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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Environment channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Mining.

Dates: 2025-08-03 to 2025-08-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Stricter Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM2.5 Set for 2030

Canada’s Minister of the Environment and Minister of Health have issued new Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), replacing the previous 2020 standards and coming into effect January 1, 2030. The updated 24-hour PM2.5 standard will be 23 μg/m3 (98th percentile, 3-year average) and the annual average standard is set at 8.0 μg/m3, reflecting a consensus process among the federal government, provinces, territories, Indigenous representatives, and stakeholders. The regulatory update aims to drive pollution prevention, with anticipated impacts on sectors regulated for air emissions. The new targets respond to health and environmental objectives and will be subject to further review as scientific knowledge advances. Existing 2020 standards will remain in force until the new levels take effect.

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

Federal Support for Wildfire Response in Newfoundland and Labrador

Public Safety Canada activated federal assistance to support the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s response to significant wildfires, as announced by Minister Eleanor Olszewski on August 7, 2025. The federal response includes deployment of aircraft, planning/logistics personnel, Type 3 firefighters, transportation support, and additional humanitarian workforce as coordinated by the Government Operations Centre. The Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard are involved in the multi-level operation. Several communities have faced evacuation as the wildfires threaten critical infrastructure. Ongoing federal-provincial collaboration and emergency protocols are in effect, with resource levels subject to operational review as the situation develops.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests $8.2 Million in New Brunswick Critical Mineral Supply Chains

Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson announced an $8.2 million investment through the Global Partnerships Initiative to support Northcliff Resources’ Sisson Project in New Brunswick. The funding will aid a feasibility study update and engineering design for the development of a tungsten-molybdenum deposit—resources vital for industrial manufacturing, battery systems, and the defence/aerospace sectors. The Sisson Project is considered a significant potential source of these minerals in Canada, contributing to domestic supply security and participation in global supply chains. The initiative forms part of Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy to accelerate mineral project development and reduce reliance on foreign sources.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministerial Conditions Issued for Industrial Chemical Usage under CEPA

The Department of the Environment has imposed conditions (Ministerial Condition No. 22175) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act for the manufacture and import of a specific chemical substance—1,3-propanediamine, N-[3-(C11-14-isoalkyloxy)propyl] derivs., C13-rich, acetates—identified as toxic or capable of becoming toxic. The order prohibits use in uncured consumer products or cosmetics unless chemically stabilized. Requirements include notification 120 days before manufacturing, containment options, rinsing procedures, emergency release protocols, and full recordkeeping for at least five years. Transfers are subject to written confirmation of compliance by third parties. The order came into force July 28, 2025.

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

Ottawa Directs Funding to Advance Carbon Capture and Direct Air Capture Technology

Canada has announced a $2.5 million investment from the Energy Innovation Program in TerraFixing, an Ottawa-based company developing direct air capture (DAC) technology suitable for cold climates. Parliamentary Secretary Yasir Naqvi, on behalf of Minister Hodgson, outlined that the project involves scaling up structured zeolite-based CO2 capture beds with objectives including modular deployment (1,000-tonnes/year units) and target costs below $100/tonne. The funding is positioned as part of Canada’s wider efforts to unlock carbon management solutions and support the transition to low-carbon energy systems.

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

Canadian Government Launches Consultation on Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act

On August 7, 2025, the Government of Canada started consultations with industry, businesses, and labour representatives regarding the regulations to accompany the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. The Act aims to reduce federal-provincial barriers to trade and labour mobility, specifically addressing comparability of regulatory requirements and permitting some exceptions to protect public health, safety, and the environment. The final regulations, informed by ongoing consultations, are expected to be published in fall 2025 to enable operational rollout.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay Engages Northern Quebec Forestry and Mining Leaders

Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, concluded meetings with Northern Quebec mining and forest sector stakeholders, including a visit to Sayona’s North American Lithium mine and Les Chantiers Chibougamau’s Kraft Pulp Mill. Discussions with industry, Indigenous leaders, and the Val-d’Or Chamber of Commerce addressed workforce, infrastructure, regulatory processes, and Indigenous participation, with a focus on supporting supply chains and accelerating the use of Canadian wood-based products in green construction.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Support Measures for Softwood Lumber Industry Announced in Val-d'Or, Quebec

Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty, alongside Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay, issued an important announcement concerning the softwood lumber industry on August 5, 2025, at Uniboard Canada Inc. in Val-d'Or, Quebec. The statement did not include new program details but confirmed sustained government attention to economic conditions affecting the forestry sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Productivity Grants for Northern New Brunswick Businesses

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has provided repayable contributions totaling $162,000 to three northern New Brunswick businesses: Érablière Patrick R. Thériault for enhancing osmosis systems, Novum Boreas Microbrasserie for automated canning systems, and Scierie S.A. Lévesque Lumber for cutting line/dust collector installations and facility expansion. Scierie S.A. Lévesque Lumber received $100,000 for production expansion, signaling continued investment in rural industrial productivity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Public-Driven Glacier Monitoring Program Launches in Parks Canada

Parks Canada, British Columbia Parks, and the BC Parks Foundation have launched the 'Icy Initiative,' enabling visitors to Jasper and Glacier National Parks, along with select BC Provincial Parks, to contribute photos through installed cell phone stands for scientific tracking of glacier changes. Images submitted via QR code or GeoReach.ca will be analyzed by University of Waterloo researchers for monitoring glacier retreat and other climate-related alterations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Interim Order Issued for Pacific Pilotage Authority Region—Area 4

Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland enacted an Interim Order for Area 4 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority Region, effective July 31, 2025, to address urgent issues in pilotage services presenting risks to safety, health, or the environment. The Interim Order may later be incorporated into Pacific Pilotage Authority regulations under the Pilotage Act.

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

US Federal GR News

FERC Environmental Assessment for Mattaceunk Hydroelectric Project in Maine

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Mattaceunk Hydroelectric Project No. 2520, operated by Great Lakes Hydro America, LLC on the Penobscot River, Maine. The EA is initiated in response to a licensee request for a temporary variance in minimum flow and impoundment elevation required for maintenance. NMFS has filed comments addressing the potential impacts on the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon and their critical habitat. FERC intends to issue the EA by September 10, 2025, with public participation invited and inquiries directed to Selina Sumi at FERC.

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

NOAA Proposes Incidental Harassment Authorization for Northeast Supply Enhancement Project

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received a request from Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC for an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) covering potential marine mammal 'takes' during pile installation and removal for the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project in New York and New Jersey waters. The proposed IHA covers 15 marine mammal species, including North Atlantic right whale and several dolphin and seal stocks. The activities are planned for June-August 2026 and would affect marine mammals through sound exposure from pile driving and removal. The IHA proposal is open for public comment through September 8, 2025.

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

NOAA Reissues Marine Mammal IHA for Auke Bay East Ferry Terminal Construction

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service has reissued an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for incidental takes of marine mammals during pile driving at the Auke Bay East Ferry Terminal, Juneau. The reissued IHA, now effective from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, maintains identical conditions and take authorizations as previously analyzed, with no change in method or scale of activities.

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

Pacific Cod Small Vessel Access Rule Proposed for the Bering Sea–Aleutian Islands

NMFS has proposed a rule to implement Amendment 125 to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. The proposed rule would allow Pacific cod catch from catcher vessels less than or equal to 55 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear to accrue to the jig sector during the A season (January–April). The intent is to provide additional opportunities for smaller vessels without impacting jig gear participants. The rule is open for comment until September 5, 2025.

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

Forest Service, BLM Solicit Public Input on Permits for Resource Extraction

The US Forest Service has opened public comment (until October 6, 2025) on the renewal of its information collection requirements for forest products removal permits and contracts (OMB No. 0596-0085), which set terms for individuals and businesses seeking to remove timber and forest materials from federal lands. The Bureau of Land Management has announced a review of the Free Use Application and Permit process for vegetative and mineral materials under 43 CFR parts 3600 and 5510, available for comment through September 8, 2025.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

New Brunswick Closes All Crown Land Amid High Wildfire Risk

Beginning August 10, 2025, the Government of New Brunswick is closing all Crown land to industrial and recreational activities due to extreme wildfire conditions. Active wildfires and exceptionally dry weather have triggered the closure, which also encourages private landowners to avoid forest activities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Nova Scotia Restricts Forest Activities in Response to Drought and Fire Risk

Nova Scotia has restricted travel and activities in wooded areas—including hiking, fishing, camping, and commercial forestry—until October 15, 2025, or until risk levels decrease to prevent wildfires.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

New Brunswick Imposes Temporary Forestry Operation Restrictions

Due to escalating wildfire hazards, New Brunswick has temporarily restricted certain forestry operations, including harvesting and thinning, from August 8–12, 2025, for both Crown and private land.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Quebec Extends Movement Ban for Select Species to Prevent Rabies Spread

The Quebec government has extended a ban on transporting raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes across 27 additional municipalities in Estrie and Montérégie regions to October 4, 2025, following new detections of raccoon rabies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Calls for Lifting US Duties on Softwood Lumber

Ontario officials have renewed their call for the United States to remove increased softwood lumber duties, following a new US Department of Commerce decision to raise tariffs on Canadian exports.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Public Input Invited on Pest Management Regulatory Agency NOI2025-02

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency is seeking comment until August 15, 2025, on the proposed registration of new pesticide active ingredients and major new uses under Notice of Intent NOI2025-02.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Comments Requested on Troilus Mining Project Impact Statement Summary

A summary of the federal impact assessment for the proposed Troilus Mining Project in Quebec is open for public comment until August 17, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Funding for Participation in Centre Village Renewables Impact Assessment

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has launched participant funding to support public and Indigenous involvement in the assessment of the Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project near Sackville, New Brunswick; applications close August 15, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Public Comments Sought on Mont Sorcier Mining Project Guidelines

The Joint Assessment Committee is accepting input on draft impact statement guidelines and the public participation plan for the Mont Sorcier Mining Project in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory until August 16, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Prime Minister Mark Carney announces support measures for softwood lumber industry: Ottawa’s softwood strategy signals ongoing sector tensions.
• Advocacy group says Nova Scotia forest ban violates rights: Contention grows over Nova Scotia’s provincewide forest use restrictions.
• N.S. tourists, operators pivoting amid drought-driven ban on forest activities: Nova Scotia tourism adapts to sweeping drought and wildfire shutdowns.
• Mining, Forestry, Reconciliation: Parliamentary Secretary Guay Brings the Conversation to Northern Quebec: Stakeholder meetings underscore evolving Indigenous-industry partnerships.
• How a private yacht club on a quiet stretch of the Humber River became the centre of an ugly battle over jet skis and local wildlife: Conflicts over water recreation and wildlife intensify near Toronto.
• Commercial fishing in a vast Pacific nature area is halted after a judge blocks a Trump order: Court order suspends fishing in major protected area.
• Researchers and farmers investigating a material called biochar: Biochar use in Nova Scotia is receiving renewed scientific attention.
• Judge considers whether Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center violates environmental law: Federal litigation examines detention center’s compliance with US environmental law.

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