QSA's Week in Environment (#41, 2025)
Three new marine refuges announced in Haida Gwaii/BC; enforcement action against waste exporter; major Lake Winnipeg restoration investment; federal-provincial support for Kap Paper; Atlantic shellfish sector diagnostics funding; US closes Atka mackerel fishery; EPA cancels pesticide registrations.

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: 2025-10-12 to 2025-10-18
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
- House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans to Study Attribution of Redfish Quotas and Lobster Licenses: The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans meets October 21 to hear from sector representatives, including Camille Gagné (owner-operator), Jean Lanteigne (Ocean Choice International), Carey Bonnell (Vice-President, Sustainability), and others, on redfish quota allocation and exploratory lobster licenses.
- House Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development Examines Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: On October 20, the committee will review the effectiveness and potential improvements to the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan with input from Ross R. McKitrick (Concordia), Efficiency Canada, Damon Matthews (Future Earth Canada), and Ron Wallace (former NEB member).
- House Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development to Continue Emissions Reduction Plan Study: Scheduled for October 23, witnesses include Clean Energy Canada (Rachel Doran), Energy For A Secure Future (Shannon Joseph), Montreal Economic Institute, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and others discussing capability of the 2030 emissions plan.
- Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry to Study Wildfires’ Effects on Forestry, Agriculture, and Communities: Meeting October 23, the committee will hear testimony from Insurance Bureau of Canada (Liam McGuinty, Margot Whittington), National Research Council Canada (Jean-François Houle, Noureddine Bénichou), Strategic Natural Resource Group, and FireSwarm Solutions regarding wildfire impacts.
- Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee To Hear Indigenous Perspectives on Wildfires: On October 21, witnesses from the First Nations' Emergency Services Society of BC (Francyne Joe, Matt Nelson), Métis Nation Saskatchewan (Brennan Merasty), and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre will provide insights on wildfire management and community impacts.
Canadian Federal GR News
Three New Marine Refuges Established in British Columbia
On October 17, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Haida Nation unveiled two new marine refuges, G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii, in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. These refuges focus on safeguarding habitat for salmon, seabirds, herring, and harbour seals, serving both cultural and ecological priorities as part of Indigenous-led collaborative management. The sites are pivotal to the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan and bring Canada closer to its stated target to protect 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. A third site was established on Banks Island (Nłuut'iksm Laxyuubm Gitxaała) in partnership with the Gitxaała Nation, with extensive prohibitions on prawn and crab fisheries to conserve corals, kelp, and eelgrass. These refuges build on the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative and reinforce reconciliation objectives and local food security. All three areas will be jointly managed by Indigenous governments and federal agencies under legal regimes that incorporate both Indigenous law and federal standards.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Fine Issued for Non-Compliance in Hazardous Waste Export
Canacha Inc. was fined $125,000 by the Court of Québec for failing to comply with a federal environmental protection compliance order related to attempted export of contaminated shipping containers to India. Environment and Climate Change Canada, with the assistance of Canada Border Services Agency, found household waste mixed with paper bales, lacking proper export authorization. In addition to the fine, Canacha Inc. will be listed on the Environmental Offenders Registry. The Environmental Damages Fund will receive the penalty amount. The order required submission of an environmental management plan by September 2022, which was not provided by the company.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Investment in Lake Winnipeg Restoration Projects
Member of Parliament Terry Duguid announced $1.6 million for 10 new freshwater projects under the Canada Water Agency’s Lake Winnipeg Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative on October 18. Lake Winnipeg supports over 25% of Canada’s freshwater fishery revenue and significant hydroelectric generation. The funded activities include in-lake science research led by Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium ($708,900), wetland restoration by Ducks Unlimited Canada ($150,600), and snowmelt phosphorus runoff risk mapping by University of Winnipeg ($218,000). The initiative targets nutrient loading reduction, invasive species response, Indigenous engagement in freshwater management, and sustainable land use in a basin spanning four provinces and four U.S. states.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal and Provincial Support Announced for Kap Paper Mill
FedNor is providing $10 million in conditional repayable funding through the Northern Ontario Development Program and an additional $2 million via the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Program to Kap Paper Mill in Kapuskasing, Ontario. The measure aims to stabilize operations, maintain local jobs, and advance modernization and market access planning. Minister Patty Hajdu emphasized the continued government commitment to support forest economy jobs amid operational pressures at Kap Paper.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Investment in Diagnostics for Atlantic Shellfish Industry
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced nearly $1 million for three projects, including $614,000 to the University of Prince Edward Island to establish a new shellfish diagnostic testing system. This system will enable improved health assessments and rapid response to shellfish diseases such as MSX and natural disasters impacting Atlantic producers. The initiative draws on collaborative efforts between government, industry, and academia to enhance resilience and sector recovery.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Minister McGuinty Addresses Climate Security at Montreal Summit
On October 9, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty delivered virtual remarks at the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit, hosted by NATO’s Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence. He highlighted recent findings that 64% of DND assets are at high climate risk, and described active efforts to strengthen energy resilience and integrate climate risk in military planning. The address covered emission reduction progress, climate disaster impact on operational readiness, and alignment of defence policy with nature-based solutions and national security priorities.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada Advances Northern-Led Climate and Sovereignty Agenda at Arctic Circle Assembly
Minister Rebecca Chartrand represented Canada at the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, Iceland. The event convened over 200 delegates from 70 countries to address challenges facing the Arctic such as climate change, energy security, and sovereignty. Canada's presence centered on articulating northern priorities through the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. The new Arctic Ambassador, Virginia Mearns, joined the delegation. Canada reiterated its commitment to aligning Arctic policy and investment with Indigenous rights, community-led economic opportunity, and clean energy transition as the region experiences intensified geopolitical interest.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
US Federal GR News
Temporary Closure of Atka Mackerel Fishery in Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
On October 14, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service ordered the closure of directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Bering Sea subarea and the Eastern Aleutian District, effective from October 9 to December 31, 2025. The closure applies to vessels in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery and was triggered upon reaching the 2025 total allowable catch of 3,386 metric tons. Retainable allowances remain in effect during trips, per regulatory guidance. The decision is based on groundfish management plans under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and was enacted without prior notice to promptly address recent catch data.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
EPA Issues Cancellation Order for Numerous Pesticide Registrations
On October 15, the EPA announced registration cancellations for multiple pesticide products under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) due to voluntary requests and non-payment of annual maintenance fees. Registrants may sell existing stocks until January 15, 2026. Non-registrants can distribute or use remaining stocks while following approved label directions. Some products were withdrawn from cancellation following stakeholder comments. Full details on affected products are provided in the official docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2025-1839.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Waivers Granted for Environmental and Contracting Requirements on Border Barriers in Three Sectors
On October 15, the Secretary of Homeland Security issued waivers for laws and regulations to expedite border barrier and road construction in Texas's Rio Grande Valley and Laredo sectors, and California's San Diego sector. The waivers accelerate installation of physical barriers and supporting infrastructure in high-entry areas, citing recent apprehensions and drug seizure statistics. Legal requirements affected include those governing contracting and environmental reviews, in accordance with Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act as amended. These measures aim to achieve operational control as mandated by Congress and recent Executive Orders. Previous waivers remain in effect, and the Secretary may authorize additional waivers as required.
Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov
Presidential Proclamation: National Energy Dominance Month
On October 17, President Donald Trump proclaimed October 2025 National Energy Dominance Month, highlighting executive orders to remove energy restrictions, formation of the National Energy Dominance Council, and expanded oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and mineral production. The announcement includes the resumption of offshore mineral extraction and development activities in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The proclamation also addresses regulatory reforms and criticizes prior administration energy policies.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
Canadian Provincial GR News
Ontario and Canada Announce Joint Support for Kapuskasing Paper Mill
Ontario will provide an additional $16.8 million to sustain Kapuskasing Paper Mill operations, with the federal government contributing $12 million. The measure supports nearly 300 direct jobs and thousands of indirect forestry sector jobs in Northern Ontario.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
Alberta Reduces Regulatory Barriers for Silica Sand Exploration
Alberta has enacted regulatory changes to simplify exploration and extraction of silica sand on public land, aiming to diminish reliance on imports and support economic growth in rural regions.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
New Brunswick Approves $58 Million for 2025-26 Climate Change Fund Projects
New Brunswick will distribute more than $58 million across 56 projects targeting greenhouse gas reduction, climate adaptation, and educational initiatives as part of its Climate Change Fund.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca
British Columbia Launches Consultation on West Central Vancouver Island Forest Landscape Plan
Residents of mid-Island B.C. are invited to comment on the proposed West Central Vancouver Island Forest Landscape Plan, which will guide long-term stewardship; input is collected via surveys and in-person sessions.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Modification of Open Fire Ban in Quebec
Quebec’s Ministry of Public Security expanded the ban on open fires in forested areas effective October 17, covering new southern territories in response to current fire conditions.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Government Consultations
Proposed Renewal of Environmental Occurrences Notification Agreements Open for Comment
Environment and Climate Change Canada announced the 60-day public comment period for renewal of notification agreements regarding environmental occurrences between Canada and several provinces and territories.
Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca
What We're Reading This Week
- CBC: N.S. must consider 'new context' when protecting land, water: environment minister: Nova Scotia’s environment minister discusses evolving land and water protection strategies.
- CBC: N.S. land, water protection commitments questioned: Concerns raised about Nova Scotia’s commitments to land and water conservation.
- CTV News: Impact of new lumber tariffs devastating for Canadian lumber industry: expert: Industry expert discusses effects of new lumber tariffs on Canadian producers.
- The Star: Regulations to drive a green transition in shipping hang in the balance, US pushes against change: International negotiations over shipping regulations remain unsettled amid US opposition.
- The Globe and Mail: Indonesian nickel industry harming local communities, environment, report says: New report details social and environmental impacts of Indonesia’s nickel sector.
- CTV News: Industry minister says relief coming for tariff-hit softwood lumber sector: Government affirms support for softwood lumber producers in response to U.S. tariffs.
- The Star: Chongqing Industrial Ecology Conference pushes China's agricultural products global: Chongqing hosts industry conference promoting export of processed food and agricultural products.
- The Globe and Mail: RBC supports Indigenous leadership in renewable energy projects: RBC expands financing for Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives.