In the news today: offshore wind funding, health ministers meet, PM visits Calgary

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A senior government source tells The Canadian Press that Ottawa is putting $5 million toward deploying a fleet of buoys to help measure wind speeds and ocean conditions.

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The information, the source says, will help inform prospective investors ahead of a call for bids in winter 2027.

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Health ministers set to meet in Winnipeg after Ottawa announces funding extension

Canadian health ministers meet in Winnipeg today after the federal government announced it would extend funding for mental health, addictions and home care by one year.

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel made the announcement on social media late Wednesday, saying the extension represents $1.2 billion in funding.

The existing funding was set to expire next year.

Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara is to host provincial and territorial counterparts today, and Michel is to co-chair Friday’s meeting.

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AI, resources and water bombers: Draft document maps Canada, EU path to closer ties

A draft joint statement from Canada and the European Union lays out concrete steps to strengthen ties around digital security, defence and resources ahead of a major summit at the end of the month.

The document states that Ottawa and Brussels aim to let Canadian companies bid on cloud and artificial-intelligence infrastructure contracts typically reserved for European companies.

The leaked statement also launches plans for Canada to join in Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation program and a deal to facilitate European investment in Canadian critical minerals.

The expanded partnership marks a broader effort to shore up links in areas ranging from trade to education and the military, as Canada and the European Union look to guard against a less reliable America.

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Carney to attend pro-Canada rally in Calgary as Alberta races toward referendum vote

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected in Calgary today to rally support for a united Canada as Alberta gears up for a separation referendum.

Carney is scheduled to join former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk at a rally for his “Forever Canadian” group ahead of Monday’s vote.

Premier Danielle Smith has put 10 questions on the ballot, including one on whether Alberta should stay in Canada or if it should hold a second, binding vote on quitting Confederation.

The prime minister is also scheduled to attend a rally with Lukaszuk in Edmonton on Friday — the same day Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Smith are set to deliver speeches at a conference in Calgary.

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‘Hardly surprising’ many Alberta business leaders staying mum on separation: expert

The silence from many Alberta business leaders on the upcoming provincial referendum comes as no surprise to one corporate leadership expert.

Richard Leblanc from York University says there’s a tradition in Canada for CEOs to stay in their lanes and not risk alienating shareholders or employees by taking a political stand.

Leblanc says there may be times a company’s board of directors agrees that a CEO should speak out on a matter that affects the well-being of the business, as something like separation arguably would.

A handful of leaders at big, publicly traded companies are among the more than 70 signatories to an open letter from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce warning of the economic fallout of separation, while the top brass at many prominent firms have stayed mum.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2026.

The Canadian Press