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

📋 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 to Discuss Canadian Aid Priorities: The House of Commons Foreign Affairs committee will meet on October 28, 2025. Witnesses include Christopher MacLennan (Deputy Minister of International Development), Leslie Norton (Assistant Deputy Minister, International Assistance Partnerships), Alexandre Lévêque, and Anthony Dessources (Ambassador of Haiti to Canada), covering aid policy amid crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
• Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs to Focus on Arctic Policy and Ukraine Support: The Foreign Affairs committee meets October 30, 2025, with Minister Anita Anand present. Topics will include a $73 billion Arctic strategy, Arctic sovereignty, support for Ukraine, and energy export policies.
• Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs: Canada’s Engagement in Africa: The Senate Foreign Affairs committee convenes October 30, 2025, to review Canada’s economic, diplomatic, and security strategy in Africa. Cheryl Urban from Global Affairs Canada will discuss expanded diplomatic missions and trade negotiations with Zambia and Tanzania.
• Standing Committee on International Trade: Review of CUSMA and Sectoral Trade Challenges: On October 30, 2025, the International Trade committee will hear from Alberta Forest Products Association, Export Development Canada, Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec, GT and Company Executive Advisors, Dairy Farmers of Canada, and Union des producteurs agricoles to discuss forestry, manufacturing, and agri-food trade under CUSMA.
• Standing Committee on National Defence: Coast Guard’s Expanded Security Role and NORAD Modernization: Scheduled for October 30, 2025, the National Defence committee reviews Canadian Coast Guard’s integration with national defence and Arctic security, discussing information-sharing legislation, climate impacts, and fleet modernization with Deputy Commissioners Marc Mes and Andy Smith.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canada Unlocks 26 New Investments and Partnerships to Secure Critical Minerals Supply Chains

Minister Tim Hodgson announced 26 new investments, partnerships, and measures under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance at the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto, targeting graphite, rare earth elements, and scandium. These joint efforts with nine allied countries and industry partners mobilize $6.4 billion in capital, securing offtake arrangements with firms such as Nouveau Monde Graphite and Rio Tinto. Canada intends to leverage the Defence Production Act to stockpile critical minerals supporting domestic defence and Arctic sovereignty. The announcement was accompanied by a roadmap for standards-based markets, a key G7 deliverable.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Fast-Tracks $10 Million for Ukraine Energy Infrastructure Repair Amid Russian Attacks

At the conclusion of the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting, Canada expedited the final $10 million portion of its $70 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, a move announced by Ministers Tim Hodgson, Julie Dabrusin, Anita Anand, and Ukraine’s Svitlana Grynchuk. This funding addresses immediate repairs of energy infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes and supports Ukraine’s efforts to maintain grid stability ahead of winter.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Tallinn Mechanism Partners Pledge €241.7 Million in Civilian Cyber Assistance for Ukraine

Canada, together with 12 other Tallinn Mechanism members, committed a total of €241.7 million in civilian cyber support to Ukraine. The mechanism coordinates digital infrastructure reinforcements, technical expertise, and targeted funding to counter intensifying Russian cyberattacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and government systems. The initiative is designed to bolster Ukraine’s digital sovereignty and is endorsed by NATO, the World Bank, and other international stakeholders.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces $7 Million Humanitarian Assistance for Caribbean After Hurricane Melissa

Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), released $7 million for emergency relief to the Caribbean, with $5 million allocated to humanitarian partners for food, water, health, and logistics, and $2 million directed to the World Food Programme’s regional logistics hub for Jamaica. Canada also activated potential Red Cross supply deployments and continues support through disaster risk reduction programs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu Engages Singapore and Korea on Bilateral Trade and Investment

Minister Maninder Sidhu met Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Korea’s Trade Minister Han-Koo Yeo in separate bilateral sessions, advancing Canadian interests in sectors such as clean energy, AI, aerospace, critical minerals, agri-food, and defence. The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement was recognized for doubling bilateral flows over ten years, with $25.4 billion in two-way trade in 2024. Canadian companies are set to attend the Warsaw Rebuild Ukraine Conference.

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

G7 Ministers Issue Call to Action on Energy Security and Critical Mineral Supply Chains

The G7 Energy Ministers, meeting under Canada’s presidency, adopted a Call to Action to strengthen supply chains for energy technologies and critical minerals. The statement condemns the use and manipulation of energy supply for economic coercion and outlines steps to bolster grid infrastructure, secure gas and electricity flows, and advance standards-based markets. Countries including Australia, Korea, and Ukraine endorsed the call.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada’s Minister Tim Hodgson and Ukrainian Minister Grynchuk Sign Joint Declaration on Energy Cooperation

Tim Hodgson and Ukraine’s Svitlana Grynchuk formalized a Joint Declaration of Intent at the G7 summit in Toronto. The agreement covers strategic cooperation on urgent energy needs, equipment, and supply chain coordination, with a Canadian delegation scheduled for the Rebuild Ukraine Conference and confirmation of a $10 million support package.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statement on Ukraine Energy Security Issued by G7 Ministers

G7 Energy Ministers denounced Russian attacks on Ukraine’s natural gas infrastructure, reaffirmed unified support for the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, and outlined commitments to supply chain diversification and integration of energy technologies. Bilateral and multilateral actions back reconstruction, nuclear safety, and sanctions enforcement targeting Russia's war-related revenues.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Chairs’ Summary: 2025 G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting

Energy and environment ministers discussed strategies to secure resilient supply chains for critical minerals, modernize electricity grids, and respond to extreme weather risks. Side events featured private sector and civil society contributions, including the Energy Innovation Forum and discussions with the IEA. Outputs include the Toronto Action Plan on Circular Economy and a roadmap for standards-based critical mineral markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada, Norway, and UK Issue Joint Statement on Tanzania Election Violence

Foreign Ministers Anand (Canada), Norway, and the UK addressed fatalities and injuries during post-election protests in Tanzania, calling for restraint and compliance with rights of assembly and expression amid reports of opposition harassment and abductions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Remarks Presented at Atlantic Council Energy Security Summit

Minister Tim Hodgson addressed the Atlantic Council Energy Security Summit in Toronto, referencing the G7’s response to energy as a strategic lever. Hodgson detailed Canada’s strategy to mobilize private capital, simplify permitting, and accelerate exports across energy and resource sectors. The government plans to leverage the Major Projects Office for key projects and increase support to Ukraine's infrastructure and military camp energy needs through technology transfers and operational partnerships.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Alberta Premier Smith Mission to Saudi Arabia and UAE Targets Energy Investment

Premier Danielle Smith led meetings in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, promoting Alberta’s energy and agricultural sectors and announcing the opening of a new trade office in Abu Dhabi.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Delegation Set to Attend ADIPEC 2025 in UAE

Minister Joseph Schow heads a group of more than 70 Alberta companies to ADIPEC to strengthen trade and investment partnerships with the UAE, focusing on oil, gas, agriculture, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Issues Orders in Council Affecting Courts and Foreign Land Ownership

Recent orders appoint judicial and board members, prescribe remuneration for labour and compensation boards, and exempt multiple foreign investment transactions from residential land ownership rules for data centre and agri-food development.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Québec Delegation Deepens Scientific Ties with Brussels

The Fonds de recherche du Québec participated in a Wallonia-Brussels Intersectoral Research Conference to strengthen scientific cooperation.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

G7 Ministers Endorse Ukraine Energy Support and Condemn Russian Aggression

The G7, including the United States, issued a commitment to support Ukraine’s energy security at the Toronto summit, with Canada fast-tracking funds for repairs. The statement highlights cross-national coordination against Russian attacks and reconstruction of critical energy infrastructure.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

U.S.-Canada Relations Face Renewed Pressures on Trade and Tariffs

Media coverage of Ambassador Pete Hoekstra's remarks framed ongoing tensions within the bilateral relationship. Recent outbursts and rhetorical exchanges reflect continuing disputes over tariffs and trade policy direction.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

Canadian Technology Reportedly Routed to Russian Military via Hong Kong Companies

A Canadian media report detailed findings that Canadian tech exports have been funneled to Russia's military sector through Hong Kong intermediaries, highlighting gaps in export controls and compliance oversight.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

U.S.-China Economic Détente Shapes Critical Mineral Alliance Talks at G7

Canada spearheaded G7 negotiations for a critical mineral alliance, which follows a thaw in U.S.-China economic relations. The collaboration aims to counter supply chain risks and secure strategic minerals for manufacturing and energy.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Media Coverage: Using China as Trade Hedge Against U.S. Politics

Opinion analysis described Canada's consideration of China as a counterbalance in the event of U.S. trade uncertainty or tariff escalation, assessing risks and leverage in ongoing negotiations.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

What We're Reading This Week

• G7 commits to Ukraine energy security as Canada fast-tracks funds: International support for Ukraine's energy sector following Russian strikes.
• Canada rallying G7 countries around a new critical mineral alliance: Canada leads efforts for G7 partnership on strategic minerals.
• Canada announces first investments under G7 pact, aims to stockpile critical minerals: Plans to secure supply chains through new agreements and stockpiling measures.
• Hong Kong companies funnel Canadian tech to Russian army, report says: Investigative report on military tech exports and end-user controls.
• Ottawa-Gatineau makes pitch for billions in defence spending: Regional lobbying for increased federal support for the defence industry.
• Opinion: Ottawa wants big defence industry champions. That’s a costly mistake: Viewpoint on Canada’s defence industry policy approach.
• Canada helms G7 talks on critical mineral alliance after U.S.-China détente: Multilateral negotiations influenced by major global trade shifts.
• Opinion: How Canada can properly use China as a hedge against Trump: Analysis of Canada’s trade posture amid Sino-U.S. dynamics.
• Opinion: U.S. Ambassador’s outburst is one more punch in the face from the neighbourhood bully: Editorial assessment of diplomatic tensions.
• Showcasing Alberta in the Middle East: Trade mission led by Alberta’s Premier to Saudi Arabia and UAE.

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