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.

Dates: 2025-06-15 to 2025-06-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Replacement Worker Ban Comes Into Force in Federally Regulated Workplaces

Bill C-58, prohibiting the use of replacement workers during strikes or lockouts in federally regulated workplaces, is now in force as of June 20, 2025. Employers and unions must agree within 15 days of notice to bargain on which activities must continue during work stoppages to protect health and safety; if not, the Canada Industrial Relations Board will rule on what, if any, activities must be maintained. These changes are positioned to impact collective bargaining practices across federally regulated freight, rail, marine, postal, and air sectors. The maintenance of activities process is formally codified, potentially affecting logistics continuity during industrial actions. The amendments are expected to affect operations and risk planning for employers and unions, with a direct bearing on labour relations within the freight and ports industry.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Launches 2025 Arctic Summer Season

Seven Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers will operate in the Arctic from June through November 2025, supporting annual Northern community resupply, search and rescue, and pollution response. Deployments include CCGS Pierre Radisson, Henry Larsen, Amundsen, Des Groseilliers, Jean Goodwill, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and Louis S. St-Laurent, with missions ranging from science support to U.S. Pituffik Space Base resupply.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CITT Finds Reasonable Indication of Injury from Dumping of Steel Wire

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal ruled on June 19 that there is a reasonable indication that dumped carbon or alloy steel wire from ten countries—including China, Taiwan, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, Malaysia, and Vietnam—has caused injury to the domestic industry. This finding follows an investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency under the Special Import Measures Act. The CBSA will continue its inquiry, with a preliminary determination expected by July 21, 2025. The outcome may influence pricing and sourcing strategies for infrastructure projects reliant on these products.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

S-100 Digital Maritime Navigation Trials Commence on St. Lawrence River

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, through the Canadian Hydrographic Service, launched S-100 Sea Trials on the St. Lawrence River this week. The S-100 data model, a standard from the International Hydrographic Organization, integrates real-time navigational data—including depths, currents, tides—into dynamic, interactive digital products. S-100 navigation tools are available for free trial through November 2025. The St. Lawrence's complex waterway conditions will serve as a key testbed for adoption, with feedback expected to guide wider implementation of S-100 digital navigation standards, affecting marine traffic management, cargo route optimization, and vessel operations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Imposes Largest-Ever Maritime and Economic Sanctions on Russia

On June 17, Canada introduced new sanctions targeting 77 individuals and 39 entities, including extensive restrictions on Russian-linked vessels and almost 1,000 additional items under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations. The ship-related sanctions now cover over 300 vessels associated with Russia's 'shadow fleet' and introduce new prohibitions on service provision. New import and export controls include sensitive technologies with dual-use applications and certain metals, with expected operational repercussions for entities engaged in international shipping, logistics, and vessel chartering.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Monthly Survey Data Released: April Crude Oil and Petroleum Transport and Storage

Statistics Canada's Monthly Energy Transportation and Storage Survey for April 2025 is now available, providing updated figures on the movement and storage of crude oil and liquid petroleum products. The dataset is relevant for pipeline, marine, and rail operators engaged in bulk liquids handling.

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

Statistics Canada Updates: Ocean Condition Account Published

Statistics Canada has published the latest Census of Environment: Ocean condition account, outlining conditions of ocean waters around Canada as of June 17. The account includes data relevant to marine ecosystem management and could influence long-term strategies for maritime operators.

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

US Federal GR News

White House Issues Permit for Expansion of Eagle Pass, TX-Mexico Bridge Land Port of Entry

President Trump has approved a Presidential Permit for the City of Eagle Pass, Texas, authorizing the expansion of the Camino Real International Bridge at the U.S.-Mexico border. The permit, dated June 20, includes a new span with six vehicle lanes and prescribes facility requirements, environmental compliance, and donor-funded infrastructure.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

FMCSA Renews Exemption: Oversize/Overweight Loads Rest Break for Specialized Carriers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has provisionally renewed the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association's exemption from the 30-minute rest break under 49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(ii), effective June 17 through December 17, 2025, with public comments accepted until July 21. The exemption covers interstate drivers transporting OS/OW loads requiring permits, contingent on satisfactory safety ratings and detailed incident reporting.

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

FRA Releases Notices on Fatigue Management, Blocked Crossings Data Collections

The Federal Railroad Administration has issued notice for comment regarding two information collection activities. First, a reduction in annual paperwork burden is noted for Fatigue Risk Management Programs required for certain passenger and Class I and ISP railroads; most Class Is have filed their initial plans, but amendments and evaluations continue. Second, the FRA seeks continued approval of the Blocked Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Inquiry, which tracks voluntary public reporting on blocked crossings—recently increasing by 543 annual respondent-hours.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Saskatchewan Raises Short Line Rail Infrastructure Investment by 88 Percent

The Government of Saskatchewan has allocated $1 million for short line rail infrastructure this year—an 88% increase, bringing the total private-public investment to $2 million for 2025-26. Funds will underwrite track upgrades, bridge maintenance, and expansion projects.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan and Alberta Urge Federal Policy Changes on Trade and Resources

Premiers Danielle Smith (Alberta) and Scott Moe (Saskatchewan) have called for federal action to remove trade barriers and address tariffs imposed by China and the U.S. on Canadian goods, arguing for improved economic opportunity and resource development.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

CBSA Seeking Public Feedback on Accessibility via Online Questionnaire

The Canada Border Services Agency launched a national consultation on June 16 to collect feedback related to accessibility issues at CBSA facilities and border service operations. The online questionnaire will be open until July 13, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Parm Bains published on June 17 that Canada is leading globally on next-generation digital navigation standards, referencing layered data systems for marine trade and connected rail services.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On June 17, MP Parm Bains publicized Rail Canada’s Hill Day, focusing on the role of rail in supporting port access and export expansion.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Dan Albas posted on June 16 that he has formally called on the Transport Committee to take a position against BC Ferries contracting with a Chinese state-owned firm for vessel construction, citing Canadian shipbuilding and steel industry impacts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda, during a Committee of the Whole review of Bill C-5, questioned the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade on the legislation’s capacity to improve productivity by eliminating federal barriers to interprovincial trade in goods and services.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• DHL suspends operations across Canada amid heated contract dispute: Coverage on DHL’s nationwide shutdown in response to labour unrest.
• DHL Express to suspend operations countrywide amid strike, lockout: National labour dispute leads to suspension in Canada’s parcel and courier segment.
• Saskatchewan premier pitches ’port-to-port corridor’ to connect northern Pacific and Arctic coasts: Saskatchewan’s initiative for Northern logistics infrastructure.
• Alberta, Saskatchewan premiers push for port-to-port corridor as Carney touts energy security at G7: Regional collaboration on freight corridors in context of global energy security discussions.
• The 12th GLA Global Logistics Conference: A New Chapter in International Logistics Cooperation: International stakeholders meet on the future of global logistics.