AGP Executive Report

Jobs Report: Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 6.6% in May as the economy added about 88,000 jobs, with gains concentrated in construction, information, transportation and food services—though economists still warn trade tensions and a technical recession keep pressure on hiring. Hiring & Skills: SFU signed a strategic research partnership with Hanwha Ocean to advance Arctic technologies and naval systems, with an explicit workforce development and “emerging economy jobs” angle. Immigration for Work: British Columbia unveiled a new temporary rural/remote health support immigration stream under its PNP for certain cleaning and security workers already employed by eligible public health authorities; applications open June 15. Labour & Workplace: Alberta says it’s nearly met CWELCC childcare space targets early, while critics warn funding may not keep up for future operators. Regional Labour Markets: B.C. added 25,200 jobs in May and unemployment held at 6.8%, offering some summer relief. Workplace Security Tech: Hyundai will deploy Boston Dynamics Spot robots for FIFA World Cup 2026 perimeter security inspections, with no facial recognition. Community & Safety: Police are investigating hate-motivated arson threats against a Muslim women’s shelter in Whitby.

AI Jobs & Safety: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada’s long-awaited AI strategy, promising major funding for AI adoption and data centres, with targets of 250,000 jobs by 2031—while unions and critics warn the plan doesn’t do enough on worker impacts and AI regulation. Labour Relations: Canada Post workers ratified new collective agreements, ending a two-year bargaining fight that included strikes and federal intervention; contracts run to Jan. 31, 2029. Workplace Security: Five Eyes partners (including Canada) warned that China is using fake job ads and job boards to recruit people with access to sensitive information, raising new HR and security concerns for employers. Energy & Skills: Canada and South Korea expanded cooperation on energy security and critical minerals, with potential CA$100B economic impact and job creation tied to strategic supply chains. Public Sector & Travel: Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended using private charter flights after reporting showed taxpayers paid over $140,000 for five trips in 2025. Court Services: VIQ Australia’s collapse will disrupt court transcription services, affecting hundreds of staff and daily transcripts in nearly 200 courtrooms. Housing & Planning: North Vancouver rejected a proposed apartment project over size and parking requirements, a reminder that local rules can shape affordability and employment-linked development.

AI Strategy & Jobs: Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada’s “AI for all” plan, aiming to close an adoption gap with free AI training, new safety and privacy rules, and targets of 250,000 jobs and major GDP gains. Workplace Integrity: Ontario employers are increasingly verifying credentials and experience as AI resumes and applications make claims harder to trust, boosting demand for background checks. Security & Hiring Risks: Five Eyes warned that Chinese military intelligence is using fake job ads and professional platforms like LinkedIn to target people with access to sensitive information. Local Planning & Data Centres: Hundreds protested Hamilton’s data centre proposal, raising concerns about noise, pollution, and drinking water impacts. Skilled Trades Pipeline: A new critique argues Canada’s apprenticeship system loses too many trainees before certification, threatening construction and housing labour needs. World Cup Rules (Workforce Angle): FIFA banned reusable water bottles at venues, citing safety—another operational change for event staff and volunteers. Finance Enforcement: CIRO accepted sanctions against mutual fund rep Sanjeev Kumar Tejpal, fining him $20,000 plus $5,000 costs for unsuitable deferred sales charge recommendations.

Skilled Trades Pipeline: Ontario’s apprenticeship system is failing the “last mile,” with only 47% of apprentices completing programs and just 19.9% finishing certification on time—fueling a projected shortage of 52,000 construction workers by 2034. Security & Hiring Risks: Canada and Five Eyes partners warn Chinese spies are using LinkedIn and other job platforms to recruit government and military-linked candidates, pressuring them to share non-public info. Northern Jobs via Defence Benefits: Lockheed Martin Canada invested $9.5M in Air Inuit to upgrade Boeing 737-800 engines, supporting northern operations and local jobs under defence contract reinvestment rules. Public Infrastructure Jobs: Canada and Quebec unveiled nearly $10B in infrastructure funding over a decade, targeting transit, healthcare, housing-enabling works, and community facilities. Workforce & Community Support: Canada Post workers ratified new collective agreements through 2029, while Mosaic pledged $1.5M in Moose Jaw-area funding for health and food security initiatives. Local HR/Training Push: Alberta is investing $4M to expand skilled trades training through a pilot program.

Labour squeeze warning: RBC Economics says Canada is heading into a long labour shortage as retirements rise, the under-35 workforce shrinks, and immigration cutbacks bite—potentially bringing shortages back even while many jobseekers still struggle. Workplace safety recognition: J. J. Keller’s 2026 Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY) Awards are open for applications/nominations, with categories by company size and a July 31 deadline. Streaming policy review: Ottawa has ordered the CRTC to review its Online Streaming Act decision that triples the contribution rate for streaming giants to Canadian content, as a CUSMA deadline nears and costs could flow to consumers. Community hiring via grants: Saskatchewan’s Town of Wakaw is hiring two roles for its Summer Kids Club Program, funded through the Community Initiatives Fund. Culture funding for jobs: Canada announced $600M in support for audio and audiovisual sectors to keep Canadian content affordable and sustain employment. Pride Month local support: Belleville Public Library is promoting Pride Month reading lists and community resources.

Federal Budget Pressure on CRA and Tax Fairness: A new critique says cutting CRA tax experts won’t save money and could leave billions behind, as the Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates major tax avoidance losses. B.C. Youth Labour Market: A Business Council of B.C. report warns young people are being shut out of work, with 51,000 fewer young people working than in 2019 and the lowest participation share since 2002. B.C. Minimum Wage: The province’s minimum wage rises to $18.25/hour, but it’s still far below the living wage estimate of $24.40. Alberta Disability Income Shift: An AISH-to-ADAP transition is set to reduce monthly income for some Albertans, with recipients saying they can’t work despite program goals. Ontario Employment/Business Rules: Brockville councillors push back on banning home-based businesses while updating zoning bylaw rules. Job Creation via Manufacturing Expansion: CIMtech Green Energy expands CNC capacity, targeting faster production for clean energy and industrial customers. Workplace/Benefits Cost Watch: A report flags rising federal bureaucrat insurance plan costs, projecting higher taxpayer costs even as headcount reductions are planned. Census Follow-Ups: Statistics Canada says census workers will start contacting households that haven’t completed the 2026 questionnaire, including phone and door-to-door visits.

Military Oversight Push: Canada’s military police watchdog is asking Ottawa to change the law to expand its investigative powers, citing “institutional resistance” and limited subpoena ability as complaints rise. Seniors Funding Update: The federal government launched the 2026–27 New Horizons for Seniors Program call for proposals, doubling the max grant to $50,000 and requiring applications through the GCOS portal. Economic Pressure at the Top: Prime Minister Mark Carney says the economic plan is “settling in” after Statistics Canada reported two straight quarters of decline, while Conservatives argue job losses and insolvencies show Canadians are worse off. Workplace AI & Religion: Pope Leo XIV’s AI warnings are prompting questions about whether workers can seek religious exemptions, though experts say accommodation and oversight remain unclear. Youth Employment Signals: New reporting highlights worsening youth employment in B.C., adding to broader concerns about young people struggling to land jobs. Canada Post Labour: Canada Post workers voted to accept new collective agreements, ending ongoing labour uncertainty.

Immigrant hiring push: A MOSAIC job fair in New Westminster drew 3,000+ newcomers and 50 employers, showing how credentialed immigrants still struggle to land “good jobs” in Canada. BC jobs and licensing: A “reckoning” is coming for BC logging licences after Canfor’s licence sale near Mackenzie shifted control to Tsay Keh Dene Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band, a move tied to past mill closures and layoffs. Labour relations at Canada Post: Multiple reports say Canada Post workers voted to accept new collective agreements, with tentative-deal updates and ratification momentum across bargaining units. Federal project approvals vs worker rights: “Building Canada Strong” faces union criticism for speeding up major-project approvals while limiting labour-code reforms and strike protections. Skills and pathways: Canada’s youth labour market is flagged as deteriorating in B.C., while EI is criticized for not keeping up with gig and part-time work. Workforce and growth hires: BioAcuity Consulting named Amanda Wright as Director of Growth, Strategy & Operations, signaling continued expansion in life-sciences consulting.

Indigenous Partnerships & Jobs: Ontario’s Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program is backing a major jump in First Nations’ ownership of the East-West Tie power line, lifting equity from 3.5% to 20% and aiming to create long-term workforce opportunities. Workforce & Training: Willow Lake Métis Group launched Keewaytin Indigenous Consultancy, supported by Natural Resources Canada funding, to help Indigenous communities prepare for and benefit from industrial projects. Defence Industrial Capacity: Canada is exploring a mixed fighter plan that could swap part of the planned 88 F-35 fleet for Saab Gripen jets, while Airbus is pitching helicopter manufacturing in Canada if selected for major federal programs. Labour Market Pressure: A new report says employment insurance is reaching fewer Canadians as work shifts toward gig and part-time roles, and another survey finds many workers report reduced productivity due to hunger. Hiring & Skills: The Maple Leafs’ front-office overhaul includes hiring Judd Brackett as assistant GM to lead player evaluation, a reminder that talent pipelines matter across sectors. International Worker Support: Agriculture Wellness Ontario is expanding mental-health supports for international farm workers in Ontario through a pilot with local CMHA branches.

Labour Dispute: IBEW says nearly 300 Canadian Pacific Kansas City signals workers are on strike after a 72-hour notice expired, while CPKC says it’s keeping safe operations running and is urging binding arbitration. Minimum Wage Update: B.C. minimum wage is set to rise to $18.25 on June 1, with debate over who benefits. Youth Unemployment Pressure: New reporting highlights that the number of young people in Canada without a job keeps rising, with experts urging practical steps to break the cycle. Hiring & Skills: A Canada-wide push continues around training and entry-level momentum, including coverage of how employers and systems can better connect young workers to jobs. Workplace Policy: Canada is moving to restrict non-competes in federally regulated workplaces, a change that could affect hiring and mobility. Industry Investment: Kruger Nonwovens orders a new plastic-free, chemical-free wipes line from ANDRITZ for Quebec, targeting production in 2028. Recession Debate: Statistics Canada’s back-to-back GDP contractions spark renewed “technical recession” talk in Ottawa and on Bay Street.

Youth Unemployment: Statistics Canada data shows the number of young people (15–24) without jobs keeps climbing, with April’s youth unemployment at 14.3% (up from 9.4% in March 2023), leaving job seekers like Toronto’s Tyrese Phillips stuck applying without callbacks. Economic Pressure: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is pushing Prime Minister Mark Carney for an emergency economy debate after Canada slipped into a “technical recession” as GDP contracted for two straight quarters by some definitions. Indigenous Languages Oversight: The federal government ordered a financial audit of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages after anonymous complaints, with critics saying the office spent heavily on travel and a major conference instead of measurable language support. Workplace/HR Angle: A LinkedIn career-focused piece argues entry-level hiring is shifting fast for 2026 grads, but non-AI roles like marketing assistants and recruitment coordinators still show strong demand. Community Support: Circles USA expands a poverty-reduction model that pairs low-income families with volunteers to build financial skills and connections to jobs and services. Canada Employment News Note: While several stories in this week’s feed are sports or international, the strongest Canada-focused employment signals are youth joblessness, recession debate, and hiring-market guidance.

Union Bargaining: Steelworkers Local 6500 ratified a five-year deal with Vale Sudbury, with 75.7% voting yes (87.7% turnout), aiming to bring stability and “historic gains” for 3,045 members. Hiring & Work Permits: Tim Hortons is dialing back its Temporary Foreign Worker approach while planning to hire 10,000 locally as youth unemployment rises. Labour Market Signals: Canada’s economy reportedly stalled with consecutive quarterly declines, adding to pressure on the Bank of Canada’s rate path amid a “low-hire, low-fire” job market. Workplace Policy: Canada moves to restrict non-competes in federally regulated workplaces, targeting barriers to mobility. Public Sector Labour: Canada Post workers are set to wrap voting on a new tentative deal after a restructuring marked by a reported $205M quarterly loss. Cost of Living (Jobs Impact): Record-high beef prices are being linked to drought-driven herd losses and tight cattle supply—another squeeze on household budgets.

Transit Strike Watch (B.C.): Unifor Local 333 bus drivers and mechanics in Greater Victoria voted 97% for strike action after talks with B.C. Transit stalled over sick leave, dental benefits and mandated breaks, with workers saying late-running routes leave no time to rest or use the washroom. Labour Deal Update (Ontario): Vale Canada’s Local 6500 ratified a new five-year collective agreement effective June 1, with both sides framing it as a step toward long-term stability (details not released). Hiring Shift (National): Tim Hortons says it will hire 10,000 local workers while reducing reliance on the Temporary Foreign Worker program as youth unemployment rises, and it plans to open 80 new restaurants and renovate 400. Migrant Worker Rights (B.C.): B.C. Supreme Court found Mac’s Convenience Stores and three immigration firms illegally charged recruitment fees to migrant workers for jobs that rarely materialized, awarding a class-action win. Workplace Safety (Manitoba): A trucking company linked to a fatal Brandon collision had its safety fitness certificate revoked in 2021, according to Manitoba officials. Policy/Trade (USMCA): U.S. negotiators are pushing higher U.S. content requirements for vehicles to qualify for lower tariffs, a move that could disadvantage Canada.

Workplace & Labour: Ledcor Highways workers ratified a new 2026–2029 collective agreement with wage increases, better overtime terms, and enhanced safety allowances. Defence & Skills: Canada and Ukraine signed a deal to co-produce drones in Canada for Ukraine’s military, pairing Ukrainian Airlogix with Hamilton-based Sentinel R&D. Economy & Hiring Climate: Statistics Canada data shows GDP contracted on an annualized basis in Q1, with tariff uncertainty blamed for weaker investment, hiring, and spending. Public Safety & Regulation: Ottawa councillors moved to push Ontario to update fire-code rules for indoor storage and charging of lithium-ion devices like e-bikes and scooters. Technology & Work: Epson expanded its financial teller multifunction lineup with magnetic stripe reading, aiming to streamline teller workflows. Training & Careers Pipeline: Skills/Compétences Canada kicked off the Skills Canada National Competition 2026 in Toronto, spotlighting trades and tech talent. Infrastructure Jobs: ATCO is awaiting final approval for a $2.9B Alberta natural gas pipeline that could support major industrial and residential growth.

Foreign-Worker Fraud: Kathmandu police arrested six people in a foreign employment scam that allegedly collected millions of rupees by promising jobs in Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the U.S., the UAE and Serbia, with victims reporting the recruiters went silent after payments. Trade & Jobs: The Canadian Cattle Association is urging Ottawa to reject any Mercosur beef-access expansion, warning it could pressure Canadian farmers and ranchers and complicate future trade talks. Workplace Safety: A semi-truck driver was charged after a fatal multi-vehicle crash in Brandon, Man., where police say the truck failed to stop at a stop sign; the minister also questioned how the carrier was allowed to operate. Child Care Workforce: Halton Region approved a 2026–2030 child-care plan focused on affordability, access and workforce retention, as staffing shortages and space demand continue to strain the system. Shelter Funding Cuts: Alberta women’s shelters say sudden provincial funding changes will reduce options in rural areas, despite claims that most shelters saw no cuts or increases. Health & Care: Saskatchewan’s SaskPower deficit debate continues as the NDP points to a higher-than-expected shortfall ahead of rate-review submissions. Local Hiring Signals: Tim Hortons says it will hire 10,000 locally while scaling back temporary foreign worker use, amid ongoing labour and staffing pressure.

Federal workforce cuts: About 2,800 federal public servants have been approved for an early retirement incentive as Ottawa moves to shrink the public service by 2029, with applications open until July 24 and eligible groups excluding many front-line roles. Hiring & training: Tim Hortons is rolling out a major local hiring push (10,000 jobs) while backing away from temporary foreign worker reliance, and a skilled trades fair in Pembroke (Options 2026) showcased pathways into apprenticeships for students. Workplace policy & compliance: Strathcona County updated its privacy and access policy to meet Alberta’s new access/privacy laws, with a required privacy management program by June 11, 2026. Labour market pressure: Bank of Canada flagged a “low-hire, low-fire” job market and rising vulnerabilities in its Financial Stability Report, warning shocks could hit multiple areas at once. Regional jobs boost: Sudbury’s Becker Mining Systems broke ground on a new facility expected to nearly double space and support growth from 45 employees toward 55–60 by year-end.