AGP Executive Report

AI in HR: A new global survey finds 67% of HR teams are at intermediate or advanced AI adoption, but Canada lags at 16%, raising pressure on HR leaders to catch up while managing governance and compliance. Employment law (Ontario): Ontario’s Court of Appeal upheld a more practical, contextual approach to interpreting termination clauses, giving employers clearer guidance after years of conflicting lower-court rulings. Public sector hiring/training: Ontario is pushing more skilled-trades and in-demand job training, including funding aimed at boosting the pipeline of workers. Labour market pressure: A report flags that many employers are still struggling to fill roles, with hiring taking longer and leaving positions unfilled. Media layoffs (B.C.): Corus Entertainment says more “changes” are coming at Global B.C. and related radio/talk operations, following earlier cuts. Workplace tech & burnout: A Canadian study warns that tech training can worsen employee burnout, adding to HR’s challenge of reskilling without harming wellbeing.

Workplace Aging & Training: A new study on older workers finds tech training can backfire—worsening the link between burnout and perceived work ability—unless it’s well-timed, simpler, and co-designed with workers. Federal Disability Supports: Minister Patty Hajdu launched a $9.3M Disability Benefits Navigation call for proposals, offering up to $1M over two years to help people with disabilities access federal benefits. Trade & Jobs Pressure: Canada-U.S. tariff talks shifted fast as Trump paused 50% tariffs for three days after a tentative deal, with Carney briefing cabinet and premiers; businesses are still bracing for uncertainty. Hiring & Labour Signals: No Frills is adding a Warman, Sask. store and running a hiring event for part-time cashier and clerk roles. Local Economic Strain: New Brunswick seafood processor Island Fishermen’s Cooperative Association filed for creditor protection, citing insolvency and warning of impacts on seasonal workers and suppliers. Justice & Costs: Ontario’s cash bail changes are drawing criticism for potentially increasing incarceration, especially for low-income and Indigenous people. Career/HR Moves: Associated Engineering named a new president, and Special Olympics Canada announced a general manager for the 2028 Winter Games in Kelowna.

Canada–U.S. Tariffs Pause: Trump announced a three-day pause on the planned 50% tariffs on Canadian imports, citing a “DEAL” pending final documents; Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed “substantial progress” but said “important work still to be done,” with the pause expected to run through Aug. 21 and potentially affecting about $20B (including dairy, alcohol, vehicles, and hockey equipment). Health-Care Pressure: CIHI data highlights worsening emergency department crowding tied to limited primary care access and bed shortages, with more patients waiting 10+ hours for emergency services. Workforce & Skills: Ontario announced $10M in new skills development funding for skilled trades, while a separate report notes employers struggling with longer hiring processes and unfilled roles. Cybersecurity Risk: Check Point says ransomware nearly doubled in July and GenAI is emerging as a growing operational risk, with education among the most targeted sectors. Public Sector Hiring/Pay Culture: Commentary flags Ottawa’s bonus culture in Crown corporations and argues taxpayers are rewarding poor performance.

Skilled Trades Push (Ontario): Ontario is putting $10M into six programs under its Skills Development Fund to train workers for construction, automotive service, and electrical trades, with new rules aimed at improving fairness and transparency after auditor general concerns. Workplace Safety (Kamloops): Charges were laid after workers at a Kamloops Canadian Tire were allegedly sprayed with wasp spray during a robbery attempt. Labour Disruption (Metro Vancouver): Unionized outside workers are picketing two water main projects, which could affect September dredging plans for Burrard Inlet. Hiring & Growth (Welland): Canadian Metal Buildings won a Niagara Industrial Redevelopment Charge Deferral to build a new 100,000-square-foot facility in Welland, targeting 100+ jobs. Foreign Worker Protections (Saskatchewan): Saskatchewan immigration officials laid charges against a Swift Current employer accused of making foreign workers pay for employment, under tougher new provincial rules. AI & Work (Healthcare IT): Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance won a CIO Awards Canada 2026 honour for using an AI “digital worker” to support frontline tech help 24/7. Immigration Policy (Canada): Canada clarified two visa applicant categories exempt from proof-of-funds requirements, including Canadian Experience Class applicants and people already authorized to work with a valid job offer. Community Services (Manitoba): Dauphin, Man. is set to open a temporary emergency department within three weeks after flood damage closed its health centre.

Canadian Jobs & Skills: Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance is set to tackle workforce shortages, while Ontario is investing $6M+ to boost skilled trades training in the Hamilton area and a new tuition-free carpentry program targets Kootenay residents. Workplace & Hiring Rules: Canada is tightening work permit rules (including for Nigerians) and study permit targets are being cut by 16%, with knock-on effects for newcomers planning careers. Labour Market Signals: A new study flags a weak job market pushing more young people into unemployment, and another report says Canada added 75,000 jobs as the labour market strengthens for newcomers. Trade & Tariffs Impact: Employers and industry groups are bracing for potential U.S. tariff shocks, including packaging and containerboard firms warning about job risk tied to cross-border supply chains. Targeted Support for Workers: A $840K investment aims to help people with vision loss in Greater Victoria find work, and a program offers skills training plus paid work experience for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Energy Jobs Pipeline: A major clean power deal (hydro + wind) could reshape hiring needs across Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and beyond.

Federal workforce push: Ottawa launched the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance to tackle skilled-labour shortages for robotics and AI-ready manufacturing, bringing together employers, unions, training schools, Indigenous partners, and underrepresented communities. Trade pressure and jobs: Prime Minister Mark Carney framed a major Quebec–Newfoundland and Labrador clean-power deal as a jobs engine (construction and critical-minerals work) while warning the U.S. is tying tariff relief to Canada’s defence procurement choices. Infrastructure hiring: Transport Canada awarded a $32M contract to replace the Souris ferry terminal transfer bridge in PEI, aiming to modernize access and create local design/construction work. Small business strain: A Prairie-focused survey found Manitoba and Saskatchewan owners are under heavy pressure—nearly half used personal credit cards or home equity, and many are considering permanent closure. Health-sector operations: Shared Health said Manitoba’s largest hospital is still recovering from a ransomware attack, with maintenance monitoring affected but patient care operating.

Hiring & Skills: Ottawa is adding $2.1M to expand skilled trades training in Alberta, while Victoria transit workers are set to begin job action Monday—both signals of how labour demand and workplace disputes are shaping near-term hiring. Workplace & Policy: A study flags a weak job market and more young job seekers pushing youth unemployment higher, and another piece asks why so many workers are opting out of AI at work. Immigration & Fraud: A case highlights fake Canada work-permit schemes (including alleged Air India ticket use), and Canada is also moving on foreign-worker status support for people at risk of losing status. Indigenous Rights & Jobs: Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation scored a first legal win in its fight over a proposed AI data centre, with a judicial review set to continue in December. Economy & Trade: Multiple reports warn that U.S. tariff threats could hit Canadian jobs hard, with negotiations still in flux.

Skilled Trades Funding: Ottawa is adding $2.1M to expand skilled trades training in Alberta and B.C., aiming to help more than 1,000 young Canadians move into apprenticeship careers. Wildfire Response Jobs: The federal government conditionally sold 10 retired RCAF Hercules aircraft to Coulson Aviation (B.C.) to convert them into aerial firefighting tankers, supporting wildfire capacity and aerospace work. Housing & Local Infrastructure: Canada and Ontario are investing $1B to help municipalities that don’t use development charges build roads, bridges, and water systems tied to new housing. Trade Pressure on Work: With new U.S. tariff threats looming, Canada’s negotiators are pushing for relief and sector tariff reductions as talks continue in Washington. Workforce & Community Programs: Sudbury’s Flour Mill Community Farm is expanding to boost youth employment and food programming. Employment & Youth Experience: CONTACT’s Canada Summer Jobs placements are giving students hands-on community outreach and program experience. Workplace Safety/Crime Trends: Wood Buffalo’s Crime Severity Index fell 16.5% in 2025, while Montreal police confirmed a temporary automated licence-plate camera used in targeted investigations. Local Hiring/Compliance: A Moose Jaw employer was fined for charging a foreign worker for employment, highlighting enforcement around worker protection.

Immigration & Equity in Healthcare: A new study says immigrants in B.C. face longer elective-surgery wait times than people born in Canada, raising fairness concerns as provinces spend to cut wait lists. Workplace Safety & Youth Online Risks: RCMP is urging parents and schools to talk openly about cyber safety, warning that curiosity and online recruitment can pull youth into illegal activity. Foreign Worker Protections: Saskatchewan reported a major jump in building permit values, a sign of construction demand that can affect hiring—while a separate Saskatchewan case highlights enforcement against employers charging foreign workers. Community Jobs Funding: White River Township received FedNor money to hire an economic development officer for three years, aiming to boost tourism and investment. Sports & Talent Pathways: Canada’s Special Olympics Summer Games in Medicine Hat are leaving a legacy, with community pride and volunteer momentum expected to continue. Local HR/Management: ByWard Market District Authority terminated its executive director after seven months, a reminder that leadership changes can ripple through local operations.

Transit Job Action: Unifor locals in Greater Victoria and Metro Vancouver have issued strike notices, with a uniform job action set to begin Monday over wages and working conditions after long talks and expired agreements. Workplace & Immigration: A Newfoundland study-permit holder convicted of theft and fraud is seeking discharge to avoid deportation, while a Moose Jaw employer was fined for charging a foreign worker for the job. Public Sector & Skills: Nova Scotia is funding the Verschuren Centre to expand precision fermentation work, aiming to support more companies and create about 100 highly skilled jobs. Hiring & Training Programs: A federal update highlights a Veterans Entrepreneurship Act pilot to help eligible veterans access business training and start-ups. Economic Signals: Saskatchewan building permits jumped sharply from May to June, pointing to renewed construction momentum and potential job growth. Corporate Restructuring: Nokia confirmed it will wind down a China R&D site, eliminating about 1,600 jobs. Legal & HR Risk: A Quebec judge approved a $31.5M settlement in a sexual assault class action against the Quebec City archdiocese.

Labour Market & Hiring: Moose Jaw employer fined $5,000 under Saskatchewan’s foreign worker protection law for charging a worker $12,000, the first conviction under the new rules—another reminder that recruitment costs and worker protections are under tighter scrutiny. Workplace Disruption: A WestJet flight attendants walkout cancelled roughly 250,000 passengers’ flights over the long weekend, highlighting how airline labour disputes can quickly ripple through Canada’s travel system. Corporate Restructuring: Reports say Oracle may send layoff emails as early as Sept. 1, with managers asked for employee lists—potential job-loss anxiety for workers across Canada and beyond. Public Services & Skills: Ontario is investing $1.1M to support workers in Waterloo Region amid tariff impacts, while a federal Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance launch points to more targeted employment programming. Community Support: United Way Perth-Huron funded air conditioning at the Stratford Connection Centre, improving comfort and safety for people at risk of homelessness. Energy Jobs: NexGen Energy held a groundbreaking for the $2.2B Rook I uranium project in northern Saskatchewan, targeting about 1,300 direct jobs and more northern contracting opportunities.

B.C. Cabinet Shuffle: After Finance Minister Brenda Bailey revealed early-stage, treatable cancer, Premier David Eby moved Health Minister Josie Osborne to finance and shifted Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon to health, with Energy Minister Adrian Dix covering jobs temporarily—an HR and hiring ripple for provincial workplaces. Public Sector Health Work: OPSEU/SEFPO is calling for an immediate end to Grifols’ for-profit plasma collection contract in Canada after two donor deaths and a Health Canada non-compliance rating, while Grifols says it’s pausing collections. Workplace Safety & Dispatch: Grey-Bruce paramedics are rolling out Ontario’s expanded Medical Priority Dispatch System to better classify calls and speed ambulances to life-threatening emergencies. Regulatory/Compliance: CIRO sanctioned Scotia Securities Inc. with a $275,000 fine and $10,000 costs over reporting and complaint-handling supervisory control failures. Community & Culture: OMNI/Sportsnet is ending “Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi” after 18 years, citing audience levels too low to sustain production long-term.

Labour Market Watch: Saskatchewan’s unemployment in the Swift Current–Moose Jaw region rose to 5.7% in July (up from 2.4% a year earlier), with the province pointing to aging workforce and tech change as conditions moderate. Foreign-Worker Enforcement: Saskatchewan reported its first conviction under foreign worker protection rules, and Moose Jaw saw an employer fined $5,000 for charging a foreign worker $12,000. Workplace Relations: Unifor and Amazon are headed to binding arbitration for a first contract for about 800 warehouse employees in Delta, B.C., while a decertification push is also underway. Hiring & Skills: A new federal push aims to support skills development and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth, alongside broader labour-market measures. Trade & Jobs Pressure: Canada is named among countries accused in a U.S. “shadow transhipment network” report tied to tariff evasion, adding to uncertainty for cross-border supply chains. Community Hiring Signals: Waterloo Region received $1.1M to help protect workers from tariff impacts, and Saskatchewan unemployment fell to 6.0% in July.

Dairy Jobs & Capacity: Gay Lea Foods is investing $200M+ to expand its Clayson Road cottage-cheese plant in Toronto, aiming to ease a national shortage and support a broader $450M “Network for Growth” modernization plan. Refugee Support & Hiring: County of Simcoe and Bradford West Gwillimbury are clarifying plans for a 12-month asylum reception centre at 136 Barrie St., backed by a $4.4M federal grant, with partners focused on housing and employment. Community Access to Work-Ready Recreation: Welland is piloting free outdoor sports equipment lockers with Equip Sport and Jumpstart, using an app to borrow/return gear at city fields. Gaming & Local Employment: Ontario’s Destination Niagara Strategy gets a boost as OLG and MGE Niagara Entertainment expand the Niagara gaming market, with new operators to be selected via procurement. Data Centres & Ontario Jobs: Ontario released its Data Centre Playbook, promising approvals tied to full electricity cost coverage, community investment, and data sovereignty—while critics warn about transparency and local impacts. Workplace Safety: Metrolinx construction reports raise concerns after leaked accounts describe near-misses and incidents involving falling loads and live power lines during Ontario Line work. Skilled Trades Training: Mohawk College and CLAC are partnering to expand skilled trades training in Ontario. Aerospace Funding: COTA Aviation in B.C. is receiving $1M in tariff-relief funding to buy advanced equipment for aircraft/defence gear production, supporting skilled jobs. Compensation Benchmarks: BJRC Recruiting released a free 2026 salary guide for Canadian employers and job seekers covering executive, finance, and legal roles.

Union Governance: PSAC placed the Yukon Employees’ Union under trusteeship, suspending YEU bylaws and leadership while a new administrator and trustee work to bring locals into compliance. Labour Market Signals: Statistics Canada reported Canada added about 75,000 jobs in July while unemployment fell to a two-year low, with regional updates including Manitoba job growth and Alberta’s stronger hiring. Trade & Jobs Risk: New reports warn a CUSMA/USMCA breakdown could cost Canada well over 100,000 jobs, with manufacturing and services both affected. Workplace & Skills Funding: Ontario is investing nearly $11M in health-care training through the Skills Development Fund, while other coverage points to ongoing efforts to address workforce gaps. Immigration & Hiring Rules: Canada updated guidance on work permits for foreign academic examiners and released lists of in-demand occupations for permanent residency. Compliance & Enforcement: A Moose Jaw employer was fined for charging a foreign worker $12,000, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of recruitment practices.

USMCA/CUSMA Jobs Risk: A new report models what happens after the July 1, 2026 USMCA renewal deadline passed without a formal deal, warning a full breakdown could mean far fewer jobs in both countries, with manufacturing hit hardest and services feeling spillovers through weaker spending and investment. Skilled Trades Funding: Ottawa is adding $2.1M to expand the Trades Careers program (total nearly $5.7M) to train and certify more Red Seal workers, aiming to support Canada’s workforce needs. Skilled Trades Workforce: The same push shows up in Alberta too, with federal support for skilled trades workforce development. Data Centre Pressure: Oakville enacts a one-year moratorium on new data centres while staff study noise, emissions, and land-use impacts as Ontario municipalities wrestle with AI buildouts. Addictions Services Staffing: Manitoba opens its first supervised consumption site in Winnipeg, now fully staffed, to connect clients with care and recovery supports. Payments/Data Sovereignty: Canada’s payments leaders warn that the sale of Moneris to a foreign owner could threaten data sovereignty and the infrastructure behind payments. Employment Growth Abroad: A Canadian robotics firm, BOS Innovations, opens its first U.S. facility in Lexington, creating 111 full-time jobs. Housing Access: Victoria expands a wheelchair-focused housing matching program to help prevent homelessness and unsafe housing for people with disabilities. Workplace/Community Support: A free identification and employment clinic series returns in Madoc and Bancroft to help people access jobs and essential services.