injection for weight loss (Svemia by Apotex), for once-weekly use in people 12+ for chronic weight management alongside diet and activity. Food & Safety Recalls: Thermos Stainless King Food Jars (SK3000/SK3020) and Thermos Sportsman bottles (SK3010) are recalled due to a stopper that can eject and cause impact/laceration injuries; consumers are told to stop using and check the Thermos site. Telecom Consumer Protection: The CRTC is launching a review into whether Bell, Telus and Rogers violated new junk-fee rules that took effect June 12, with potential penalties up to $10M for companies. Grocery Sector Governance: The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct appointed Cathy Loblaw as independent chair effective July 1. Trade & Retail Impact: As USMCA/CUSMA renewal talks loom, economists and officials warn uncertainty could affect investment and consumer spending. Travel Payments: Paysafe research says many travellers abandon purchases due to payment issues, while experience-led spending is rising for summer trips. Market Access for Farmers: Canola Council/Cereals Canada/Pulse Canada updated “Keep it Clean” guidance for 2026 to help growers meet export pesticide standards. Product Innovation & Taste: Innova notes “texture” is becoming a major driver of food and beverage innovation, with examples like bubble-textured yogurt launches. Retail Hours (Canada Day): Local advisories list closures or reduced hours for stores and services in communities like Steinbach and Midland.

Consumer Safety & Recalls: Health Canada is urging people to “immediately stop using” certain kitchen products, and there’s also a recall for Amana through-the-wall air conditioners/heat pumps over fire risk—another reminder to check labels before summer use. Energy Affordability: B.C. is expanding no-cost home energy-efficiency retrofits for lower-income households via BC Hydro/FortisBC, including heat pumps and air sealing, backed by a $222M joint investment. Food & Retail Oversight: CFIA says it prevented more than 150,000 kg of misrepresented food from being sold in Canada, while separate coverage flags confusion around Health Canada food warnings. Identity & Fraud Risks: An AP/“FRONTLINE” investigation links U.S. tech (including AI) to large-scale cyber-scams, and a separate explainer warns about a shampoo contaminant (1,4-dioxane) that can end up in water. Market/Business Moves: Quebecor is integrating Vividata audience intelligence into its out-of-home ad network, and Cboe Canada welcomed GuideAI Health Corp. to trading. Canada–China Consumer Tech: Lotus EV sales are set to begin in Canada next month under a new tariff arrangement, with more Chinese automakers eyeing local networks. Humanitarian Health: Orthocell is sending a second Remplir shipment to Ukraine, funded by Australian donors and matched by the company.

RTD Expansion: me&brands is investing in Los Sundays Tequila, aiming to expand the brand into Canada and launch a tequila soda RTD in 2026—an echo of how Nütrl Vodka Soda helped reshape Canada’s RTD scene. Grocery Footprint: Loblaws City Market opened its fifth Vancouver location (South Granville), adding fresh grab-and-go, full-service meat/seafood/deli, PC Optimum value programs, and PC Express/self-checkout. Venture Funding Squeeze: RBCx says Canada’s early-stage VC market is tightening fast, with 40% fewer founders raising capital in Q1 2026 and total early-stage funding down 40% year-over-year. Sovereign AI Infrastructure Deal: HIVE’s BUZZ HPC closed a ~$310M three-year GPU cloud contract with Bell AI Fabric for Cohere, building a Canadian sovereign AI stack. Consumer Finance Regulation (US): Illinois passed BNPL protections, capping rates and requiring underwriting based on ability to repay—an issue Canadians watch as BNPL spreads to essentials. Local Retail/Community: Thunder Bay’s VegFest drew 2,500+ attendees, highlighting growing demand for vegan/vegetarian options and wellness-focused food events. Tech Product Launch: LG unveiled the StanbyME 2 Max portable screen with a 32-inch 4K upgrade and Dolby Vision/Atmos support.

Health Canada Approves New Vaccine: Bavarian Nordic’s VIMKUNYA (single-dose, VLP) for chikungunya is now approved for ages 12+—a boost for Canadian travelers heading to mosquito-borne risk areas. Consumer Finance Watch: RBC lifted its 12-month S&P 500 target to 8,150, signaling a more bullish outlook for U.S. equities as investors stay confident. Tech & Regulation: The UN adopted a global autonomous-driving safety rule (ADS GTR) with China co-leading, aiming to reduce patchwork rules that have slowed robotaxi and smart-driving rollouts. Retail/Entertainment: Nintendo says Switch 2 pricing rises in South Korea (and applies globally) from Sept. 1, with Canada priced at 679.99 CAD. Food Innovation in Canada: Protein Industries Canada backs an AI-driven fermentation platform with Crush Dynamics and Atomic47 Labs to improve sustainability and consistency in food manufacturing. Disaster Response: Canada is among the countries sending rescue teams to Venezuela after twin earthquakes, as deaths surpass 1,400.

World Cup retail & betting promos: As the Round of 32 kicks off with South Africa vs. Canada, multiple U.S.-targeted sportsbook and prediction-market welcome offers are pushing big sign-up bonuses (BetMGM up to $1,500 first bet; FanDuel $350 in bonus bets plus $25 in Predicts; bet365 $150; DraftKings $200; plus Kalshi/Polymarket/Underdog-style prediction bonuses), reflecting how major tournaments are driving consumer spend and app sign-ups. Circular economy in Ontario: WM Canada and Circular Materials opened a $150M Cambridge recycling facility, processing up to 160,000 tonnes annually with AI-assisted sorting—another step toward scaling local recycling capacity. Consumer safety alarm: A viral “squishy dumplings” toy trend is drawing complaints about strong chemical/gas-like odors and reports of fumes and burns, raising questions about sourcing and safety oversight. EV trade update: Canada is preparing Lotus EV shipments from Geely in July under a Carney–Xi tariff deal, with an annual import cap of 49,000 units. Energy & land use debate: A new push for “agrivoltaics” argues solar power can share farmland with food production—positioning it as a way to meet rising AI-driven electricity demand without taking over all agricultural land.

AI Data Centres Backlash (Vancouver): Hundreds marched in Vancouver to oppose two planned AI data centres tied to Telus and the federal government, arguing the projects will drive heavy power and water use. Trade & EVs (Canada-China): China’s Geely says Lotus EVs will arrive in Canada next month under the Carney-Xi deal, with other Chinese brands reportedly completing steps to ship. Housing Policy (B.C. rent-to-own condos): B.C. and Ottawa defended a plan to buy up to 2,200 unsold condo units and convert them to rent-to-own housing, after critics called it a developer bailout. Consumer Safety (Health Canada recall): Health Canada issued a recall for Amana air conditioners and heat pumps due to fire risk. Retail/Shopping (Prime Day): Best Buy Canada is running a summer “Black Friday” style sale as shoppers look past Prime Day. Food & Retail (spikes): Saskatchewan is seeing grocery produce and dairy price spikes, adding to ongoing cost pressure. Sports & Consumer Culture (NHL draft): Calgary’s Ben MacBeath was drafted 64th overall by the New York Rangers, highlighting continued Canadian talent pipelines.

Canadian Retail & Food: A new gluten-, dairy- and nut-free bakery, Fates Cauldron Bakery, opened in downtown Red Deer, aiming to make “safe” treats easier for local allergy sufferers. Local Heritage Beverage: Temagami Dry is getting a community homecoming event at the Temagami Train Station, with the town earning a royalty on every can sold after the trademark was reacquired and moved to a regional beverage corporation. Consumer Tech Watches: Casio’s W738H series (with a vibration alarm and 10-year battery) has finally landed in the US at $54.95 across three styles. Auto Trade & EVs: China’s Geely says Lotus EVs will ship to Canada next month under the Carney-Xi deal, with other Chinese brands also working through steps to enter the market. Crypto & Sports Sponsorship: Kraken is named FIFA World Cup 2026’s first Official Crypto Exchange Supporter, tying digital assets to the tournament’s biggest stage. Travel Industry Shift: A new report argues hotels are feeling the cost of “AI shopping” as AI agents drive far more searching than humans—changing who pays for online lookers. NHL Draft (Canadian angle): The Leafs traded defenceman Brandon Carlo to the Blues for two third-round picks, while the Penguins kept the Ruck twins together.

Food Safety & Recalls: CFIA issued a recall for Authentic Pounded Yam (Iyan) IYANINSTANT due to undeclared milk, affecting national and online distribution. Retail & Consumer Goods: T&T Supermarket is expanding into California with a new 72,600 sq. ft. store in Newark (opening winter 2027), adding a shop-and-dine format plus private label, prepared foods and bakery. Groceries & Farming: Cereals Canada highlighted 2025 export and market-development work, noting Canada produced 36.6M tonnes of wheat in 2025 and expanded quality assessment programs. Business & Food Industry Labour: Rogers Sugar extended the collective agreement for unionized workers at its Taber sugar beet refinery to March 2032, supporting long-term supply commitments. Consumer Finance: FCAC announced a $4.25M administrative penalty against RBC for violating a consumer provision in the Bank Act. Parenting Products: North Vancouver dad Garret Senez says his Quark Baby brand has sold 250,000 products, built around safer, easier feeding gear like a portable milk warmer. Trade Watch: Conservative MPs held a Brandon-Souris roundtable to gather business input ahead of CUSMA talks. Tech/Shopping: Rockstar confirmed GTA 6’s physical edition won’t include a disc—just a one-time download code.

BNPL Watch: Sezzle’s CEO says buy-now-pay-later is taking share from traditional banks because it’s built for digital-first younger shoppers, as the company’s stock surges. Sustainability Push: Cascades released its 2026–2030 sustainability plan with 10 measurable targets, doubling down on supplier vetting and aligning ESG with business priorities. Recycling Policy: California updated its SB 343 findings, saying food and beverage cartons are sorted for recycling by facilities serving 62% of counties—supporting recyclable labeling. Air Travel Upgrade: Air Canada opened a new premium Air Canada Café at Québec City airport, adding more power/charging-friendly space for travellers heading to the Caribbean. Retail & Consumer Deals: Best Buy Canada’s “Black Friday in Summer” sale runs until July 2 with discounts on tech and appliances. Food & Brand Buzz: Miss Vickie’s limited-edition chip kits return with reservation-only availability. Housing Supply: Fengate and LiUNA opened 500 Upper Wellington, a 260-unit purpose-built rental community in Hamilton. Mail Disruption: Canada Post temporarily closed downtown Kingston’s main facility for maintenance, pausing delivery and pickups for affected postal codes.

EV Battery Recycling: Moment Energy opened Megafactory 1, billed as the world’s largest EV battery repurposing site in Canada, turning retired packs into grid-scale storage for data centres, hospitals and microgrids. Connected Consumer Tech: Thinkware says it’s cutting long-term dash-cam costs by bundling up to five years of complimentary connected services on select models, with LTE options for full connectivity. Food Fraud Watch: CFIA blocked more than 150,000 kg of misrepresented food in Canada, underscoring ongoing enforcement against food fraud. Retail & Everyday Costs: A new food-cost roundup points to continued grocery inflation pressures in Canada, with higher vegetable, meat and dairy prices driving household budgets up. Consumer Finance: RBC was ordered to pay a $4.25M penalty for consumer violations, adding to scrutiny of how banks handle customer information and statements. AI Adoption by Small Business: A report finds 77% of small businesses use AI regularly, with privacy concerns and fear of mistakes still holding back many others. Brand & Product Buzz: Oreo is bringing back Cinnamon Bun cookies after a decade off shelves, betting on nostalgia for summer shoppers. Auto Policy Impact: Polestar faces a surprise US sales ban tied to the Connected Vehicle Rule, pushing the brand to refocus on Europe. Sports-Driven Commerce: UPS is offering a “Ship and Dip” discount so World Cup fans can ship ranch dressing internationally.

Grocery Retail Expansion: Loblaws is opening its fifth Vancouver City Market location Friday (June 26) at 1461 West Broadway, adding grab-and-go meals, a self-serve salad bar, full-service meat/seafood/deli, local brands, PC Optimum deals, and PC Express delivery plus self-checkout. Food Safety & Fraud Enforcement: The CFIA says it prevented more than 150,000 kg of misrepresented food from being sold in Canada after targeted testing across items like fish, honey, maple syrup, meat, oils, cheese, tea and fruit juice. Banking Consumer Protection: FCAC imposed a $4.25M administrative penalty on RBC after deactivated credit card credits weren’t transferred correctly, affecting 227,947 accounts; RBC refunded $22.4M and donated $299K where customers couldn’t be identified. EV Battery Reuse: Moment Energy opened Megafactory 1 in Port Coquitlam, positioning retired EV batteries as large-scale energy storage for data centres, hospitals and microgrids. Cybersecurity Training Shift: An ISC2 survey says AI skills are now the top training priority for 47% of security leaders in Canada and beyond. Tech & Consumer Electronics Costs: Apple raised iPad and MacBook prices in Canada/elsewhere, blaming faster-than-expected memory and storage chip cost increases tied to AI data centre demand.

Arctic Defence Deal: Canada signed a $2.5B agreement with Australia and BAE Systems Australia for an Arctic over-the-horizon radar, with work starting July 1 and expected operation by Dec. 2029—part of a bigger $6B-plus program aimed at missile and hypersonic threats. Pet Retail Partnerships: Winnipeg’s Petline Insurance is partnering with Pet Valu, giving members discounts and tapping Pet Valu’s 824 stores to grow pet coverage. Food & Beverage Buzz: Subway Canada brought back the “SubDog,” a foot-long all-beef hot dog co-developed with Schneiders, timed to baseball season. Regulatory/Consumer Watch: A Punjab consumer commission ordered VFS Global to return a Canadian applicant’s passport or pay the full cost of a replacement after a visa rejection, citing deficiency in service. Deepfake Safety: Bitdefender launched RealCheck, an app that helps consumers assess whether videos may be deepfakes tied to scams. Clean Beauty Standards: Ingredient transparency is moving from trend to market-access requirement in cosmetics, with stricter disclosure expectations shaping what products retailers will carry.