Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning Canadian foreign policy, diplomacy, international relations, trade agreements, sanctions, and global affairs. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in related areas? Don't miss this week's updates in Defence and Social Issues.

Dates: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy and Strategy: Meeting No. 5 held on Oct 7 featured Robert Sinclair (Foreign Affairs) and BGen Daniel Rivière (Canadian Armed Forces) discussing the new Arctic strategy, sovereignty, consulate expansion, infrastructure priorities, and regional security.
• Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): Arctic Infrastructure and Indigenous Engagement: Meeting No. 6 on Oct 9 brought Dr. Jessica Shadian (Arctic360) and Natan Obed (Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), who detailed infrastructure needs, federal investment in deepwater ports, and Inuit participation in foreign policy.
• Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN): NORAD Modernization & Arctic Defense: Meeting No. 6 on Oct 7 gathered Jean-Pierre Hickey, Robert Huebert, Dr. Jessica Shadian, Richard Shimooka, and Madeleine Redfern to review hypersonic expertise, submarine procurement, and Canadian-U.S. defense agreements.
• Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT): Canada-U.S. Trade Policy and Automotive Sector: Meeting No. 5 on Oct 6 included Jamie Tronnes (Center for North American Prosperity), Flavio Volpe (Automotive Parts), and Robert Bellisle (QSL International) focusing on Section 232 tariffs, rules of origin, and Indo-Pacific dynamics.
• Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU): Defense Industrial Strategy & Fiscal Outlook: Meeting No. 7 on Oct 8 featured Jason Jacques (Parliamentary Budget Officer), Robert Asselin (U15 Canada), and others on ITB policy, defense spending targets, procurement reform, and challenges in meeting NATO commitments.

Canadian Federal Government News

Minister Anand's Indo-Pacific Outreach: India, Singapore, China

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand will travel to India, Singapore, and China from October 12 to 17, focusing on bilateral relations and Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. In Delhi, Anand is slated to meet India's external affairs and commerce ministers to discuss future frameworks for strategic cooperation encompassing trade diversification, energy, and security. Scheduled visits in Mumbai include meetings with Canadian and Indian firms to promote investment and bilateral opportunities. In Singapore, Anand will meet Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan as Canada and Singapore mark 60 years of diplomatic ties, and is expected to raise ongoing ASEAN free trade agreement talks aimed for conclusion in 2026. The visit to China coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with meetings planned with Foreign Minister Wang Yi to sustain official channels and discuss the Canada-China Strategic Partnership as well as sectoral economic engagements.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada, Denmark Lead Shadow Fleet Task Force Against Illicit Maritime Activity

On October 8, Canada and Denmark convened G7 and Nordic-Baltic members in Ottawa for the Shadow Fleet Task Force, issuing a joint statement marking intent to disrupt shipping fleets evading safety, insurance, and sanctions regulations. The group cited International Maritime Organization Resolution A.1192(33) as the framework for coordinated countermeasures, with plans for increased information sharing to support sanctions regimes and regulatory measures. Participants flagged rising risks from stateless vessels, manipulated identification systems, and aging, poorly maintained ships engaging in illicit maritime activity and agreed to advance collective actions of flag states, port authorities, and international bodies to address the issue in accordance with UNCLOS and IMO conventions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Bill C-12 Introduced: Changes to Border Security and Immigration Enforcement

Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree introduced Bill C-12—the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act—on October 8. The proposed legislation incorporates elements from previously announced Bill C-2 and aims to enhance border security by obligating transporters and warehouse operators to provide access and facilities for CBSA inspections. Amendments to the Oceans Act grant Canadian Coast Guard new security roles, including intelligence collection. Additional provisions enable RCMP to share registered sex offender data with foreign and domestic partners, introduce new asylum and document ineligibility rules, and expand the Minister of Health’s capacity to control precursor chemicals used in illicit drug production. The bill also strengthens anti-money laundering mechanisms by including FINTRAC in federal supervisory committees and supports broader information sharing within IRCC and across federal, provincial, and territorial agencies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Launches New Dumping Inquiries

On October 9, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined reasonable indication of injury from dumping of oil country tubular goods from Mexico, the Philippines, Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States, continuing the CBSA's investigation and setting November 7 as the preliminary decision deadline. Separately, on October 10, the Tribunal initiated a final injury inquiry regarding dumped and subsidized cast iron soil pipe from China, with a final determination scheduled for February 6, 2026. Both proceedings respond to CBSA findings and involve assessment of injury or threat to Canada's domestic industry. Interested stakeholders may file notice of participation to engage with the Tribunal’s process.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu Advances G20 and Bilateral Trade Talks in South Africa, India, Singapore

Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu participated in the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Gqeberha, South Africa, focusing discussions on trade growth, industrialization, and WTO reform. Sidhu also met Piyush Goyal, India’s commerce minister, discussing renewed economic cooperation in critical minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, and clean technologies. In a separate engagement, Sidhu met Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to mark 60 years of diplomacy, reaffirming commitments to ASEAN free trade negotiations set to conclude in 2026 and exploring new business opportunities between Canada and Singapore.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Canada-U.S.-Mexico Automotive and Manufacturing Sector Discusses Tariffs and CUSMA Renewal

At the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting chaired by Peter Boehm, Brian Kingston (Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association) and Flavio Volpe (Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association) addressed CUSMA’s significance for the North American auto industry. Kingston called for removal of U.S. Section 232 tariffs and spoke against the federal EV mandate, while Volpe advocated for a trilateral and rules-based renewal of CUSMA, referencing Canadian companies’ integration into the U.S. auto parts sector. Discussion points included the need for alignment on tariff policy with the U.S., development of critical mineral supply chains for EVs, and North American manufacturing connectivity.

Sources: SOURCE NOT FOUND

Standing Committee Reviews Border Security and Bilateral Cooperation With U.S.

The Standing Committee on Public Safety (SECU) heard from Dr. Tim Nohara (Accipiter Radar Technologies), Samuel Cooper (Journalist), Mark Weber (Customs and Immigration Union), and Dr. Laura Dawson (Future Borders Coalition). Nohara cited gaps in Canada’s persistent radar surveillance as compared to expanded U.S. capability and recommended leveraging existing infrastructure. Cooper discussed transnational crime and fentanyl trafficking, noting limitations in Canada-U.S. law enforcement coordination and referencing corruption concerns. Dawson supported Bill C-2 to facilitate intelligence sharing with U.S. agencies, and Weber critiqued CBSA management, particularly in training and technological reliance. The meeting focused on possible legislative reforms to improve border management and intelligence sharing.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Alberta Advances North American Agricultural Trade at Tri-National Accord

Alberta's Minister RJ Sigurdson will attend the 34th Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Mexico to coordinate agricultural trade and explore new export markets across North America. Alberta’s agri-food exports reached $17.5 billion in 2024, with the U.S. and Mexico as top trading partners.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Hosts Great Lakes Governors and Ontario for Economic Summit

Premier François Legault hosted Ontario's premier and U.S. state governors for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Conference in Quebec City on October 4–6, focusing on economic interests and multilateral dialogue.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Premier Smith Promotes Alberta’s Economic Security on Eastern Mission

Alberta Premier Smith met with eastern Canadian and U.S. officials in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto to promote national infrastructure and resource projects, advance critical minerals and energy policy, and address barriers to nationwide cooperation.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Convenes U.S. Trade Council to Prepare for CUSMA Review

Manitoba’s government convened its U.S. Trade Council to define priorities for the CUSMA renewal, and announced a $50-million loan program alongside tax reform to support provincial competitiveness against U.S. tariffs.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

No new US federal developments reported for this period

Sources:

What We're Reading This Week

• Security and defence is rising on U.S. radar as Carney meets Trump in D.C.: Report on strategic defense priorities in the bilateral relationship.
• Opinion: Washington buying stakes in Canadian miners creates national-security dilemma for Ottawa: Analysis on U.S. investment in Canadian mining and national security implications.
• Mark Norman: New defence procurement agency helps, but more needs to be done to secure Canada: Commentary on the effectiveness and future requirements of Canadian defense procurement.
• Anand says consular officers can help as Israel detains more Canadians from flotilla: Update on consular support for Canadians detained by Israel.
• Here’s how Carney and Canada can deal with Trump’s losing zero sum world view: Perspective piece on Canada-U.S. economic relations under changing U.S. trade policy.

.