Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news regarding the environment, climate change, and fish, wildlife and habitat conservation.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-16
End Date: 2025-03-22

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Invests in British Columbia's Forest Sector

On March 19, 2025, Canada announced over $20 million for 67 projects in British Columbia's forest sector, aimed at boosting competitiveness and resilience. The funding includes $11.3 million for the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and $7 million for the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI). These projects focus on low-carbon technology adoption and enhanced Indigenous participation in forest stewardship.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Quebec's Forest Sector Receives Major Boost

Natural Resources Canada announced a $13.3 million investment for 28 projects in Quebec's forest sector on March 20, 2025. This initiative, under the IFIT program, aims to facilitate transformative technologies that enhance competitiveness and sustainability. Key projects include the development of biostimulants and bioplastics from forest by-products, fostering diversified revenue streams and environmental benefits.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and Quebec Support Sustainable Wood Construction

A joint investment of $8.5 million was announced on March 20, 2025, to promote green construction in Quebec. Funding from Natural Resources Canada and the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests will support projects like a four-storey mass timber building and modernizing production processes for advanced wood products. These efforts aim to accelerate the use of low-carbon Canadian wood in construction.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada Invests in Climate Adaptation

On March 20, 2025, over $12.1 million was allocated to 13 projects under the Climate Change Adaptation Program. These initiatives focus on reducing climate risks and building resilience in the North and across Canada. Projects include collaboration with Indigenous communities to develop adaptation strategies and tools, supporting the National Adaptation Strategy's goals.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Safety Equipment and Infrastructure in Northern Communities

Transport Canada announced up to $57.8 million for 15 projects under the Oceans Protection Plan on March 21, 2025. This funding will enhance storage facilities and sealift area infrastructure across 47 Arctic and Northern communities, aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and job creation while reducing environmental risks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Investment in Nova Scotia's Mass Timber Industry

On March 20, 2025, MTC Mass Timber Company received federal funding to support technology-driven manufacturing, creating high-value timber products in Nova Scotia.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Chignecto Isthmus Climate Protection Agreement

A $650 million agreement was reached to protect the Chignecto Isthmus, a critical trade corridor between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, from climate impacts.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Marine Infrastructure Enhancements in Northern Canada

The Government of Nunavut will receive $44.7 million to improve local sealift areas, enhancing resupply operations' safety and efficiency in multiple communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Natural Infrastructure Enhancements in British Columbia

On March 19, 2025, $1.6 million was invested in British Columbia to enhance natural infrastructure, increasing resilience and protecting local environments.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Proposed Guidelines for Rubber Manufacturing Chemicals

New guidelines were proposed to manage environmental risks from chemicals in the rubber manufacturing sector, focusing on effluent concentration targets.

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

Aquatic Guardians Program Expansion

Parks Canada announced $1 million funding to expand the Nuji Kelo’toqatijik Earth Keeper Network, adding an aquatics division to enhance conservation efforts.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Saskatchewan's 2025-26 Environment Budget

Saskatchewan's budget includes $933,000 for Habitat Management and $1.5 million for caribou habitat restoration, promoting biodiversity and forest sector growth.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

BC Supports Forestry Sector Amidst U.S. Tariffs

BC's new kiln opening in Salmon Arm, funded by the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, aims to bolster local forestry against forthcoming U.S. tariffs.

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

NB Calls for Stronger Federal Salmon Strategy

New Brunswick urges more robust federal action for Atlantic salmon conservation, emphasizing the need for increased financial commitment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Agreement on Chignecto Isthmus Funding

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, with federal support, agree on a $650 million project to protect the vital Chignecto Isthmus from climate impacts.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Oversized Logging Trucks Allowed on Crown Lands

New Brunswick's legislative changes will permit oversized logging trucks on Crown land roads to improve transportation efficiency and reduce emissions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Chignecto Isthmus Climate Mitigation Project

The $650 million project includes raising dikes and installing aboiteaux, aiming to mitigate flooding risks and protect infrastructure on the Chignecto Isthmus.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Manitoba Celebrates World Water Day

The Manitoba government encourages water conservation on World Water Day and participation in Earth Hour to raise climate change awareness.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

Steven Guilbeault on World Forest Day

Steven Guilbeault emphasized the role of forests in climate security and the economy, reaffirming the Liberal government's commitment to environmental priorities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Tony Van Bynen on Forests' Importance

Tony Van Bynen highlighted the significance of forests for biodiversity and climate regulation, noting the government's dedication to environmental protection.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Steven MacKinnon on Forestry Industry

Steven MacKinnon reiterated the government's commitment to the forestry industry's future and workforce vitality.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Peter Fragiskatos Announced Forestry Funding

Peter Fragiskatos revealed federal funding for a new forestry center and retrofitting of the BMO Centre, enhancing community engagement in London.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Joanne Thompson on Fisheries Conversation

Joanne Thompson expressed enthusiasm for future discussions with fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC News: Deal reached to protect Chignecto Isthmus.
• National Post: Canada's nature conservation efforts.
• The Star: Building resilient water systems.
• Global News: Alberta's legal challenge over the Impact Assessment Act.