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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Sept. 16, 2026, that Canada become the first associate member of the EU. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the Strasbourg speech, which builds on recent ministerial talks and existing research cooperation.
Parliament passed the India Free Trade Agreement implementation legislation by 93 votes to 29 on 16 September 2026, with Labour support. The omnibus bill completed committee on 15 September and was divided before third reading. The agreement will not enter into force until both New Zealand and India complete ratification.
Canada and Britain are in talks to merge the Canadian-led Defence, Security and Resilience Bank with Britain's Multilateral Defence Mechanism. The proposal was high on the agenda for Mark Carney's first meeting with Andy Burnham and would reverse Britain's prior refusal to join.
Leaked documents tabled in the Senate show the Albanese government is considering copyright changes to let AI firms scrape unprotected online content in return for bulk deals or payments via a new body. The proposals are not finalised and remain under consultation amid criticism from creatives and Senator David Pocock.
The Charter School Agency has approved Aotearoa Infinite Academy to expand from 200 students to 2000 in 2027 and 3000 in 2028. The online charter school would become one of New Zealand's largest schools, with about $26 million a year in government funding.
Christopher Luxon has refused to rule out a Māori seats question in a proposed MMP referendum, with detail deferred to National's justice policy. Electoral agencies have provided no costing, while past referendums point to delivery model as the key cost driver.
The Government has introduced a development levy to replace development contributions, with a nationally consistent methodology and Commerce Commission oversight. Councils will transition from 2029 ahead of disestablishment of contributions in 2030.
National has made investigating a split of Foodstuffs' Pak'nSave and New World brands part of its 2026 election pitch, conditional on a six-month Commerce Commission review and follow-up legislation. Labour, Foodstuffs, smaller competitors and shoppers have given mixed reactions.
AI Minister Evan Solomon told All In Montreal that Canada must build domestic AI capacity and partner with like-minded countries to retain sovereign control. Mila and Germany's DFKI are formalizing cooperation on safe AI and industrial uses, with Germany as Country of Honour.
Members of Congress voiced new urgency on AI regulation this week but left Washington until after the November election without consensus. Leadership split over self-regulation versus statutory action while Senate negotiators weighed risk-mitigation duties and House bills, including preemption of state rules, remained pending.
