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 updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Interim Order Expands Compulsory Pilotage for Crude Oil Tankers in Pacific Region

Transport Canada issued Interim Order No. 2 for Area 2 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority Region on May 1, 2025, citing urgent safety, health, and environmental concerns. The order expands the designated compulsory pilotage area, with detailed boundary coordinates, and limits compulsory pilotage within the extended area to laden crude oil tankers with summer deadweight tonnage of 40,000 or more. Ships must now provide additional cargo information in their advance notice. The new order supersedes the previous interim order from May 2024 and will remain in effect for 30 days from issuance.

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

Tribunal Terminates Injury Inquiry into U.S. Renewable Diesel

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal announced on May 5, 2025, that its investigation into alleged dumping and subsidizing of renewable diesel imports from the United States has been terminated. The Tribunal found no reasonable indication of injury or threat to the domestic industry. Consequently, the Canada Border Services Agency will end its related investigations, and no final injury inquiry will proceed.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Remission Order Eases Surtax Burden for Certain U.S. Imports

The United States Surtax Remission Order (2025), registered April 16 and published May 7, 2025, grants remission of surtaxes on certain U.S. imports for designated organizations, including health and emergency services, defence, and security agencies, as well as for goods used in manufacturing, processing, or packaging in Canada. The order applies to goods imported before October 16, 2025, and claims must be filed within two years of importation. The Canada Border Services Agency will process remission claims, aiming for a 90-day standard.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca, Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Canadian Merchandise Trade Deficit Narrows in March

Statistics Canada reported on May 6, 2025, that Canada’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $506 million in March, down from $1.4 billion in February. Exports decreased by 0.2%, while imports fell by 1.5%. The data indicate a reduction in the trade gap for the month.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Chief Mountain Port of Entry Reopens for Summer

The Canada Border Services Agency announced the seasonal reopening of the Chief Mountain port of entry in Alberta, operating from May 15 to September 30, 2025, with varying daily hours.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

HMCS Margaret Brooke Returns from Antarctic Deployment

HMCS Margaret Brooke concluded Operation PROJECTION, the first Royal Canadian Navy vessel deployment to Antarctica, supporting scientific research and strengthening international partnerships.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CFIA Marks International Day of Plant Health

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency acknowledged the International Day of Plant Health, noting the role of cargo transport in spreading invasive species and outlining ongoing inspection and risk assessment activities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Foreign Post Indexes for May Released

Statistics Canada released updated Canadian foreign post indexes for May 2025, providing data valuable for global logistics and cost calculations.

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

Annual Montreal Port Authority Meeting Reviews 2024 Operations

The Montreal Port Authority’s annual meeting summarized 2024 operational results, focusing on the port’s performance amid a volatile global trade environment.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

CN Presents 2024 Safe Handling Award to Rail Shippers

CN recognized 213 rail shippers for safe handling practices in 2024, reflecting operational standards across the rail freight sector.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Enforces Licensing on Aggregate Resource Operations

Ontario fined Crosstown Construction Inc. $187,500 after convicting the company for operating a pit without a license under the Aggregate Resources Act, following an investigation involving surveillance and search warrants.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Kody Blois Meets Halifax Port Leadership on Regional Projects

MP Kody Blois met with Halifax Port Authority executives to discuss infrastructure, competitiveness, and the port’s regional economic impact.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Maninder Sidhu Promotes Trade Diversification Corridors Fund

MP Maninder Sidhu referenced the $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, noting its intent to address infrastructure bottlenecks and expand Canada’s trade capacity.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP James Maloney Discusses Canada–Ukraine Courier Sector Collaboration

MP James Maloney met with representatives from Ukraine’s Nova Poshta, noting the company’s use of solar-powered offices and ongoing business ties with Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com