AGP Executive Report

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.

Supreme Court Climate Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court opened its new term with a major climate case over whether federal or state courts can hear lawsuits seeking damages from energy companies for climate harms—setting up a potentially wide impact on similar cases. B.C. Glacier Loss: New research warns three well-known Whistler-area glaciers could vanish within decades, with rapid shrinkage tied to human-caused warming. Northern Climate Impacts: A new long-term study from Nunavik documents permafrost thaw and ground subsidence accelerating after earlier warming, with major consequences for northern infrastructure and ecosystems. Data Centres Pressure in Atlantic Canada: Saint John residents are raising fresh concerns about a second proposed data centre, citing electricity demand, pollution, health impacts, and grid strain. Pipeline Watch: Canada’s Pacific Link crude pipeline cleared a key federal hurdle as a “project of national interest,” with timing now focused on first oil no earlier than 2032. Weather & Health: Ontario doctors say flu season is starting early, while Environment Canada issued frost advisories across parts of eastern Ontario and southern regions.

Supreme Court Climate Case: Canada’s oil-and-gas footprint is in the spotlight as the U.S. Supreme Court hears a major bid by Big Oil to toss climate lawsuits brought by cities seeking damages for warming-linked fires and floods. West Coast Energy Push: In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney has fast-tracked the Pacific Link oil pipeline and labeled it a project of national interest, keeping pressure on environmental review and Indigenous engagement. LNG Expansion Debate: A new look at Canada’s investment pitchbook shows LNG export projects—plus LNG-related proposals—front and centre in federal industrial planning, despite the scale of the 100 mtpa goal. Climate Risk for Europe: Reporting warns that a slowdown of the Atlantic ocean “heat pump” could bring colder, harsher conditions to Europe—an example of how climate impacts can ripple far beyond Canada. Digital Harm & Kids: Triple P Canada launched a free program for parents on safer screen use as research links problematic digital media to mental health and sleep harms. Heat and Health: A student athlete’s life-threatening exertional heat stroke case underscores the growing dangers of extreme heat.

Quebec Fossil-Fuel Policy Shake-Up: Quebec is signaling second thoughts on its four-year-old oil and gas development ban, reopening a fight that has pitted the province against energy companies over damages and investor rights. Recycling Bottlenecks: University of Regina researchers say Canada’s recycling system loses efficiency at specific stages, offering a clearer way for governments to target the real weak spots. Local Climate Politics: “Greys for Green” argues municipal elections are where climate resilience gets built—through land use, transit, parks, tree canopy, and stormwater planning. Data, Borders, and Privacy: Unsealed U.S. court records show how Palantir-linked ICE analytics can flow from surveillance of immigration observers into border screening, with implications for Canadians. Uranium EIA Appeal: Four groups and 40 individuals have appealed an EPA decision to exempt a proposed uranium exploration project from an environmental impact assessment, citing contamination risks and Indigenous consultation gaps. Plastic Claims Under Fire: Protesters across New York state target Starbucks over “recyclable” plastic cup claims, arguing the packaging still ends up in landfills and incinerators. Pacific Link Pipeline Debate: Coverage continues around Canada’s fast-tracked West Coast oil pipeline push, with environmental and political flashpoints across jurisdictions.

EV Fleet Troubles: A U.S. rollout of electric school buses is running into charger malfunctions and heating failures, with colder weather shrinking range and maintenance sidelining vehicles for weeks—an early warning for Canada’s own EV fleet plans. Invasive Species in B.C.: European wall lizards are booming on Vancouver Island, with experts estimating 800,000 to a million in the province, and residents say they’re wiping out slugs and other garden pests. Canada-China EV Security: Experts warn that low-cost connected Chinese EVs could pose national security risks, as Ottawa’s tariff deal shifts from a full surtax to a lower rate with quotas. Climate & Weather Watch: Ontario’s fall colours may arrive later and last longer under a “Super El Nino,” with warmer conditions delaying the leaf-change trigger. Arctic Science & Travel: HX Expeditions wrapped a record Arctic season with thousands of citizen-science submissions and an AI whale-detection trial. Pipeline Politics: A new push for the Pacific Link oil pipeline faces taxpayer cost concerns and Indigenous equity questions as it heads toward construction planning.

Pacific Link Pipeline Politics: Former Enbridge CEO Al Monaco says Canada’s West Coast pipeline push faces a “long road,” underscoring the hurdles Pacific Link must clear as it’s declared a national priority. Climate & Energy Access: A new open letter from Bill McKibben, Christiana Figueres and Catherine McKenna argues solar can deliver “everyone, everywhere by 2030,” pointing to rapid global growth and falling costs. Solar for Canada: A separate report asks whether solar can scale fast enough for everyone by 2030, tying the question to affordability and reliability. Forest Access in B.C.: Mosaic Forest Management will open three previously closed Sooke-area gates on weekends for public recreation in a pilot covering about 42,000 hectares, with closures possible for wildfire risk and safety. Water & Flood Resilience: Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority highlights how watershed-based planning protects communities from natural hazards as it prepares major organizational change. Research & Climate Signals: A Western Producer explainer links the “super El Niño” to longer Pacific Decadal Oscillation patterns that can shift winter conditions across North America.

Pacific Link pipeline backlash: Washington state leaders and the state’s ecology agency warn Canada’s fast-tracked West Coast oil pipeline could harm the Salish Sea ecosystem and Southern Resident killer whales, arguing expedited federal status could shrink public input and environmental review. Arctic science push: HX Expeditions wrapped its 130th-anniversary Arctic season with record citizen-science submissions, beach waste pickups, and a world-first AI whale-detection trial using thermal imaging on the Fram. Coastal wildlife shift: Great white sharks are showing up farther north in Atlantic Canada, with researchers pointing to changing prey and ocean conditions—raising concerns about more human encounters. Slope safety in BC: A landslide near a Campbell River condominium was triggered by a watermain break; cleanup is underway and the city says it will keep monitoring and reassess slope stability. Methane rules under pressure: The EU is considering delaying methane emissions rules for imported oil and gas as energy-security concerns mount. Energy infrastructure spotlight: Canada’s energy minister toured Burnaby’s Westridge Marine Terminal, highlighting safety and marine protection as Pacific Link is listed as a project of national interest.

Pacific Link fast-tracked: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Alberta-to-B.C. “Pacific Link” is Canada’s first “project of national interest,” aiming for a streamlined review and renewed oilsands growth. Pipeline backlash: Separatist, environment, and some First Nation groups are speaking out against the Alberta–B.C. pipeline designation. Nuclear power planning: The Village of Macoun, Sask., welcomed Rafferty Reservoir being selected for further study for two 300-megawatt SMRs. Climate adaptation in action: Collingwood’s council gave early approval to a climate adaptation plan to 2035, targeting heat, drought, flooding, shoreline erosion, air quality and wildfire smoke. Home retrofits funding: Ottawa backed 162 municipal projects with $66.3M to expand home energy retrofit financing, including insulation and heat pumps. Oceans protection push: Carney announced a $1.2B investment to protect Canada’s oceans. Mining cleanup update: A Philippine environment group says Canada’s Barrick settlement over the Marcopper disaster is moving forward after a long-awaited DENR communication. Nuclear isotopes for space: A new Canadian centre will support research and partnerships to boost space-ready radioisotope power supplies.