Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, molluscan shellfish, and marine 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 Fisheries channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Environment and Agri-Food.

Dates: 2025-12-07 to 2025-12-13

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal Government News

Ontario Landowner Fined $13,000 for Destruction of Critical Aquatic Habitat

Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the conviction and sentencing of a Long Point area landowner for the unauthorized destruction of approximately 500 square meters of critical aquatic habitat. The infraction occurred in April 2024 and affected at least four listed species, including Eastern Sand Darter, Lake Chubsucker, Pugnose Shiner, and Spotted Gar. The $13,000 fine, issued by the Ontario Court of Justice, will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund to support fish and habitat enhancement projects. The landowner did not notify authorities or seek approval prior to use of heavy equipment in the area. Under the Species at Risk Act, unauthorized destruction of critical habitat constitutes a violation. DFO encourages individuals working near water to consult program guidelines and report suspected violations to regional authorities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Invests $1 Million in Kus-kus-sum Estuary Restoration, Vancouver Island

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada confirmed a $1 million federal contribution to the Kus-kus-sum restoration project in the Comox Valley. The site, once a sawmill, is undergoing rehabilitation to return 8.3 acres of tidal marsh and riparian forest to a functional ecosystem, linking with protected estuary habitat. Restoration is designed to benefit all five species of Pacific salmon, including the endangered Chinook, as well as numerous bird and plant species. Activities led by the K'ómoks First Nation include measures to restore biodiversity, improve conditions for wildlife and fisheries, and lessen climate impacts in the estuary. The project builds upon previous estuary conservation work and aims to support long-term, multi-species benefits.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Completes 2025 Arctic Operational Season

The Canadian Coast Guard has closed its 2025 Arctic operational season after deploying seven icebreakers from June into November. Notable operations included resupply of northern communities, marine pollution response, and Arctic security patrols, with activities spanning the Northwest Passage and collaborating closely with Indigenous communities. The 2025 season featured participation in Operations NANOOK-NUNAKPUT and NANOOK-TUUGAALIK, in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces to maintain maritime domain awareness and response capabilities. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provided search and rescue support and strengthened emergency response in remote communities. Buoy tending on Great Slave Lake and the Mackenzie River connected isolated locations and supported economic activities. The Coast Guard maintains a year-round presence through Arctic Region headquarters and facilities in Yellowknife, Hay River, and Iqaluit. Arctic on-water operations will resume in May 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Eight Mi’gmaq First Nations Finalize Rights Implementation Agreement for Parks Canada Sites in New Brunswick

The Government of Canada and eight Mi’gmaq First Nations, represented by Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI) and Kopit Lodge, announced the signing of a Rights Implementation Agreement for Parks Canada-administered sites in New Brunswick. The accord establishes a shared governance framework applicable to Kouchibouguac and Fundy National Parks and several historic sites. Provisions address cooperation on studies and restoration, stewardship planning, decision-making on conservation and species management, harvesting activities, and promotion of Mi’gmaq heritage and language. Economic development opportunities and recognition of Mi’gmaq rights and responsibilities as territory stewards are incorporated. The agreement, documented both in writing and in Wampum Belt form, signals ongoing collaboration to manage protected areas while respecting Mi’gmaq cultural and territorial connections.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Marine Training Expansion Announced for Northern Canada

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) confirmed a contribution of over $930,000 to the Western Arctic Marine Training Centre in Hay River, Northwest Territories, supporting the acquisition of new simulators and additional Transport Canada-certified courses. The funding is intended to address marine workforce needs in the North and create pathways to local certification, reducing the need for costly travel to southern Canada. Marine transportation is considered critical for food security, delivery of supplies, and sovereignty in the North. CanNor aims to build Northern workforce capacity, enhance community opportunities, and support economic stability for workers and Arctic communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Manitoba Establishes Crown–Indigenous Corporation to Lead Churchill Plus Project

Manitoba announced creation of the Manitoba Crown–Indigenous Corporation (MCIC) to coordinate economic development and the Churchill Plus marine trade corridor, placing Indigenous leadership at the center and supporting joint decision making on development, consultation, and resource management.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Premier Promotes Seafood, Clean Energy, and Trade at Paris Conference

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is traveling to the International Economic Forum of the Americas’ Conference of Paris, promoting the province’s seafood sector, wind resources, critical minerals, and readiness for European partnerships.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta MLAs Emphasize Trade and Food Security in US Engagement

Alberta MLAs Jennifer Johnson and Shane Getson will attend the Council of State Governments National Conference in Chicago, focusing on trade, investment, energy, food security, and economic corridors between Alberta and the US.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Proposes Rosemary Extract as Permitted Preservative

Health Canada is consulting on modifying the List of Permitted Preservatives to allow rosemary extract’s use, with the proposal setting out specific requirements and food additive specifications. The comment period is open until February 21, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Teaming up on salmon hunts, orcas and dolphins in B.C. have developed a strategy that really clicks: Study explores cooperative hunting behavior between orcas and dolphins targeting salmon off British Columbia.
• Fishermen concerned Ingonish sewer outfall will affect harbour livelihoods: Nova Scotia fishers raise alarms about local infrastructure’s impact on fisheries.
• Inuvik students learn traditional skills at school-operated bush camp: Inuvik youth participate in a school-led camp learning fishing and land-based practices.
• Opinion: The bad seeds: Why it’s important to mitigate the spread of invasive species: Column discusses invasive species management and risks to Canadian aquatic habitats.

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