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: 2025-08-17 to 2025-08-23

📋 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

Government of Canada Funds Local Climate Adaptation Projects

On August 21, 2025, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Julie Dabrusin, together with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, announced funding for adaptation projects in communities across Canada. The announcement, made in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, marks a series of investments that support municipal initiatives to increase climate resilience. The funding is part of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s ongoing efforts to address climate risks at the local level, supporting infrastructure and community-based projects designed to improve adaptation capacity. Eligible projects fall under broad categories such as flood management, heat mitigation, and nature-based adaptation solutions. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will be the primary delivery partner for this program, with media representatives invited to a subsequent availability scheduled for August 22. Municipalities are expected to coordinate with federal officials to register projects for consideration and funding allocation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Matches Red Cross Donations for Newfoundland and Labrador Wildfire Relief

Public Safety Canada announced on August 21 that the federal government will match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Newfoundland & Labrador Wildfires Appeal for a 30-day period, retroactive to August 14. The matched donations will bolster disaster relief for communities in Newfoundland and Labrador impacted by ongoing wildfires, with coordinated assistance extending to those evacuated from their homes. The government has also extended the Request for Federal Assistance to August 29, enabling continued support from the Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard. Funds will be allocated directly to on-the-ground relief in wildfire-affected regions, while Canadians and corporations are encouraged to contribute through official Red Cross channels.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Wildfire Outlook and Response Efforts

On August 18, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced over $540,000 in new funding from the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program for training initiatives in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Yorkton Tribal Council received $335,000 to train 35 community members in wildland fire management, incorporating traditional knowledge and cultural burning. An additional $204,800 is directed to the Rural Municipality of Piney and Buffalo Point First Nation for the basic wildland firefighter training of up to 60 participants. Recent investments have enabled Canada to train over 2,800 fire responders, well ahead of earlier targets. The latest forecast predicts above-average temperatures and ongoing dry conditions across much of Canada well into September, with continued elevated wildfire risk from British Columbia to Atlantic Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Assistance for Nova Scotia Wildfire Suppression

The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, confirmed on August 17 that federal assistance was approved to support Nova Scotia’s ongoing wildfire suppression. Public Safety Canada’s Government Operations Centre has coordinated with the Canadian Armed Forces and other agencies to deploy resources tailored to the evolving situation. Federal authorities remain in regular contact with provincial counterparts, and a detailed breakdown of resource requests and support measures will be periodically updated as response operations proceed.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Infrastructure Upgrade in White Rock to Enhance Stormwater Management

The federal, provincial, and municipal governments jointly announced on August 22 a $9.86-million investment in stormwater infrastructure upgrades in White Rock, British Columbia. The project, along Marine Drive between Stayte Road and Finlay Street, includes two kilometres of new stormwater piping, a new pump station, and the removal of aging systems. These changes are expected to improve water quality in Semiahmoo Bay and reduce flood risk in key areas. Stakeholder participation included the MP for South Surrey—White Rock, local municipal leaders, provincial cabinet members, and Semiahmoo First Nation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Justice Minister Tables Annual UNDRIP Progress Report

On August 21, Minister of Justice Sean Fraser tabled Canada’s fourth annual report on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The report outlines progress on Action Plan measures including a non-derogation clause for federal laws, the formation of an Indigenous-led Advisory Committee, the release of an Indigenous Justice Strategy, and efforts to address border crossing challenges and on-reserve infrastructure gaps. The review highlights advances in drinking water safety, co-development of Indigenous stewardship policy for protected areas, and measures to enhance federal services delivered in Indigenous languages. The report notes ongoing challenges around coordination, predictable funding, and metrics development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investments to Promote Rural and Indigenous Economic Development in Alberta

Prairies Economic Development Canada, on August 20, committed more than $5.9 million across seven Alberta projects focused on strengthening local employers and expanding opportunities in rural and Indigenous communities. Funded initiatives include NAIT’s Indigenous-led Community Atlases, the Siksika Nation’s new business centre, regional workforce attraction projects, arts incubator spaces in Fort McMurray, an Indigenous resource centre in Edmonton, Blackfoot Confederacy regenerative agriculture, and travel centre development for the Louis Bull Tribe. This funding is structured to support consultative land use, agribusiness innovation, and Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Assistance to Nova Scotia Farms for Water Supply Improvements

On August 20, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced an additional $475,000 in support under the On-Farm Water Management Program for Nova Scotia. This investment, delivered in partnership with the province through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, enables a second application round and fulfills all current eligible projects—wells, ponds, and similar infrastructure. The program aims to help farms maintain water supplies amid persistent drought and wildfire risks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Energy Transportation and Natural Gas Data Released for June 2025

Statistics Canada released aggregate data for June 2025 covering the transportation and storage of crude oil, other liquid petroleum products, and natural gas. These datasets offer near-real-time information on sector activity, with June’s updates providing insight into national energy infrastructure utilization, stock levels, and cross-sector transmission volumes.

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

Open Database of Greenhouses 2.0 Launched

Statistics Canada announced on August 18 the release of version 2.0 of the Open Database of Greenhouses, delivered through the Linkable Open Data Environment. This update offers expanded access to data sets relevant for industry players involved in greenhouse agriculture, facilitating research, policy analysis, and sector planning.

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

US Federal GR News

EPA and NOAA Publish Incidental Take and EIS Notices for Major Bridge Project

The Environmental Protection Agency published its weekly receipt of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), including a draft EIS from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project spanning Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington (Federal Register Vol. 90, No. 158, August 19, 2025). The proposed rule sets out permissible methods and mitigation measures for incidental takes of marine mammals by Level A and B harassment during a five-year period of bridge construction beginning September 2027. The regulations detail monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management requirements, including requirements for the use of bubble curtains, shutdown zones, soft starts, and Protected Species Observers (PSOs). The proposed bridge replacement will involve impact and vibratory pile driving, with measures to minimize risk to harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller sea lions.

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

Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and DEIS for Hawaii Powerline Activities Open for Comment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in coordination with Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, released the draft EIS and proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the Kaua'i Island Utility Cooperative. The HCP seeks a 50-year incidental take permit due to anticipated effects on nine listed species from the operation and modification of powerlines, lighting, and conservation actions. The draft considers four alternatives and specifies measures for species monitoring, adaptive management, and minimization of collision risk, with the public comment period open through October 21, 2025.

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

FCC Proposes Overhaul of NEPA Compliance Rules

On August 19, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on revisions to its rules implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The FCC requests input on a series of issues, including the definition of “Major Federal Action,” categorical exclusions, public notice requirements, emergency procedures, and the relationship to the National Historic Preservation Act framework. The proposed changes address recent statutory amendments to NEPA under the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act and Presidential directives, with the stated intention of aligning the rules with current legal and policy requirements.

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

Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Public Hearing and Request for Comment on West Antelope Coal Lease EIS

The Bureau of Land Management announced the availability of an environmental impact statement for the West Antelope III Federal coal lease application in Campbell and Converse Counties, Wyoming. The public hearing to gather comments on Maximum Economic Recovery (MER) and Fair Market Value (FMV) will be held on September 3, 2025, in Wright, WY. The EIS analyzes the Navajo Transitional Energy Company's proposal for a lease containing 300 million tons of federal coal, with the public able to submit comments via mail or the BLM online portal.

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

US Announces Details for CITES Conference of the Parties Public Input

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has opened the public comment period for the 20th regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), scheduled later this year in Uzbekistan. The Service will develop negotiating positions on a range of trade regulations, proposed resolutions, and potential Appendix amendments, and is accepting written input until September 17, 2025, with a public meeting in Washington, DC on September 10.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Expands On-Farm Water Program Amid Drought and Wildfire Risk

Nova Scotia announced an additional $475,000 for the On-Farm Water Management Program, providing support for farm infrastructure to secure water supply in response to dry conditions and increased wildfire risk.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

White Rock Receives Stormwater Management Funding in Joint Federal-Provincial Project

British Columbia and federal partners have invested $9.86 million to upgrade drainage infrastructure in White Rock, including two kilometres of new stormwater pipe and a new pump station aimed at improving water quality and flood mitigation along Marine Drive.

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

New Brunswick Allows Limited Industry Activity on Crown Land Amid Fire Restrictions

The Government of New Brunswick announced on August 19 that certain industry activities may resume on Crown lands under strict fire safety conditions, with harvesting allowed during off-peak hours and continued restrictions in active fire zones.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Ontario Fines Individuals for Illegal Hunting Practices and Overfishing

Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources secured convictions for two Lansdowne men illegally hunting moose from a moving boat and fined a Kentucky resident $6,700 for possessing 34 walleye over the legal limit, with respective licence suspensions and prolonged fishing prohibitions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca, Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Groupe Savoie Receives Support for Productive Modernization

New Brunswick provided a $115,000 conditionally repayable loan to Groupe Savoie for the purchase and installation of advanced wood processing equipment to reduce waste and raise efficiency at its Kedgwick facility.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Maximum Residue Limit for Metamitron

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is seeking feedback by November 1, 2025, on the proposed maximum residue limit for the agricultural chemical metamitron.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Maximum Residue Limit for Triallate

Health Canada invites public comment until November 2, 2025, on the proposed maximum residue limit for triallate.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Maximum Residue Limit for Inpyrfluxam

Health Canada’s PMRA opened consultation on the proposed maximum residue limit for inpyrfluxam, with responses due by November 2, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada earmarks 20 per cent of climate funding to address biodiversity loss: Federal biodiversity allocations grow alongside climate finance strategies.
• Opinion: Environmental damage is hurting both our health and wealth: A columnist examines the intersecting risks of wildfires and broader environmental and economic health.
• Province amends species at risk permit to restart work on big east Windsor projects: Ontario permit adjustments allow construction work to proceed on major infrastructure initiatives.
• Getting to net zero is an 'economic opportunity,' environment minister says: The economic dimensions of net zero are discussed in a televised interview with Canada's environment minister.
• B.C. ostrich farm loses appeal to save birds from cull issued by CFIA | Hanomansing Tonight: Federal food safety actions trigger local disputes over livestock culling in British Columbia.
• Green spaces are key to combating record heat in marginalized communities: US cities are reporting increased heat vulnerabilities tied to urban green space access.
• Alberta court rejects bid to add evidence in challenge against Impact Assessment Act: Alberta’s legal challenge to federal impact assessment regulations continues after the court restricts filings.
• How to make climate-friendly and sustainable choices when shopping online: Practical advice on environmentally responsible consumer choices.
• Linda McQuaig: Climate change is a solvable problem — but it can’t be left to the marketplace: A columnist explores governance and market roles in climate action.
• Wildfires, climate change: Global warming and risk management: Assessments of wildfire-linked economic risks and climate-related exposures.

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