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: 2025-10-26 to 2025-11-01

📋 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 of Commons: Natural Resources Committee—Forestry Industry Review (Nov 3): The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a session on the Canadian forestry industry on November 3, 3:30–5:30 p.m., with appearances by Scott Geffros (Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association), Derek Nighbor (Forest Products Association of Canada), Frédéric Verreault (Chantiers Chibougamau), Michel Vincent (Quebec Forest Industry Council), and Unifor representatives.
• House of Commons: Environment and Sustainable Development—Electric Vehicle Availability Standard (Nov 3): A meeting on the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard will be held by the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee on November 3 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Environment Canada officials Megan Nichols and Mark Cauchi will appear.
• House of Commons: Agriculture Committee—Regulatory Reform in Agri-Food Sector (Nov 3): The Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee meets November 3 to study the federal regulatory reform initiative impacting agriculture and food, with presentations by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois (Dalhousie University), Serge Buy (Agri-Food Innovation Council), Ron Lemaire (Canadian Produce Marketing Association), Evan Fraser (University of Guelph), and others.
• Senate: Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry—Wildfires Impact Study (Nov 4 & Nov 6): The Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee holds in-camera sessions November 4 at 6:30 p.m. to consider its wildfire impact report, and November 6 at 8:00 a.m. to review agriculture/forestry issues, with departmental witnesses Steven Jurgutis, Francesco Del Bianco, and Marco Valicenti (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada).
• Senate: Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans—Ocean Carbon Sequestration Report (Nov 4 & Nov 6): Upcoming in-camera meetings on November 4 at 6:30 p.m. and November 6 at 8:30 a.m. to examine ocean carbon sequestration issues, with witnesses to be announced.

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Secures $6.4 Billion in Critical Minerals Investments and Alliances

Natural Resources Canada announced 26 new investments and partnerships with nine allied countries under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, amounting to $6.4 billion in projects. These measures, revealed on the sidelines of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, bring together public and private capital to accelerate development of graphite, rare earth elements, and scandium production. Canada’s offtake arrangements involve partners in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, the United States, Australia, and Ukraine. Nouveau Monde Graphite and Rio Tinto have been brought into government-backed offtake agreements for graphite and scandium.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting: New Resource Security and Environmental Workplans

The federal government, co-hosting the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting, put forward several new collaborative initiatives: the G7 Water Coalition Workplan, which is set to increase cooperation on water security, pollution prevention, and climate-driven water risk; the Toronto Action Plan on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, designed as a three-year strategy targeting textiles, plastics, and critical minerals; and a new Chair’s Statement focused on extreme weather prediction and disaster response, building on the prior Kananaskis Wildfire Charter. Canada announced funding to climate finance access networks, global “Just Transition” platforms, and renewable energy projects in Nunavik. These infrastructure measures are meant to provide roughly 60% of electricity needs for two communities, replacing millions of litres of diesel.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

DFO Releases Recovery Potential Assessment for North Atlantic Right Whales

Fisheries and Oceans Canada provided new scientific insights as part of a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) for the North Atlantic right whale. DFO’s review detailed shifting feeding areas as right whales migrate northward into the Gulf of St. Lawrence due to warmer ocean temperatures and reduced prey in their traditional grounds. Ongoing threats to the species remain primarily human-induced: vessel traffic, fishing activities, underwater noise, and industrial pollution. Projections in the RPA indicate population recovery is achievable within 35–100 years, contingent on effective mitigation of these risks. The RPA supports ongoing regulatory decisions on management measures such as area-based fishing closures, surveillance, and testing of whale-safe fishing gear.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Disaster Financial Assistance and Wildfire Response Update

Public Safety Canada issued an update on the 2025 wildfire season, now considered the second worst on record with more than 6,000 wildfires and over 8.3 million hectares burned. The federal government has expanded the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), launched in April 2025, to increase support for recovery and infrastructure rebuilding in impacted communities. Over $800 million is being invested in wildfire prevention and detection efforts, including the Wildfire Resilience Consortium and the Canadian Centre for Recovery and Resilience, with activities tied to the Kananaskis Wildfire Charter. The response involved more than 85,000 evacuees, including 45,000 people from 73 First Nations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Releases Roadmap for Standards-Based Critical Minerals Markets

The federal government published the G7 Roadmap to Promote Standards-based Markets for Critical Minerals. Signatories commit to transparency, traceability, international standard harmonization, and reduction of supply chain dependence on non-market practices. The roadmap describes the use of interoperable digital credentials, digital product passports, review of critical minerals asset sales on security grounds, and increased incentives for traceability technology and recycling. It also requires adherence to international human rights, anti-corruption, and stakeholder consultation standards throughout mineral supply chains. The document was endorsed by Australia and Ukraine.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Committees Review Fisheries, Conservation Policy, and Forestry Trade

The House of Commons Standing Committees on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO), International Trade (CIIT), and Natural Resources (RNNR) held multiple meetings scrutinizing the Fisheries Act, fisheries management, and the impact of trade measures on the forest sector. Fisheries witnesses raised concerns about Act enforcement, Indigenous access, cumulative environmental effects, and illegal fishing. There were calls for regulatory clarity in aquaculture and stronger controls to preserve independent and local interests in licensing. On forestry, the Alberta Forest Products Association pressed for sector inclusion in upcoming CUSMA renegotiations and for robust dispute mechanisms. The Department of Natural Resources acknowledged continued mill closures tied to U.S. tariffs, with $1.25 billion in sector support, including $700 million in loan guarantees, being rolled out. Witnesses also flagged the slow progress on the 2 Billion Trees program as well as key issues on licensing and market innovation.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca, parlvu.parl.gc.ca, parlvu.parl.gc.ca, parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Government Concludes International Climate Action Summit in Toronto

Canada hosted the 9th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA9) in Toronto, co-convened with China and the European Union, bringing together ministers ahead of COP30 in Brazil. Discussions focused on mobilizing climate finance, supporting transition to low-carbon economies, and setting priorities for COP30 negotiations. Canada highlighted its ambition to position itself as a leader in international climate agreements and market-driven climate action.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

FedNor Invests $10 Million to Stabilize Northeastern Ontario Forestry

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) announced $10 million in funding to Kap Paper to support ongoing operations and development in the forestry industry. The conditionally-repayable financing will help maintain over 2,000 jobs and assist with business planning in response to volatile global trade and tariff environments.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Penalties for Illegal Halibut Fishing in Atlantic Waters

A Nova Scotia commercial groundfish harvester received $76,561 in fines and a one-year prohibition from fishing, following conviction for illegal Atlantic halibut fishing outside authorized areas and during a closed period. The conviction also included requirements for vessel monitoring for one year. The case forms part of DFO's broader enforcement agenda targeting compliance under the Fisheries Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

Candidate Notice of Review for Endangered and Threatened Species Released

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued its annual Candidate Notice of Review, presenting the updated list of plant and animal species considered candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act for FY 2023–2024. The candidate list remains at 16 species, with reviews covering biological vulnerability, threats, and regulatory priorities.

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

EPA Renews Air Emissions Reporting and Stationary Turbine Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted for OMB renewal the Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) and NSPS for Stationary Combustion Turbines. The AERR covers annual and triennial reporting for states, tribes, and local agencies with additional requirements for owners/operators, tallying to about 53,482 hours of reporting burden annually.

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

EPA Advances Regional Haze Implementation for Alaska

EPA has proposed approval of Alaska’s regional haze plan for the second implementation period. Alaska’s plan met federal requirements for visibility tracking, reasonable progress demonstration, interagency coordination, and consultation with federal land managers. EPA cited significant wildfire contributions to ambient visibility levels, reductions in anthropogenic emissions, and existing requirements for sulfur content in marine fuels as key factors.

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

NMFS Closes Directed Pollock Fishing in Gulf of Alaska Area 620

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service closed the pollock fishery in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska, effective October 25, after determining that the annual 2025 total allowable catch of 82,265 metric tons was reached. The action includes a directed fishing allowance of 82,165 metric tons and an incidental catch set-aside of 200 metric tons.

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

SBA Disaster Declaration: Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe Storms

The Small Business Administration published a Presidential Disaster Declaration for severe storms and straight-line winds affecting the Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe. Applications for physical and economic injury loans are open, with rates provided for businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and non-profits.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: SOURCE NOT FOUND

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Moves to Consolidate Conservation Authorities

Ontario will introduce legislation to establish the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, aiming to centralize leadership, permit processing, and service delivery in watershed management. The move seeks to reduce duplication and uneven performance across the province’s 36 conservation authorities.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Launches Climate Hazard Data Tools and Streamlines Environmental Regulations

British Columbia unveiled the Disaster and Climate Risk and Resilience Assessment and Hazard Insights Tool to inform disaster mitigation decisions for six hazard types, including wildfires and floods. Separately, regulatory amendments across 10 ministries will simplify soil relocation, streamline forestry permitting, and modernize site remediation requirements.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca, news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Proposes Bill 7 to Update Water Licensing and Reuse

The Alberta government introduced Bill 7, updating the Water Act to allow for streamlined licensing, increased use of rainwater and wastewater, and more flexible inter-basin water transfers through ministerial order for low-risk cases. No changes are proposed for existing allocations or seniority.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Announces Multi-Year Upgrades to Lake Erie Fishery Facilities

Ontario is investing over $10 million to upgrade management facilities in Wheatley and Port Dover, supporting recreational and commercial fishing in Lake Erie. The projects will replace infrastructure, add technology, and extend lab space, with phased openings through 2029.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Issues Fines for Environmental and Wildlife Violations

Ontario courts levied a $2,500 penalty for illegal dumping of construction materials on Crown land and a total of $13,800 in fines for unsafe moose hunting and unlawful possession of wildlife, with further suspensions and mandatory clean-up required.

Sources: news.ontario.ca, news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consults on Registration of Clove Leaf Oil for Potato Sprouting Control

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency opened a consultation on the proposed registration of rectified clove leaf oil and DECCO 070 EC, for potato sprouting control. The process will accept public input on the proposed use of this technical grade ingredient until November 27, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Lumber industry warns of crisis as B.C. and Ottawa prepare for softwood summit: Industry leaders raise concerns over crisis conditions in the lumber sector on the eve of planned federal-provincial discussions.
• B.C.’s forest sector struggles as province gets set to launch U.S. anti-tariff ads: B.C.'s actions to counteract U.S. lumber tariffs gain visibility amid softwood trade challenges.
• Ramping up resilience: Media coverage looks at Canadian communities' work to build environmental and disaster resilience.
• Curia Releases 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report: ESG performance reporting in the broader industry context.
• Marine biodiversity centre opening in Halifax: New research and conservation hub opens for Atlantic marine life.
• Multi-million-dollar investment announced for local fishing sector: Significant new funding for the Windsor region’s fishing industry.
• Kelly McParland: 30 years of bad climate policy comes home to roost: Commentary examines the legacy of climate policy in Canada.
• CECO Environmental Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results: Results for an environmental compliance and filtration firm.
• Liquified, composted: How green are these alternative death practices?: Coverage explores innovations and questions in alternative burial practices.
• Opponents in rural Nova Scotia challenge cabinet decision on whale sanctuary project: Local opposition rises against federal approval for a marine wildlife project.

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