QSA's Week in Aviation (#47, 2025)
Canada confirms historic ESA space investment; CBSA targets cross-border crime; new draft regulations for Official Languages Act in air transport; FAA issues multiple airworthiness directives for Airbus, Boeing, Textron, Bell Textron, and Cessna aircraft.
Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for the airline and airports industry, as well as pilots and other aviation-professionals. 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 Aviation? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas, Freight & Ports and Defence.
Dates: 2025-11-23 to 2025-11-29
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
- National Defence Committee to Review Bill C-11 Amendments: The House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence will meet December 2, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to review Bill C-11, which amends the National Defence Act and other legislation. Witnesses include Hon. Morris J. Fish and Hon. Marie Deschamps.
- Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs to Hold In Camera Meeting: The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs will meet December 1, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to examine issues relating to national security and defence. Witnesses include Karen Hogan, Auditor General of Canada, and senior officials from the Office of the Auditor General.
Canadian Federal Government News
Canada Confirms Historic Investment in European Space Agency Programs
On November 28, 2025, Canadian Space Agency President Lisa Campbell announced a CAD$664.6 million investment into European Space Agency (ESA) programs, marking the largest Canadian commitment since 1979. The funding, which includes CAD$528 million previously announced, will support research and development of Canadian-made space technologies for civilian and defence use. Programs targeted include Satellite Communications, Earth Observation, Space Exploration, Space Safety, and Navigation. This investment follows consultations with the Canadian space sector and is expected to generate hundreds of jobs and significant downstream sales, positioning Canadian businesses for ESA contracts and strengthening commercial and defence capabilities.
Sources: www.canada.ca

Draft Regulations on Administrative Monetary Penalties under the Official Languages Act Table in Parliament
On November 26, 2025, Minister Steven Guilbeault announced the tabling of draft regulations on administrative monetary penalties under the Official Languages Act. The regulations give the Commissioner of Official Languages new powers to impose penalties on passenger transportation entities for non-compliance with bilingual service obligations. Sanctions will be determined based on severity, repetition, corrective actions, and organization size, aiming for consistent and transparent administration across the air transport sector.
Sources: www.canada.ca
CBSA Issues Travel Advisory for U.S. Thanksgiving Weekend
The Canada Border Services Agency issued travel tips for Americans entering Canada during the U.S. Thanksgiving long weekend. The advisory covers documentation requirements, declaration procedures, restrictions on poultry and cannabis, and firearm importation rules. Travellers are encouraged to use Advance Declaration for customs processing at airports and to check border wait times when driving.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Backgrounder: Malicious Cyber Activity Targeting Canadian Critical Infrastructure
Communications Security Establishment Canada published a backgrounder on the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure sectors, including transportation. The report outlines risks from ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, supply chain compromises, and threats to operational technology. Guidance is provided for operators to strengthen resilience and report incidents, with references to the National Cyber Security Strategy and recent Cyber Centre alerts.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Government to Boost Aerial Firefighting Capacity
Public Safety Canada announced plans to lease aircraft to bolster provincial and territorial aerial firefighting capacity. The investment aims to support emergency response to severe wildfires across Canada, with details to be provided at a press conference in Winnipeg on December 1, 2025.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Department of National Defence Advances Urban Drone Detection Trials
The Department of National Defence completed drone detection trials over downtown Ottawa from November 24-28, 2025, testing counter-uncrewed aircraft systems in partnership with federal agencies and local police. The initiative, part of the IDEaS program, focused on evaluating detection capabilities in urban environments and responds to the rise in drone-related security risks.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Standing Committee on Industry and Technology Explores Defence Industrial Strategy
On November 26, 2025, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology discussed Canada’s defence industrial strategy with representatives from GALAXIA Mission Systems, Samuel Associates, Solace Power, and Aéro Montréal. Topics included domestic space capability development, proposals for an Office of Defence Innovation and Commercialization, scale-up support, and market access for SMEs. The committee considered a motion condemning U.S. tariffs on the auto sector and heard calls for increased support for aerospace and defence sectors.
Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca
Standing Committee on Public Safety Reviews Measures Against Border Vehicle Theft
On November 25, 2025, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security examined Bill C-12, which addresses vehicle theft and organized crime at the border. Witnesses from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association and Insurance Bureau of Canada discussed trends in auto theft and coordination efforts. The bill proposes anti-money laundering penalties and enhanced CBSA authority to examine goods destined for export. The committee also reviewed privacy concerns related to customs searches and amendments to immigration and refugee protection legislation.
Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca
Supplementary Estimates (B) for 2025-26 Reviewed in Senate Committee
The Senate Standing Committee on National Finance reviewed budget requests from federal agencies, including a net increase for the Canadian Space Agency and National Defence. Mr. Moor from National Defence addressed allocation for the Future Fighter Capability Program and transfer of funds to the Canadian Space Agency. Budget increases for Indigenous Services Canada focused on emergency management and education, with discussion on financial transparency requirements and community documentation.
Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca
Government Consultations
Consultations on Federal Leadership in Emergency Management Launched
Public Safety Canada launched a targeted consultation with emergency management stakeholders to gather input on strengthening federal emergency management systems. The process seeks practical feedback on governance and resource integration, running through February 28, 2026.
Sources: www.canada.ca
What We're Reading This Week
- Calgary airport runway reopens after two-year construction project: Calgary International Airport resumes operations on its west runway following extensive upgrades.
- Air Canada Further Expands Network to Offer North America’s Second Largest Transatlantic Network by Destinations: Air Canada announces expansion of its transatlantic flights, broadening European connectivity.
- Over 1,000 Dreams Took Flight in 2025 with the Help of The Air Canada Foundation: The Air Canada Foundation supports more than 1,000 young travellers in 2025.
- Airlines warn of global travel disruptions after Airbus recall of 6,000 jets: Airlines anticipate operational impacts following recall of Airbus A320 aircraft.
- Past charges prove problematic for entry into U.S.: Travellers with historical charges face challenges when attempting to enter the United States.