On your marks, get set – byelections!
Your Look Ahead from Summa Strategies
- 9 minute read
The Latest
Top stories driving the news this week.
- Today, ministers Joly, McGuinty and secretary of state Fuhr will be announcing new investments under the Defence Industrial Strategy.
- Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that by-elections in Scarborough Southwest, Terrebonne and University–Rosedale will be held on April 13.
- The Government has proposed to other parties in the House of Commons that a debate on the Middle East be held this evening in the House. Prime Minister Carney’s recent statement on the Middle East conflict drew criticism for its perceived ambiguity about U.S. actions in Iran. While Carney labeled the Iranian regime a security threat and supported its people, he also stated support for U.S. actions. MPs voiced concerns about “mixed messaging” in endorsing U.S. actions (viewed by some as a move to placate Washington) while simultaneously calling the actions “inconsistent with international law.” This prompted Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to hold a closed-door briefing with the Liberal caucus on Friday to address concerns.
- A significant deputy minister shuffle saw veteran public servant Glenn Purves return from the private sector to lead International Trade. Other key moves include David Morrison shifting to the Privy Council Office as a senior diplomatic adviser, Rob Stewart departing Trade to head the new Financial Crimes Agency, and fentanyl czar Kevin Brosseau adding Defence and Coast Guard duties to his portfolio. Several other appointments were made across key departments to align leadership with current government priorities.
- During his 10-day tour of the Indo-Pacific in early 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney secured over $5 billion in commercial deals in India, including a landmark $2.6 billion uranium supply agreement, while formalizing the trilateral Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership to advance AI and secure supply chains. In Australia, the Prime Minister elevated bilateral relations to a new strategic level by securing up to $10 billion in investment commitments and establishing defence cooperation focused on Arctic radar technology and NORAD modernization. The tour concluded in Tokyo with the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan, which launches new dialogues on cyber policy and economic security while expanding joint naval exercises and cooperation on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and critical minerals.
- Canada and Alberta have reached an agreement-in-principle to accelerate the construction of major projects in Alberta. This was accompanied by the release of a draft Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment, which will be open to the public for consultation for 21 days.
- Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with the U.S. trade representative, Jamieson Greer, to thaw negotiations after they halted last year in the wake of the Government of Ontario’s ad campaign criticizing the Trump administration’s tariffs. Prior to the meeting, a spokesperson for Minister LeBlanc stated that they expected to discuss the ongoing review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.
- The Government of Canada, through Transport Canada, launched its calls for proposals for the $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund and the $1 billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund to strengthen transportation infrastructure, improve supply chains, and expand Canada’s access to global markets.
In the House
Key Green Chamber business set to play out.
- Bill C-20, the Build Canada Homes Act is currently at second reading and expected to be called for debate today.
- Bill C-13, An Act to implement the Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, is currently at report stage in the House of Commons.
- Bill C-18, Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation Act, is currently at report stage in the House of Commons.
- Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, is under consideration at the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
- Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), is currently before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
- Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security, is currently under consideration at the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
- Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act, is at report stage in the House of Commons.
Committee Updates
- ACVA will be meeting to discuss suicide prevention among veterans.
- CIMM will be meeting today to discuss Canada’s Immigration System.
- ETHI will meet today for the Statutory Review of the Lobbying Act.
- FOPO will be meeting to discuss Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic herring fisheries and update on actions taken in response to the 28 recommendations the committee sent in February 2023.
- HUMA will be meeting to review Bill C-222, Relieving Grieving Parents of an Administrative Burden Act (Evan’s Law).
- INDU will be meeting today to discuss opportunities, risks, and regulations of AI in Canada’s strategic industries. They will also discuss Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy in camera.
- PACP will meet to discuss Bill C-230 An Act to amend the Financial Administration Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts. They will also meet to discuss the 4th report from the Auditor General of Canada on the National Trade Corridors Fund in camera.
- TRAN will be meeting today to discuss improving VIA Rail’s safety and customer service, and supporting, diversifying, and modernizing Quebec and Canada’s ports.
- AGRI will meet to discuss science in Canadian agriculture and the closure of research centres.
- CHPC will meet to discuss the state of journalism and media sectors.
- CITT will be meeting to discuss Canada’s trade with Mecoser countries.
- ENVI will be meeting to discuss the effectiveness, potential improvements and capability of Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction plan.
- FEWO will be meeting to review Bill C-225, An Act to amend the Criminal Code.
- FAAE will be meeting to discuss the situation in Venezuela.
- HESA will be meeting to discuss Canada’s pharmaceutical sovereignty.
- INAN will be meeting to review Bill C-10, Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act.
- LANG will be meeting to discuss the Official Languages (Advancement of Equality of Status and Use of English and French) Regulations.
- NDDN will be meeting today to discuss the nexus between national defence, national security and Canada’s critical minerals sector.
- OGGO will be meeting to go over the Comprehensive Expenditure Review
- PROC will be meeting to discuss the current state of civic resilience in Canada.
- SECU will be meeting to discuss Canada’s ability to remove foreign nationals with a criminal record.
In the Senate
Stay informed on events in the Upper Chamber.
- Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, is currently at second reading.
- Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, is at third reading.
- Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, is currently at second reading.
- Bill S-4, the Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, is at second reading.
- Bill S-5, the Connected Care for Canadians Act, is at second reading.
Committee Updates
- BANC will be meeting to examine and report on access to credit and capital markets for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
- LCJC will be meeting to study Bill S-209, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to pornographic material and Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
- TRCM will host Minister Hajdu, who will appear to examine and report on maintenance of activities or essential services in the federally regulated rail and marine sectors in the case of labour disruptions.
- AEFA will be meeting to discuss CUSMA and Canada’s trade relationships with the United States and Mexico.
- LCJC will be meeting to consider a draft report of Bill S-209, Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act and to conduct a clause-by-clause of Bill S-205, Tona’s Law.
- SOCI will meet later this week to examine and report on matters related to the impact of artificial intelligence in Canada.
- SECD is meeting today to examine and report on the impacts of Russia’s disinformation on Canada
- OLLO is meeting today to examine and report on the regulatory framework of Part VII of the Official Languages Act.
- NFFN will be meeting to examine the subject matter of all of Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025.
- ENEV will be meeting to examine and report on such issues as may arise from time to time relating to energy, the environment, natural resources and climate change.
- POFO will host Minister Thompson, who will appear to examine and report on issues relating to the federal government’s current and evolving policy framework for managing Canada’s fisheries and oceans, including maritime safety.
In Case You Missed It
Your crib notes for last week’s top stories.
- Last week, the Liberal government put forward a motion to set a timeline for the justice committee to complete its review of Bill C-9. The motion requires the committee to resume clause-by-clause consideration at its next meeting. Votes would be called on all amendments, and the meeting cannot end until the bill passes review.
- The Standing Committee on Finance is now accepting pre-budget submissions for 2026 until Thursday, April 30, 2026.
- Despite German sub-maker TKMS being open to the idea, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, Stephen Fuhr said that the government is not looking to split the submarine contract between the Germans and the Koreans in the competition to build 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee stated that it is most efficient to procure a single class of fleet.
- Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced that Canada is launching a new pathway to permanent residency for 33,000 temporary foreign workers through the Temporary Residency to Permanent Residency program. Around 2.1 million temporary residents had their permits expire in 2025, and nearly 2 million more permits are expected to expire in 2026.
- Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman last week to accelerate federal safety guardrails following the Tumbler Ridge shooting. Solomon requested that OpenAI report Canadian safety flags directly to the RCMP—bypassing U.S. law enforcement—and demanded that the Canadian AI Safety Institute be granted access to conduct a full assessment of the company’s internal safety protocols.
- The Defence Investment Agency has issued a Request for Information to engage Canadian industry on sustaining the future Canadian Patrol Submarine fleet. The government is evaluating proposals from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Hanwha Ocean for the new program, which aims to bolster Arctic sovereignty and strengthen the domestic defence industrial base.
Provincial Updates
A look at the top news across the country.
- Premier David Eby is calling for more stringent AI regulations following the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, citing OpenAI’s failure to alert law enforcement to the shooter’s account activity.
- B.C. is establishing a permanent Pacific Standard Time zone, effectively eliminating biannual seasonal shifts. However, the province has granted municipalities the autonomy to opt out, giving them the power to determine which time zone they will maintain..
- Nine candidates have officially advanced in the B.C. Conservative leadership race after each secured 250 member signatures and passed the party’s vetting process. The approved field features a mix of sitting MLAs, including Peter Milobar, Harman Bhangu, and Bruce Banman, alongside prominent public figures such as political commentator Caroline Elliott and former federal cabinet minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Rounding out the ballot are former B.C. Liberal minister Iain Black, Capilano University chancellor Yuri Fulmer, former Pattison Food Group president Darrell Jones, and Rossland-based contractor Warren Hamm.
- An agreement has been made between Arctic Gateway Group and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (POABI) to establish a two-way trade corridor from POABI and Canada’s Port of Churchill, Manitoba. It will focus on trade for energy, critical minerals and more, strengthening the North Atlantic Trade Corridor.
- Last week, Premier Danielle Smith cited the conflict in Iran as further justification for a West Coast pipeline, arguing that volatility in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the global need for stable Canadian oil. She emphasized that Pacific shipping lanes are now of greater strategic importance to ensure a secure global energy supply.
- The Saskatchewan legislature has returned for its 10-week spring session. While Premier Scott Moe is prioritizing essential services to address a looming deficit, he has hinted at potential efficiencies in the healthcare system—specifically through virtual care innovations – as options in the March 18 budget. This fiscal pressure follows a challenging year where provincial revenues were strained by Chinese tariffs on canola, though many of those levies were successfully reduced or suspended as of March 1.
- Ontario has made substantial changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), reducing the maximum portion of funding available as non-repayable grants from 85% to 25%. This change has sparked student protests across the province emboldened by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
- Last week, the Ontario government announced their national energy corridor agreement, which will unite the provinces and territories to build integrated electricity infrastructure.
- Travis Kann, the Premier’s current principal secretary, has been named the new chief of staff. Kann was lead on Ontario-U.S. relations, and is replacing Patrick Sackville effective today. It is a move Ford says positions the province for “steady, disciplined leadership” amid a tumultuous relationship between Canada and the U.S.
- Former Toronto city councillor and provincial cabinet minister, Michael Ford, is considering a run for mayor of Toronto in the fall municipal election. Ford’s announcement follows the news that John Tory has decided to stay out of the campaign. Current Toronto polling also revealed that Brad Bradford is tied with Mayor Olivia Chow in a hypothetical vote.
- Support for Quebec independence has dropped to historic lows, with a recent poll showing 71% opposition to separation. This shift has dramatically altered the political landscape; the Parti Québécois (PQ) and the Quebec Liberals (PLQ) are now in a statistical dead heat at 31% and 30% respectively.
- Two Quebec legislature members are resigning ahead of the October election. Caroline Proulx, the CAQ Minister responsible for Housing, announced she will not seek re-election, citing a desire for a new chapter following a difficult year. Similarly, Independent MNA Vincent Marissal (formerly of Québec Solidaire) confirmed he is stepping away from politics after his high-profile exit from his former party.
- Newly acclaimed Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard has called for an immediate suspension of the provincial constitution process. Milliard characterized the current government’s approach as flawed, arguing that any fundamental changes should be halted until after the October election to ensure the process begins on a non-partisan, consultative basis.
- The Newfoundland and Labrador legislative session resumed last week with Premier Tony Wakeham reporting a $1 billion budget deficit and a $20 billion net debt. Despite these fiscal pressures, the Progressive Conservatives are maintaining pledges to cut taxes and increase spending on healthcare and public safety, proposing to fund these initiatives through expanded oil, hydro, and mining production.
- New Brunswick’s new mining strategy aims to revive the province’s major-resource sector to generate growth. The plan includes incentives to boost competitiveness and expanded fiscal tools to de-risk investment such as flexibility on royalty rates paid to the province, offset by other benefits. The goal is to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining environmental safeguards.
- The Government of Nova Scotia is facing severe criticism over recent spending cuts, which have reduced or eliminated 28 government grants as it attempts to save $130 million. Premier Houston stated that he is willing to hear criticisms and make changes if needed.
- Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald advanced the Next Policy Framework during a tour of Atlantic agricultural sectors, addressing both challenges and opportunities within the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Highlighting up to $30 million in Local Food Infrastructure Fund investments, the Minister visited key facilities including Maritime Pride Eggs, Lester’s Dairy Farm, Smallwood Farms, and NL Dairy Co-operatives, and delivered a keynote at the Atlantic Grains Council Conference.
What We're Watching
Find out what issues Summa consultants are tracking and why they matter.
The Meeting Request Express Heads to Transport Canada
The federal government announced its calls for applications under the $5 billion Trade Corridors Diversification Fund and the $1 billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund last week. Both programs include multiple funding streams with varying eligibility criteria, but it’s worth noting two elements:
- Both funds include invitation-only streams. In these streams, Transport Canada must invite project proponents to apply.
- Two streams of the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund will seek complementarity, both of projects and of proponents, to maximize trade diversification and growth. The project review process under stream one will look for opportunities to bundle projects into integrated packages to maximize systems-level benefits, while stream two reviews will seek collaborative, multi-stakeholder solutions to trade-inhibiting issues.
Both elements provide the government with greater flexibility when reviewing projects compared to past programs, increasing the value for prospective proponents of securing opportunities to pitch projects directly to Transport Canada officials and ministerial offices.
Michael Ingoldsby
Senior Consultant
Shuffling the Deck
Prime Minister Carney’s second deputy minister shuffle since December appears to lock in the senior public service team for the foreseeable future. The realignment advances his international priorities, with NRCan Deputy Minister Michael Vandergrift moving to Transport Canada, at a time when the government is working to position the department as a key delivery channel for trade corridors and a lynchpin in Carney’s trade diversification agenda. Transport’s DM Arun Thangaraj moves to Global Affairs Canada, while David Morrison assumes a direct foreign policy line to the Prime Minister as “Senior Diplomatic and International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister” in the Privy Council Office, and new G7 & G20 Sherpa.
A standout is Glenn Purves’ new role as Deputy Minister of International Trade. Bringing the BlackRock executive and longtime former Finance Canada ADM (under Deputy Minister Michael Sabia, now Carney’s Privy Council Clerk) into the file is a deliberate infusion of private-sector thinking to sharpen Ottawa’s economic statecraft.
With the top ranks now revitalized, stakeholders have clearer targets for engagement on trade infrastructure and international economic files.
Bryce McRae
Senior Consultant
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