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: 2025-05-19
End Date: 2025-05-24

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Minister Mélanie Joly Engages Automotive Industry in Oshawa

On May 22, 2025, Minister Mélanie Joly visited a leading automotive testing and research facility in Oshawa, Ontario. The visit included engagement with automotive sector representatives for discussions about the future direction of the industry. The official program involved a facility tour and a subsequent meeting with industry members, with a media availability before the industry meeting. No public policy announcements were made during the tour itself.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Initiates Anti-Dumping and Subsidy Investigation on Steel Strapping

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) began investigations on May 12, 2025, under the Special Import Measures Act into alleged dumping of steel strapping from China, Türkiye, South Korea, and Vietnam, and alleged subsidizing by China. Steel strapping is broadly used for bundling automotive parts and materials. Importers, processors, and manufacturers are invited to submit written representations to the CBSA by September 18, 2025. The results could have implications for costs and supply chains in vehicle and parts manufacturing sectors.

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

Retail Motor Vehicle Sales Lead Broad March Gain

March 2025 retail sales in Canada rose by 0.8% to $69.8 billion. The motor vehicle and parts dealer subsector was a primary contributor to the monthly increase, with growth within the broader retail market. Detailed data are available through Statistics Canada for further analysis of segment performance.

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

Natural Resources Minister Addresses Automotive Trade Realignment

Minister Tim Hodgson, in a May 23 speech to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, outlined a federal commitment to fast-tracking projects of national interest and retooling supply chains, explicitly mentioning challenges from new U.S. tariffs affecting energy, minerals, and auto exports. The approach includes centralizing permitting for major projects, supporting vertical integration for key materials used in vehicle production, and ongoing efforts to protect market access for Canadian automotive manufacturing.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Refined Petroleum Products Data Release – April 2025

Statistics Canada released April 2025 data on Canadian refined petroleum products production and inventories, available upon request. Monitoring of these figures provides context for fuel supply trends impacting vehicle operation and logistics.

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

Provincial Announcements

Québec and California Hold 43rd Joint Auction for Greenhouse Gas Emission Units

Québec and California conducted a joint auction for greenhouse gas emission units on May 21, 2025. Over 51 million units were offered, with final results to be posted May 29 on the Ministry website. Automotive firms in Québec may leverage these auctions for compliance and trading.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Premier Heads to France for Trade Talks with Michelin Group

Premier Houston is traveling to France, May 24–29, to discuss advanced manufacturing and trade opportunities with Michelin Group. Michelin’s Nova Scotia operations produce tires exported globally, accounting for a significant portion of provincial GDP.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Mélanie Joly shared on Twitter her impressions of the Automotive Centre of Excellence at Ontario Tech University, calling it among the most advanced testing facilities in North America.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Cathay Wagantall posted about discussions with representatives from the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, focusing on current sector challenges in Saskatchewan.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Turnbull recounted his joint visit with Minister Mélanie Joly to the GM Oshawa Assembly plant, highlighting Canadian manufacturing capabilities and workforce expertise.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Turnbull tweeted his appreciation for innovation at Ontario Tech University and its Automotive Centre of Excellence during Minister Joly’s tour.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Mélanie Joly shared a post emphasizing advanced manufacturing at GM Canada’s Oshawa plant and its contribution to Canadian jobs and productivity.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association joins to discuss Stellantis production: Flavio Volpe discusses the latest on Stellantis automotive parts and production challenges.
• What to know about the US Senate’s effort to block vehicle-emission rules in California: Outlines recent moves by the US Senate regarding state-level emission regulations.
• Senate clears way to block clean air standards in California, including vehicle emission rules: Legislative developments in US clean air policy impacting the automotive sector.
• Is it time to finally take the dream of a Canadian automaker seriously? Flavio Volpe makes his case: An exploration of prospects for a full-scale Canadian auto manufacturer.