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Calgary is #1
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/meta-data-centre-sturgeon-county-alberta-9.7263271
Michelle Bellefontaine · CBC News · Posted: Jul 08, 2026 2:13 PM MDT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago
Meta was revealed Wednesday as the proponent of a data centre in Sturgeon County, northeast of Edmonton.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the company behind social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram said it will invest more than $13 billion in the one-gigawatt project.
Meta is also promising to invest $60 million to improve local infrastructure.
The company said the project will use a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system with “dry cooling” to eliminate operational water use.
Meta says the data centre will be its first in Canada.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joined Meta officials and Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw for a news conference held in Calgary to make the announcement.
Meta building its first Canadian data centre northeast of Edmonton
Technology giant investing more than $13 billion in project
Michelle Bellefontaine · CBC News · Posted: Jul 08, 2026 2:13 PM MDT | Last Updated: 1 hour ago
Meta was revealed Wednesday as the proponent of a data centre in Sturgeon County, northeast of Edmonton.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the company behind social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram said it will invest more than $13 billion in the one-gigawatt project.
Meta is also promising to invest $60 million to improve local infrastructure.
The company said the project will use a closed-loop, liquid-cooled system with “dry cooling” to eliminate operational water use.
Meta says the data centre will be its first in Canada.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joined Meta officials and Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw for a news conference held in Calgary to make the announcement.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/brit...ldfires-aug-8-summerland-evacuation-9.7300648
Entire community of Summerland, B.C., under evacuation order after rapid spread of Bald Range fire
Thousands of residents around Okanagan Lake forced to leave ahead of advancing flames
7 hours ago|
Duration11:06
Stories of escape and heartbreak from British Columbia's southern Interior. A surging wildfire is triggering mass evacuations. Thousands of people from communities around Okanagan Lake have been forced to leave ahead of the rapidly advancing Bald Range wildfire. This is as many communities in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley deal with the threats of advancing wildfires and smoke.
Residents look toward the Bald Range wildfire. (Jay Bertagnolli/CBC)
Those looking to conserve power or on low bandwidth can access this live page through our CBC Lite version here.
The entire District of Summerland has been ordered to evacuate as the Bald Range wildfire continues to grow.
The district declared a state of emergency on Saturday, stating the blaze poses a risk to life and safety.
Highway 97 is now closed in both directions due to the fire for a stretch between Peachland and the Pyramid picnic area at Kickininee Provincial Park, just south of Summerland.
The fire has also resulted in the loss of power through the district, officials said in an update early this morning.
The fire started about 15 kilometres northwest of Summerland, which is on the southwest end of Okanagan Lake, around 250 kilometres east of Vancouver. According to the 2021 census, Summerland's population is more than 12,000.
The Bald Range fire grew to 50 square kilometres in three hours after it was first detected at 5:30 p.m. PT on Friday, said Erick Thompson with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen's emergency operations centre.
According to a B.C. Wildfire Service update just after 7:40 a.m. PT on Saturday, the fire has grown to 95 square kilometres.
— With files from Jillian Kestler-D'Amours
B.C. declares provincewide state of emergency as wildfires force thousands out of homes
Updated59 minutes agoEntire community of Summerland, B.C., under evacuation order after rapid spread of Bald Range fire
Thousands of residents around Okanagan Lake forced to leave ahead of advancing flames
7 hours ago|
Duration11:06
Stories of escape and heartbreak from British Columbia's southern Interior. A surging wildfire is triggering mass evacuations. Thousands of people from communities around Okanagan Lake have been forced to leave ahead of the rapidly advancing Bald Range wildfire. This is as many communities in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley deal with the threats of advancing wildfires and smoke.
The Latest
- B.C. Premier David Eby says the entire province is now under a state of emergency as crews grapple with dozens of out-of-control wildfires that have forced thousands of people to evacuate.
- All 12,000 residents of the District of Summerland were ordered to leave their homes late last night as the Bald Range wildfire advanced quickly on the community.
- Close to 22,000 people are under evacuation orders across B.C. as of this afternoon, while another roughly 9,700 people have been told they should prepare to evacuate at a moment's notice.
- Eby urged anyone under an evacuation order to leave their home immediately if they haven't done so already, as the fires continue to move "incredibly quickly."
- The Bald Range fire was first detected Friday evening at around 5:30 p.m. PT and grew to 50 square kilometres in three hours. It nearly doubled in size overnight and had burned over 103 square kilometres as of this afternoon.
- There are 105 wildfires burning in British Columbia as of today — 70 of which started over the past week.
Summerland, B.C., residents ordered to evacuate due to fast-moving wildfire
Jacqueline Gelineau
Residents look toward the Bald Range wildfire. (Jay Bertagnolli/CBC)
Those looking to conserve power or on low bandwidth can access this live page through our CBC Lite version here.
The entire District of Summerland has been ordered to evacuate as the Bald Range wildfire continues to grow.
The district declared a state of emergency on Saturday, stating the blaze poses a risk to life and safety.
Highway 97 is now closed in both directions due to the fire for a stretch between Peachland and the Pyramid picnic area at Kickininee Provincial Park, just south of Summerland.
The fire has also resulted in the loss of power through the district, officials said in an update early this morning.
The fire started about 15 kilometres northwest of Summerland, which is on the southwest end of Okanagan Lake, around 250 kilometres east of Vancouver. According to the 2021 census, Summerland's population is more than 12,000.
The Bald Range fire grew to 50 square kilometres in three hours after it was first detected at 5:30 p.m. PT on Friday, said Erick Thompson with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen's emergency operations centre.
According to a B.C. Wildfire Service update just after 7:40 a.m. PT on Saturday, the fire has grown to 95 square kilometres.
— With files from Jillian Kestler-D'Amours
Iran War is good for some.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-budget-oil-prices-2-billion-surplus-9.7322824
Jason Markusoff · CBC News · Posted: Aug 27, 2026 11:13 AM MDT | Last Updated: 26 minutes ago
Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
A pumpjack draws out oil from a well head near Calgary on Sept. 17, 2022. Alberta's revised surplus forecast assumes an ease in conflict and global oil supply squeeze, and for oil prices to decline substantially and average $73.50 US for the April-to-March fiscal year. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
The U.S.-Iran conflict's impact on oil prices has taken Alberta's budget picture skyward with them, turning a previously forecast $9.4-billion deficit into a $2-billion surplus.
The same geopolitical factor that has caused massive inflation to fuel prices has also been, as economists predicted, a massive boon to the oil-producing provincial government's bottom line, Alberta Finance reported Thursday.
In late February, Alberta's finance minister had initially tabled a deficit-mired budget that pegged the benchmark oil price for the 2026-2027 fiscal year at $60.50 US per barrel.
But that budget was released mere days before U.S. and Israel began their attack on Iran, which led to a prolonged squeeze on oil tankers' access to the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
In the nearly five months since, oil prices have actually averaged about $88 US per barrel, the province estimates, which will substantially boost the province's energy royalties and tax revenues.
Alberta's revised surplus forecast assumes an ease in conflict and global oil supply squeeze, and for oil prices to decline substantially and average $73.50 US for the April-to-March fiscal year.
If that doesn't happen, and oil prices remain at or near current levels, Alberta could add several billion dollars more to its annual surplus.
Finance Minister Jason Nixon told reporters Thursday the government knows the economic picture could change rapidly once again.
“We cannot mistake a temporary windfall for a permanent trend,” he said at a Calgary news conference.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-budget-oil-prices-2-billion-surplus-9.7322824
Alberta expects $2B surplus instead of $9.4B deficit, due to Iran war bump to oil prices
If conflict drags on, provincial government's budget turnaround could get even bigger
Jason Markusoff · CBC News · Posted: Aug 27, 2026 11:13 AM MDT | Last Updated: 26 minutes ago
Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
A pumpjack draws out oil from a well head near Calgary on Sept. 17, 2022. Alberta's revised surplus forecast assumes an ease in conflict and global oil supply squeeze, and for oil prices to decline substantially and average $73.50 US for the April-to-March fiscal year. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
The U.S.-Iran conflict's impact on oil prices has taken Alberta's budget picture skyward with them, turning a previously forecast $9.4-billion deficit into a $2-billion surplus.
The same geopolitical factor that has caused massive inflation to fuel prices has also been, as economists predicted, a massive boon to the oil-producing provincial government's bottom line, Alberta Finance reported Thursday.
In late February, Alberta's finance minister had initially tabled a deficit-mired budget that pegged the benchmark oil price for the 2026-2027 fiscal year at $60.50 US per barrel.
But that budget was released mere days before U.S. and Israel began their attack on Iran, which led to a prolonged squeeze on oil tankers' access to the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
In the nearly five months since, oil prices have actually averaged about $88 US per barrel, the province estimates, which will substantially boost the province's energy royalties and tax revenues.
Alberta's revised surplus forecast assumes an ease in conflict and global oil supply squeeze, and for oil prices to decline substantially and average $73.50 US for the April-to-March fiscal year.
If that doesn't happen, and oil prices remain at or near current levels, Alberta could add several billion dollars more to its annual surplus.
Finance Minister Jason Nixon told reporters Thursday the government knows the economic picture could change rapidly once again.
“We cannot mistake a temporary windfall for a permanent trend,” he said at a Calgary news conference.
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-the-best-countries-for-quality-of-life-in-2026/
2 months ago
on
July 11, 2026
By
Dorothy Neufeld
The index evaluates 85 countries that met benchmarks for GDP, foreign direct investment, tourism, or human development. Sweden serves as the benchmark with a score of 100, while every other country is indexed relative to its performance.
Ranked: The Best Countries for Quality of Life in 2026
Published2 months ago
on
July 11, 2026
By
Dorothy Neufeld
Design
The Countries With the Highest Quality of Life
Sweden ranks first in the 2026 index, followed closely by Denmark and Canada. Europe dominates the rankings overall, with 20 of the top 30 countries coming from the region.The index evaluates 85 countries that met benchmarks for GDP, foreign direct investment, tourism, or human development. Sweden serves as the benchmark with a score of 100, while every other country is indexed relative to its performance.
You so far away how to introduce?
Canada economy not as bad as people say.
https://financialpost.com/news/economy/economists-impressed-gdp-expect-interest-rates-hold
Canadian gross domestic product rose by 3.3 per cent annualized in the second quarter, the fastest quarterly expansion since 2023. Economists largely expected the growth after a string of data released showed signs the economy was rebounding from a slow start to the year. Statistics Canada also revised the data for the first quarter of 2026, showing the economy actually grew by 0.3 per cent.
Despite the Canadian economy’s “impressive growth” in the second quarter, the recent escalation of tradetensions with the U.S., and with monthly data suggesting that the economy was already slowing even before new tariffs hit, Friday’s data will be viewed as old news, said CIBC senior economist Andrew Grantham. He said the GDP numbers don’t change CIBC’s forecast for the Bank of Canada to remain on hold.
Article content
StatCan’s slight revisions to historic data for the first quarter GDP revises it into positive territory, so quarterly data no longer show two consecutive quarters of contraction around the turn of the year.
Article content
“Impressive, but what comes next (is) more important,” Grantham wrote.
Article content
He noted that the strong second quarter growth rate eclipsed the 2.5 per cent estimate from the Bank of Canada’s most recent MPR, suggesting a slightly narrower negative output gap.
Article content
However, with early tracking for the third quarter appearing close to the Bank’s 1.5 per cent forecast, and with the recent escalation in U.S. tariffs and related uncertainty clouding the future outlook, Grantham still doesn’t expect the Bank of Canada to move off the sidelines anytime soon, he said.
https://financialpost.com/news/economy/economists-impressed-gdp-expect-interest-rates-hold
Canadian gross domestic product rose by 3.3 per cent annualized in the second quarter, the fastest quarterly expansion since 2023. Economists largely expected the growth after a string of data released showed signs the economy was rebounding from a slow start to the year. Statistics Canada also revised the data for the first quarter of 2026, showing the economy actually grew by 0.3 per cent.
‘Impressive, but what comes next more important’: CIBC
Article contentDespite the Canadian economy’s “impressive growth” in the second quarter, the recent escalation of tradetensions with the U.S., and with monthly data suggesting that the economy was already slowing even before new tariffs hit, Friday’s data will be viewed as old news, said CIBC senior economist Andrew Grantham. He said the GDP numbers don’t change CIBC’s forecast for the Bank of Canada to remain on hold.
Article content
StatCan’s slight revisions to historic data for the first quarter GDP revises it into positive territory, so quarterly data no longer show two consecutive quarters of contraction around the turn of the year.
Article content
“Impressive, but what comes next (is) more important,” Grantham wrote.
Article content
He noted that the strong second quarter growth rate eclipsed the 2.5 per cent estimate from the Bank of Canada’s most recent MPR, suggesting a slightly narrower negative output gap.
Article content
However, with early tracking for the third quarter appearing close to the Bank’s 1.5 per cent forecast, and with the recent escalation in U.S. tariffs and related uncertainty clouding the future outlook, Grantham still doesn’t expect the Bank of Canada to move off the sidelines anytime soon, he said.
Hoping Temasek invests in Canada!
https://www.the1news.com/article/ca...dent-canada-to-business-leaders-ahead-of-summ
Prime Minister Mark Carney touted a “new, powerful, confident, united Canada” to a room full of business leaders at a reception Sunday evening ahead of the inaugural Canada Investment Summit, which will bring some of the most powerful global asset managers to Toronto this week.
“Tomorrow, something remarkable will happen. The world’s largest investors, managing over $120 trillion dollars of assets, will come to ‘peer into our shop window’ because the world is looking at Canada differently,” he told the audience at the Royal Ontario Museum.
“We have what the world wants. The energy, the resources, the talent, the technology and the capital. And our greatest strength is something that cannot be found on any balance sheet: trust.”
The invitation-only two-day summit, at which the government intends to showcase Canadian investing opportunities to a select group of the world’s top pension and sovereign wealth funds, kicks off with a private gala dinner Monday evening in Toronto.
Carney’s government has pledged to generate $1-trillion in investment in nation-building infrastructure projects, “catalyzed” by government spending but largely funded by the private sector. His government hopes fund managers coming from as far abroad as Australia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia — as well as from the United States — will see the merit in infrastructure projects such as pipelines, ports and transportation networks and to seek to capitalize on opportunities in Canada’s resource sector, from energy to critical minerals.
On Monday, Carney is scheduled to meet with Shemara Wikramanayake, the chief executive officer of Australia-based asset manager Macquarie Group Ltd., and then with Dilhan Pillay, chief executive of Temasek Holdings Ltd., the Singaporean state-owned investment fund that manages more than $560 billion in assets.
On Tuesday, Canadian company CEOs, investment professionals and government officials will gather at the Four Seasons Hotel in midtown Toronto. There, they will participate in a day of fireside chats, panels and investment discussions, as well as one-on-one private meetings where discussions of private mandates can take place.
Speakers are expected to include Carney himself, along with Deb Orida, CEO of the Public Sector Plan Investment Board, a co-host of the event. John Graham, CEO of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, the other co-host of the summit, will also be speaking on Tuesday.
Canada will be pitching a number of deals to international investors, including some being fast-tracked through the Major Projects Office.
There is a possibility large deals will be announced during the summit, but Orida said in an interview last week that she expects the real measure of its success will come in the weeks and months ahead.
Last week, Orida said PSP expects to boost investments in Canada by 30 per cent to 40 per cent over the next few years and surpass $100 billion invested at home.
The next day, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board CEO Jo Taylor committed to invest an additional $10 billion in Canadian public and private markets by the end of 2027.
https://www.the1news.com/article/ca...dent-canada-to-business-leaders-ahead-of-summ
Carney touts 'new, powerful, confident' Canada to business leaders ahead of summit
CanadaSeptember 14, 2026 08:21 AM
Prime Minister Mark Carney touted a “new, powerful, confident, united Canada” to a room full of business leaders at a reception Sunday evening ahead of the inaugural Canada Investment Summit, which will bring some of the most powerful global asset managers to Toronto this week.
“Tomorrow, something remarkable will happen. The world’s largest investors, managing over $120 trillion dollars of assets, will come to ‘peer into our shop window’ because the world is looking at Canada differently,” he told the audience at the Royal Ontario Museum.
“We have what the world wants. The energy, the resources, the talent, the technology and the capital. And our greatest strength is something that cannot be found on any balance sheet: trust.”
The invitation-only two-day summit, at which the government intends to showcase Canadian investing opportunities to a select group of the world’s top pension and sovereign wealth funds, kicks off with a private gala dinner Monday evening in Toronto.
Carney’s government has pledged to generate $1-trillion in investment in nation-building infrastructure projects, “catalyzed” by government spending but largely funded by the private sector. His government hopes fund managers coming from as far abroad as Australia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia — as well as from the United States — will see the merit in infrastructure projects such as pipelines, ports and transportation networks and to seek to capitalize on opportunities in Canada’s resource sector, from energy to critical minerals.
On Monday, Carney is scheduled to meet with Shemara Wikramanayake, the chief executive officer of Australia-based asset manager Macquarie Group Ltd., and then with Dilhan Pillay, chief executive of Temasek Holdings Ltd., the Singaporean state-owned investment fund that manages more than $560 billion in assets.
On Tuesday, Canadian company CEOs, investment professionals and government officials will gather at the Four Seasons Hotel in midtown Toronto. There, they will participate in a day of fireside chats, panels and investment discussions, as well as one-on-one private meetings where discussions of private mandates can take place.
Speakers are expected to include Carney himself, along with Deb Orida, CEO of the Public Sector Plan Investment Board, a co-host of the event. John Graham, CEO of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, the other co-host of the summit, will also be speaking on Tuesday.
Canada will be pitching a number of deals to international investors, including some being fast-tracked through the Major Projects Office.
There is a possibility large deals will be announced during the summit, but Orida said in an interview last week that she expects the real measure of its success will come in the weeks and months ahead.
Last week, Orida said PSP expects to boost investments in Canada by 30 per cent to 40 per cent over the next few years and surpass $100 billion invested at home.
The next day, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board CEO Jo Taylor committed to invest an additional $10 billion in Canadian public and private markets by the end of 2027.
https://www.canada.ca/en/global-aff...e-singapores-minister-of-foreign-affairs.html
Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that she will welcome Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, to Ottawa, from September 17 to 18, to strengthen Canada’s bilateral relationship with one of its most important partners in the Indo-Pacific and advance cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
This visit marks a significant milestone in Canada-Singapore relations – it is the first time a Singaporean Foreign Minister has come to Canada since 2013.
During the visit, the ministers will discuss deepening the bilateral and economic relationship while also focusing on global and regional issues. This visit will build on Minister Anand’s trip to Singapore in October 2025 when the two countries marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and will reinforce advances made since the visit of Prime Minister Mark Carney to Singapore that same month.
Minister Anand to welcome Singapore's Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Global Affairs CanadaNews release
September 16, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs CanadaToday, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that she will welcome Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, to Ottawa, from September 17 to 18, to strengthen Canada’s bilateral relationship with one of its most important partners in the Indo-Pacific and advance cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
This visit marks a significant milestone in Canada-Singapore relations – it is the first time a Singaporean Foreign Minister has come to Canada since 2013.
During the visit, the ministers will discuss deepening the bilateral and economic relationship while also focusing on global and regional issues. This visit will build on Minister Anand’s trip to Singapore in October 2025 when the two countries marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and will reinforce advances made since the visit of Prime Minister Mark Carney to Singapore that same month.
https://www.publicnow.com/view/8A68135287F3713DA448413A8DFFB4AF3DC0AA58
Canada
19 September 2026
Official Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Ottawa, Canada, 17 to 18 September 2026
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made an Official Visit to Ottawa, Canada, from 17 to 18 September 2026.
Minister Balakrishnan met and was hosted to lunch by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on 18 September 2026. The Ministers took stock of the growing bilateral account, including measures to advance cooperation in trade and investments, defence and security, as well as people-to-people ties. They looked forward to Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong's visit to Canada later this year as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral ties. Both Ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening our partnership to build strategic resilience. They signed a Joint Statement to establish a Singapore-Canada Economic Partnership Framework that sets out Singapore and Canada's shared commitment to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, energy and food security, two-way investment, supply chain resilience, and public service cooperation. The Joint Statement is at ANNEX.
The Ministers discussed opportunities to further strengthen ASEAN-Canada ties, including during Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, which will mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the timely conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement. They also noted ongoing discussions on conducting joint capacity-building programmes under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) to advance development cooperation in the ASEAN region.
Minister Balakrishnan also met Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Evan Solomon. They discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
Minister Balakrishnan also had a series of engagements with Canadian academics, business leaders, and officials during the visit. They exchanged views on developments in Canada, geopolitical developments, and Canada's engagement of the Indo-Pacific region.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
19 SEPTEMBER 2026
ANNEX
JOINT STATEMENT BY ANITA ANAND, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF CANADA, AND VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE ON A CANADA-SINGAPORE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK
Today, Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Singapore (hereinafter referred to collectively as "the Participants"), issued this joint statement:
BUILDING ON the longstanding and constructive relationship between Canada and Singapore, underpinned by strong economic and people-to-people ties and decades of collaboration across government, business, and academic institutions;
REAFFIRMING our shared commitment to multilateralism, international law and a rules-based trading system providing for a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and fair global trading environment;
RECOGNIZING our status as trusted partners and our shared interest in strengthening economic resilience, advancing innovation, and contributing to a more stable and prosperous world;
RECALLING the priority areas identified by Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney and Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong during their meeting in October 2025, and recognizing the value of a practical roadmap to advance bilateral initiatives and monitor progress on shared objectives;
DECLARE our intent to establish a Canada-Singapore Economic Partnership Framework (the "Framework") to deepen economic cooperation and advance practical initiatives in areas of mutual interest, including:
Ottawa, Ontario
September 18, 2026
Official Visit By Minister For Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan To Ottawa, Canada, 17 To 18 September 2026
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- Official Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Ottawa, Canada, 17 to 18 September 2026
OFFICIAL VISIT BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN TO OTTAWA, CANADA, 17 TO 18 SEPTEMBER 2026
CountryCanada
19 September 2026
Official Visit by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Ottawa, Canada, 17 to 18 September 2026
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made an Official Visit to Ottawa, Canada, from 17 to 18 September 2026.
Minister Balakrishnan met and was hosted to lunch by Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on 18 September 2026. The Ministers took stock of the growing bilateral account, including measures to advance cooperation in trade and investments, defence and security, as well as people-to-people ties. They looked forward to Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong's visit to Canada later this year as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral ties. Both Ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening our partnership to build strategic resilience. They signed a Joint Statement to establish a Singapore-Canada Economic Partnership Framework that sets out Singapore and Canada's shared commitment to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, energy and food security, two-way investment, supply chain resilience, and public service cooperation. The Joint Statement is at ANNEX.
The Ministers discussed opportunities to further strengthen ASEAN-Canada ties, including during Singapore's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, which will mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the timely conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement. They also noted ongoing discussions on conducting joint capacity-building programmes under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) to advance development cooperation in the ASEAN region.
Minister Balakrishnan also met Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Evan Solomon. They discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
Minister Balakrishnan also had a series of engagements with Canadian academics, business leaders, and officials during the visit. They exchanged views on developments in Canada, geopolitical developments, and Canada's engagement of the Indo-Pacific region.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
19 SEPTEMBER 2026
ANNEX
JOINT STATEMENT BY ANITA ANAND, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF CANADA, AND VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE ON A CANADA-SINGAPORE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK
Today, Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Singapore (hereinafter referred to collectively as "the Participants"), issued this joint statement:
BUILDING ON the longstanding and constructive relationship between Canada and Singapore, underpinned by strong economic and people-to-people ties and decades of collaboration across government, business, and academic institutions;
REAFFIRMING our shared commitment to multilateralism, international law and a rules-based trading system providing for a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and fair global trading environment;
RECOGNIZING our status as trusted partners and our shared interest in strengthening economic resilience, advancing innovation, and contributing to a more stable and prosperous world;
RECALLING the priority areas identified by Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney and Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong during their meeting in October 2025, and recognizing the value of a practical roadmap to advance bilateral initiatives and monitor progress on shared objectives;
DECLARE our intent to establish a Canada-Singapore Economic Partnership Framework (the "Framework") to deepen economic cooperation and advance practical initiatives in areas of mutual interest, including:
- Fostering cooperation in emerging technologies through the promotion of joint research, innovation, and commercialization activities in areas such as advancing artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, enhancing cybersecurity cooperation, coordinating governance of emerging technologies, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in other emerging and critical technologies, with a view to promoting economic growth.
- Enhancing energy security by accelerating the energy transition through clean and conventional energy opportunities including LNG, critical minerals cooperation, promoting diversified and resilient energy supply chains, and supporting greater energy resilience, including through civil nuclear cooperation.
- Strengthening cooperation on food security, including by enhancing agri-food trade cooperation and strengthening resilient, sustainable, and diversified food supply chains.
- Promoting two-way investment by advancing investment facilitation and modernization, and deepening economic engagement to support a more conducive, transparent, and business-friendly environment.
- Cooperating to enhance supply chain resilience and advancing paperless trade, including through the deepening of strategic and critical supply chain cooperation and information exchange, including in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and life sciences, adoption of digital documentation, greater interoperability across trade systems, and collaboration on port modernization to facilitate efficient, secure, and seamless trade flows.
- Deepening public service cooperation through enhanced public policy cooperation and exchanges, fostering the sharing of best practices and strengthening institutional capabilities in areas of mutual interest.
- Identify and advance concrete initiatives under the Framework, including opportunities for government to government, private sector and academic coordination, facilitate information sharing, promote talent development and strengthen joint programming; and explore cooperation through dialogues, working groups, exchanges and other mutually determined activities in areas of shared interest;
- Identify an appropriate mechanism to coordinate implementation, monitor progress, facilitate regular exchanges and update the Framework, its priorities and themes, as warranted, to support sustainable economic growth, resilience, and prosperity.
Ottawa, Ontario
September 18, 2026
The video’s main argument is that both Singapore and Canada are excellent places to live, but they suit different priorities.
Singapore is presented as stronger for safety, public transport, efficiency, infrastructure, lower taxes, high-paying professional jobs, and urban convenience. Its downsides are described as higher housing costs, smaller living spaces, a more demanding work culture, and less access to large-scale nature.
Canada is presented as stronger for space, universal healthcare, work-life balance, multiculturalism, outdoor recreation, and overall lifestyle comfort. Its downsides are higher taxes, colder weather, longer healthcare waits, and somewhat less economic efficiency.
The video ultimately leans toward Canada for overall quality of life, especially for families and people who value space and a slower pace, while portraying Singapore as better for ambitious professionals who prioritize career, safety, convenience, and efficiency.
Heriophant
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At first I thought $30m
then realize is 30 year old male.
He is in Edmonton doing Masters at U of A. Only moved there for 1 month.
Homesick. Also wife is in Singapore.
My guess is that he was supposed to go to Canada and finish Masters get good job then get wife over.
The landscape in Alberta has changed quite a bit in the last year or so with immigrants especially students wanting to study here and stay here.
Alberta doesn't want the students to stay anymore. Is you study here then you GO HOME.
My advice to that 30M is to go back Singapore ASAP. Don't waste his 1.5 years here in Alberta.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmo...students-post-graduate-work-permits-9.7302484
Some Alberta international students speak out after being denied post-graduate work permits
International graduate says application was rejected because his courses were part of a non-credit program
Some international students who attend career colleges or post-secondary vocational schools in Alberta are speaking out after they say their post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) were denied because their programs were categorized as non-credit.In recent weeks, the graduates, who studied at Portage College, have been protesting outside the Calgary and Edmonton campuses affiliated with the college. Some of the students have participated in a hunger strike to draw attention to the issue.
Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney were asked about the protests at an unrelated news conference on July 29. Carney had not heard about the protests, but said graduates who do not have authorization to stay need to follow the proper process.
“I think perhaps Portage maybe overstated the pathway to permanent residency," Smith said. "But our view is that if you come here as an international student and your visa expires, and you don’t have permanent residency, you need to go home."
Lovepreet Singh says he studied at Edmonton-based Campbell College through a public-private partnership with Portage College. In an interview with CBC Radio’s Edmonton AM on Aug. 5, Singh said he completed teacher’s assistant courses as part of a non-credit program before applying for a PGWP in March.
In a non-credit program, courses taken do not have academic credits or grades, and do not count towards a degree or diploma.
In a statement to CBC News, Jaime Davies, a spokesperson for Portage College, said the college is aware that some international graduate students had their permits denied and is seeking clarification, but added that PGWP applications are “assessed and decided solely by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).”
“We remain committed to providing factual information and responding to graduate inquiries that are within the college's role and keeping graduates informed as new information becomes available,” Davies said.
Singh said his application was denied in June because his courses were ineligible for the federal government’s permit program.
Before applying, Singh said he checked with Campbell College to ensure he was eligible for the permit.
“They said after successful completion of this course, you guys will be eligible for the … [post-graduation] work permit.”
Albertans going to vote on 19 Oct. Basically don't want immigrants coming in anymore.
https://globalnews.ca/news/12075177/alberta-referendum-questions/
Posted September 27, 2026 2:45 pm
Updated September 27, 2026 2:48 pm
6 min read
Here are the questions the premier is sending to a provincewide vote on Oct. 19.
Question 1: Do you support the government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?
What you need to know: Smith has said she wants to see Alberta have a similar accord as Quebec, which has an agreement with Ottawa that lets the province set its own eligibility requirements for economic migrants.
She said in February a “normal” and “sustainable” level of immigration would represent less than one per cent of the population, or about 50,000 newcomers per year, but critics have said Smith has failed to plan for the population growth it invited with a countrywide ad campaign in recent years.
Question 2: Do you support the government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services?
What you need to know: The premier has blamed overburdened public services on rapid population growth in the past five years.
The government’s website claims temporary residents cost the province more than $1 billion in health care, education and social services, but critics say those numbers don’t add up, and the government is ignoring the economic contributions and benefits they bring to Alberta.
The specific effect of a yes vote is unclear, since the government says it won’t define “Alberta-approved immigration status” until after the referendum.
Question 3: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now, do you support the government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially funded social support programs?
What you need to know: The government says it won’t determine which programs would be affected until after the referendum, should Albertans vote yes.
Temporary workers are already ineligible for some provincial programs, such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, and the Canadian Bar Association’s provincial chapter says this could run afoul of the Canada Health Act or the Charter’s equality provisions.
Question 4: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now, do you support the government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family’s use of the health care and education systems?
What you need to know: A potential new charge won’t be determined by the government until after the vote, though the premier told Calgary business leaders on Sept. 22 that a health premium could be as much as $1,900.
Education leaders in the province have come out against restricting access to schooling, saying it goes against internationally agreed-to children’s rights.
https://globalnews.ca/news/12075177/alberta-referendum-questions/
Albertans to vote on 10 questions in October referendum. Here’s what they ask
By Staff The Canadian PressPosted September 27, 2026 2:45 pm
Updated September 27, 2026 2:48 pm
6 min read
Here are the questions the premier is sending to a provincewide vote on Oct. 19.
Question 1: Do you support the government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?
What you need to know: Smith has said she wants to see Alberta have a similar accord as Quebec, which has an agreement with Ottawa that lets the province set its own eligibility requirements for economic migrants.
She said in February a “normal” and “sustainable” level of immigration would represent less than one per cent of the population, or about 50,000 newcomers per year, but critics have said Smith has failed to plan for the population growth it invited with a countrywide ad campaign in recent years.
Question 2: Do you support the government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services?
What you need to know: The premier has blamed overburdened public services on rapid population growth in the past five years.
The government’s website claims temporary residents cost the province more than $1 billion in health care, education and social services, but critics say those numbers don’t add up, and the government is ignoring the economic contributions and benefits they bring to Alberta.
The specific effect of a yes vote is unclear, since the government says it won’t define “Alberta-approved immigration status” until after the referendum.
Question 3: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now, do you support the government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially funded social support programs?
What you need to know: The government says it won’t determine which programs would be affected until after the referendum, should Albertans vote yes.
Temporary workers are already ineligible for some provincial programs, such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, and the Canadian Bar Association’s provincial chapter says this could run afoul of the Canada Health Act or the Charter’s equality provisions.
Question 4: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now, do you support the government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family’s use of the health care and education systems?
What you need to know: A potential new charge won’t be determined by the government until after the vote, though the premier told Calgary business leaders on Sept. 22 that a health premium could be as much as $1,900.
Education leaders in the province have come out against restricting access to schooling, saying it goes against internationally agreed-to children’s rights.
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