Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning trucking, rail, and shipping, ports, cargo terminals, international and interprovincial logistics.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-16
End Date: 2025-03-22

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Transport Canada Invests in Northern Marine Infrastructure

Transport Canada announced an investment of up to $57.8 million through the Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure in Northern Communities Initiative. This funding is part of Canada's Oceans Protection Plan, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in sealift and resupply operations across 47 Arctic and Northern communities. The initiative includes projects in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories, focusing on spill response systems, storage facilities, and local infrastructure enhancements.

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

Support for Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill

A $175 million investment over five years has been announced by Transport Canada to support the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR) and the Port of Churchill, owned by Arctic Gateway Group. This investment aims to ensure reliable transportation in northern Manitoba, supporting Indigenous reconciliation and economic development. The HBR and the port are crucial for supplying northern Manitoba and Nunavut, and for connecting communities and fostering the development of critical minerals and tourism.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Shipbuilding Strategy Celebrates 15 Years

Marking 15 years of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada highlighted the contributions of Ontario Shipyards to the program. Since 2010, Canadian shipyards have delivered numerous vessels to the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard, contributing approximately $38.7 billion to the GDP and supporting over 21,400 jobs annually. Ontario Shipyards' ongoing projects include life extension work on Canadian Coast Guard ships, underlining the strategy's significant economic and security benefits.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

CBSA Prevents Cocaine Smuggling at Blue Water Bridge

On March 19, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the seizure of 419 kg of suspected cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario with an estimated street value of $11 million. Two commercial shipments from the United States were intercepted based on intelligence from the CBSA’s National Targeting Centre. The RCMP charged Pawandeep Dhillon and Ravinderbir Singh under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The cases are currently before the Ontario Court of Justice.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Levy on Crude Oil Shipments Announced

The Canada Transportation Act has set a levy of $2.12 per tonne for crude oil shipments by rail, effective April 1, 2025. This levy contributes to the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Spring Weight Restrictions in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's spring weight restrictions on secondary highways begin March 21, reducing allowable vehicle weights by 10-15% to protect road infrastructure during thaw.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Funding Agreement for Chignecto Isthmus

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canadian government reached a funding agreement for the Chignecto Isthmus, a key trade corridor, with each province committing $162.5 million over 10 years.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Anita Anand Highlights Shipbuilding Strategy

MP Anita Anand noted the National Shipbuilding Strategy's contribution of over $38 billion to GDP and the creation of 21,000 jobs, emphasizing its role in enhancing maritime safety.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Ali Ehsassi Recognizes Ontario Shipyards

MP Ali Ehsassi acknowledged Ontario Shipyards' partnership in Canada's shipbuilding industry during a visit marking the 15th anniversary of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Global News: Maritime ports preparing for slowdown if U.S. tariffs are fully imposed.
• The Globe and Mail: Support for the Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill Canada.