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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Automotive? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-08-10 to 2025-08-16

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Announces $25 Million for Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure and Innovation

Natural Resources Canada announced $25 million for 33 projects targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, freight decarbonization, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicle technology. Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay confirmed more than $9.7 million allocated via the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) for 23 initiatives, which will install over 850 new EV chargers nationwide. Six projects in the medium- and heavy-duty sector received $8 million through the Energy Innovation Program, with objectives ranging from mobile auxiliary energy systems to safer high-density batteries and optimized charging in northern regions. The Green Freight Program supplied $7.9 million for four projects, including fleet upgrades like new natural gas-powered trucks and compressed renewable natural gas vehicles. These investments are positioned to improve charger access, advance Canadian intellectual property, and modernize fleet logistics.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Details on Recipients of New Federal EV and Decarbonization Project Funding

Funding was allocated to a wide range of recipients. Propulsion Québec will use $3 million to install 320 Level 2 EV chargers, with total support now at $7 million and a target of 1,000 Level 2 chargers. Kruger Energie will deploy 20 fast-charging stations for heavy fleet vehicles in Crabtree, Québec. Zone Signature is constructing four solar-powered fast-charging stations in Boucherville, Repentigny, and Québec City, with 15 charging points and amenities including Wi-Fi and tire inflators. Other recipients include Saroukian Holdings Ltd. ($399,181 for 210 chargers in Laval), IKEA Distribution Services CA, Inc. ($300,000 for Level 3 chargers for heavy-duty trucks), and Ricova Leasing Inc. ($1,388,543 for 45 natural gas trucks under Green Freight). Projects span residential, commercial, hospital, airport, and automotive dealership contexts across multiple provinces.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy Funds Green Training Initiatives for Auto and Truck Trades

Employment and Social Development Canada released background on the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which funds green skills training under the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Sustainable Jobs stream. Trucking Human Resources Canada will implement new green truck maintenance training across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, supplementing Red Seal Occupational Standards for truck mechanics with a focus on supporting Canada's emissions reductions. Several other unions and trades councils received grants to develop training for powerline technicians, millwrights, carpenters, and sheet metal workers, integrating emerging green technologies relevant to auto and vehicle service sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Extends Steel Strapping Dumping Investigation Affecting Automotive Supply Chains

On August 5, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency extended the preliminary phase for investigations under the Special Import Measures Act regarding alleged injurious dumping and subsidizing of steel strapping from China, Türkiye, Korea, and Vietnam. The extension from 90 to 135 days is attributed to the complexity of the case, extensive stakeholders, and challenges in evidence gathering. Preliminary determinations or a decision to terminate investigations will be made by September 24, 2025. Steel strapping is used in logistics and component packaging, with potential implications for auto parts importers and freight operations.

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

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Announces Expiry Review of Anti-Dumping Order on Steel Plate Imports from Ukraine

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated an expiry review of its order on hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy steel plate originating in Ukraine. The review process will assess whether revocation would lead to resumed dumping injurious to domestic manufacturers, including automotive suppliers that utilize these grades in parts and vehicle body construction. Interested parties must file notices by August 20, 2025; CBSA and Tribunal will issue key determinations between January and June 2026.

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

Rise in Canadian New Motor Vehicle Sales in June 2025

Statistics Canada reported sales of 177,313 new motor vehicles in June 2025, a 6.2% year-over-year increase, with every province experiencing higher sales compared to June 2024. Total sales value rose 3.1% in the same period. The strong sales volume is indicative of steady consumer demand despite tariff and regulatory pressures in the sector.

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

Manufacturing Sales Gain in June, With Transportation Equipment Declining

Manufacturing sales grew by 0.3% in June 2025, driven mainly by petroleum, coal, and food manufacturing. The transportation equipment subsector, which includes vehicle manufacturing, posted the largest decline within the sector, suggesting possible impacts from supply chain disruptions, tariffs, or regulatory changes.

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

US Federal GR News

EPA Extends Comment Period on Reconsideration of Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency extended the public comment period for its proposed rule reconsidering the 2009 Endangerment Finding and associated greenhouse gas vehicle standards. The comment window now closes on September 22, 2025, following additional public hearing dates scheduled for August 19–21, with a potential hearing on August 22. The Clean Air Act mandates a 30-day rebuttal period after hearings. Stakeholders, including Canadian manufacturers operating in cross-border markets, may monitor proceedings for shifts in emission regulations or vehicle standards affecting import and export activity.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Issues Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders on Low-Speed Personal Transportation Vehicles from China

Antidumping and countervailing duty orders are now in effect on certain low-speed personal transportation vehicles (LSPTVs) from China, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission. Dumping margins range from 119.39% to 478.09% and subsidy rates from 31.45% to 691.58%. Retroactive duties apply for certain periods, with exclusions for specific vehicle types. The scope covers LSPTVs and subassemblies, including electric and gas-powered models up to 25 mph. Importers must comply with cash deposit requirements and service list protocols, with annual updates on participation.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Imposes Countervailing Duties on Certain Brake Drums from China and Türkiye

New countervailing duty orders apply to gray cast iron brake drums from China and Türkiye, following final injury determinations by Commerce and the ITC. Duties for Chinese companies range from 11.94% to 446.83%, while Turkish suppliers face rates from 2.80% to 131.60%. Exclusions include composite drums with over 38% steel content.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

White House Extends Suspension of Higher Tariffs on Chinese Imports, Maintains 10% Reciprocal Tariff

President Trump extended the suspension of additional ad valorem duties on imports from China until November 10, 2025, via Executive Order dated August 11. This reaffirms a 10% reciprocal tariff regime, with ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. Other tariff measures remain active. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office will oversee implementation of policy changes and cost coverage for publication. The suspension is tied to progress in discussions on trade reciprocity and national security.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Rejects Federal Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate

Alberta's Minister Rebecca Schulz stated the province will not accept the federal EV mandate, citing implementation, cost, and tariff concerns, and referencing lower EV production versus new vehicle sales.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Launches Protect Ontario Financing Program for Sectors Hit by U.S. Tariffs

Ontario announced a $1 billion loan program, part of a broader $5 billion plan, to assist businesses in the steel, aluminum, and auto sectors facing U.S. Section 232 tariffs. Funds can support operational liquidity, pending eligibility screening.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

BC CleanBC Industry Fund Opens Applications for Clean Technology Projects

The BC government is accepting applications for $35 million in funding for local industry projects that advance cleaner technologies and decarbonize operations in manufacturing and resource extraction sectors.

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

Alberta Responds to Chinese Tariffs on Canola, Citing Federal Auto Tariff Origins

Alberta's Minister Sigurdson responded to new Chinese duties on Canadian canola, attributing the escalation to federal tariffs on Chinese EVs and steel. The province called for increased federal effort to resolve export disruptions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Observes New Driver Safety Month

August is designated New Driver Safety Month in Alberta, with official reminders that newly licensed drivers are at greater risk for collisions. Graduated licensing and education efforts continue to address roadway safety.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ford’s ‘Model T moment’ couldn’t come at a worse time: Analysis of Ford’s EV strategy in context of current market headwinds.
• Disquiet on the Western front of the tariff war: Editorial examines tariffs affecting canola, China, and the auto sector.
• Can the ZEV mandate survive political pressure and industry objections?: Industry and political developments surrounding Canada’s zero-emission vehicle policies.
• Review: We are in our early 70s and looking for a comfortable EV or PHEV with AWD for less than $60,000: Consumer-focused article on affordable EV and PHEV options.
• ‘I can’t afford $800 a month’: Ontario driver with credit issues finds car ownership too expensive: Report on rising costs of car ownership for Ontario drivers.
• Are EVs really greener than gas-powered cars?: Explores climate impact and comparative emissions of EVs versus gasoline vehicles.
• Magna to Showcase Its Vision for Safer, Smarter, Greener Mobility at IAA Mobility 2025: Magna’s new technology initiatives in mobility solutions.
• Conservatives plan national campaign to scrap zero-emission vehicle mandate: Political developments around the federal EV mandate opposition.
• What on Earth: EV climate impact: Further coverage of EV-related environmental debates.
• Magna at IAA Mobility 2025: Magna's event presence and product showcase.

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