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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Freight & Ports? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Aviation and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-08-31 to 2025-09-06

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canadian Coast Guard Integrated with National Defence to Strengthen Maritime Security

The Department of National Defence announced the integration of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) into the Defence Team—effective September 2. The CCG will continue as a civilian Special Operating Agency, but its personnel and capabilities will now coordinate directly with Defence, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Canadian Armed Forces. The move is designed to improve operational collaboration within the federal government, particularly for safeguarding Canadian waters and coastlines. The CCG’s responsibilities—including search and rescue, icebreaking, environmental response, and safe navigation—remain unchanged. The government also intends to expand the CCG’s mandate to include maritime security activities under Bill C-2, which is currently before Parliament. The announcement positions the CCG to contribute to national security efforts, enhance information sharing and joint operations, and address emerging challenges, especially in Arctic and northern regions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative Expanded in British Columbia

On September 5, PacifiCan unveiled the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in British Columbia, aimed at assisting small- and medium-sized businesses affected by tariff disruptions. The government increased the RTRI national investment from $450 million to $1 billion over three years. The program focuses on boosting productivity, diversifying export markets, optimizing supply chains, and reinforcing domestic trade for qualifying businesses. Delivered through regional development agencies, the RTRI is accessible via PacifiCan’s website, with online applications available from September 15, 2025. This initiative arrives as tariffs continue to cause volatility in export markets and global supply chains.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada’s Fisheries Secure U.S. Market Access under Marine Mammal Protection Act

Minister Joanne Thompson announced on September 3 that all Canadian fisheries met the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act’s comparability findings, enabling ongoing export of fish and seafood to the U.S. market. Confirmation from NOAA allows Canadian industry to maintain access, with sector stakeholders playing a role in area closures, ghost gear removal, and whale-safe gear testing. Canada has removed 2,474 tons of ghost gear from its waters as part of its North Atlantic right whale management regime. The government is preparing to roll out Canada’s WhaleSafe Gear Strategy, working with industry and other partners to mitigate marine mammal risks and continue supporting trade and fisheries sustainability.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Made in Canada: Ferries and Rail Summit Focuses on Domestic Manufacturing and Supply Chains

Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland issued a statement on September 2 following the Made in Canada Ferries and Rail Summit in Hamilton, Ontario. Stakeholders from rail, marine, steel, and aluminum sectors discussed increasing the use of Canadian materials in train and ferry construction. Participants considered barriers to domestic infrastructure development and ways to strengthen supply chains on the heels of the One Canadian Economy Act, which removed interprovincial trade obstacles. The summit reinforced priorities for building ferry and rail assets domestically, with the federal government seeking targeted measures to create a reliable Canadian market for industry stakeholders.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New Movement Controls for Oyster Diseases in Eastern Canadian Provinces

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency introduced new movement controls for oysters on September 2 across Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Québec, responding to detections of MSX and Dermo aquatic animal diseases. The controls designate these provinces’ waters as areas where MSX and Dermo are present or probable, affecting oyster transport. Oysters grown to commercial size and processed for consumption remain eligible for movement and export, while those not ready for market may not be transported outside declared areas. Permits are no longer required for intra-region movements, simplifying logistics for growers, harvesters, and processors, while Fisheries and Oceans Canada and provincial authorities continue managing oyster transfers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Seizes 349 kg of Cocaine at Blue Water Bridge, Charges Laid

The Canada Border Services Agency reported two cocaine seizures totaling 349 kg at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario, following commercial truck inspections in August. Suspects Gurjeet Singh and Abdikadir Egal were charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and transferred to the RCMP. Estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $43.7 million. Both individuals face charges of importation and possession for trafficking and await trial at the Ontario Court of Justice. Investigations are ongoing.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Forces Participate in Multilateral Maritime Activity in Philippine Waters

On September 4, the Canadian Armed Forces confirmed participation in a multilateral maritime cooperative activity conducted alongside Australia, the Philippines, and the United States in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Naval and air units—including His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ville de Québec—conducted operations, promoting lawful uses of the sea and freedom of navigation under international conventions. Canada’s continued involvement in these exercises supports interoperability and presence in the Indo-Pacific security landscape.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Reports on Fertilizer Shipments and Merchandise Trade

Statistics Canada released fertilizer shipment data for the third and fourth quarters of 2024/2025, including production, shipment, and market inventories. In July 2025, Canada’s merchandise exports increased 0.9% while imports declined by 0.7%, resulting in a reduced trade deficit of $4.9 billion versus $6.0 billion in June.

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

Update to Commercial Insurance Assumption Reinsurance Agreement

St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company gave notice on September 6 of its intention to apply for approval to have Travelers Insurance Company of Canada reinsure its commercial insurance business (excluding surety and home warranty) as of October 7, 2025. Policyholders may review the agreement at its Toronto office for 30 days or request copies by mail or email.

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

Canadian Foreign Post Indexes Published for September 2025

Statistics Canada made new data available for Canadian foreign post indexes, reflecting September 2025 rates and trends.

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

US Federal GR News

President Trump Modifies Reciprocal Tariffs and Announces U.S.-EU and U.S.-Japan Trade Agreements

President Trump signed a new executive order on September 5 that modifies the scope of reciprocal tariffs and details implementation procedures for trade and security agreements, updating Annex II of prior orders and adjusting the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The order covers new conditions under which tariffs can be reduced for aligned trade partners. On the same day, a fact sheet confirmed additions and exclusions for tariff exemptions, with new duties imposed on select aluminum, resin, and silicone goods and exemptions for bullion-related articles and critical minerals. The Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP) list outlines products eligible for adjustments in future deals.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries on U.S. Imports

Effective August 29, the Department of Homeland Security suspended the duty-free de minimis exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) for shipments valued at $800 or less, except postal shipments, citing ongoing national emergencies related to drug trafficking and trade deficits. Non-postal shipments entering the U.S. must be declared via ACE, and all applicable duties paid. For postal shipments, new duty rates apply, with ad valorem calculations or set charges ($80-$200/item), varying by origin.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Maritime Commission Posts Agreements and Complaint Assignment

On September 3, the Federal Maritime Commission gave public notice of new agreements under the Shipping Act of 1984: the Caribbean Shipowners Association saw membership updates and administrative changes; the Florida Shipowners Group Agreement changed expense-sharing arrangements. Separately, the agency posted assignment of a complaint from Southern International Co., Ltd. against Daynamez Group of Companies LLC involving alleged non-payment on 558 containers, fund misappropriation, and regulatory breaches.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Surface Transportation Board Announces 2025 Fee Updates for Licensing and Services

On September 5, the Surface Transportation Board published its 2025 fee schedule update, effective October 5. Of 135 fees, 60 will increase, 2 decrease, and 73 remain the same. Fee changes are based on a cost study formula encompassing salary, publication, and overhead. These adjustments affect licensing, filings, tariff examinations, record checks, abandonment proceedings, and other services. Fees now range from $26 for certificates to over $2 million for complex rail licensing or merger applications.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Updates to U.S. Postal Products and Competitive Service Agreements

The Postal Regulatory Commission posted several notices between September 2 and September 5 regarding new and amended competitive service agreements. Various contracts for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage were filed, some under public proceedings and others as standardized products. The agency encouraged public comment by specified deadlines, with filings accessible via its online system.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov, U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Québec Invests in Road Infrastructure for Cheechoo Mining Project

On September 5, Québec’s government invested $600,000, matched by Sirios Resources Inc., to improve an access road to the Cheechoo gold project in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, enabling year-round passage for trucks and supporting northern mining sector and Cree community access.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Saskatchewan Addresses Postal Service Disruptions

The Government of Saskatchewan announced that ministries and Crown corporations are working to reduce postal service disruptions, with updated policies and expanded French-language website content for improved communication.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Manitoba sees opportunity in the Port of Churchill. Industry experts aren’t sold: Coverage of Manitoba’s efforts to leverage infrastructure investments at the Port of Churchill.
• 25-year-old formula dictates how grain moves across Western Canada, drawing criticism: Analysis of grain rail transport regulation and the debate on its relevance.
• Opinion: A renewed Port of Churchill will be a game-changer for Canada: Editorial commentary on Churchill’s strategic future.
• Postal traffic to U.S. sank 80% after Trump administration ended exemption on low-value parcels: Reporting the sharp decline in cross-border postal volumes due to U.S. tariff changes.
• Tariffs hit GDP, Ottawa tries to talk trade with the U.S. and Canada Post reports biggest quarterly loss ever: Must-read business stories: Summary of trade tensions and Canada Post financial results.
• N.S. ports need major upgrades to support offshore wind industry, study finds: Nova Scotia ports assessed for wind sector infrastructure readiness.
• The fight to preserve North American trade is just beginning: A guide to the USMCA renewal talks: Guidance on emerging USMCA renewal negotiations and key trade issues.

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