Global Scans · Canada · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The U.S. and Canada's new governments will have their work cut out dealing with potential changes to their trade agreements while simultaneously Canada will be anxious to implement CETA with the EU.

• [New] Recognising that the emergence of fintechs presents a new challenge for CDIC, it reiterates its commitment of actively monitoring the increasing profile of fintechs and the risks they represent to Canadian financial institutions. Torys LLP
• [New] The federal government has reached a deal with China that will see 49,000 electric vehicles coming into Canada at a low tariff rate, with the expectation that Chinese companies also invest in Canada. 980 CJME
• [New] Montreal-based Mannarino Systems and Software, an engineering firm that supplies mission-critical equipment to the aerospace and defence sectors, will receive a $10 million investment from Lockheed Martin, a supplier of equipment to the Canadian Forces. Skies Mag
• [New] The Fed will prioritize inflation control, keeping rates attractive relative to Canada. Quantlabs
• [New] The process of going on strike in Canada is a complex one, designed to avoid disruptions to public life while allowing workers to exercise their right to protest unfair working conditions. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Should the strike threat escalate, the Canadian government, through the Canada Industrial Relations Board, will likely step in to ensure public safety and travel continuity. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Canada is stepping up efforts to manage the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, with new rules that could change how creators, platforms and everyday users interact online. Delta Optimist
• [New] A series of strategic pivots from large-cap manufacturers as they attempt to de-risk their exposure to the Canadian border in anticipation of a prolonged trade war. FinancialContent
• [New] The energy sector was hit with uncertainty; while Chevron Corp and Exxon Mobil Corp generally benefit from Arctic exploration talk, the immediate threat to Canadian oil imports - which currently face a 10% security levy - threatens to spike refinery costs in the U.S. Midwest. FinancialContent
• [New] President Trump's dual-track strategy of threatening 100% tariffs on Canadian goods while simultaneously pressuring European allies to negotiate the sale or long-term lease of Greenland has forced investors to recalibrate risk premiums across several sectors. FinancialContent
• [New] Canadian growth figures for November are expected to come in at 0.7% YoY. investing.com
• [New] The larger than expected November trade deficit may warn of downside risks to Canada's November GDP print today. investing.com
• [New] Any sign of a climb-down from Ottawa regarding the China partnership could trigger a massive relief rally in Canadian equities. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] Geopolitical leverage now takes precedence over economic efficiency, a reality that will weigh heavily on cross-border giants like Canadian Pacific Kansas City as they see freight volumes decline. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] The threat of 100% tariffs on Canadian goods marks the final transition into an era of Maximum Pressure trade policy. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] For investors, the carry trade involving the Canadian dollar will remain highly risky, while U.S. domestic-centric stocks in the industrial and energy sectors may provide a safe harbour. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] Although the planned IRCC level for 2026 to 2028 is 380,000, the special one-time conversion of protected persons and temporary workers already in Canada will mean the new permanent residents may be closer to 450,000 in each of the next two years. Default
• [New] Over the years of 2026 to 2027, there is also planned to be a one-time addition to permanent residents of 115,000 protected persons already in Canada, and up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers who will be granted permanent status. Default
• [New] Much like Quebec's reform, the forthcoming federal bill is expected to include potentially significant penalties, as well as measures relating to data sovereignty and data mobility - particularly to support and implement Canada's open banking framework. Mondaq
• Canada would have to add 15.3% to its electricity production and/or importing capacities to meet the increased demand from the federal EV mandate by 2035. Fraser Institute
• Expanding domestic compute capacity is expected to support the development of made-in-Canada AI solutions and align with the federal government's increasing emphasis on technological sovereignty, supply-chain resilience and data protection. Torys LLP
• The Government of Canada stepped up with a bold new approach to increase the supply of housing in Canada, and launched Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will build and finance affordable housing at scale, while catalyzing a more productive homebuilding industry. Mirage News

Last updated: 04 February 2026