A 64-year-old man with type 2 diabetes diagnosed 3 months ago attends for follow-up. He has been following diet and exercise advice only. His HbA1c is 8.2% (66 mmol/mol). He has an eGFR of 80 mL/min/1.73 m² and no contraindications to common oral agents. According to Diabetes Canada pharmacologic guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?