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: 2025-11-02 to 2025-11-08

📋 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

• Upcoming: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE): Meeting No. 11 on November 4 included witnesses from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. Topics included the Gaza cease-fire, humanitarian aid, sanctions, and Canada's diplomatic efforts and budget approval on Jimmy Lai’s detention study.
• Upcoming: Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA): Meeting No. 10 on November 5 discussed the crisis in Haiti and Canada’s peacekeeping role. Ian Myles (Global Affairs Canada) presented, focusing on humanitarian aid, UN-backed suppression force, sanctions, and Canada’s donor position.
• Upcoming: Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT): Meeting No. 12 on November 6 saw representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Manac Inc., discussing CUSMA review, food security, trade barriers, and U.S. tariffs.
• Upcoming: Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU): Meeting No. 13 on November 5 featured expert testimony on industrial capacity, defence innovation, Arctic strategy, energy exports, and procurement policy.
• Upcoming: Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (SECD): Meeting No. 5 on November 3 hosted Janis Sarts (NATO Strategic Communications) and Anayit Khoperiya (Ukraine) on information warfare, disinformation, AI, and international cooperation.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canada and the Philippines Sign Status of Visiting Forces Agreement

On November 2, 2025, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) in Manila. The agreement formalizes Canada-Philippines defence cooperation, building upon the January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. SOVFA will allow greater engagement, enabling joint operations and multinational exercises within each country. The Philippines, identified as a key defence partner in the Indo-Pacific, facilitates Canada’s security objectives in partnership with ASEAN members. The announcement underscored Canada’s support for regional stability and active involvement in Indo-Pacific affairs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand Announces Participants for G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara

On November 6, Minister Anita Anand announced the roster for the upcoming G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara, Ontario, November 11-12, 2025. In addition to G7 members and the European Union, Canada will host outreach ministers from Australia, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, and Ukraine. The meeting agenda centers on maritime security, energy, economic resilience, and critical minerals, reflecting Canada’s broader efforts to shape the G7 agenda on global challenges.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada-Pakistan Joint Statement Expands Bilateral Economic Partnership

On November 3, Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar released a joint statement following bilateral talks. The statement confirmed export facilitation of Canadian canola to Pakistan, and the successful completion of initial negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Both sides expressed interest in expanding collaboration in energy security and critical minerals. Upcoming bilateral consultations aim to reinforce ties in government and private sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Deepens Trade and Investment Links in Indo-Pacific Region

Minister Maninder Sidhu joined Prime Minister Carney at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and visited Singapore, engaging with regional business leaders and officials. The Canadian delegation committed to accelerating negotiations on a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, with a goal to conclude talks in 2026. Bilateral FTA talks will also begin with Thailand and the Philippines. At the APEC Ministerial Meeting, Sidhu advocated for digital cooperation and the integration of artificial intelligence to spur productivity and growth. The government reaffirmed its commitment to a rules-based global trading system and met senior officials, including China’s Minister of Commerce and WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Sources: www.canada.ca

APEC Ministerial Meeting: Canada Condemns Russia’s Action in Ukraine

On November 2, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand issued a joint statement following the APEC Ministerial Meeting in the Republic of Korea. The statement condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing consequences for regional food and energy security. The three nations reiterated support for peace, stability, and APEC’s commitment to open and resilient economic cooperation. The countries encouraged continued international efforts, with reference to U.S. and European peace initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Launches FIPA Talks and Joint Economic Commission with Saudi Arabia

Minister Maninder Sidhu welcomed Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih and a delegation to Ottawa, launching negotiations on a Foreign Investment and Protection Agreement. The two governments reactivated the Joint Economic Commission — a treaty-based vehicle for bilateral trade and investment initiatives. A memorandum of understanding between Export Development Canada and the Saudi EXIM Bank was signed on October 23, targeting increased opportunities across AI, healthcare, mining, infrastructure, and defence sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister MacDonald Concludes First Agricultural Mission to China

Minister Heath MacDonald held meetings in Beijing, Shanghai, and Qingdao with Chinese officials and industry leaders. In Beijing, MacDonald met Minister Sun Meijun of China’s General Administration of Customs, agreeing to renew technical collaboration and a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Discussions focused on market access for Canadian agricultural products and bilateral cooperation in animal health, food safety, and sustainability. MacDonald opened the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office and attended the Canada Pavilion at China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, emphasizing opportunities for Canadian exporters in China’s evolving retail and consumer markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-2026 Table $10.8 Billion in Proposed Spending

The Treasury Board tabled Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025–26, detailing $10.8 billion in proposed spending for 76 organizations. Major allocations include $1.6 billion for dental care, $1.4 billion for treaty negotiations with First Nations, $1.3 billion for Indigenous emergency response reimbursements, and $1.1 billion for the Canadian Armed Forces. Global Affairs Canada is allocated $801.7 million for International Climate Finance, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will receive $621.2 million for asylum seeker health services. These proposals bring the total planned expenditures in 2025-26 to $506.7 billion.

Sources: www.canada.ca

G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to Address Economic and Security Challenges

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the upcoming G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Niagara, joining Canada, the U.K., the EU, and other participants. Discussions are expected to focus on shared security priorities and global economic policy coordination ahead of November 11-12.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Defence Investment Agency Announced to Consolidate Procurement Processes

The new Defence Investment Agency (DIA), detailed at the Government Operations Committee, will operate as a special agency under Services and Procurement Canada, streamlining defence procurement and maximizing domestic industrial benefits. Treasury Board officials presented the agency’s risk-based approach, noting its responsibility for 8% of defence procurements above a $100 million threshold. The DIA is expected to coordinate closely with Canadian industry in alignment with NATO commitments and focus on domestic resource utilization.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Alberta Opens International Office in Abu Dhabi to Expand Reach

Premier Danielle Smith announced Alberta’s new international office in Abu Dhabi, aiming to drive energy, agriculture, and manufacturing partnerships throughout the Middle East.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Showcases Energy Sector at ADIPEC

Alberta’s Premier and Minister Joseph Schow led a delegation including 70 Alberta companies to the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, focusing on energy, manufacturing, and investment opportunities.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Largest B.C. Forestry Trade Mission to Asia Targets Diversification

Minister Ravi Parmar and B.C. forest sector leaders launched a trade mission to Japan and South Korea to open new markets and counter protectionist U.S. tariffs.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada bolsters Indo-Pacific presence with new defence pact with the Philippines: Coverage on the defence agreement and its implications for regional strategy.
• Ottawa plans to spend big on defence. But is there a long-term vision for Canada’s military?: Analysis of ongoing defence spending under Budget 2025.
• Ottawa earmarks billions of dollars for defence as global spending race ramps up: Report on increased defence allocations amid global tensions.
• Opinion: Canada’s paper tiger: A case for more civil enforcement of economic sanctions: Perspective on enforcement of Canadian sanctions.
• Canada-China relations are about more than business: Commentary on the broader dimensions of Canada-China relations.
• Outside powers’ reported backing for Sudan’s warring sides fuels fighting as atrocities mount: Coverage of conflict in Sudan and implications of external involvement.
• Ottawa cutting foreign aid and research spending back to pre-pandemic level: Reporting on shifts in foreign aid and research budgets.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to attend G7 foreign ministers meeting next week: Preview of the high-level G7 session.
• Outside powers' reported backing for Sudan's warring sides helps fuel fighting as atrocities mount: International coverage of Sudan's protracted conflict.

.