AGP Executive Report

School Safety Protocol: Nipissing and Parry Sound organizations have signed the ARTO Circle community assessment of risk to others protocol, aiming to prevent, assess and respond to potential school-related violence with a unified, multi-agency approach. Youth Reconciliation: Indigenous students from Niagara’s school boards met in Welland to shape local Truth and Reconciliation actions, with educators and community partners discussing youth programming, museum practices and sport’s role in reconciliation. Online Safety for Kids: Canada’s new online safety bill (Bill C-34) would require social media access blocks for kids under 16, while also regulating AI chatbots with duties meant to reduce harmful content and add crisis response protocols. Canada–Ireland Tech and Research: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced expanded cooperation on AI, life sciences, skills for students and a regenerative medicine hub. World Cup in Classrooms: In Chelsea, elementary schools are using FIFA World Cup themes to spark global learning and engagement, turning classroom doors into country-inspired art and watch parties into lessons. Indigenous Culture in Schools: Bluewater District students attended a Saugeen First Nation pow wow focused on Indigenous history month learning through dance and hands-on activities.

Safe Social Media Act: Canada introduced a bill to ban kids under 16 from creating social media accounts, with age checks, account deletion, and platform risk assessments aimed at reducing harms like anxiety, sleep disruption, and bullying. Student Support & Awards: Northern Ontario student Alexandra Gauthier won a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership worth up to $70,000, after pushing for solutions to transportation and school supports. School Safety: Edmonton Catholic School Division reported four elementary students were taken to hospital after a school bus crash into a ditch; officials said everyone was safe and checked by EMS. Indigenous Training Jobs: Kenora-area Treaty 3 communities received nearly $2M to train 100 participants for construction and trades linked to highway twinning. Weather Monitoring: Western University’s Northern Tornadoes Project said no damage reports have been received after a severe storm and red-coded tornado warning in Northwestern Ontario. Local Learning Through Play: South Simcoe police ran a Bike Rodeo to teach helmet fitting and cycling safety for kids and parents. World Cup in Classrooms & Communities: Canada’s first home World Cup match drew big crowds and family watch parties, including a Maple Ridge event with a 20-foot screen and activities for students and kids.

Rural Mobility for Students and Seniors: Manitoba launched Red River Rides, a fully electric rural carshare meant to cut transportation barriers for seniors, students, newcomers, and families who can’t easily afford or access a vehicle. Community Response After Disaster: A tornado devastated a farm near Alameda, Sask., and residents rallied with donations and a GoFundMe as the family rebuilds. Education Spotlight: Chinook’s Edge School Division named two educators—École Olds High School’s Mélanie Hillier and École HJ Cody High School’s Jess McCoy—as provincial French Immersion Educators of the Year after a tie. Justice and Safety in Schools: Barrie police charged a man after an alleged indecent act in a schoolyard while parents arrived, and investigators say he had 14 debit/credit cards not in his name. AI and Youth Online Safety: Canada’s proposed under-16 social media ban and AI chatbot regulation continues to draw scrutiny over how it will work in practice for schools and families. Residential Schools Accountability: An international tribunal in Montreal preliminarily found Canada’s residential school system constituted genocide, with a final report expected later this year.

AI & Post-Secondary: Ottawa’s new “AI for All” strategy promises AI training for post-secondary students, aiming to boost adoption and create AI-related jobs, with a National AI Literacy push and “trusted AI agents” for learners. Digital Safety Law: Canada is moving ahead with a Safe Social Media Act that would bar under-16s from opening social accounts and add duties for platforms and AI chatbots, including safer design and clearer labeling of AI-made content. Consumer Voice Under Pressure: Advocacy groups say Ottawa’s funding cuts to the Canadian Consumer Protection Initiative and Office of Consumer Affairs could weaken independent consumer research. Wildlife Oversight Strained: Budget cuts have left Canada’s endangered species watchdog short-staffed and forced to cancel key assessments, leaving a backlog of at-risk species. School Politics: Manitoba is tightening school trustee election rules with new campaign registration, disclosure, and spending limits. Student & Community Wins: A Canada-wide science fair saw Wood Buffalo students medal and win awards, and a linen drive in Kearney is collecting clean bedding for injured wildlife. World Cup, Canada-Linked: Mexico kicked off the 2026 tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa amid three red cards, while Canada’s hosting continues to shape school and city logistics.

Child Safety Law: Canada’s Safe Social Media Act would ban social media for kids under 16 and regulate AI chatbots, drawing privacy and policy debate as schools and families ask how students will adapt. Education & Youth Voice: Saskatchewan’s Provincial Youth Council adds a Grade 11 Humboldt student who says the Ministry is actively engaging on AI’s impact in schools. School & Student Rights: A former top Toronto District School Board lawyer sues, alleging a “systemically antisemitic environment,” including claims of antisemitic remarks. French Immersion Recognition: Red Deer Public’s French immersion leader of the year highlights long-running bilingual education work. Student Skills & Trades: Ontario’s Ryan Beattie wins silver in secondary school welding at Skills Canada Nationals, showing strong pathways from co-op to skilled careers. Sports & Learning: A northern Alberta partnership aims to build a female hockey pipeline that keeps athletes in the region for post-secondary. Community Health: Whistler-area scientists investigate mosquito-borne viruses after encephalitis cases, a reminder that public health monitoring matters for outdoor learning and tourism.

Digital Safety Law: Canada is moving ahead with a bill to ban social media for kids under 16, while also regulating AI chatbots through a new digital regulator, with penalties for non-compliance. Student Mobility & Travel: Edmonton Public Schools says it will halt all international travel for the next year after incidents on prior trips. Youth Mental Health & Online Risks: Advocates and researchers are already debating the ban’s impact on isolation and support networks, especially in remote communities. Education & Community Events: Jumpstart Games returns bigger for young students, and Rainbow board students can earn secondary credits this summer. Sports & School-Age Impact: World Cup security concerns are escalating across host cities, with organizers warning about risks for visitors and families. Higher Ed & Research: Finland’s citizenship grants are surging, with international students and skilled migrants—especially from India—citing education and research opportunities.

Preventive Health Overhaul: Canada has launched a new National Advisory Committee on Preventive Health Services to set cancer screening guidelines, replacing a suspended task force and responding to past controversy over breast screening for women under 50. Indigenous School Infrastructure: Six Nations Elected Council approved about $2.8M for upgrades to onsite wastewater systems at five federal schools, including peatland-based treatment fixes. Student Support in Arts: Quinte Arts Council awarded six graduating student bursaries for arts-related post-secondary study, including acting and fine arts. School Meal Tech (K-12): Alphatechs USA unveiled Bluetooth school lunch pin pads and scanners for cafeteria meal service, designed for fast check-in and broad device compatibility. World Cup Community Build-Up: Canada’s World Cup hosting is driving local events and viewing parties, with communities across cities preparing for matches starting Thursday. Weather Watch: Environment Canada issued tornado warnings in the Kenora area and is asking residents to report any damage.

Digital Safety for Kids: Canada is set to introduce a social-media ban for under-16s, with possible exemptions only if platforms address addictive design and teen-targeted algorithms. Education & Youth Programming: The Second City launches “PLAY,” a new improvisation division bringing classes, camps, workshops, and school partnerships to children and teens across Canada and the U.S. Skilled Trades Training: Alberta invests $4M in a two-year pilot to help experienced workers earn credentials without quitting their jobs, using adaptive learning for trades like welding and steamfitter-pipefitting. Literacy Support: Vancouver Island schools receive $125K in literacy grants to expand library collections. School Safety & Policing: A B.C. debate is renewing calls for a province-wide ban on police in schools. Student Recognition: Neelin High’s Sam Rempel and Layla Desjardin are named varsity athletes of the year in Brandon, highlighting how school sports can boost student momentum. Cybersecurity Watch: A new report says education remains the most targeted sector for cyberattacks, with ransomware still surging.

Digital Safety Push: Canada’s government is set to table a Digital Safety Act that could include a social media ban for kids under 16, plus a new digital regulator for safety standards. K-12 Classroom Life: Amherstburg students staged a “Musée Vivant” living museum project, turning curriculum into a hands-on presentation for families. Public Health: Huron Perth public health’s annual report highlights a major measles outbreak response, with expanded vaccine eligibility and a big jump in doses delivered. Indigenous Sport & Youth: Lake City Secondary Indigenous students trained volleyball skills with national coach Amy Wilson, an Anishinaabekwe leader and award-winning coach. Scholarships: Seabreeze grad Lucy Kimble won a $2,500 PEO STAR scholarship to study biology at the University of Florida. AI & Energy Tension: Alberta is pitching cheap natural gas for data centers tied to the AI boom, clashing with Canada’s push for clean power expansion. University Recognition: University of Victoria handed out honorary degrees to five leaders across science, arts, philanthropy and Indigenous law.

University Access & Governance: Algoma University has reopened first-year admissions to five previously paused undergraduate programs (geography, history, music, sociology and visual arts) after financial pressure tied to Ontario’s 2024 international student caps. Student Mobility & Costs: Saskatoon Transit fares rise July 1, with adult single rides up to $3.50 and monthly passes up to $91, while children in Grade 8 and under keep free rides. Youth Workforce Planning: Algoma Workforce Investment Corp. is launching a survey for youth ages 15–29 to shape local education, training and employment supports. Health Education Recognition: Northern Ontario School of Medicine awarded its inaugural honorary degrees to Elder Theresa Fiddler and Maureen Lacroix, highlighting integrated community learning in NOSM’s undergraduate program. Mobility Tech Partnership: National Seating & Mobility becomes a preferred partner for LUCI, expanding access to collision-avoidance and safety features for power wheelchair riders across Canada and the U.S.

AI & Equity: Canada’s “AI for All” strategy gets a human-rights response from the Canadian Human Rights Commission and accessibility/pay equity commissioners, as they welcome equity and accessibility commitments while warning AI will shape who gets opportunities. Policy & Speech: The federal government says it won’t bring back online hate-speech protections tied to Section 13, pointing instead to other measures—sparking criticism from researchers who say gaps remain. Education & Integrity: A University of Ottawa professor argues AI-generated essays undermine liberal education and says universities must act to protect academic integrity. Teachers & Pensions: Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan could see a major windfall from SpaceX’s IPO after investing about $220M in 2019. Student Life & Skills: Skills Canada’s national competition highlights trades pathways, with RV Careers drawing young participants at the Toronto event. Campus & Community: Selkirk College’s Contemporary Music and Technology program celebrates a scholarship transfer to Berklee College of Music. Health & Learning: Canada’s tick problem is worsening, with experts linking expanding tick populations to rising Lyme disease risk. Sports & School Culture: TSN’s Luke Wileman and Steven Caldwell will call Canada’s World Cup matches, framing broadcast prep like exam study.

Bilingual Services Push in New Brunswick: New federal rules will require federally regulated businesses across NB to offer bilingual front-line service and let employees work in either official language, raising concerns for rural banks that may swap branches for machines. Anti-Hate Law Update: The Anishinabek Nation says it’s “incensed” after the Senate rejected amendments to Bill C-9 that would have added Indian Residential School denialism as an offence. Medical Education Boost in B.C.: SFU’s new School of Medicine received a landmark $40M gift from the Stephens family, supporting training, research and the school’s first classes in fall 2026. University Research & Culture: Brock University will unveil findings from its Mapping Ann-Marie MacDonald project at a free public symposium June 20, blending literary learning with theatre creation. Community Learning Through Heritage: Willowbank School of Restoration Arts secured up to $193K from Parks Canada to stabilize a historic manor wall and build a new fire stair, unlocking more student and community programming if donors match the rest. Student Pathways & Access: A debate is resurfacing around whether schools should stream students by ability, with new research arguing it may help but warning to be cautious.

AI & Data Centres: A UN University report says global data centres already rival major countries in electricity use, and predicts their water and pollution impacts will double in four years as AI grows—raising fresh questions for Canada’s energy and water planning. Wildfire Workforces: A federal classification issue means many Canadian wildland firefighters are logged as forestry/silviculture workers, not firefighters, even when they do frontline fire response—highlighting a gap between job reality and official labels. Education & Tech Infrastructure: Hamilton’s Steelport AI data-centre plans face local pushback over environmental concerns, while Saint John Energy is launching a virtual “plug-in labs” environment to help educators and innovators test prototypes. Student Finance: Alberta students say changes to the provincial loan program create a financial barrier, adding pressure to already-stressed post-secondary budgets. Policy & Inclusion: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new ministerial advisory council to fight antisemitism, but Canadian Jewish groups are split on whether it’s enough. Sports & Youth: Serena Williams returns to competitive tennis in London with Canadian Victoria Mboko, while FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage plans and stadium grass upgrades underscore how major events are shaping training and facilities.

K-12 & Student Life: Edmonton Public Schools is pausing international school trips and exchange programs, adding to a wider wave of school travel and staffing concerns. Post-secondary & Funding: SFU’s medical school is set to receive a historic $40M donation, while Algoma University appoints a new president and vice-chancellor, signaling major leadership shifts. Policy & Equity: OSAP changes are expected to hit immigrant and refugee students hardest, and Ontario education unions have served notice to bargain as a possible September strike looms. Technology & Learning: Canada’s new national AI strategy is rolling out amid skepticism about delivery, safeguards, and public trust. Campus Community: Georgian College students ran the 38th annual Georgian College Auto Show, a hands-on industry showcase built by students for the public. Sports & Skills (youth): Saskatchewan athletes Neko Michell and Olivia Klein were named to Canada’s inaugural U17 girls flag football team.

Student Innovation & Scholarships: Edmonton high school senior Josh Kirsch turned a Grade 6 pandemic project into a nature-tracking app and won a $100K scholarship. Youth & Work Pathways: Algoma’s AWIC is launching a youth workforce survey for ages 15–29 to shape local education and hiring supports. School & Community Safety Tech: RCMP pilots AI-assisted report writing (“Draft One”) in Alberta and B.C., with officers reviewing outputs before court use. Post-Secondary Milestones: Bishop’s University will award honorary doctorate to hockey icon Marie-Philip Poulin. Campus Convocation: Niagara College is set for its largest spring convocation, with about 7,000 graduates across 12 ceremonies. Learning & Health Support: A South East Helping Hands Foodbank donation of diapers and infant formula is easing costs for young families. Public Education on Crime: An opposition senator backs an anti-gangs bill but calls for a broad national education campaign alongside community involvement. Sports & Youth Development: North Bay Battalion’s Ryder Cali heads to NCAA hockey, reflecting shifting pathways for major junior players.

International School Travel Pause: Edmonton Public Schools will “pause” all international school trips and school-based exchanges for 2026-27, citing a “complex global landscape” and safety concerns, leaving families frustrated over vague messaging. Student Aid Shake-Up: Ontario’s OSAP overhaul will cut the share of aid delivered as grants (capped at 25%), shifting more support to loans and raising repayment burdens for immigrant and refugee students, according to advocates. Labour Pressure in Education Services: CUPE 8911, representing B.C. emergency communications workers, has issued a 72-hour strike notice after months of stalled talks, warning staffing and workload threaten 911 sustainability. AI and Data Centres: Northern Alberta residents raised concerns at an O’Leary Digital open house for the proposed Wonder Valley AI data centre, questioning the project’s scale and the lack of a traditional Q&A format. Transit Affordability: Grand River Transit is reviewing fare and subsidy priorities as ridership and costs strain its long-term sustainability.