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.

Start Date: 2025-03-30
End Date: 2025-04-05

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CNSC Approves New Reactor Construction at Darlington Site

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has authorized Ontario Power Generation to construct a BWRX-300 reactor at the Darlington New Nuclear Project site. This decision, valid until 2035, mandates OPG's compliance with environmental assessment follow-up programs and Indigenous engagement activities. The license conditions address regulatory hold points, ensuring safety standards are met during construction. The project aims to generate 4,800 megawatts of electricity, potentially impacting energy supply and environmental protocols.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Environmental Documentary Nechako Premieres in Vancouver

Lyana Patrick's documentary 'Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again' will premiere at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival. The film highlights the impact of the Kenney Dam on BC's Nechako River and the indigenous resistance efforts to restore the river. The documentary presents a narrative of legal actions against federal and provincial governments and industry players, emphasizing the role of community leaders, elders, and advocates in environmental restoration.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Sawmill Production Sees Growth Despite Yearly Decline

Statistics Canada reported a 16.2% increase in lumber production in January, reaching 3,871.6 thousand cubic meters. Despite this monthly growth, production was down by 3.1% compared to January 2024. These figures reflect the fluctuating trends in the forest industry, with implications for demand and supply dynamics.

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

Rick Perkins Raises Concerns on Fisheries Policies

MP Rick Perkins expressed apprehensions regarding the impact of Marine Protected Areas on commercial fisheries, urging stakeholders to view a major announcement by Pierre Poilievre. This highlights ongoing discussions about balancing conservation efforts with industry needs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

StatsCan Releases Annual Waste Management Data

Statistics Canada has published data from the 2023 Annual Waste Management Survey, detailing waste diversion by type and source. The findings provide valuable insights into Canada's environmental management practices.

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

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Convicts Waste Disposal Site for EPA Violations

York1 Trillium Transfer Ltd. was fined $25,000 for providing false information in environmental reports, highlighting enforcement of regulatory compliance.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Metal Coating Company Faces EPA Conviction

T & S Platers Inc. was convicted for not complying with environmental orders, emphasizing regulatory oversight in the metal coating industry.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Timothy Swanson Fined for Environmental Violations

Timothy Swanson was fined for discharging contaminants and failing to submit regulatory applications, indicating ongoing environmental compliance issues.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Auto Wrecking Company Penalized for EPA Violations

Tiger Cats Auto Wreckers Inc. was fined for improper storage of vehicle components, reflecting enforcement of environmental standards.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Safeguards Lake Huron Fishery

The Ontario government fined Purvis Bros. Limited for not meeting commercial fishing licence conditions, ensuring sustainable fishery practices.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Property Owner Convicted for Water Resources Violations

2643302 Ontario Inc. was fined $35,000 for impairing water quality in Port Britain Creek, showcasing regulatory action for water protection.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Championing Alberta Wood Products in Texas

Minister Todd Loewen led Alberta's forestry delegation to Texas, promoting trade and advocating for fair practices in the U.S. lumber market.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Responds to U.S. Lumber Duty Increase

Ontario ministers expressed disappointment at increased U.S. softwood lumber duties, citing impacts on housing costs and trade relations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Revises Water Transfer Policies

Alberta announced new policies to remove holdbacks on water transfers, aiming to increase availability for communities and industries.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Mel Arnold Supports Increased Funding for Small Craft Harbours

MP Mel Arnold announced support for Pierre Poilievre's commitment to double funding for the Small Craft Harbours program. This initiative aims to enhance financial access for harbour authorities, benefiting fish and seafood harvesters and related communities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Rick Perkins Criticizes Liberal Fisheries Management

MP Rick Perkins criticized previous Liberal fisheries ministers, calling for prioritization of Canada's commercial fishery sector.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Rosa Galvez Discusses Amazon Exploitation Impacts

Senator Rosa Galvez participated in hearings on fossil fuel exploitation in the Amazon, focusing on indigenous and ecological impacts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

David Wells Highlights Aquaculture Leadership

Senator David Wells praised Cyr Couturier's contributions to sustainable aquaculture and education, noting global influence and mentorship.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

David Wells Honors Leaders in NL Fisheries

Senator David Wells recognized Tony Wakeham and Ray Andrews for their contributions to Newfoundland's fisheries and public service sectors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• How tariffs will affect Maritime forestry industry: CTV News examines the impact of tariffs on the forestry sector in the Maritime region.
• Kirkland aggregate business fined for EPA violation: A Kirkland Lake company faces penalties for violating environmental laws.
• B.C. Forests Minister announces new Forestry Support Bureau: The B.C. government introduces measures to support the forestry sector.
• Is climate change impacting bird migration season?: CTV News investigates how climate change affects migratory patterns.
• Trump administration rolls back forest protections: Changes to U.S. forest policy could influence logging practices.
• Eby wants to put softwood lumber dispute on federal agenda: Eby calls for federal attention to softwood lumber trade issues.