AGP Executive Report

Watershed Protection: B.C. NDP Leader David Eby says the province will bring AI data centres under the Water Sustainability Act and maintain watershed funding, promising some of North America’s toughest rules. Flood Prevention: Warman, Sask., will receive $3.5 million from federal, provincial and municipal governments for drainage upgrades in flood-prone areas. Forest Conservation: Ottawa is backing protection of northern Ontario taiga forest and peatlands across an area 1.3 times the size of Toronto. Extreme Rain: A storm could dump up to 60 millimetres across parts of Ontario and Quebec, with a rainfall warning issued for Montreal. Oilsands Wastewater: An expansion of oilsands production could worsen the industry’s wastewater problem, raising questions about how growth plans will address environmental risks. Climate Progress: Canada’s emissions rose in 2025 as clean electrification lagged, while the federal government has announced $2 billion in home-retrofit support to cut energy costs and emissions.

Oil Sands Wastewater: Ottawa’s push to expand oil production is sharpening the need to address toxic tailings ponds, which grew by 50 per cent from 2014 to 2024. The ponds already hold an enormous volume of mining wastewater, and more production could deepen the challenge. Fisheries Rules: A proposed federal red-tape bill would amend the Fisheries Act, including allowing fish to be moved during routine repairs to fishways. The government says protections will remain; the changes warrant close scrutiny. Nature Protection: Ottawa is proposing to list several aquatic species under the Species at Risk Act, as concerns grow over gaps in Canada’s wildlife protections. Home Retrofits: Carney’s $2-billion plan aims to retrofit one million homes, cutting household energy costs and emissions.

Data-Centre Debate: A new poll finds 64% of Canadians want limits on large data centres, rising to 70% in Saskatchewan; water use and pressure on electricity supplies are leading concerns. Wildlife at Risk: Experts warn invasive lizards are spreading on Vancouver Island, while a report says a loophole in Canada’s species-at-risk law can leave wildlife unprotected. Fossil-Fuel Expansion: Ottawa has listed a west coast pipeline as being in the national interest, prompting a First Nation to take the federal government to court over the fast-track decision. Emissions and Wildfires: Canada’s emissions rose in 2025 as clean electrification lagged, while a study warns climate-driven wildfires could cost future generations trillions. Home Energy: The federal government has announced a $2-billion program to retrofit one million homes and says heat-pump rebates are coming early next year.

Wildlife at Risk: A study found 153 of 288 species assessed as at risk were still awaiting federal listing decisions past recommended timelines. The Species at Risk Act has no statutory deadline for a key stage, leaving species such as caribou, belugas and lake sturgeon waiting for potential protections. Energy and Emissions: Canada’s emissions rose in 2025 as clean electrification lagged. The federal government has also designated a west coast pipeline a national-interest project, drawing objections from First Nations. Data Centre Demand: Nearly two-thirds of Canadians surveyed want data centre development curbed, as power demand puts pressure on electricity systems. Home Energy: Ottawa’s $2-billion plan aims to help retrofit one million homes, with heat-pump rebates expected early next year. Nature Protection: The federal government has proposed listing several aquatic species under the Species at Risk Act, while advocates are pressing B.C. to address water scarcity amid drought concerns.

Data Centre Pushback: A new poll finds 64% of Canadians want provinces to limit large data-centre projects, citing water use, electricity costs and benefits flowing to big tech. Arctic Priorities: At an Iceland assembly, Canada and other U.S. allies stressed sovereignty and environmental protection as Washington emphasized military expansion and resource development. Climate Targets: Canada’s emissions rose in 2025 as clean electrification lagged, while a climate report warns the country risks missing its targets. Home Efficiency: Ottawa has announced $2 billion to help retrofit one million homes, cutting energy costs and emissions. Pipeline Dispute: Ottawa has designated a west-coast pipeline a national-interest project, drawing Indigenous leaders’ concerns over water, toxic waste and opportunities for their communities. Water Pressures: B.C. advocates are urging the next government to address scarcity as drought concerns grow.

Emissions: Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are up again, an editorial reports, leaving the country only 9.5% below 2005 levels. A separate climate report warns Canada is at risk of missing its targets. Pipeline Pushback: Ottawa is fast-tracking a Pacific oil pipeline as it seeks new export routes. Indigenous leaders have raised concerns about water, toxic waste and their rights. Assessment Rules: Alberta’s Court of Appeal has again ruled the federal Impact Assessment Act unconstitutional, adding uncertainty to how major projects will be reviewed. Nature and Water: Canada has proposed endangered status for the porbeagle shark and other aquatic species. In a brighter sign, fish have returned after 7,300 cubic metres of toxic sediment were removed from a Canadian harbour.

Data-Centre Concerns: Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation is demanding answers about a major AI data centre near Regina, raising concerns over groundwater, cooling, natural-gas use and waste as the project expands. Ancient Fish: New research suggests some Great Lakes lake sturgeon may live 300 to 400 years. Georgian Bay Forever has launched a project to protect habitat for a species reduced to about 1 per cent of its historic population. Water Watch: B.C. advocates are urging the next government to address water scarcity as El Niño raises drought concerns; Comox Valley reservoir inflows are the lowest in 64 years. Waste and Restoration: Saskatchewan’s waste summit focused on confusing recycling rules, contamination and landfill pressure. Separately, a Canadian harbour cleanup removed 7,300 cubic metres of toxic sediment, and fish returned after more than 30 years. Project Reviews: Alberta’s Court of Appeal again ruled the federal Impact Assessment Act unconstitutional, a decision with potential consequences for major-project reviews.

Water Under Pressure: B.C. advocates are urging stronger conservation as a potentially powerful El Niño threatens to deepen drought; the province has faced high-level drought every year since 2015. Calgary is also weighing steep water-bill increases to fund $6.5 billion in overdue infrastructure upgrades. Wildlife Protection: Ottawa has proposed adding or reclassifying aquatic species under the Species at Risk Act, including the porbeagle shark, whose protection was delayed for more than two decades. Restoration: Collingwood Harbour’s recovery offers a bright spot: after 7,300 cubic metres of contaminated sediment were removed and habitat restored, fish species including northern pike returned. Energy and Climate: The federal government’s $2-billion home retrofit plan aims to upgrade one million homes, cutting emissions and energy costs. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s fast-tracked Pacific Link oil pipeline faces opposition from Indigenous communities concerned about its impacts.

Pesticide Oversight: Senators are weighing changes that would let Health Canada skip routine 15-year reviews of registered pesticides, shifting reviews toward products with emerging risks. Research has also raised concerns about pesticide contamination in Quebec waterways, while Kahnawake awaits new air-test results near an industrial park where soil testing found high lead levels. Oil Pipeline Push: Ottawa’s Pacific Coast pipeline plan faces legal and environmental scrutiny, including a challenge from an Alberta First Nation; Alberta’s Court of Appeal has also ruled the federal Impact Assessment Act unconstitutional. Climate and Energy: Canada’s emissions rose in 2025 as clean electrification lagged, a new report says. The federal government, meanwhile, plans $2 billion in heat-pump rebates as part of a program to retrofit one million homes. Water and Farming: Comox Valley reservoir inflows are at their lowest in 64 years amid a warm, dry fall, and Okanagan growers say climate-related crop losses are outpacing insurance coverage.

Data Centre Power: Google and environmental groups are set to question Hydro-Québec consultants over a proposed higher electricity rate for large data centres, as AI-driven demand is forecast to more than double by 2030. Air Quality: Reports for Metro Vancouver’s approved Tilbury LNG expansion project nitrogen dioxide levels above Canadian guidelines during commissioning and equipment failures, with annual exceedances also forecast. Climate Costs: A new study warns climate-driven wildfires in Canada could cost future generations trillions. Home Energy: Ottawa plans $2 billion in heat-pump rebates to help retrofit one million homes and cut emissions. Emissions Gap: Canada’s emissions rose in 2025 as clean electrification lagged, while the federal government advances the Pacific Link oil pipeline over objections from First Nations and environmental advocates.

Home Energy: Ottawa announced $2 billion for retrofits to help up to one million households cut heating costs and emissions, including through a new heat-pump rebate. Project Approvals: Bill C-39 passed its first Commons vote and heads to committee. It would extend a one-project, one-review process for major projects, prompting concerns about changes to environmental rules. Oil Pipeline: The federal government has designated the proposed Pacific Link route from Alberta to B.C. a project of national interest, fast-tracking a plan that has drawn opposition from environmental and Indigenous voices. Climate Targets: A new report warns Canada is at risk of missing its emissions goals.

Emissions: Canada’s greenhouse gas output rose about 1% in 2025 to 691 million tonnes, despite lower oil-and-gas emissions amid higher production. A Canadian Climate Institute estimate says the country could be 20 years behind its 2030 target, with increased natural-gas heating contributing to the rise. Pacific Link Pipeline: Indigenous leaders warn the fast-tracked Alberta-to-B.C. project threatens drinking water, fish and wildlife, and say they were not properly consulted. Washington state leaders also fear more Salish Sea tanker traffic will heighten spill risks. Heat Protection: Hamilton council approved a pilot bylaw for downtown rentals, requiring landlords to keep units at or below 26 C starting next summer. Wildlife: Research suggests wildfire smoke delayed songbird nesting in Canada by nine days, while scientists mapped refuges that may help birds cope.

Oil and Climate: Prime Minister Mark Carney says oilsands expansion is possible as Canada seeks investment, while Ottawa fast-tracks the Pacific Link oil pipeline to diversify exports. First Nations and environmental groups have raised concerns about the project’s impacts and consultation. Environmental Laws: Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, is drawing criticism as a potential major rollback of federal environmental protections. Clean Energy: Northland Power has brought Alberta’s largest battery-storage facility online; separately, Kawartha Lakes council backed a proposed 3-megawatt Burnt River hydro project’s bid for provincial procurement, though it still needs environmental and other approvals. Wildlife: Researchers are checking Manitoba wetlands for a potentially deadly fungal infection in frogs and salamanders, while a study found Canadian wildfire smoke delayed songbird nesting by nine days. Industrial Impacts: LNG Canada was fined $50,000 over underwater-noise monitoring during construction of its tug terminal. First Nations also say they were bypassed in consultation on Bell’s proposed AI data centre in Saskatchewan.

Space Chemistry: ALMA COMPASS results show newborn stars have a “chemical starter kit” of complex organics like methanol, hinting at how planet-building ingredients may form in space. Nuclear Skills in Quebec: Polytechnique Montréal’s 50-year-old “Slowpoke” research reactor is being positioned as a spark to revive nuclear science expertise in a province where it’s been fading. Salish Sea Shipping: A new analysis projects Salish Sea ocean traffic rising by about 2,000 transits a year, with tanker growth tied to Canada’s expanding fossil-fuel exports. Lithium Fire Risk: Fire departments warn lithium battery fires are hard to extinguish, citing surges in Toronto and recent incidents involving e-bikes and large storage batteries. Data Centres Backlash: An Angus Reid survey finds majorities in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Atlantic Canada want governments to limit large data centres, citing pressure on electricity and water. Energy Policy Tension: Quebec’s only working reactor story lands alongside broader debates over Canada’s energy build-out and its environmental trade-offs.

Pipeline & water protection: Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute in Wisconsin is facing fresh scrutiny after a Sept. 28 aquifer breach near the Marengo River, with reports of groundwater reaching the surface and multiple drilling-fluid releases since construction began. Wetlands & farming rules: Alberta’s proposed wetland regulation changes are drawing criticism from conservation groups, who warn protections for seasonal and temporary wetlands could be weakened—while the province says the goal is to cut red tape for farmers. Climate in local politics: A Halton Hills climate survey found 85% of municipal candidates responded, and all who did said climate change is important; at least one candidate is on record questioning human-caused climate science. Community climate education: The Okanagan Science Centre is offering free admission during Science Literacy Week, including a new hands-on “Climate Action Show.” Weather impacts: Environment Canada issued a yellow severe thunderstorm warning for the Sault Ste. Marie area, with gusts up to 70 km/h possible. Indigenous rights & ads: The FSIN is calling for removal of a billboard near Radisson it says attacks Treaty and hunting rights. Citizen science: World Migratory Bird Day highlights community observations as key to tracking bird migration and protecting habitats.

Climate Justice in Court: Canada’s climate fight heads to the Supreme Court as justices weigh who should pay for climate change, with big implications for lawsuits against fossil fuel companies. Pipeline Push: Prime Minister Mark Carney fast-tracks the Pacific Link crude export pipeline as a “project of national interest,” aiming to speed reviews and boost non-U.S. exports. Federal Approvals Overhaul: Critics say Ottawa’s Bill C-39 could weaken environmental protection and Indigenous consultation while streamlining major projects. Oil Patch Fallout: Enbridge crews breach an aquifer along the Line 5 reroute path in Wisconsin, adding to a troubling pipeline track record. Biodiversity Deadline: The 30×30 goal is still off track, with a new assessment showing about 20% of land and 10% of ocean protected as nations prepare for the next biodiversity summit. Public Health & Chemicals: Research highlights “obesogens” in everyday products and packaging as possible drivers of metabolic and weight problems. Wildlife & Habitat: Dior and WWF renew support for wild puma protection in Patagonia, while duck banding work continues to track lesser scaup declines. Weather Watch: Frost advisories hit parts of Ontario and Manitoulin Island, with plant and crop damage possible. AI and Governance: Canada-linked concerns grow as AI systems and digital harms spur calls for stronger oversight, including health-focused regulation for young people.