Good morning! This is 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 government-related updates in this space.

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Start Date: 2025-04-27
End Date: 2025-05-03

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CBSA Launches Dumping Investigation on Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Imports

The Canada Border Services Agency has initiated an investigation under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) into alleged injurious dumping of carbon and alloy steel wire from China, Taiwan, India, Italy, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam. Imports of these wires, classified under a comprehensive list of tariff numbers, are now subject to a preliminary inquiry by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) to determine potential injury to domestic producers. Interested parties may submit arguments and evidence by August 29, 2025. If the CITT finds no reasonable indication of injury, the investigation will terminate; otherwise, the process continues, potentially impacting tariff rates and import procedures for related goods.

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

Interim Order Imposes Vessel Speed Limits to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

Transport Canada has issued an Interim Order effective April 16, 2025, imposing a 10-knot speed limit for vessels over 13 meters in length within designated zones in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to protect North Atlantic right whales. The order specifies exemptions for certain government and fishing vessels, with dynamic enforcement based on whale detections. Notices and navigational warnings will regulate the duration and application of speed restrictions, with the Canadian Coast Guard responsible for broadcasting updates. The order applies to commercial marine traffic and may affect schedules and operational planning for vessels transiting affected regions.

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

Trade Commissioner Service Rolls Out Support Tools for Exporters Facing U.S. Tariffs

Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service has launched new online resources and a dedicated hotline to assist Canadian exporters with compliance under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The initiative offers guidance on rules of origin, certification, and customs procedures, targeting businesses affected by recent U.S. tariffs. Small and medium-sized enterprises can access real-time advice via the toll-free number provided, Monday through Friday.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Freight Rail Services Price Index for April 2025 Now Available

Statistics Canada released April’s Freight Rail Services Price Index (2018=100), providing updated data for sector benchmarking and contract referencing.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Couriers and Messengers Services Price Index Released for March 2025

Statistics Canada has published the Couriers and Messengers Services Price Index (2019=100) for March, updating cost trends for logistics and delivery operations.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

CBSA Reminds Boaters of Border Reporting Obligations for Upcoming Season

With boating season approaching, the CBSA issued a reminder regarding reporting requirements for all private boaters entering or navigating Canadian waters. Non-compliance may result in fines or vessel seizure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

New Brunswick Begins Early Ferry Service to Campobello Island Amid Tariff Dispute

The Government of New Brunswick initiated early ferry operations to Campobello Island on May 1, supported by the Regional Development Corporation, to mitigate travel disruptions linked to ongoing Canada-U.S. tariff tensions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Nova Scotia Premier to Lead Trade Mission to Spain and United Kingdom

Premier Tim Houston and Minister Kent Smith will promote Nova Scotia’s seafood sector in Spain and the UK starting May 4, including participation at Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona and meetings in London.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Observes National Day of Mourning for Workers

Nova Scotia marked the National Day of Mourning on April 28, commemorating workers who lost their lives or suffered injuries, including those in port and maritime settings.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Irek Kusmierczyk References Ambassador Bridge and U.S. Tariffs in Windsor-Essex

MP Irek Kusmierczyk highlighted the region’s role in addressing Donald Trump’s tariffs during a campaign rally at the Ambassador Bridge.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Parrish & Heimbecker expands with new marine terminal at Port of Quebec: Company opens new terminal, increasing grain export capacity.
• Meet the frazzled customs brokers on the front lines of a trade war: Article examines operational pressures for customs brokers under current U.S.-Canada tariff environment.
• Cargo numbers for Port of Halifax in 2024: Report reviews volume statistics and trends at the Port of Halifax for the past year.
• Are U.S. ports ‘ghost towns’ thanks to Trump’s tariffs?: Broadcast investigates the impact of recent U.S. tariffs on activity levels at American ports.