The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, will travel to Poland to announce progress on a significant clean electricity project. The announcement marks a milestone in the Canada-Poland energy relationship and underscores ongoing collaboration in the clean energy sector.

Event Details

The announcement will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12 p.m. CET. A media availability will follow for in-person journalists only, providing an opportunity for further discussion on the project's implications.

Media Registration

Accredited media are required to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca . Details on participation will be provided upon registration. Journalists are encouraged to follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn for updates.

This initiative highlights the commitment of both nations to advancing clean energy solutions and strengthening bilateral ties in the energy sector.

As affordability remains the primary concern for Canadians, new research from Retail Council of Canada (RCC) indicates that consumers are actively utilizing both digital and physical tools to secure the best value. The Spring 2026 Canadian Shopper Sentiment Study, conducted by Leger, finds that while price is the starting point, shoppers are making deliberate choices across retailers and channels to optimize their spending. The research surveyed 2,014 Canadians in February 2026 and included follow-up focus groups in March 2026.

Channel Usage and Purchase Behavior

Shoppers are actively using multiple channels to maximize value, balancing convenience with cost. The study highlights a distinct preference for completing transactions in physical locations, though online shopping remains a significant component of the retail landscape.

Accountability and Retailer Switching

Choice drives accountability, as shoppers switch retailers or channels quickly when their expectations are not met. The study found that 72% of consumers experienced at least one issue in the past three months. The most common problems reported were out-of-stock products and delivery delays.

When faced with these challenges, customer retention is difficult. Data shows that 37% of shoppers switch retailers when products are out of stock, making it the top trigger for changing vendors. Additionally, 33% of shoppers cite poor customer service as a reason for switching. The research indicates that when problems occur, shoppers are more likely to switch retailers or channels than to formally complain.

Digital Tools and AI Adoption

Digital tools are accelerating discovery and comparison, with artificial intelligence beginning to play a role in the shopping journey. The study found that 11% of shoppers used AI assistants for shopping research in the past 30 days. Among those users, 46% reported finding products faster, 43% compared options more easily, and 40% saved time overall. Negative experiences with AI remain low, with only 12% reporting brand bias and 10% citing inaccurate recommendations.

The findings suggest that affordability is supported by a competitive retail environment where consumers can access multiple channels and information sources. RCC President & CEO Kim Furlong noted that Canadians rely on competition across retailers, channels, and tools to get the best overall value. The ability to compare options and switch channels helps consumers manage cost pressures, particularly on everyday essentials such as groceries.