Good morning! This is 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: 2025-04-27
End Date: 2025-05-03

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Interim Order Restricts Vessel Speeds to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales in Gulf of St. Lawrence

The Minister of Transport has issued an Interim Order under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, imposing speed limits and navigation restrictions on vessels over 13 meters in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to mitigate risks to North Atlantic right whales. Vessels must not exceed 10 knots within static, dynamic, and seasonal management zones, with additional restrictions triggered by whale detections or reports of injury or death. Commercial fishing vessels in waters shallower than 36.57 meters are exempt from some speed limits unless a right whale is detected. The measures also specify exceptions for government, research, and certain rescue activities. The order is effective immediately and is set to expire 30 days after coming into force.

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

Environment Canada Lays 200 Fisheries Act Charges Against ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal faces 200 charges under the Fisheries Act, as announced by Environment Canada. The charges relate to alleged violations with potential implications for water quality and fisheries habitat. The legal action signals ongoing federal enforcement of environmental regulations affecting industrial operations near aquatic resources.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.thestar.com

National Film Board to Release Documentary on Wildfires and Climate Adaptation

The National Film Board announced the release of "Incandescence" by Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper, an immersive documentary examining the increasing intensity of wildfires globally and stories of adaptation. The film will be available online starting May 26, with a screening in Montreal on May 22 as part of the Hello Film! series, coinciding with International Day for Biological Diversity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Right Whale Protection Order Details Vessel Exemptions and Zone Boundaries

The Interim Order for right whale protection specifies detailed geographic boundaries for static and dynamic management zones and defines vessel exemptions for commercial fishing and research.

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

Provincial Announcements

Alberta Seeks Public Feedback on Targeted Water Act Updates

The Alberta government is reviewing potential Water Act changes to support water supply, including streamlined licence amendments and new provisions for alternative water sources, with public input open until June 30.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Increases Funding for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

Manitoba is investing an additional $540,000 in aquatic invasive species prevention, launching a new fund for partners and acquiring further equipment as part of Invasive Species Awareness Week.

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

Ontario Issues Fines and Suspensions for Unsafe Hunting Practices

Ontario courts fined two individuals over $17,000 and issued two-year hunting suspensions for road and night hunting violations, following a conservation officer operation near Nestor Falls.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Expands Moose Hunting Licences and Establishes Wildlife Board

Manitoba will issue 350 moose hunting licences in 2025, up by 250 from last year, and launch a wildlife advisory board with Pimicikamak Cree Nation to guide shared wildlife management.

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

BC Moves to Centralize Permitting for Renewable Energy Projects

New legislation in British Columbia proposes to make the BC Energy Regulator the primary permitting agency for renewable energy projects and transmission lines, aiming to simplify project approvals.

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

BC Parks Licence Plate Program Generates $11 Million for Conservation Initiatives

BC Parks licence plate sales reached $11 million in net revenue last year, funding over 250 projects focused on species recovery, ecosystem restoration, and educational programs.

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

Alberta Refers Clean Electricity Regulations to Court for Constitutional Review

Alberta referred the federal Clean Electricity Regulations to the Court of Appeal for constitutional review, questioning federal authority under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

BC Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Infrastructure Project Approvals

British Columbia tabled legislation to speed up approvals for key infrastructure, including an expedited process for environmental assessments on designated projects.

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

BC Allocates Nearly $3 Million to Combat Invasive Plants

Thirty-three organizations in BC will receive nearly $3 million for invasive plant management in 2025, targeting species such as knotweed, hogweed, and loosestrife.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Rick Perkins Raises Concerns on Commercial Fishery Policy

Rick Perkins, MP, referenced perceived impacts of federal policy on the commercial fishery in a social media post, alluding to ongoing debates over regulatory approaches.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Highlights Senate Soil Health Report

Senator Robert Black acknowledged a news article on the Senate's soil health report and called attention to its recommendations, thanking the Township of Amaranth Council for its engagement.

Sources: Social Media: x.com