Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, and others in the automotive industry. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

New Motor Vehicle Sales Up 9.4% Year-Over-Year in March 2025

Statistics Canada reported 189,259 new motor vehicles sold in March 2025, a 9.4% increase over March 2024. Sales of new light trucks rose 13.5%, while new passenger car sales dropped 10.9% compared to one year earlier, signaling a continued shift in consumer demand within the automotive sector.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

CBSA Issues Guidance on Victoria and Memorial Day Border Crossings

The Canada Border Services Agency issued tips for efficient border crossing ahead of Victoria and Memorial Day weekends, referencing surtaxes on certain U.S. goods and advising on documentation for the automotive sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CITT Opens Preliminary Injury Inquiry on Carbon or Alloy Steel Wire Imports

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal announced the commencement of a preliminary injury inquiry into the dumping of certain carbon or alloy steel wires from multiple countries, with submission deadlines set for late May and a schedule for stakeholder participation.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Global Affairs Canada Updates Import Permits Issuance Data for Turkey

Global Affairs Canada released updated data on import permits for Turkey on May 16, with details available via the governmental open data portal.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

British Columbia Infrastructure Datasets Updated: Road and Safety Features

The BC Ministry of Transportation has updated data releases on road infrastructure safety and point features, relevant for vehicle safety and traffic management planning.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Permanently Cuts Gas Tax and Removes 407 East Tolls in Response to Tariff Pressures

Ontario’s government announced permanent cuts to the gasoline and fuel tax, alongside the removal of tolls from the 407 East highway, citing ongoing concerns over U.S. tariffs and cost-of-living pressures.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

CSA Group Release Joint Canada-U.S. Standard for Hydrogen Production Reporting

A new bi-national standard formalizes harmonized methodology for measuring and reporting the carbon intensity of hydrogen production, with support from both Quebec and federal entities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

BC Enacts Modernized Commercial Liens Act Benefiting Vehicle Service Providers

British Columbia’s new Commercial Liens Act, effective June 30, replaces older statutes and standardizes rules, granting greater flexibility for service-related liens on vehicles and equipment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan Launches Road Safety Campaign for Construction Season

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Highways and partners are emphasizing motorist caution in work zones as part of a seasonal safety campaign, coinciding with $777 million in road infrastructure spending.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta Concludes Legislative Session With Automobile Insurance Act and Energy Reforms

Alberta wrapped up its legislative session by passing an Automobile Insurance Act and measures expanding energy options, amid global trade and market uncertainty.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Maninder Sidhu reported discussing strategies with David Adams of Global Automakers of Canada to maintain the sector’s competitiveness and attract global investment.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Mélanie Joly spoke publicly about efforts to support the Canadian automotive sector and workforce during an ongoing trade dispute.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Dan Albas referenced media coverage regarding Honda’s relocation of CR-V production from Canada to the United States in response to tariffs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Mélanie Joly noted a meeting with Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development regarding Honda’s production decisions and auto sector trade issues.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Williams posted a call for more competition in Canadian markets, referencing concerns about monopolies impacting consumers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES: Analysis of recent developments in zero-emission vehicle uptake.
• New cabinet, Honda delays EV plans, Trump in Saudi Arabia, and more: Discussion on cabinet changes and the implications of Honda’s postponed electric vehicle strategy.
• An unnecessary harvest of pain from Ottawa’s EV tariffs: Editorial on economic effects of electric vehicle tariffs.