Weekly Update 4.7.2026
growth[intelligence] April 7th 2026
US Government-Wide Updates
- President Trump released his budget for the 2027 fiscal year this past Friday. The budget request to Congress is non-binding and is usually more a reflection of the Administration’s priorities rather than a true indication of what Congress will decide to fund. However, given the Administration’s willingness to use extraordinary measures to block funding to programs Congress authorized and provide funding to programs Congress did not, this year’s budget document carries more weight than usual. The budget proposes a record $1.5 trillion in funding for the Department of Defense while cutting civilian agencies by about 10%. More details on the President’s budget can be found in the Agency-Specific Updates section below.
Geopolitical Risk Updates featuring Senior Partner for Global Geopolitical Risk Management Mirriam-Grace MacIntyre
- President Trump’s latest ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks to power plants and bridges is set to expire at 8pm Eastern tonight. As of this writing neither side has moved significantly from its earlier stance, raising the prospect of further escalation.
- As the conflict enters its sixth week, the threat to US businesses especially overseas remains elevated, with Iran and its proxies seeking to inflict damage through cyberattacks or terror attacks.
- Global oil prices remain elevated as many countries are taking measures to ration fuel in the face of shortages. However, the number of ships successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz is steadily increasing, with vessels from Pakistan, China, India, Iraq and even France confirmed to have successfully transited the waterway. Those vessels are understood to have made payments to Iran to facilitate safe passage.
Canada Updates from growth[period]’s Canadian affiliate, GW Group
- A new Nanos poll suggests growing willingness among Canadians to serve in the Armed Forces in the event of a major conflict, with 24% open to full-time service (up from 12% in late 2025) and 32% willing to serve part-time. The survey also found generally positive public attitudes toward the military, with a majority expressing pride in the Armed Forces and support for others joining. The shift comes amid rising global tensions and increased federal growth[period] proprietary information www.growthprd.com | 703 556 0111 | 1950 Old Gallows Road, Suite 250, Tyson’s Corner, VA 22182 Page 2 defence spending aimed at strengthening military capacity and recruitment. Read more from the Nanos here.
- Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) has elected its new leader, Avi Lewis. Lewis is longtime activist and film maker, with roots in the party coming from his late father’s leadership of the provincial NDP and late grandfather’s leadership of the federal NDP. Lewis campaigned on a left-leaning platform focused on wealth taxes, green energy, and expanded social programs. His victory has come with backlash from provincial NDP leaders in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan over his stance on oil and gas. Lewis is taking over the party as it seeks to rebuild following a historic electoral defeat in the last general election. Read more from the Globe and Mail here.
- A new Nanos poll shows the governing Liberal Party of Canada leading the Conservative Party of Canada by 15 points in national ballot support. Jobs and the economy remain the top issue, shaping voter preferences. Prime Minister Mark Carney also holds a lead over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as the preferred choice for prime minister, by more than 30 points. Read more from Nanos here.
