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: 2025-11-09 to 2025-11-15

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Natural Resources Committee to Hear from Forest Industry Stakeholders: On November 17, 2025, the House of Commons Natural Resources Committee will hold televised hearings on the forestry industry. Representatives from Kap Paper Inc., Boisaco Inc., and Groupe Rémabec are scheduled to present between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Fisheries and Oceans Committee Schedules Review of Fisheries Act: On November 18, 2025, the House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans will meet from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Review of the Fisheries Act. Scheduled witnesses include the Canadian Association of Prawn Producers, Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation, Maritime Fishermen’s Union, Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, the Assembly of First Nations, BC Shrimp Trawlers’ Association, and academics.
• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Examines Electric Vehicle Availability Standard: A meeting is set for November 17, 2025, for the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee to review the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, with testimony from vehicle associations—Association des véhicules électriques du Québec, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, and Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council—and environmental NGOs such as Greenpeace Canada and Propulsion Québec.
• Senate Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to Examine Offshore Petroleum Sector in Newfoundland and Labrador: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will convene November 20, 2025, to study the province’s offshore petroleum industry. Representatives from the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and Trades NL are scheduled as witnesses.
• Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee Reviews Ocean Carbon Sequestration: On November 18, the Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee will examine ocean carbon sequestration in Canada. Presenters include officials from Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Treasury Board Secretariat.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canada Water Agency Opens Funding for Freshwater Protection Initiatives

On November 14, 2025, Minister Julie Dabrusin initiated a national call for applications for projects focused on restoring and protecting fresh water. The Canada Water Agency's call features five Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives under the Freshwater Action Plan, targeting waterbodies of national significance, with a separate two calls through the EcoAction program for sustainability initiatives. Applications will be accepted between November and January for funding that will support actions to restore water quality, aquatic habitat restoration, Indigenous engagement, and building capacity for sustainable freshwater management. Funded projects are required to be partner- or community-led. The announced deadlines range from December 2025 to January 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Major Projects Office Announces Expansion of National Resource and Battery Supply Chain Initiatives

Speaking in Timmins, Minister Tim Hodgson on November 13, 2025, detailed the latest referrals to the federal Major Projects Office (MPO). The current tranche adds projects in LNG, renewable power transmission, critical minerals mining and processing—including Canada Nickel’s Crawford Nickel mine, Sisson tungsten mine, Nouveau Monde Graphite’s integrated battery material plant, and the Northwest Critical Conservation Corridor. Four of the seven new projects are focused on critical minerals, with $6.4 billion in accelerated investments highlighted. The MPO’s role is to fast-track approvals and coordination for projects deemed nationally strategic. Budget 2025 provides a $2-billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund, a $1.5-billion First and Last Mile Fund, and extends Clean Technology and Exploration tax credits. Indigenous equity partnerships are a core feature, as demonstrated by several First Nations’ agreements with mining proponents.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Notes Forest Sector Budget Measures, Procurement Reform

On November 10, 2025, Tim Hodgson and Stephen Fuhr met with B.C. forest workers in Castlegar to discuss Budget 2025 measures benefiting the national lumber industry. Up to $700 million in loan guarantees over two years is available to support restructuring and credit access for the sector, and $500 million over three years from 2026–27 will renew Natural Resources Canada programs targeting market and product diversification, including new export initiatives. New procurement rules will require federal contractors to prioritize Canadian lumber and mass timber. The plan aims to reduce reliance on export markets by increasing domestic use of mass timber, including in modular housing construction.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Iqaluit Hydroelectric Project to Undergo Accelerated MPO Processing

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, during a visit to Iqaluit on November 13, 2025, announced the referral of the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Hydroelectric Project to the Major Projects Office. The facility is planned as Nunavut's first fully Inuit-owned clean energy developer. The move is designed to replace diesel electricity generation for Iqaluit, supporting local energy security and economic development. The project is positioned as part of a wider portfolio of nation-building infrastructure referenced in Budget 2025.

Sources: www.canada.ca

COP30: Canada Announces $392 Million in International Climate Action Investments

At the 30th UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, on November 13, 2025, Minister Julie Dabrusin committed $392 million to international projects. Investments include $263 million to IFAD’s Climate Resilient Smallholder Program for developing country farmers, $106 million to Deetken Asset Management’s Inclusive Climate Action Fund, $15 million for sustainable land management via Mirova, and $8 million to CGIAR for climate-resilient food systems in the South. Supplementary funding of $4.3 million goes to the UN Trust Fund for the Brazilian Amazon. Funds support adaptation projects, supply chain development, sustainable forestry, and international research partnerships.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Endorses Tropical Forest Finance and Methane Abatement Initiatives at COP30

At COP30, Minister Dabrusin led Canada’s delegation and participated in sessions supporting Indigenous climate leadership. Canada endorsed the Tropical Forest Forever Facility declaration, reserving 20% of resources for Indigenous communities, and joined the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change. Prior to COP30, Canada backed G7-aligned international agreements on near-zero methane in the fossil fuel sector and played a leading role at a Montréal-based methane monitoring event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Launches New Climate Competitiveness Strategy

On November 9, 2025, in Toronto, Ministers Julie Dabrusin and Tim Hodgson detailed the Climate Competitiveness Strategy with three primary pillars: Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits; strengthening industrial carbon pricing; and clarifying greenhouse gas regulations. The policy includes removal of restrictions on Clean Electricity investment tax credits for Crown corporations, expansion of critical minerals eligible for tax credits, and extension of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage credits to 2035. The plan sets a post-2030 carbon price trajectory and signals harmonization proposals for carbon market standards. New regulations targeting methane reduction in oil, gas, and landfills are flagged for finalization. The package is accompanied by $2 billion in critical minerals investments, with an expanded Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit and flexible export initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Reports Increased 2024 Canadian Energy Production and Export Volumes

Statistics Canada released 2024 data showing higher energy production, export, and domestic consumption compared to the prior year. The Trans Mountain Pipeline’s expansion contributed to increased exports, while growth in energy use was mainly due to the mining, oil and gas extraction, and pipeline transportation subsectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Input-Output Tables Published for 2022

Statistics Canada has published provincial input-output tables for the reference year 2022. These datasets track inter-industry flows and production-consumption linkages relevant to sectoral analysis.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Approves Mount Uniacke Quarry Expansion

The Government of Nova Scotia approved the expansion of Mount Uniacke Quarry from four to forty hectares, subject to 38 environmental terms addressing water, habitat, and community engagement.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

British Columbia Invites Input on Mackenzie Forest Landscape Plan

The Province of B.C. opened a public engagement period for the Mackenzie forest landscape plan on November 10, with opportunities for local residents to provide input until December 22.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Issues Penalty for Unlicensed Pesticide Application

An individual pleaded guilty in Alberta for providing unlicensed pesticide services in 2022–2023 and was fined $1,000, with a court order prohibiting pesticide-related activities for three years.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Courts Fine Individuals for Unlawful Hunting

Two individuals were fined $11,000 for illegal moose hunting methods on Lac des Mille Lacs and violating firearm regulations, with both facing suspensions.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

New Brunswick Renews Air Quality Approval for Lake Utopia Paper

The Government of New Brunswick granted J.D. Irving, Ltd. a new Class 1 air quality approval for its Lake Utopia pulp and paper mill, effective December 13, 2025, following a five-month consultation period.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

US Federal Government News

EPA Proposes PFAS Reporting Exemptions to Reduce Recordkeeping Burden

On November 13, the EPA proposed amendments to Toxic Substances Control Act regulations for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) reporting. The rule would exempt de minimis PFAS concentrations below 0.1% in mixtures and articles, imported articles, byproducts, impurities, research and development (R&D) activities, and non-isolated intermediates. The proposed changes, intended to address reporting burdens, are open for comment until December 29, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Proposes Authorization for U.S. Navy Arctic Marine Mammal Takes

The National Marine Fisheries Service is considering a request from the U.S. Navy for incidental harassment authorization of ringed seals during Ice Exercise 2026 in the Arctic Ocean. Activities include submarine training, testing, and temporary ice camp operations. The authorization would cover nonlethal take by behavioral harassment and TTS, with multiple monitoring and mitigation requirements. The comment period on this proposal ends December 15, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Rule Changes for Hazardous Waste Combustors

The EPA is proposing to revise National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants from Hazardous Waste Combustors (HWC), including new emission limits for hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide, removal of certain startup and shutdown exemptions, subpart title V flexibility for area sources, and elimination of a PM CEMS requirement. The proposed rule also introduces mandatory electronic reporting and requests feedback on a range of operational and compliance topics. Comments are open through December 26, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Announces Extension of Public Comment on HFC Technology Transition Rule

The EPA extended the comment period for a proposed rule reconsidering regulatory requirements for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. The deadline for public comment is now November 21, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Blueline Tilefish Commercial Fishery Closed for 2025

Effective November 10, 2025, the National Marine Fisheries Service closed the commercial blueline tilefish fishery in the Northeastern United States for the remainder of the fishing year, citing the total allowable landings being met. The closure applies within the Tilefish Management Unit until December 31, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Government Consultations

Consultation on Proposed Maximum Residue Limit for Penthiopyrad Open

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency opened consultation on November 12 regarding a proposed MRL for penthiopyrad, with a comment period until January 26, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Proposed Maximum Residue Limit for Pyrethrins

Health Canada is accepting comments on a proposed MRL for pyrethrins from November 12, 2025, through January 26, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• USDA searched for terms like ‘diversity,’ ‘climate modelling’ to target grants for cancellation: CTV News reports on internal reviews affecting research funding criteria.
• LNG project, mines, hydro dam, power lines among latest major project referrals: The Star covers MPO’s expanded mandate across LNG and resource corridors.
• Second wave of major projects includes LNG pipeline, Indigenous-owned hydroelectric initiative: CTV News tracks new project nominations under the Major Projects Office.
• Surge Copper Highlights Strengthening Policy Environment for Critical Minerals Development in Canada: The Star reviews industry perspectives on federal policy direction for minerals.
• SEACOR Marine Publishes 2024-2025 Sustainability Report: SEACOR’s annual report includes environmental performance metrics.
• Protesters demand N.L. premier take climate change seriously in wake of wildfires: CBC covers recent protests concerning wildfire management and policy response.
• Ships Stop Here campaign aims to bolster N.L.’s marine sector: CBC details efforts to promote local marine industries.
• UN shipping regulator advocates for industry emissions fee at COP30, despite Trump pushback: The Star covers emission fee proposals for shipping at the international climate conference.

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