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.

Looking to elevate and streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach out at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support your success.

Start Date: 2025-06-01
End Date: 2025-06-07

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Competition Bureau Releases Final Guidelines on Environmental Claims

The Competition Bureau issued its final guidelines for environmental claims, following two rounds of public consultation and consideration of over 400 submissions. The guidelines interpret recently enacted 'greenwashing' provisions within the Competition Act, requiring businesses to ensure any environmental claims are not false or misleading and are substantiated where required. The document clarifies that the Bureau will enforce, but not interpret, statutory provisions, with final interpretations reserved for the courts. Businesses making environmental claims are expected to review these guidelines for compliance risk.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

2025 Protection Measures for Southern Resident Killer Whales Announced

Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada announced new and continued measures for the protection of Southern Resident killer whales in British Columbia. These include mandatory speed and vessel restrictions in key foraging areas, a continued 400-metre approach distance for vessels, area-based closures for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries, and requirements for whale-watching companies to avoid promoting tours targeting this population. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is also consulting on increasing the minimum approach distance to 1,000 metres through amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations. The government is advancing additional contaminants tracking and reduction tools, and continues to engage with Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and the marine industry.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Regulatory Orders for Southern Resident Killer Whale Protection Published

The Department of Transport published the Interim Order for the Protection of the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in the Waters of Southern British Columbia, 2025, in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The order sets out prohibitions on vessel approach, positioning, and speed in designated areas, along with conditions for authorizations and reporting for whale-watching and research activities. Exemptions exist for Indigenous fisheries, research, and certain emergencies. The order also prohibits reference to Southern Resident killer whale sightings in whale-watching promotions after authorization is obtained. The order came into force on June 1, 2025, and supersedes the previous 2024 interim order.

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

Early Decision on New Brunswick Flood Diversion Project

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada concluded its review of the Sussex Region Flood Diversion Project in New Brunswick, determining that potential adverse effects under federal jurisdiction are limited or can be addressed through existing laws and regulations, including the Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, and Species at Risk Act. As a result, a full federal impact assessment will not be required, and the proponent may proceed to obtain remaining authorizations from federal and provincial authorities. The Agency's decision reflects input from other jurisdictions, Indigenous groups, and the public.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Offshore Wind Legislation Comes into Force for Newfoundland and Labrador

Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador announced the implementation of legislation enabling offshore renewable energy development in the province. This follows the passage of federal Bill C-49 in October 2024 and the province's Bill 90 in March 2025. The framework establishes joint management between federal and provincial governments for offshore wind projects, opening the region to new investment in offshore renewables.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Detection of Dermo in Newfoundland and Labrador Oysters

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the first case of Dermo (Perkinsosis) in oysters in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. While Dermo poses no risk to human health, it is associated with increased oyster mortality and reduced growth. The agency has implemented movement controls, is conducting further testing, and is working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and provincial authorities to monitor and respond to the detection.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New $16.5M Office and Cultural Centre Announced for Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve

Parks Canada announced a $16.5 million investment for the construction of a new office and cultural centre at Nááts'įhch'oh National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories. The project fulfills a commitment in the park's Impact and Benefit Plan, providing a base for Parks Canada operations and a cultural facility for the Sahtu Dene and Métis communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Green Roof Funding Announced for Toronto's KESKUS International Estonian Centre

The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.6 million to support construction of a green roof at the KESKUS International Estonian Centre in Toronto. The 8,000-square-foot rooftop garden is intended to manage stormwater, provide passive cooling, and offer green space, integrating native plant species from both southern Ontario and Estonia.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Coastal and Marine Management Survey

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting public comment on its revised information collection "Assessing Public Preferences and Values to Support Coastal and Marine Management." The survey will gather data from residents near specific National Estuarine Research Reserve System sites, including Chesapeake Bay (VA), Weeks Bay (AL), and Grand Bay (MS). The results will inform conservation and management decisions under the Coastal Zone Management Act and National Environmental Policy Act. The collection targets 2,534 respondents and is open for comment for 30 days.

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

NMFS Issues Permit for Incidental Take of ESA-Listed Marine Mammals in California Drift Gillnet Fishery

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the incidental take of certain Endangered Species Act-listed marine mammals in the California thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet fishery. The permit covers incidental take of Central America/Southern Mexico and Mainland Mexico humpback whale stocks and the California/Oregon/Washington sperm whale stock through December 2027, when the fishery will be phased out. NMFS determined the take will have a negligible impact and that relevant recovery and take reduction plans are in place.

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

US Proclaims June 2025 as National Ocean Month

President Trump declared June 2025 as National Ocean Month, citing actions including renaming the largest gulf as the Gulf of America, an executive order to enhance offshore critical mineral production, and opening the Pacific Remote Islands National Monument to commercial fishing. The proclamation references initiatives to increase domestic seafood production, strengthen trade positions, and promote American ocean resource development and security.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Enforces Fish Quotas to Protect Fish Populations

Ontario imposed a $2,100 fine and a six-month fishing licence suspension on an individual for exceeding lake trout and salmonid quotas in the Michicipoten River, Wawa District.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Publishes Guide on Ecofiscal Measures for World Environment Day

Quebec released an updated guide on ecofiscal measures, outlining principles for discouraging environmentally harmful activities and promoting environmental stewardship.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Opens Funding for Shoreline Cleanup and Marine Debris Recycling

Nova Scotia’s Marine Debris Clean-up Program is offering funding for shoreline cleanups, litter prevention, and debris recycling projects, with application windows open through February 2026 for cleanups and June 30 for other initiatives.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

BC Partners with First Nations for Land-Use Planning in Northwest

British Columbia and five First Nations launched collaborative land-use planning in the northwest, including conservation and resource development areas, with a one-year pause on new mining-tenure registrations in some regions.

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

Quebec Advisory Committee Calls for Accelerated Climate Adaptation

Quebec’s Advisory Committee on Climate Change issued a strategic note urging simplification and strengthening of climate adaptation measures across public policies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Leah Gazan, MP for Winnipeg Centre, posted about World Environment Day and ongoing wildfire challenges in Manitoba, recognizing responders and advocating for climate action.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, announced that new national guidelines to prevent false environmental claims are now in place.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Tim Hodgson, MP for St. John's East, stated that Bill C-5 will establish Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees within the Major Projects Office, focusing on Indigenous expertise and environmental priorities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Judge orders rethink of preservation plan for endangered piping plovers on East Coast: Federal court directs review of endangered species preservation strategy.
• Trump EPA rollbacks would weaken rules projected to save billions of dollars and thousands of lives: Analysis of projected impacts from proposed US regulatory changes.
• B.C. First Nation builds small island, fisheries officials check for habitat damage: Fisheries officials investigate habitat impacts from community-led restoration.
• ‘It’s not an audit’: Environmental advocate critical of “A-List” rating for climate action in Windsor: Local environmental rankings and their limitations debated.
• First Nations, environmental groups denounce passing of Bill 5 in Ontario: Ontario Bill 5 draws criticism from First Nations and environmental groups over environmental protection concerns.