My Canadian Experience
Report for October 2026

2026 Municipal and School Board Elections
Received a letter telling me how I can vote in these elections. You can vote online from October 8 to October 16 or Vote in person - Advanced Poll from October 15 to October 17 or Vote in person on Election Day on October 26.

October 1, 2026
Fort McMurray, Alberta

Today, the world faces an energy crisis across three dimensions: our cost of living, our climate, and our sovereignty increasingly depend on our nation’s ability to supply and control its own energy. More than any other country, Canada is positioned to become the leading supplier of clean and conventional energy to ourselves and the world. To seize this opportunity, which will create hundreds of thousands of good jobs at home while reinforcing our independence and sovereignty, Canada needs to build fast and build together.

That is why Canada’s new government launched the most significant regulatory reforms in generations to fast-track nation-building infrastructure. Through the Building Canada Act, the federal government can further accelerate approval processes for major projects that are determined to be in Canada’s national interest. The federal government has already referred 28 nation-building initiatives to the new Major Projects Office (MPO). This includes a new crude oil or oil pipeline to the West Coast, which Canada and Alberta are advancing in partnership.

Over the past three months, the MPO conducted rigorous consultations on the pipeline proposal to determine whether this project is in Canada’s national interest, as defined by the core factors outlined in the Act. The MPO consulted with more than 130 Indigenous communities near or along potential routes in Alberta and British Columbia, as well as with federal departments and the Government of British Columbia.

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that the Government of Canada is officially listing the new West Coast Oil Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, as a project of national interest.

Canada and Alberta will share equal ownership of Pacific Link. Indigenous communities will be offered a minimum of 10% ownership interest, financed through Canada and Alberta’s Indigenous Loan Guarantee Programs. Pembina Pipeline Corporation is a private sector investor and is offering its expertise to project development, which is being led by the Trans Mountain Corporation – the company that just built the largest oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast. The pipeline will follow a southern route which protects British Columbia’s North Coast and avoids highly sensitive ecosystems, including the Great Bear Sea.

Over the next year, the MPO, supported by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), will lead the federal review process and consultations with all stakeholders on the conditions for this project – including the ownership, benefits, respect for Indigenous rights, environmental protections, and local hiring and oversight – with Indigenous Peoples involved from the start. The MPO will work to finalise those conditions by September 1, 2027, clearing the way to get shovels in the ground. This means that as the project proponents work over the next year to develop a final concept – from community consultations to route mapping, ecological surveys, cost estimates, procurement, and workforce planning – they will do so with confidence that the federal government supports this project. This will transform the way Canada builds major infrastructure by giving investors and builders the certainty they need to drive projects forward.

Pacific Link will reduce our dependence on the United States by allowing Canada to export an additional one million barrels a day to growing markets in Asia. It will create 140,000 jobs across the country and generate over $20 billion in GDP per year, and $100 billion in government revenue by 2060 – revenue that will help build the infrastructure and homes Albertans, British Columbians, and all Canadians need, and protect the social programs they rely on every day, from health care and dental care to child care.

This pipeline is one part of the Government of Canada’s broader mission to transform our economy – to double our non-U.S. exports over the next decade, create tens of thousands of good jobs, attract billions in new investment, and unlock our full potential as a global energy superpower.

Pacific Link is a transformative project, but its full potential will only be unlocked by the initiatives the Government of Canada is leading across the country. We are working to expand the container terminal at Roberts Bank to export crude from Pacific Link. We are advancing new measures to protect our oceans as maritime traffic grows. And we are working with the Government of Alberta to advance the Pathways Project, one of the world’s largest carbon capture and storage projects, to keep Albertan oil competitive for the long term.

Together with the governments of Alberta and British Columbia, Indigenous communities, and the private sector, we are building a strong Canada that works – a Canada where growth and conservation go hand in hand, and where prosperity is shared. Pacific Link will help unlock Canada’s potential as a global energy superpower, transform our economy, diversify our trade, and strengthen our strategic autonomy – ensuring Canadians can continue to live our lives as we choose.

Quotes

“Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become a global energy superpower. To create hundreds of thousands of good jobs. To transform our economy. To diversify our trade. To become less reliant on a single trade partner. To achieve greater strategic autonomy, so we can continue to live our lives as we choose. Pacific Link is critical to this mission. To seize this opportunity, we are building together – boldly, sustainably, and in true partnership with Indigenous Peoples. In a more dangerous, divided world, Canada is working.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“Today marks a significant victory for Alberta’s and Canada’s energy future. The listing of Pacific Link as a project of national interest demonstrates what can be achieved when governments work together to advance nation-building infrastructure. Today marks an important step toward expanding market access, strengthening our economy, and reinforcing Alberta’s position as a reliable global energy supplier.”

— The Hon. Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

Quick facts

• The West Coast Oil Pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, has now been listed as a project of national interest under Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act.

• Listing enables the project to proceed through a single federal regulatory review process that will inform the development of a conditions document.

• The Building Canada Act includes a dedicated listing consultation phase that gathers information from Indigenous communities whose rights may be affected, provinces and territories, federal departments, and interested parties.

• The listing consultation process is intended to identify issues early and support the development of mitigation measures before the regulatory review advances.

• The Government of Canada remains committed to fulfilling its duty to consult and respecting Aboriginal and treaty rights throughout the project’s review process.

• Over the next year, the MPO – supported by the CER – will undertake the federal review process and development of a conditions document, which would serve as the CER certificate including Fisheries Act authorisations and Species at Risk Act permits, among other federal permits, that would otherwise be issued by separate ministers.

  • This review process will include Indigenous consultation; public hearings led by the CER on the technical, environmental, social, cultural, health, safety, and security elements of the project, as well as potential adverse effects on the rights of Indigenous peoples; and coordination by the MPO with other federal permitting departments to integrate all permits into the final conditions document.

Related product

• Order in Council – Amending Schedule 1 to Add the West Coast Oil Pipeline Project: Explanatory Note

Associated links

• Canada and Alberta advance west coast pipeline project proposal and Pathways Project Carbon Capture Initiative – to build a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy

• Canada and British Columbia strike new cooperative prosperity partnership to build a stronger, more sustainable economy

• Canada and Alberta strike agreement to diversify our exports, reduce emissions, and build a stronger economy

• Canada and Alberta strike new partnership to lower emissions, unlock our natural resources, and build a stronger, more sustainable, and more competitive economy

‘A Demonstration Of Canada’s Power’: Carney Stuns Trump With Bold Move To Break US Dependence - Oct 1

In a big move to counter US dependence, Canadian PM Mark Carney announces his government is listing the West Coast oil pipeline, now known as Pacific Link, as a project of national interest. Carney said the project aims to expand Asian exports, create jobs, boost investment all while strengthening Canada’s economic autonomy.

Canada's Plan To Stop Riding American Rockets Just Took Shape In Ontario - Oct 2

For 60 years, every Canadian satellite reached space on someone else's rocket. Now a Toronto startup is building rocket engine test stands beside London International Airport, Ottawa is leasing a launch pad in Nova Scotia, and $182.6 million is already on the table. This isn't a factory story. It's Canada building sovereign access to space.

October 2, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

“Today, we, the leaders of the G7, convened a virtual meeting to address the deepening challenges to our energy security. Facing unprecedented volatility in oil markets—with surging prices threatening economic stability and the well-being of our citizens—we have agreed on decisive, coordinated measures to stabilise immediate energy supplies, shield households and businesses from price shocks, and strengthen the long-term resilience of global energy systems.

We will coordinate maintenance schedules across G7 refineries to prevent simultaneous capacity shutdowns and temporarily increase utilisation rates where feasible. We also encourage engagement with countries holding significant refining capacities to boost global production of refined products, particularly diesel, in light of ongoing market pressures in this segment. The G7 requests the International Energy Agency (IEA) to monitor the immediate and full implementation of the March 2026 commitments. In this regard, taking into account commitments that have already been fulfilled, we will implement our commitments with a coordinated release through the IEA of 100 million barrels to begin immediately over four months, including a frontloaded substantial diesel release within the first 20 days by G7 members and partners. We will convene in the context of the IEA in the coming days to discuss the possibility of additional diesel releases as necessary.

We reaffirm our commitment to refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products between G7 countries and call on all producers to refrain from imposing bans that could exacerbate market tensions.

We invite the IEA to monitor the impact of these measures on energy security and market stability and to monitor implementation of commitments. A follow-up report should be delivered before 20 days and include actionable recommendations to enhance future responses, including stocks replenishment.

We condemn Iran’s continued attacks against its regional neighbours and its disruption of international trade, energy security and the global economy. We call for the immediate and full restoration of navigational rights and principles in the Strait of Hormuz and express our determination to redouble our collective efforts to that end. We commend the United States for its efforts to ensure the free flow of commerce through the strait of Hormuz.

We will maintain sanctions against Russia while working with the IEA and global partners to prevent further spillovers into fuel, gas, and other commodity markets.

Our citizens’ concerns about energy prices remain a top priority. We will monitor developments closely and stand ready to adjust measures as needed. Today’s agreements mark a step toward a more secure, transparent, and resilient energy future.”

October 2, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way Canadians live, work, and connect. The speed, scale, and intensity of this transformation present both opportunities and challenges. Canada’s government has a pragmatic, ambitious, and informed plan to ensure all Canadians are empowered to use AI in a safe and sovereign way.

AI for All is the government’s new national strategy to ensure that AI is adopted responsibly, in a way that truly serves all Canadians – building trust, expanding opportunities, and reinforcing our sovereignty. With investments, programs, and new measures underway, the strategy will help position Canada as a global leader in this field.

As AI becomes all-encompassing, spanning sectors, industries, and geography, an increasingly wide range of expertise and experience is required to understand and effectively harness this technology. To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced the launch of a new council to provide independent, practical advice on Canada’s AI transformation.

The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will bring together public and private stakeholders and advise on the evolution of the government’s AI for All strategy, including accelerating adoption, fostering national champions, and building sovereign AI infrastructure. Its members will advise on making AI safer, protecting our democracy, and ensuring that all Canadians prosper from AI.

The Council will convene Canada’s leading thinkers, builders, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, public servants, and international experts to advise on current challenges associated with AI, while helping to generate new ideas, partnerships, AI-focused missions, and initiatives. This includes world-leading experts on AI safety, governance, and oversight.

The Prime Minister is pleased to announce the following members:

• Ajay Agrawal

• Yoshua Bengio

• Sanja Fidler

• John Graham

• Gillian Hadfield

• Jordan Jacobs

• Eric Lamarre

• Valérie Pisano

• Senator Thomas Pitfield

• Jody Thomas

• Louis Vachon

• Michelle Zatlyn

• Patrick Pichette (ex officio)

Canada’s AI strategy is built around three clear objectives: building trust in AI, expanding opportunity for Canadians, and strengthening Canada’s sovereign control over critical AI capabilities. With the advice of the new National Council on Artificial Intelligence, the government will focus on turning Canadian innovation into stronger companies, better public services, good jobs, and greater economic security.

Quote

“Prosperity and sovereignty in the age of AI belong to nations that can build, adopt, and govern AI on their own terms. This is Canada’s mission and it will require expertise and leadership from across the field. The new National Council on Artificial Intelligence will inform and advise the government on how to most effectively deploy AI in Canada – how to manage the risks, seize the opportunities, and ensure AI is used to improve the lives of all Canadians.”

— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence will provide independent, practical, and timely expert advice on Canada’s AI transformation. It will help connect public and private stakeholders, and identify opportunities for coordinated action in support of AI for All.

  • Its work will help support Canada’s prosperity, opportunity, and sovereignty, including economic competitiveness, AI adoption, government transformation, talent, research, and sovereign infrastructure.

  • The Council will advise on cross-cutting issues affecting the implementation and evolution of Canada’s AI for All strategy.

  • The Council will be supported by a small team within the Privy Council Office, while responsible ministers and departments will remain accountable for policy decisions and implementation.

• In June, Canada launched AI for All, its new national AI strategy. Over the next five years, this strategy will ensure AI is adopted responsibly, in a way that truly serves all Canadians – building trust, expanding opportunities, and reinforcing control of our sovereignty.

  • As we deliver this strategy, we must build responsibly and be guided by leaders who understand this technology and can shape it to create benefits for Canadian families, workers, and businesses.

• At its core, AI for All is grounded in the principle that the benefits of AI must be shared widely, ensuring that workers, businesses, and all Canadians can access and benefit from this transformation.

• The AI for All strategy targets an additional $200 billion of economic growth to create 250,000 new AI-related jobs over the next five years and to increase AI adoption from just over 12% to 60% by 2034. The strategy will provide up to 90,000 AI-related jobs and work placement opportunities for young Canadians and make our industries more competitive in the global economy.

• Last month, the Prime Minister launched Digital Transformation Canada, a new federal organisation to modernise government service delivery and use the government’s purchasing power to help Canadian digital and AI companies scale and commercialise new technologies.

• AI is already being used across Canada to improve health care diagnostics and patient care, help farmers increase crop yields and reduce costs through precision agriculture, and strengthen transportation networks through smarter traffic management, logistics, and infrastructure maintenance.

Ottawa signed for up to 5,000 drones from a Saskatoon company, and 17 days later American money came knocking. This time the arrow points north. - Oct 2

For decades the arrangement was simple: Canada bought, America built. This week a small piece of that flipped. Draganfly, a Canadian drone maker headquartered in Saskatoon, landed a five-year Canadian Armed Forces contract. Right after that, two U.S. investors, one of them tied to Donald Trump Jr., put $10 million into the company. No board seats and no special rights came with it. A single line in the press release explains why the money arrived when it did.

CANADA's Massive New Mega Project Building Boom Just Began - Oct 3

Projects and transformative strategies map
https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/major-projects-office/projects/map.html