AGP Executive Report

US Tariffs & Canada Trade: The U.S. has rolled out new forced-labour-related tariffs that hit many trading partners, with Canada facing fresh pressure as Washington rebuilds a tariff wall despite court setbacks. Food Safety: The USDA issued a recall for 12,036 pounds of Canadian smoked bacon sold in Idaho, Oregon and Washington after import reinspection failures. Health & Consumer Products: Johnson & Johnson proposed a $5.5B settlement to resolve remaining U.S. talc lawsuits tied to ovarian cancer claims, while reiterating it denies a causal link. Digital & Retail Tech: Environics Analytics named a new Head of Sales to grow consumer profiling and merchandising analytics in Canada. Home & Lifestyle: Vancouver City Council approved a major Hudson’s Bay parkade redevelopment anchored by a new tower and large hotel component—good news for tourism capacity. Public Health/Local Services: Brandon will run weather-dependent mosquito fogging tonight, with buffer-zone registration for residents.

Coffee & Foodservice Supply: Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee opened a new 320,000 sq-ft Mississauga facility to produce coffee extract solutions, including cold brew and iced coffee concentrates, aimed at scaling for foodservice, QSR, convenience, retail and private label. Retail Value & Access: Dollar Tree added SNAP/EBT payments via DoorDash, expanding on-demand grocery and essentials delivery to SNAP-eligible stores. Food Safety Recall: Maple Leaf Foods recalled 12,036 pounds of Canadian smoked bacon in the U.S. after an import reinspection issue; consumers were told not to eat and to return for a refund. Trade Pressure on Consumers: Coverage highlights fresh U.S. tariff moves and the knock-on uncertainty for cross-border pricing and planning, with Canadian businesses and shoppers bracing for potential cost impacts. Energy & Infrastructure: Aecon’s Simcoe Battery Energy Storage project secured an agreement with Ontario’s IESO to build a 150 MW/1,200 MWh system, supporting grid reliability. Public Health & Safety: A report warns wildfire smoke is now a recurring U.S. emergency with measurable health impacts, while another story points to rising demand for crash-rated barriers and bollards for public spaces.

Talc Settlement: Johnson & Johnson has proposed a $5.5B settlement to resolve most remaining lawsuits claiming its talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer, covering about 76,000 claims; J&J denies causation and says it stopped selling talc baby powder in the U.S. and Canada in 2020, with the deal conditioned on broad claimant participation. Smart Home Shopping: A Canada-focused comparison weighs Nest vs. Ecobee vs. Mysa smart thermostats, highlighting price gaps and feature differences for homeowners deciding what’s worth paying for. Tariffs & Alcohol Prices: Canadian whisky faces a new 50% U.S. duty starting Aug. 19, with officials pointing to Canada’s moves around U.S. alcohol distribution—raising questions about how quickly shelf prices could change. Retail Closures: Sport Chek is closing a large Vancouver-area location (Aug. 23 last day), with shoppers lining up for advertised up-to-50% sales. Food Retail Policy: Manitoba’s surveillance-pricing ban and Ontario’s proposed Fair Grocery Prices Act keep the spotlight on grocery pricing tactics and what governments can do next. Health Canada Approval: Rejuva Fresh says its PicoPretty Q-Switched ND:YAG laser has received Health Canada approval, expanding access for Canadian medical spas and clinics.

Food Safety: Maple Leaf Foods recalled 12,000+ pounds of Canadian bacon sold in the U.S. after an import reinspection violation; no illnesses reported, but affected smoked bacon was distributed in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Cybersecurity Disruption: Coca-Cola says Fairlife resumed most U.S. production after a system breach; Canadian production was unaffected and quality/safety weren’t impacted. Retail & Consumer Culture: Tim Hortons launches a Harry Potter “Back to Hogwarts” menu and merch in Canada starting Aug. 12, including house-themed donuts and Patronus/Forbidden Forest drink quenchers. Grocery Delivery Expansion: Vancouver’s SPUD was acquired by GrubMarket, aiming to expand B2C online grocery reach across B.C. and Alberta. Trade Pressure for Shoppers: New U.S. tariff moves tied to Canada are driving fresh concern about higher costs, while polling shows most Canadians back some form of retaliation. Legal/Health Access: Canadians have until Aug. 27 to file claims in a Rexulti class action settlement tied to compulsive behaviors/impulse-control disorders.

Trade Pressure: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will do “whatever it takes” to defend workers, farmers and businesses as the U.S. moves toward new 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods, with Aug. 19 start dates for parts of the hit. Retail & Consumer Policy: Manitoba’s grocery “surveillance pricing” ban is now law, adding momentum to broader efforts to curb algorithm-driven price tactics. Housing Affordability: A proposed “condo conversion” plan in B.C. would buy slow-selling condos and turn them into rent-to-own homes, aiming to help renters like a stable, working “Julie” finally reach ownership. Food Safety & Security: Canada is watching a U.S. cyclosporiasis fresh-produce outbreak closely, even as officials say there’s no direct link to Canadian cases—raising broader questions about food system resilience. Product Recalls: Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo bars are recalled across Canada over undeclared pistachio. Tech & Safety: Researchers warn millions of cars in North America, including in Canada, may be vulnerable to remote lock/unlock and immobilization via dealership-installed Bluetooth devices. Business Moves: argenx agrees to acquire Forte Biosciences for about $2.2B, adding an anti-CD122 antibody program to its immunology pipeline.

US Tariff Pressure on Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is intensifying talks with Washington and won’t respond “in advance,” but “everything’s on the table” if Trump’s new 50% duties on a wide range of Canadian goods take effect Aug. 19. Border Bridge Fallout: Canada inaugurated the Gordie Howe International Bridge without US officials after Trump claimed the deal was renegotiated for a 50% profit share, as the trade fight escalates. Food & Consumer Safety: Health Canada/CFIA issued a nationwide recall of Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo bars due to undeclared pistachios. Retail & Wellness: Healthy Planet is opening a new two-storey health and food hub in Toronto (Aug. 21) with organic groceries and a prepared-food kitchen. Accessibility Push: CanadianSME and Enabled Talent launched Enable Accessibility Canada Inc., including a podcast, magazine, and awards to spotlight disability inclusion. Mobility: Uber plans to expand ridesharing to 79 communities in Northeastern Ontario under Ontario’s pilot framework.

Trade Tensions & Consumer Impact: The U.S. moved closer to a 50% tariff on a wide range of Canadian goods, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying Canada is ready to respond “with everything on the table” if the Aug. 19 measures kick in—raising fresh worries for prices on everyday items like alcohol, dairy, and even hockey gear. Border & Retail Fallout: Canada inaugurated the Gordie Howe bridge without U.S. officials after the tariff fight escalated, while Trump kept pushing the narrative online, including an AI “air filter barrier” post tied to wildfire smoke. Food Costs & Red Tape: An opinion piece argues Canada’s grocery bills are inflated not just by supply chains, but by bureaucratic delays and regulatory steps that add cost to importing meat. Product Safety Recall: Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo bars were recalled nationwide over undeclared pistachios, a direct concern for people with allergies. Beauty Retail Expansion: LG’s The Face Shop is rolling out Rice Water Bright products into 1,600 Walmart stores across the U.S., signaling more mainstream shelf space for Korean skincare. Sustainability for Shoppers: Air Canada and Airbus announced a co-investment platform to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel production in Canada, aiming to support lower-emissions travel. DIY Solar: APsystems launched a plug-in balcony microinverter designed for small, renter-friendly solar setups. Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol: Newfoundland and Labrador joined other provinces in enabling direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, expanding shipping access for eligible producers.

Direct-to-consumer alcohol: Ontario and eight other provinces signed an interprovincial deal to let consumers buy alcohol online from other participating jurisdictions and have it delivered home, reshaping how liquor boards stock shelves and how wineries/brewers plan cross-province sales. Food safety: Cadbury recalled Dairy Milk Oreo bars in Canada because pistachio may be present but not declared; CFIA says reported reactions are behind the move. Trade shock for shoppers: U.S. President Trump threatened 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods starting Aug. 19, with Canada’s response still “everything on the table,” raising concerns for prices on items like alcohol, dairy and hockey gear. Tariff ripple in booze: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she won’t retaliate with an alcohol ban, leaving retailers and consumers to decide. Aviation sustainability: Air Canada and Airbus plan a co-investment platform (up to C$13.7M) to speed up sustainable aviation fuel production in Canada. Recall at the border (US): USDA reported Canadian-made bacon and chicken noodle soup recalls in the U.S. tied to missed import reinspection.

US-Canada Tariff Fallout: Trump downplayed Canada’s cancellation of the Gordie Howe Bridge opening, claiming Washington renegotiated terms for a 50% net profit share as new 50% duties on Canadian goods loom Aug. 19, with grocery and consumer-price uncertainty rising. Food Safety Recalls: About 4,300 pounds of Canadian-made chicken noodle soup were recalled in the U.S. after an import reinspection issue; separate vending-machine burrito recalls in multiple states warn of undeclared soy/sausage. Retail & Consumer Tech: Ottawa launched a consultation on AI agents that mislead or over-shop, including ideas for labeling AI-generated content. Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol: Saskatchewan joined a multi-province push to make it easier to buy alcohol across provincial lines, while Alberta says it’s time to extend similar rules to commercial retailers. Trade Deals: Ecuador and Canada signed a free trade agreement covering 99.6% of Ecuadorian exports duty-free, boosting access for foods and consumer goods. Health & Safety: Health Canada issued a recall for a pressurized salt remover due to rupture risk. Shopping Value: Costco shoppers are spotlighting Kirkland Signature household “dupes” of major name brands.

Tobacco Rules: Canada’s updated cigarette packaging rules add a fresh rotation of graphic warnings, with new exterior designs and health messages printed directly on individual cigarettes—implementation dates vary by retailers vs. manufacturers. Trade Shock: The U.S. is rolling out new 10%–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 economies over forced-labour claims, while Canada’s PM Mark Carney says “everything’s on the table” if the next wave of 50% tariffs hits Aug. 19. Bridge & Retail Impact: A Canada-only Gordie Howe bridge opening ceremony goes ahead after the U.S. was “disinvited,” as tariffs and a revised revenue-sharing deal keep tensions front and centre. Health Watch: Ontario reports rising Lyme disease and more anaplasmosis cases as tick season expands. Solar Manufacturing: Canadian Solar begins U.S. HJT solar cell production at a 6GW facility, signaling more advanced module-making at home. Food Insecurity: B.C.’s Our Daily Bread says demand has doubled in early 2026 as inflation and costs squeeze households. Consumer Tech/Privacy: Instagram moves to remove videos that secretly film and harass people using Meta smart glasses. Brand Spotlight: Roots launches “Pit Stops Summer ’26,” a limited-edition capsule inspired by iconic Canadian roadside food stops.

Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions: Prime Minister Mark Carney told premiers Canada won’t retaliate “in advance” as new U.S. tariffs loom, but warned “everything’s on the table” if Washington follows through on threats tied to a broad Aug. 19 tariff package. Forced-Labour Tariffs: The U.S. also rolled out 10%–12.5% duties on imports from 60 countries (including Canada and the EU) to push enforcement of forced-labour bans, replacing a temporary 10% global levy that expired Friday. Provincial Exposure: Economists warned the impact won’t be even across Canada, with B.C. flagged as most exposed due to high-value electrical component exports, while Alberta and Saskatchewan face much lower shares. Retail Watch: StatsCan reported Canadian retail sales rose 1% to $73.7B in May, helped by higher gas prices, with a June gain of 0.4% in an early estimate. Consumer Safety: Panasonic recalled 11,480 toaster ovens in the U.S. and 2,184 distributed in Canada over shock/fire risk tied to the power cord insulation. Food Recall: A Canadian chicken noodle soup product was recalled in the U.S. after it wasn’t re-inspected on import; no illnesses reported. Digital Commerce: Shopify expanded its Shop Campaigns customer-acquisition tool to Australia, letting merchants pay only when a sale converts.

U.S.-Canada Trade Shock: The U.S. moved to impose new 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods, with Carney and premiers pushing for faster talks and Canada cancelling the Gordie Howe Bridge opening ceremony as the fallout hits sectors like autos, alcohol and dairy. Retail Watch: StatCan says Canadian retail sales rose 1% in May to $73.7B, with spending broadening beyond gasoline, while Desjardins notes volumes also edged up. Consumer Staples Investing: BNN Bloomberg highlights defensive growth ideas in Canada-facing staples—Walmart, Costco and Philip Morris—amid tariff uncertainty and cautious shoppers. Food & Safety: Health Canada issued a recall for a RAINS 450 mL stainless steel tumbler due to a burn hazard from a detachable lid. Local Enforcement: DFO ran a Vancouver Island roadside inspection blitz after Chinook conservation rules lifted, targeting recreational fishers hauling boats and coolers. Industry Moves: Systemair acquired Temspec in Mississauga to expand decentralized HVAC for schools and multi-storey buildings. Funding for Agri-Food: Ottawa renewed Quebec’s Fisheries Fund with CAD 50M over five years and also backed Saskatchewan ag innovation with $10M for projects. Store Experience: Bath & Body Works is rolling out refreshed store layouts in the U.S. and Canada to make shopping easier and more consistent.

Canada–U.S. Tariff Shock: The U.S. is signaling more tariff action as temporary levies expire Friday, with fresh duties expected to follow—on top of the new 50% tariff threat aimed at Canadian goods (including autos, alcohol and dairy), while Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is weighing “all options” and pushing to intensify talks. Wildfire Smoke & Consumer Health: Ontario’s wildfire response is under fire as smoke spreads across borders, with experts warning that indoor air filtration and HVAC settings matter for protecting households during hazardous haze. Retail & Local Growth: Topper’s Pizza opened a new Orillia location, investing about $500,000 and creating jobs—an upbeat sign for small-town consumer spending. Product & Manufacturing Tech: Aquilon Software expanded its configure-to-order ERP for custom door makers, targeting fewer errors and smoother quoting-to-production for complex builds. Payments in Canada: Knot partnered with RBC so cardholders can set RBC cards as default payments at merchants from the RBC app, reducing friction when cards are replaced. Health/Drugs: Pfizer won FDA Priority Review for TALZENNA plus XTANDI in an earlier-stage metastatic prostate cancer setting.

US Tariff Shock for Canadians: President Trump’s new 50% duties on many Canadian goods are set to hit next month, with Canadian leaders (including PM Mark Carney) weighing “all options” and provincial talks ramping up as businesses warn of margin pressure and higher prices. Health-Care Funding Fight: Premiers meeting in P.E.I. are pushing Ottawa to return to a 50/50 split of health-care costs, arguing the federal share is far too low. Alcohol Retail Rules: Most provinces are moving ahead with direct-to-consumer alcohol sales under a new interprovincial agreement, aiming to reduce barriers for shoppers and sellers. Food Safety & Recalls: Dollarama is recalling Heavenly Spices garlic powder nationwide over bacterial contamination risk, adding to a busy week of consumer product safety alerts. Manufacturing & Trade Uncertainty: Canadian manufacturers and exporters are warning the tariff list could broaden beyond usual sectors, including personal care and cosmetics, as firms delay investment. Pet Nutrition Leadership: Mars names Christina Ruggiero regional president for Mars Pet Nutrition North America, overseeing major brands across the U.S. and Canada.

Canada-U.S. Tariff Shock: President Trump’s 50% tariff on many Canadian goods is already reshaping daily life and business planning, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying Canada will “intensify” talks while warning of “all options.” The move also derailed a planned Gordie Howe Bridge ribbon-cutting, which Canada is now holding without U.S. officials. Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Push: Alberta and eight other provinces agreed to allow out-of-province direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, aiming to break internal trade barriers—just as cross-border tensions threaten grocery and retail pricing. Food Safety Watch: Dollarama issued a nationwide recall of Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder (70 g) over possible Bacillus cereus contamination. Separately, the U.S. cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to evolve, with investigators still working to pin down the source. Consumer Goods & Lifestyle: KnitPro launched the Vybe ergonomic crochet hook line, while a new recall also hit GE HealthCare mobile X-ray systems over a potential safety mechanism issue. Travel & Retail Context: Canada issued a Kenya travel advisory citing terrorism, violent crime, kidnappings and unrest risks.

U.S.-Canada Tariff Shock: Trump signed proclamations for 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods (including alcohol, dairy, cement and hockey gear), with duties set to start in about 30 days and no CUSMA-style exemptions—prompting PM Mark Carney to say Canada will intensify talks and consider “all options.” Provincial Alcohol Fallout: Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette called supply management “non-negotiable,” while Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said Ottawa should handle any push to lift U.S. alcohol bans. Trade Negotiations Watch: U.S. officials and lawmakers framed USMCA renewal as a “no-brainer,” even as the new tariff move keeps pressure on the talks. Consumer & Retail Ripples: A Reuters report notes the hockey-stick tariff may be mostly symbolic for Canada, but the broader list still threatens jobs and demand across targeted sectors. Cybersecurity in Food: Coca-Cola says fairlife production in the U.S. was temporarily suspended after a ransomware-related unauthorized access; Canada operations were not affected. Local Growth: A new Queensway West retail plaza in Simcoe is set to bring chain restaurants (including Mary Browns Chicken, Tim Hortons and others) to the area. Supply Chain/Logistics: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is seeking an operator for a Richmond terminal with sea and rail access for bulk exports.