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: 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-22

📋 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

• FAAE Committee meeting to review Canada's Africa Strategy: House Foreign Affairs Committee meets November 20 at 15:30 with witnesses Cheryl Urban (Department of Foreign Affairs), Andrew Smith, Susan Steffen, and Sara Nicholls, to study Africa Strategy and related partnerships.
• CIIT Committee continues CUSMA review and trade diversification study: International Trade Committee convenes November 17 at 15:30 with officials Sara Wilshaw, Aaron Fowler, and David Hutchison focusing on CUSMA review preparations and trade strategies beyond the United States.
• INDU Committee examines Defence Industrial Strategy: Industry Committee meets November 19 at 16:32 with testimony from L3Harris Canada, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, and Quantum Industry Canada on procurement and defense sector innovation.
• PROC Committee addresses expatriate voting rights and ballot logistics: Procedure and House Affairs Committee meets November 18 at 11:00 with Professors Lucia Kovacikova and Lori Turnbull, examining special ballot logistics for Canadians abroad and reforms to increase participation.
• Senate LCJC committee studies Statutes Repeal Act deferrals: Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee meets November 19 at 16:15 chaired by Senator Denise Batters, with Department of Justice and Global Affairs Canada witnesses reviewing statute deferral justifications.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canada advances Indo-Pacific Strategy focusing on trade and defence

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, chaired by Peter Boehm, convened November 19 with testimony from Global Affairs Canada and experts including Weldon Epp and Valérie Samaan. The committee examined Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy after 30 months of implementation, including recent developments in defense partnerships, Canada-Indonesia CEPA, and cybersecurity initiatives. Engagement with ASEAN and recalibrated relationships with China and India were discussed, along with energy and mineral sector opportunities. Strategic advantages in food and energy security lay at the core of panel input. A strategy update aligns with priorities set by Prime Minister Carney. External experts outlined geopolitical competition and non-traditional security threats. Senators queried private sector involvement and the effectiveness of diaspora engagement, as well as the importance of close coordination with the United States.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canada signs ICE Pact with Finland and United States for icebreaker collaboration

On November 18, Canada entered into the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact with Finland and the United States to strengthen trilateral industrial cooperation in icebreaker production. The agreement, signed in Washington, D.C., outlines joint action in icebreaker construction, workforce development, R&D, and international engagement. Canadian shipyards are integral given their expertise and large fleet. The ICE Pact builds upon a 2024 MoU and the US fleet renewal initiative, with further industry engagement scheduled for November 20. Meetings will set steps to implement the pact’s objectives supporting domestic industry and Arctic sovereignty.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Sweden reaffirm support for Ukraine

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, on November 17, hosted King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden for a Canada-Sweden event in Ottawa. The agenda centered on joint support for Ukraine’s resilience. The event included discussions with Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and Ukrainian-Canadian community representatives, maintaining a bilateral focus on aiding Ukraine while collaborating on policy in the context of ongoing conflict.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada pledges $1.02 billion to Global Fund for HIV, TB, and malaria

On November 21, Cindy Termorshuizen, Deputy Minister for the G7 Summit, announced Canada’s $1.02 billion pledge over three years (2026–2028) to the Global Fund. The funding, confirmed at an event in Johannesburg, is intended for programs combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in low- and middle-income countries. In 2024, the Global Fund helped millions access medicines and treated tuberculosis, while distributing over 162 million mosquito nets. Canada’s support is framed as a recalibrated contribution to global disease response and preparedness for future health threats.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada strengthens ties and invests $76.45 million in Philippines and ASEAN

Secretary of State Randeep Sarai concluded a Philippines visit during which Canada announced $76.45 million for 12 development projects across the Philippines, ASEAN states, and the Indo-Pacific region. The funding reaches initiatives in climate resilience, health systems, economic growth, disaster relief, and supply chain productivity, including additional support for the Red Cross and humanitarian funds. A bilateral letter of understanding sets annual consultative priorities in climate action, disaster management, energy security, and trade. Key cabinet meetings in the Philippines solidified collaboration in clean energy, agriculture, nuclear, and mining. The visit included site inspections such as the Loboc River Watershed and meetings with Indigenous producers and private sector representatives.

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

Canada-Germany $1B defence export agreement for combat management system

Minister Maninder Sidhu announced on November 17 that the Canadian Commercial Corporation signed a government-to-government contract with Germany for Lockheed Martin Canada's CMS 330 combat management system valued at over $1 billion. Originally developed for Canadian Halifax-class frigates, CMS 330 will equip German naval vessels, establishing closer defense procurement ties. The deal expands Canadian exports and supports military modernization across Europe, in line with the Canada-EU Security and Defence Partnership.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada signs Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with Ukraine

Canada Border Services Agency announced its Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement with Ukraine, signed August 24, now in ratification. The CMAA supports information-sharing and global border management, with existing agreements linking Canada to multiple countries including France, the US, and China. Each CMAA provides for data confidentiality and secure exchange to prevent customs offenses and strengthen supply chain security.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu concludes visit to India advancing trade and investment

On November 17, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu concluded meetings in India, reinforcing bilateral trade and investment ties. Engagements with Indian cabinet and business leaders focused on critical minerals, digital industries, agriculture, and energy. Sidhu and India’s Minister of Commerce renewed the Canada-India Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment. The visit emphasized supply chain collaboration and trade diversification, connecting the bilateral partnership to G7 summit discussions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of National Defence releases final External Monitor report on culture change

Minister David McGuinty published the sixth and final External Monitor report on November 20, assessing progress by the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in implementing Louise Arbour’s IECR recommendations. As of November, 36 out of 48 recommendations are addressed, with full implementation targeted by December 2025. Key milestones include probationary recruitment periods, repeal of Duty to Report, free legal assistance for survivors of sexual misconduct, and improvements to the CAF grievance system. Bill C-11, tabled September 2025, aims to remove military jurisdiction over sexual offences. Institutional response and administrative processes were flagged for further improvement.

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

Canadian Provincial Government News

Ontario and Maryland expand economic cooperation in tech and clean energy

Ontario signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with Maryland to promote trade and collaboration in life sciences, IT, and clean energy sectors, reinforcing shared economic goals and reducing trade barriers.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario invests $16.5 million to support tariff-affected manufacturers

Ontario dedicated $16.5 million in the Ontario Together Trade Fund to help manufacturers adapt to US tariffs, aiming to reshore supply chains and protect 1,200 jobs across the province.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia launches ‘Look West’ strategy for economic growth

BC’s 10-year Look West plan targets $200 billion private investment and doubles trades training funding by 2028–29, with strategies to improve permitting and sector diversification.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC forestry trade mission expands partnerships in Japan and South Korea

A BC delegation visited Japan and South Korea, forging three MOUs for mid-rise wood construction and mass-timber building, deepening market access for BC forestry companies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Saskatchewan boosts trade and indigenous collaboration at Port of Churchill

Manitoba and Canada are investing $262.5 million over five years for the Port of Churchill Plus, including $51 million to Arctic Gateway Group for rail line upgrades and mineral storage.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

No eligible US federal stories for this period

No US federal announcements, White House releases, or Federal Register notices matching industry criteria were identified for the period.

Sources:

What We're Reading This Week

• Adam Zivo: Japan’s Iron Lady shows how Canada should handle China: Analysis of Japan’s approach to Chinese relations and its implications for Canadian policy.
• Opinion: Sweden offers Canada a chance to revive its near-dead defence aerospace industry: Commentary on Sweden’s offer and the state of Canadian defense manufacturing.
• Democracies are facing unprecedented challenges, defence minister tells Halifax security forum: Coverage of remarks at the Halifax International Security Forum.
• Sweden looking for Canadian partnership to ramp up fighter, surveillance plane production: Report on Sweden’s defense industry overtures towards Canada.
• U.S. ambassador calls F-35s ‘phenomenal success’ as Canada considers Swedish fighter jets: Diplomatic perspectives on fighter procurement.
• America is being left behind in this key area. Canada might be too if doesn’t stop following Trump: Editorial on North American competitiveness.
• G7 security ministers in Ottawa to talk organized crime, migrant smuggling, drugs: Reporting from the international security summit in Ottawa.
• Diplomacy through science: Inquiry into scientific collaboration as an instrument of foreign affairs.
• U.S. ambassador resents meddling in foreign electoral politics, but Trump doesn't seem to mind doing so: Story about election interference and diplomatic attitudes.
• Travel between Canada and other countries, September 2025: Data note: September travel volumes show more US residents entering Canada than the reverse across the summer.

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