Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning Canada's national defence, cybersecurity, border security, weapons systems, military commitments, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in industries related to Defence? Don’t miss this week’s updates in ICT & Cybersecurity.

Dates: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 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

Government of Canada Introduces Bill C-12 to Reinforce Border Security and Immigration Controls

On October 8, 2025, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree introduced Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. The legislation proposes amendments to the Customs Act, obligating certain port operators to provide facilities for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and granting CBSA access to premises for examination of exported goods. Bill C-12 aims to combat transnational organized crime, stop illegal fentanyl imports, disrupt money laundering, and improve the integrity of Canada's immigration system. The Oceans Act will be amended for the Canadian Coast Guard to carry out security patrols and collect intelligence. The bill also strengthens RCMP information sharing with law enforcement partners, introduces new asylum ineligibility rules, and adjusts controls over precursor chemicals used in drug production. Financial regulatory changes include expanded anti-money laundering penalties and new information-sharing protocols for FINTRAC. The bill is positioned to bolster federal oversight and law enforcement capabilities at border crossings, with direct relevance for defence supply chains, import/export controls, and infrastructure security.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

G7 and Nordic-Baltic Task Force Intensifies Action Against Maritime Shadow Fleet

Canada and Denmark convened the Shadow Fleet Task Force meeting on October 8, 2025, with participation from G7 and Nordic-Baltic 8++ countries. The joint statement reaffirms commitments to disrupt illicit maritime operations by shadow fleets, referencing the IMO Resolution A.1192(33) and calling for coordinated measures against unsafe or stateless vessels that evade regulations, insurance, and sanctions. The Task Force is advancing modalities for rapid information-sharing to guide sanctions and policy responses. Members cited ongoing concerns about older, poorly maintained ships disabling identification systems and the role of flag, port, and coastal states in enforcement. The group will continue developing collective actions to strengthen oversight of global shipping standards. The initiative has potential implications for Canadian naval operations, maritime surveillance, and compliance within the marine industry.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Welcomed to Defence Team

On October 10, 2025, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty and Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Mario Pelletier held a welcome event in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, formally integrating the Canadian Coast Guard into the Defence Team. The move signals closer cooperation between the Coast Guard and Department of National Defence, with implications for joint operations, maritime security, and resource coordination. Media were invited to the event for official remarks and photo opportunities. Enhanced collaboration may affect defence procurement, coastal security, and operational planning for Canada’s maritime sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Department of National Defence Announces Housing Initiatives for Armed Forces Personnel

The Department of National Defence will announce on October 16, 2025, progress on several hundred new residential housing units for Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. Secretary of State Stephanie McLean will discuss recent acquisitions, including an apartment complex near CFB Esquimalt. The initiative addresses housing needs for military personnel, with direct impacts on recruitment, retention, and readiness. Media representatives are scheduled to attend, with logistics and questions managed by CFB Esquimalt Public Affairs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministers Mark 20 Years Since Operation UNISON

On October 6, 2025, Ministers Jill McKnight (Veterans Affairs and Associate Defence) and David J. McGuinty (National Defence) issued a statement marking the twentieth anniversary of Operation UNISON, Canada’s 2005 deployment to assist U.S. relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. The operation involved three HMC ships, a Coast Guard vessel, and over 1,000 CAF personnel, who contributed to disaster recovery, medical support, search and rescue, and restoring navigation channels. The commemoration reflects on Canada’s role in international humanitarian operations and highlights capabilities in naval deployment and rapid response.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Surveying and Mapping Services Revenue Grows Marginally in 2024

Statistics Canada reported on October 6, 2025, that operating revenue for the surveying and mapping services sector rose 2.3% to $3.0 billion in 2024, with expenses matching the increase and the profit margin remaining at 12.0%. The industry experienced slower growth for the third consecutive year, attributed to elevated interest rates and reduced construction investment. These trends may influence geospatial data availability and infrastructure planning for defence and aerospace projects.

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

Critical Minerals Production Gains Strategic Importance in Canada

A new Statistics Canada report highlights the economic contribution of critical minerals in Canada, with 34 minerals designated as strategic by Natural Resources Canada. Two of the first five projects considered by the Major Projects Office involve mines extracting critical minerals. These minerals are essential for technologies in defence, digital, and green sectors, including batteries and advanced weapons systems. Federal investments are directed at supporting these projects, affecting supply chain security and defence manufacturing capabilities.

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

Weekly Aircraft Movement Data Available for Late September

Statistics Canada released weekly aircraft itinerant movement data for September 20 to 26, 2025. The dataset provides operational metrics for aviation, relevant to aerospace defence, surveillance, and air force logistics planning.

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

US Federal GR News

Commerce Department Adds 29 Entities to Entity List for National Security Violations

The Bureau of Industry and Security amended the Export Administration Regulations on October 8, 2025, by adding 26 entities and 3 addresses from China, Turkey, and the UAE to the Entity List. These organizations were found to be acting contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests, including diversion of U.S.-origin items to Iran’s IRGC-QF and procurement for Iranian proxies. Notable additions include Goodview Global (China), TGB Aviation (Turkey), and Royal Impact Trading L.L.C. (UAE). License applications for these entities will now be reviewed under a presumption of denial, and most EAR license exceptions are restricted. The rule is effective immediately, with a savings clause for shipments en route as of October 8, 2025. The change impacts global defence supply chains and export compliance for Canadian firms trading with affected regions.

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

DHS Waives Laws to Expedite Border Barrier Construction in New Mexico

On October 8, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security issued a waiver under Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, expediting construction of physical barriers and roads along the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico’s El Paso Sector. The waiver covers numerous federal, state, and local statutes, including environmental and historical laws, to facilitate barrier and infrastructure deployment. The project area, identified as a high illegal entry zone, has seen 1.2 million apprehensions and significant drug seizures since 2021. The action is aligned with operational control mandates and the President’s Executive Order on border security.

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

President Trump Approves Ambler Road Project to Unlock Alaska Critical Minerals

The White House announced approval of the Ambler Road Project on October 6, 2025, enabling a 211-mile industrial road to the Ambler Mining District in Alaska. The U.S. government is investing $35.6 million and acquiring a stake in Trilogy Metals. The project will support access to copper, cobalt, and zinc deposits, create 2,730 jobs, and generate over $1.1 billion in state revenue. Federal agencies are directed to reissue permits, and mitigation measures include caribou protection and fish passage. The decision overturns a 2024 rejection and aims to reduce reliance on imported critical minerals for defence production.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

President Trump Deploys Illinois National Guard for Protection of Federal Personnel and Facilities

On October 6, 2025, President Trump authorized the mobilization of at least 300 Illinois National Guard members into federal service for up to 60 days, responding to escalating violence impacting federal facilities and personnel in Illinois, including ICE and Federal Protective Services. The Guard is tasked with protecting federal operations at affected locations, with activities coordinated among the Secretary of War, Illinois Governor, and National Guard Bureau.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order: U.S. Guarantees Security of State of Qatar

Executive Order 14353, issued September 29, 2025, establishes U.S. policy to defend the State of Qatar against external threats. The order recognizes Qatar’s alliance, its hosting of U.S. forces, and its mediation role in conflicts. Joint contingency planning will be maintained for rapid responses to aggression, involving the Secretary of War, Secretary of State, and Director of National Intelligence. The order instructs agencies to implement these assurances consistent with law and appropriations.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Submits 2024-2025 Annual Management Report

On October 7, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital submitted its annual management report to the National Assembly, providing updates on ministerial achievements for the past year.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada, companies need to go beyond buzzwords to innovate dual-use defence tech, panel says: Industry panel calls for practical innovation in Canadian dual-use defence technology.
• BRP’s vehicles in sights of NATO countries boosting military spending, company says: NATO allies increase interest in BRP military vehicles as defence budgets rise.
• Draganfly Announces Strategic Defense Partnership with Defense Prime Global Ordnance: Draganfly enters strategic partnership to advance defence solutions.
• Mark Norman: New defence procurement agency helps, but more needs to be done to secure Canada: Analysis of Canada’s new defence procurement agency and ongoing challenges.
• Canadian investors bet on defence, construction stocks as Carney targets nation-building projects: Investors shift toward defence and construction amid federal infrastructure plans.
• Security and defence is rising on U.S. radar as Carney meets Trump in D.C.: Meetings in Washington focus on North American defence priorities.
• Reignited Takaichi Trade Sparks Japan Defense, Tech Stock Rally: Japan’s defence sector sees renewed investor activity.
• Canada and Germany talk maritime drones as Europe worries about threats to undersea infrastructure: Bilateral discussions center on maritime drones and infrastructure security.
• Liberals pledge support for tech sector, defence. PCs double down on supporting the trades: Newfoundland and Labrador election platforms address tech and defence support.
• Draganfly Announces Strategic Defense Partnership with Defense Prime Global Ordnance: Draganfly secures new partnership for global defence markets.

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