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: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CFIA Calls for Action on Invasive Species During International Day of Plant Health

On May 9, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency marked the International Day of Plant Health by drawing attention to the interconnected risks posed by invasive species to human, animal, and plant health. The CFIA noted that invasive insects, diseases, and plants threaten Canadian crops, forests, and natural resources, with disruptions to food production, horticulture, and forestry. The agency cited the spread of pests via cargo transport, movement of firewood, and extreme weather. The CFIA outlined its measures—risk assessments, surveys, and targeted inspections—conducted in cooperation with industry and other government partners to mitigate these risks. The agency encouraged vigilance in reporting and preventing the spread of invasive species, referencing specific protocols for plant imports and the movement of firewood.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CNSC Addresses Regulatory Readiness, Efficiency, and Indigenous Engagement in Nuclear Sector

In an address to the 2025 Canadian Nuclear Association conference, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission President Pierre Tremblay outlined the regulator’s approach to overseeing both existing nuclear facilities and new projects such as small modular reactors (SMRs). Tremblay pointed to the April 4 issuance of a licence to Ontario Power Generation for SMR construction at Darlington—the first such licence in more than 50 years. The CNSC is focusing on regulatory clarity and efficiency, with ongoing efforts to modernize frameworks and respond to technological advancements, including remote monitoring. Tremblay cited the importance of engagement with Indigenous communities and recognized the evolving nature of host communities in the nuclear sector. He referenced recent Federal Court decisions regarding consultation and affirmed the CNSC’s commitment to transparent and inclusive regulatory processes.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Interim Order Extends Compulsory Pilotage for Large Crude Oil Tankers in Pacific Waters

The Minister of Transport issued Interim Order No. 2 Respecting Area 2 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority Region, extending compulsory pilotage to all laden crude oil tankers with a summer deadweight tonnage of 40,000 or more within specified Pacific waters. The order, effective May 1, 2025, is designed to address risks related to pilotage services and environmental safety. It requires relevant vessels to provide detailed cargo information and supersedes the previous interim order issued in 2024. The new order will remain in effect for 30 days from issuance.

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

Canadian Sawmill Output Drops 15.3% Year-Over-Year in February

Statistics Canada reported that national sawmill production fell 4.8% from January to February 2025, totaling 3,686.8 thousand cubic metres. Compared to February 2024, production declined 15.3%. These figures reflect continued downward pressure on the forest products sector.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Tensions Resurface in Maritime Elver Fishery

Recent developments in the Maritime elver fishery have led to renewed tensions over access and conservation, according to Global News coverage.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: globalnews.ca

Wildlife Conservation Efforts Supported by New Surveillance Technology

Ferroport has adopted surveillance technology from Axis Communications to enhance wildlife conservation efforts.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: financialpost.com

Criticism Over Ontario Bill Exempting Projects from Environmental Laws

CBC reports that Ontario environmental advocates are voicing concerns about a proposed provincial bill that would exempt some projects from key environmental protections.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.cbc.ca

Skeena Files Environmental Assessment for Eskay Creek Project

Skeena Resources confirmed the filing of joint applications under the BC Mines Act and Environmental Management Act for its Eskay Creek project, releasing a video on the environmental assessment process.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Ferroport Advances Wildlife Monitoring Initiatives

Ferroport’s integration of Axis Communications’ sustainable surveillance technology marks a step in supporting ongoing wildlife conservation programs.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: financialpost.com

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Approves Construction of First Four Small Modular Reactors at Darlington Site

Ontario has approved Ontario Power Generation’s plan to begin construction of four small modular reactors at the Darlington site, with the first SMR expected to power 300,000 homes and total output for the project reaching 1,200 MW.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Leslyn Lewis Commends Community Tree Planting Efforts

On May 7, MP Leslyn Lewis recognized the Long Point Region Conservation Authority and local Scouts and Girl Guides for planting nearly 1,000 trees in her community.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Michelle Ferreri Criticizes Handling of Jasper Wildfire and Federal Climate Policy

MP Michelle Ferreri questioned federal officials’ accountability regarding climate change and wildfire management in Jasper in a May 8 post.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jasraj Singh Hallan Highlights Alberta Energy Sector Contributions

MP Jasraj Singh Hallan noted Alberta’s energy sector economic impact and reiterated his party’s support for Canadian energy in a May 9 social media post.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Shares Tree Planting Initiative

Senator Robert Black posted on May 4 about nearly 400 trees being planted as part of a local #GreenLegacy event.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Discusses Soil Health at Community Event

On May 4, Senator Robert Black referenced the Senate’s 'Critical Ground' Soil Health Report during a Wellington County Historical Society event.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Visits Alternative Land Use Services Projects

Senator Robert Black described his May 8 visit to farms supported by Alternative Land Use Services, with fellow senators, to discuss nature-based agricultural practices.

Sources: Social Media: x.com