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] We now see even more clearly that Canada is facing both significant external threats and internal economic and social challenges of affordability, regional disparity and fraying civic engagement. HILARY PEARSON
• [New] Canada's own threat outlook emphasizes an expanding, more complex threat environment through 2026, driven by both state and non-state actors. TECKPATH | Managed IT Services | Business IT Support
• [New] Canada's economic future will remain uncertain if short-term solutions keep being prioritized while ignoring the growth potential of the Indigenous economy. Mirage News
• [New] As the Office of Energy Research and Development's ongoing flagship funding program, the Energy Innovation Program advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Global Renewable News
• [New] Measures would support Canada's ambitious commitments on climate change, including exceeding the Paris Climate target by achieving 40 to 45% emission reductions by 2030 and getting to net-zero by 2050. Mirage News
• [New] AI tools used for medical triage, biometric identification, or patient diagnostics will be subject to the highest level of regulatory scrutiny in Canada, requiring developers to provide extensive documentation on bias mitigation and algorithmic validity. AI Healthcare Compliance
• [New] ALL THREE major Canadian carriers face simultaneous labour showdowns in Q1 2026-creating worst travel disruption risk in Canadian aviation history. Travel Tourister
• [New] Keeping that in mind, the national mean, including zeros for merit increases in Canada is expected to be 2.9% for 2026. imercer
• [New] Canada's sustainable transport plan is designed to make green mobility accessible to all, with the goal of significantly reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector by 2030. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Alongside electric vehicles, eco-friendly public transport options, including electric buses and clean energy-powered trains, will be expanded to serve more communities across Canada. Travel And Tour World
• [New] In 2026, AI travel planning solutions will be available to help travelers personalize their itineraries and optimize their travel experiences. / Canada Travel And Tour World
• [New] 2026 will be a decisive year for unlocking Canada's vast natural resource wealth through development of major infrastructure projects. Ivey Business School
• [New] Canadian firms that innovate with AI in practical ways for execution - to manage trade data, test tariff exposure, and adjust supply chains quickly - will come out ahead. Ivey Business School
• [New] For Canadian firms, trade outcomes in 2026 will be determined not by markets alone, but by how effectively they navigate three forces: North American renegotiation, the U.S.-China rivalry, and Europe's expanding regulatory reach. Ivey Business School
• [New] Geopolitical risks emerge as governments resist U.S. tech dominance, with Bolivia and Brazil prioritizing Chinese / Canadian alternatives to safeguard digital sovereignty. Ainvest
• [New] Addressing Canada's structural economic weaknesses will not be quick or easy, but the seeds of its transition will become more apparent in 2026. RBC Economics
• [New] The Bank of Canada has lowered interest rates, the unemployment rate will likely improve, and house price growth - especially in Ontario and B.C.-will moderate. RBC Economics
• [New] The Canadian elbows up mindset, driving demand for home-grown products and services, will especially benefit tourism-dependent communities. RBC Economics
• [New] Perhaps most interestingly, Canada will need to create far fewer jobs to match the number of people looking for work. RBC Economics
• While Canada's vast northern landscape will remain sparsely populated, its natural resources will not be ignored in a world that hungers for what exists underground. Skies Mag
• Perhaps a growing concern about Canada's Arctic sovereignty will provide an impetus for dramatically increased federal government spending on aviation-related assets for both civilian and military use. Skies Mag
• Until the federal government's indefinite moratorium on the issuance of new oil and gas rights in Canada's Arctic waters is rescinded, petroleum-related aviation activity in the far north will remain untapped. Skies Mag

Last updated: 14 January 2026