AGP Executive Report

Grocery & Retail: NIQ Canada’s Carman Allison will headline GroceryConnex (Nov. 23, Toronto) with “Grocery’s Next Shape,” focusing on the end of the middle, AI, and purpose-driven spending. Food & Farming: Chatham-Kent is Canada’s top tomato producer, with the harvest boosting fresh and processing supply. Consumer Policy: Ontario fined StubHub Canada $20K under the province’s ticket resale price-cap law; the company says it will appeal. Workplace Safety: B.C. union SEIU Local 2 says WorkSafeBC reports show SkyTrain cleaners could be exposed to moving trains, raising multi-employer safety coordination concerns. Trade & Supply Chains: Port of Vancouver freight hit a record in H1 as oil and grain exports rose, with Alberta crude increasingly bound for Asia rather than the U.S. Tech & AI Accountability: B.C. is suing OpenAI in California over the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, alleging failure to warn police and an “unsafe product.” Health & Wellness Trends: CHFA Now Toronto (Sept. 25-27) spotlights 2027 shelf trends like “texture,” micro-rituals, and wellness for kids. Sports & Delivery: DoorDash becomes the NHL’s official on-demand delivery partner in Canada and the U.S., with game-night promotions starting Sept. 29.

Canada–EU Space & Trade: Mark Carney and France’s Emmanuel Macron agreed to develop shared space infrastructure, including launch and satellite-data facilities, as Parliament returns with major economic legislation on deck. Payments & Retail Tech: YeahPay (with Stripe) expanded online merchant acquiring to Canada and six other markets, while Singapore’s dtcpay raised Series A to $25M with SBI joining—both signals of faster cross-border commerce. Sportswear Retail: JD Sports will enter Mexico via a long-term franchise with Grupo Axo (140+ stores), building on its North American base that includes the U.S. and Canada. Food & Consumer Health: A study found World Cup broadcasts showed 65,722 junk-food/drink ad logo appearances during live play across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Regulatory/Consumer Safety: Orthocell reported first commercial Remplir nerve-repair sales in Thailand after Thai FDA approval. Business Watch: Carney says Ottawa is on track to balance the operating budget a year early, after revenues jumped 10%.

Canada–France ties: Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron announced cooperation on energy, defence and space, including shared space-launch systems and satellite data reception, as Canada pushes closer links with Europe amid U.S. trade pressure. Parliament & jobs: Ottawa plans to return Monday with major legislation to speed project approvals and update labour laws, including a “Building Canada Strong Act” promise of single reviews and decisions within a year. Trade hits groceries: New Canadian counter-tariffs (15%–50%) on U.S. goods—covering $27.6B and sectors like dairy, appliances and plastics—raise questions about what shoppers will feel, while U.S. dairy tariffs are already stalling Canadian sales. Food & retail value: A $15 comparison across big fast-food chains finds A&W as best value for quality, though it leans on value menus to hit the budget. Consumer safety: Hyundai recalled 61,093 Palisade/Hybrid SUVs in the U.S. (plus thousands in Canada) over power-folding rear seats that may fail to detect a child. Business & climate: A column argues pollution policy depends on better data, warning that gaps and inconsistencies can create regulatory blind spots.

Canada-EU Trade Talks: Mark Carney is pushing for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member,” a move that’s already triggering tariff threats and political backlash, with Conservatives asking how it would lower costs for groceries and gas. U.S.-Canada Tariff Pressure on Retail: A fresh look at the Canada-U.S. trade war shows small businesses getting hit hardest, with cross-border orders and supply chains disrupted even when overall trade impacts look “muted.” AI Safety Debate in Canada: At Montreal’s All In conference, Canadian AI leaders argued against fearmongering while addressing real risks, including calls for safer development and faster deployment of responsible infrastructure. Kids as Entrepreneurs: CBC highlights a growing wave of “kid-preneurs” across Canada selling their own products through local markets and youth business programs. Food & Drink Business: Bord Bia appoints a North America manager to grow Irish food and drink exports, while Nestlé Canada expands its Toronto confectionery factory. Consumer Health: A study links eating whole grains daily with lower cardiovascular risk markers. Travel & Retail: Jumbo is set to open its first Canadian store at Vaughan Mills, and Cosmos Tours launches a training portal for travel agents.

EU-Canada Trade Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the EU’s “associate member” idea as a way to reduce Canada’s over-reliance on the U.S., even as Trump threatens tariffs and procurement moves tied to the dispute. Retail & Consumer Safety: Health Canada issued recalls for frozen raspberries over norovirus risk, and Co-op Gold chicken products over undeclared egg; Ontario also fined SeatGeek Canada $25,000 for ticket resale rules. Grocery & Pricing Pressure: Tariffs are expected to squeeze grocery categories, with reporting also pointing to rising diesel costs hitting consumers. Tech & Data Infrastructure: Equinix says AI is boosting data center demand and interconnection growth, with Canada included in its Americas strategy. Travel & Lifestyle: Air Canada and other airlines are rolling out premium lounge upgrades, while Canadians are also being warned about gift card scams. Food & Local Business: Nestlé Canada is expanding its Toronto confectionery factory, and Richardson highlights farm-to-table pasta production in Manitoba. Sports Gambling Watch: An Ontario-focused op-ed says sports broadcasts are saturated with betting messages, raising concerns for young viewers.

Canada-EU trade jitters for food exporters: A new report frames Canada’s push toward an EU “alliance/associate” as unsettling for farm country, with agriculture “off the table” and uncertainty over what access and rules will actually look like for Canadian producers. Auto supply-chain pressure in Ontario: Brampton’s mayor says Stellantis’ idled plant could attract a Canadian buyer, but warns Chinese automakers may step in as tariffs and trade-war fallout reshape what Canadians buy. Premium spirits marketing play: Patrón’s Bacardi-owned tequila brand leans into “process” and maker storytelling via a collaboration with Mike Skinner, using culture events and bespoke cocktails to sell premium positioning. Tech and consumer electronics: TechInsights reports a Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem inside the US iPhone 18 Pro Max, raising questions about regional hardware setups. Food safety recall: Char-Broil recalls 10,605 Bistro Pro electric grills sold in Canada (plus 342 more), citing a wiring issue that can create an electric shock hazard. Business software expansion: Insight Works adds new Microsoft Business Central partners, including a Calgary firm, extending support across Canada and beyond. Medical product update: CHMP gives a positive opinion for relacorilant (Lifyorli) plus nab-paclitaxel for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, moving toward an EU decision.

Food & Drink Retail: LCBO is rolling out “We’re All In on Ontario,” putting 4,600 Ontario-made beverages front and centre with expanded tastings, higher-visibility displays, and enhanced “Buy Ontario” branding—timed amid U.S. trade friction and 50% U.S. tariffs on some Canadian alcohol. Supply Chain & Groceries: Fraser Direct opened a new 141,000-square-foot distribution centre in Acton, expanding warehousing, fulfillment, freight and customs brokerage for customers across Canada and the U.S. Agri-Food Financing: Farm Credit Canada launched a $1B Agri-food Project Finance Fund (plus a $150M equity fund) to close mid-market financing gaps and boost domestic processing capacity. Health & Consumer Products: Activia is modernizing its Canadian yogurt recipe—simpler ingredients, less sugar, and no gelatin—while leaning into “probiotic” positioning and a broader marketing push. Public Health & Enforcement: Ontario Provincial Police charged four people after an investigation into an alleged illegal online cannabis distribution network in Windsor, seizing dried cannabis, concentrates, edibles and vapes valued over $366K. Energy & Costs: B.C. is pausing its planned PST expansion to professional services, citing ongoing trade uncertainty. Local Community Giving: The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Sault Ste. Marie Kidney Walk gets a $25,000 matching challenge from “The Construction Guys,” led by a transplant recipient.

Canada-EU Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Strasbourg push for an EU “associate membership” deal is framed as a response to Trump-era trade pressure, with EU leaders floating the idea and Carney pitching deeper ties beyond tariffs. Consumer Protection & Trust: A CBC report highlights how Canadian doctors are being targeted by AI deepfakes selling bogus cures, with little practical recourse for victims. Labour & Retail: Hamilton Starbucks workers have unionized with the United Steelworkers, citing harassment and unclear pay structures. Travel Perks: American Express and Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality opened a co-branded lounge at Calgary International Airport, adding priority access plus local food partnerships. Food Safety: Health Canada recall coverage flags frozen raspberries tied to norovirus risk. Markets & Cost Pressure: Global markets rose as oil and bond yields eased, while the broader Canada-U.S. trade fight continues to shape consumer and business uncertainty. International Consumer Policy: Azerbaijan was elected to ICPEN’s 2026/27 advisory group, with Canada among the network’s represented members.

Grocery Retail: Loblaw’s discount banner Nick’s No Frills opens a new Toronto store in North York (4771 Yonge St), with a freshness-led focus on produce, bakery and meat, plus hot prepared foods and beer/wine; the launch creates about 130 jobs and includes a $1,500 donation to the North York Women’s Shelter. Food & Drink: Jones Soda relaunches a limited-edition Fallout-themed 12-pack ahead of Fallout Day (Oct. 23), turning in-game Nuka-Cola flavours into real glass-bottle beverages for Canadian and U.S. retailers. Health & Wellness: Xenon Pharmaceuticals filed an FDA New Drug Application for azetukalner in focal seizures, while multiple medspa brands promoted the Candela Matrix® skin renewal platform as a non-surgical option for tone and texture concerns. Energy & Utilities: The IEA chief says electrification remains the clearest path despite grid-capacity and affordability hurdles, pointing to fast-growing electricity demand. Tech & Travel: SITA launched a border processing system aimed at reducing physical stops at airport immigration checkpoints using in-motion identity verification. Policy & Consumer Impact: Ontario municipalities face funding pressure tied to “Buy Canadian/Buy Ontario” directives as Ottawa and provinces respond to trade tensions.

U.S.-Canada Trade Shock: The White House announced an import ban starting Sept. 29 on specific Canadian dairy products, most alcoholic beverages and motorcycles, as the tariff fight intensifies and Canada’s retaliatory measures continue. Procurement Pressure: The U.S. also moved to exclude Canadian goods from major federal procurement, adding a new hit for consumer-facing brands that rely on cross-border supply. EU Pivot for Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address the European Parliament after Donald Trump warned Canada’s potential “associate member” status with the EU could be a “hostile act,” threatening heavy tariffs if he deems it bad-faith. Rates and Prices: The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its key rate for the first time in three years, signaling more hikes could follow—an inflation backdrop that can ripple into Canadian mortgage and grocery budgets. Retail Convenience: Costco groceries are now available via Uber Eats nationwide in the U.S., a reminder that delivery is reshaping how Canadians shop and compare prices.

U.S.-Canada Trade Fallout: The White House announced a Sept. 29 import ban on specific Canadian dairy products, most Canadian alcohol and motorcycles, plus new federal procurement rules that bar Canadian goods from large U.S. government contracts—another escalation after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. Retail & Value: Dollarama reported stronger Q2 sales and raised its fiscal 2027 store-growth outlook to 65–75 net-new locations, citing shoppers trading down amid budget pressure. Delivery Convenience: Costco expanded its Uber Eats partnership nationwide across 47 U.S. states, adding nearly 600 locations for on-demand and scheduled delivery (Costco is already on Uber Eats in Canada). Food Safety: A recall update tied to a Shiga toxin E. coli and Salmonella outbreak includes specific alfalfa sprout lots and related sprout-mix cups sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Local Impacts: Meaford removed the American flag from a municipal flagpole, citing concerns about U.S. trade actions affecting local agriculture and tourism. Consumer Tech/Health Products: Iconthin Biotech marked 10 years of microalgae innovation, expanding its Astadaily supplement into Nutrition House and Calgary Co-op.

U.S.-Canada Trade Fallout: The White House announced an import ban starting Sept. 29 on specific Canadian dairy products, most alcohol (including beer, wine, cider and spirits), and motorcycles, plus new federal procurement rules that bar Canadian-origin goods from large U.S. government contracts—another escalation after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. EU-Canada Strategy: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for a “unique alliance” with the EU is meeting cautious, practical resistance from member states, with diplomats saying preferential market access is the sticking point; there’s more openness to cooperation on defence and critical minerals. Food & Homecare Supply: Univar Solutions expanded its North America distribution deal with Dow to bring SupraCare™ polymers and specialty additives to formulators in the U.S. and Canada, aiming at next-gen homecare and industrial cleaning products. Sustainability Tech: Quebec insect-feed company Entosystem received independent verification for greenhouse-gas reduction claims as it continues refining its black soldier fly bioconversion system. Smart Home Gear: Aqara launched the Spatial Multi-Sensor FP400, using 60GHz mmWave radar to track up to 10 people and enable more precise, privacy-focused home automations. Health Class Update (Manitoba): Manitoba is piloting a revamped “food literacy” curriculum in phys-ed, expanding nutrition education to cover labels, advertising, disordered eating and food insecurity. Local Consumer Repairs: Kelowna’s Industrial Plastics & Paints is promoting in-town access to fibreglass/composite repair materials and expertise for boat and RV fixes. Carney & Investment Politics (Op-Ed): A critique of the Canada Investment Summit argues Carney’s “productivity mega deduction” is a major corporate tax cut that could undermine public control and sovereignty goals.

U.S.-Canada Trade Fallout: The White House announced a Sept. 29 import ban on specific Canadian dairy products, most alcohol and motorcycles, plus new federal procurement rules that exclude Canadian goods from major U.S. government contracts—another escalation after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. Consumer Impact & Recalls: Co-op Gold recalled two frozen chicken items due to undeclared egg, and the FDA escalated an alfalfa sprout recall tied to Salmonella/E. coli. Buy-Canadian Push: New Leger research finds 64% of Canadians plan to actively search for Canadian-made products amid the trade fight, with price (67%) and quality (56%) driving switches. Retail Rewards: Circle K Canada launched “Road to Rewards,” a visit-streak loyalty campaign with selectable rewards and a $10,000 grand prize draw. Business & Jobs: Keurig Dr Pepper Canada named leaders for its coffee and refreshment businesses as it moves toward a split into two companies. Food & Farming Pressure: Southwestern Ontario farmers say soaring diesel and input costs are squeezing margins, with some calling the outlook “bleak.”

Canada–U.S. Trade War Hits Consumer Goods: The U.S. rolled out new 50% tariffs on 110 Canadian product categories, while also exempting some items like toilet paper and road salt—then escalated further with an import ban on specific Canadian dairy, alcohol and motorcycles starting Sept. 29, plus new federal procurement rules that could shut Canadian products out of some U.S. government contracts. Housing Watch: CREA reported August home sales down 0.7% month-over-month, with prices flat on the month and down 3% year-over-year, as higher fixed mortgage rates and rate-hike expectations cool momentum. Food on Shelves: Maple Leaf Foods says Yves Veggie Cuisine is back “by popular demand” after the brand was discontinued, returning six refrigerated products. Parent Pressure on Budgets: An RBC survey found 32% of parents with adult children (18–40) say those kids aren’t financially independent yet, with many covering groceries, rent and utilities. Global Retail Expansion: bhc opened its first Vietnam store in Ho Chi Minh City, using a localized menu built around chicken-by-the-piece and Korean items. Investment Spotlight: Mark Carney’s Canada Investment Summit is drawing major global investors as Ottawa pushes for new capital beyond U.S. reliance.

U.S.-Canada Trade War Hits Consumer Goods: The White House announced a Sept. 29 ban on Canadian dairy products, most alcohol and motorcycles, plus new federal procurement rules that block Canadian goods from large U.S. government contracts—another blow after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. Grocery & Inflation Watch: StatsCan says inflation held at 3% in August, with grocery prices up 2.8% year-over-year and food easing (dairy slowed), but economists warn oil-driven costs could keep pressure on. Food Supply Chain Pressure: With the U.S. alcohol ban looming, a Texas liquor store owner says Canadian whiskey is a top seller and shelves are already getting thin. Retail & Industry Momentum: Canadian Grocer extended nominations for its Generation Next Awards (deadline Sept. 18), with winners celebrated at GroceryConnex Nov. 23. Business Tech for Manufacturers: Insight Works argues CPQ for Business Central can cut quoting delays versus standalone CPQ tools, targeting faster, lower-error sales orders. Healthcare Supply Expansion: Medline Canada plans a new 180,000+ sq-ft warehouse and distribution hub in Delta, B.C., to support Western Canada growth. Aging-in-Place Tech: AGE-WELL’s AgeTech Discovery Day events roll out Oct. 1 across nine locations in seven provinces.

US-Canada Trade Shock for Groceries & Alcohol: The White House announced a new import ban on specific Canadian dairy products, most alcohol, and motorcycles starting Sept. 29, with added federal procurement rules that exclude Canadian goods from some U.S. government contracts—another escalation after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. Buy-Canadian Push Hits Shelves: In Ontario, shoppers are pressuring grocers to stock more Canadian produce; one independent chain says it’s shifted sourcing (like strawberries from Quebec) and is improving country-of-origin labelling as the boycott reshapes supermarket supply. Carney’s EU Pivot: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada wants a “unique alliance” with the EU (not membership) as trade tensions with Washington intensify, with talks aimed at deeper economic ties. Food Safety Reminder: A Consumer Reports op-ed warns against moving away from the U.S. “zero tolerance” listeria approach, arguing a risk-based shift could raise illness risk. Retail Tech & Consumer Life: A Nova Scotia parent says her child’s school Google account couldn’t be opted out of, reigniting concerns about classroom tech and privacy. Agriculture Recycling: Cleanfarms named Davin Johnson director of Western Canada to expand farm stewardship and recycling access. Apple Maps Ads: Apple Maps now shows ads in the U.S. and Canada, changing how users experience navigation. Fresh Produce Supply Chain Tech: Fresh Inset Solutions launched MaTri®’s in-room indicator strip to verify 1-MCP treatment effectiveness during apple/pear cold storage.