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: 2025-09-14 to 2025-09-20

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• International Trade Committee Reviews Canada’s Role in Rules-Based Trade System (Sept 22): On September 22, 2025, the International Trade Committee will meet (3:30–5:30 p.m., televised) to discuss Canada's engagement in international trade and investment rule systems. The session includes witnesses Aaron Fowler (Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch), Lawrence L. Herman (Cassidy Levy Kent LLP), Meredith B. Lilly (Carleton University), and Michael Harvey (Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance).
• Fisheries and Oceans Committee Considers Draft Report on Derelict Vessels (Sept 23): The Fisheries and Oceans Committee meets September 23, 2025 (3:30–5:30 p.m., Room 420, Wellington Building) for in-camera review of the draft report on derelict and abandoned vessels.

Canadian Federal GR News

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Final Injury Inquiry on Steel Strapping Imports

On September 17, 2025, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal began a final injury inquiry regarding steel strapping imported from China, South Korea, Türkiye, and Vietnam. This inquiry is based on notices received from the Canada Border Services Agency about preliminary findings of dumping and subsidizing. The process will determine whether these imported goods have caused, or threaten to cause, injury to Canadian manufacturers. The Tribunal, an independent body reporting to Parliament via the Minister of Finance, is accepting Notices of Participation from interested parties. The final determination will be issued January 14, 2026. Outcomes of this proceeding may affect domestic supply chains and procurement of steel strapping used within container, freight, and port operations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Transport Canada Marks Rail Safety Week 2025

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport, delivered a statement recognizing Rail Safety Week 2025. National programming, such as Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Rail Safety Improvement Program, targets enhanced safety at railway crossings and corridors. Transport Canada inspectors are continuously monitoring adherence to rail safety standards across Canada. Railways remain a critical backbone for the Canadian supply chain, with ongoing vigilance stressed by government regulators. Industry and public stakeholders are encouraged to review safety protocols and incident rates shared as part of the annual update.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Approves Ksi Lisims LNG Marine Terminal Project

On September 15, 2025, Minister Julie Dabrusin, Environment and Climate Change, authorized the Ksi Lisims LNG - Natural Gas Liquefaction and Marine Terminal Project following a substituted federal impact assessment carried out by British Columbia. The project, involving the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Limited Partnership, and Western LNG LLC, now proceeds to the permitting phase. Decision conditions require strict mitigation: adverse effects to fisheries, avian habitats, and Indigenous health must be minimized, and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities is mandated. The project benefited from the 'one project, one review' approach under the Impact Assessment Cooperation Agreement with British Columbia and the Nisga’a Final Agreement. Official statement details are available from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

FedNor Announces Regional Tariff Response Initiative, Doubles Investment

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), under Minister Patty Hajdu, launched the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) for SMEs in Northern Ontario. RTRI is designed to aid businesses in adapting to global market disruptions, offering funding and support to strengthen supply chains and diversify exports. The federal investment in RTRI has been doubled to $1 billion nationwide over three years, delivered through regional development agencies. Supplementary measures include waiving the one-week EI waiting period for 700,000 claimants, and providing extended EI income support for 190,000 long-tenured workers. These initiatives may affect freight, logistics, and warehousing businesses dependent on cross-border and domestic tariff structures.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canada Businesses Conduct Trade Mission to Japan and South Korea

Twenty-eight firms and organizations from Atlantic Canada, supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and four provincial governments, participated in a trade mission to Japan and South Korea from September 14-20. The delegation engaged in supply chain and market expansion activities, including attendance at the Expo 2025 in Osaka. This initiative is funded by the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA), aiming to strengthen commercial relationships, export volumes, and partnerships in advanced Asian economies. Companies in freight logistics and port services may see increased export opportunities and demand for specialized shipping solutions. Official event and funding details are available from ACOA.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project Application Submitted to Canadian Transportation Agency

On September 20, 2025, Transport Canada and the railway operator submitted the official rail bypass application for Lac-Mégantic to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). The application, a necessary step before starting construction, contains environmental studies, consultation records, and a well monitoring plan. CTA will review these materials, with a public consultation process to follow. Final regulatory approvals are pending. The bypass, designed to relocate railway infrastructure outside downtown Lac-Mégantic, is intended to improve safety and operational continuity for regional freight rail. Stakeholders can access documents online during the public consultation period.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Joint Federal-Yukon Investment in Transport Infrastructure and Lake Access

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada announced over $25.6 million in federal and territorial funding for water, sewer, and road upgrades across Faro, Watson Lake, and Haines Junction in Yukon. The initiative also includes construction of a new boat launch in Burwash Landing’s Copper Joe subdivision, expanding lake access for Kluane First Nation citizens and visitors. Project management support is provided by the Yukon government. This infrastructure investment is designed to support local transport, community logistics, and recreational marine use. Updates are outlined in the official news release.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Monthly Survey of Manufacturing, July 2025

Statistics Canada reported a 2.5% increase in manufacturing sales for July 2025, with key growth in the transportation equipment, petroleum and coal product, and primary metal subsectors. The uplift in transportation equipment may signal further activity in freight, rail, and marine components manufacturing. Detailed figures and subsector breakdowns are accessible on the StatCan website.

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

StatsCan Data: Wholesale Trade Results for July

Wholesale trade (excluding petroleum-based products and oilseed/grain) rose by 1.2% to $86.0 billion in July 2025. This performance was driven by wholesalers dealing in durable goods, which are directly relevant to supply chain, distribution centre, and container terminal operations. Industry participants can review the full dataset for segment-specific analysis.

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

StatsCan Publishes July Data on Energy Transportation and Storage

New data for July on the transportation and storage of crude oil and other liquid petroleum products are now available from Statistics Canada. The dataset provides insight into capacity, volumes moved, and stock levels affecting pipelines, rail, and marine energy logistics. These figures feed into broader analyses of freight flow and storage infrastructure trends.

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

StatsCan Releases 2024 Trade Profiles for Rural and Small Town Canada

The Rural Canada Trade Profiles (RCTP) database was updated with establishment counts and trade values for rural and small town Canada. The database tracks numbers of goods-exporting and importing businesses along with the value of goods moved, supporting benchmark comparisons for rural freight and distribution services. Full profiles are available on the StatCan portal.

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

US Federal GR News

U.S. DOT Issues Request for Information on Cargo Theft Prevention

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a Request for Information (RFI) soliciting feedback from industry stakeholders, law enforcement, and government agencies on cargo theft risks and prevention measures. The RFI highlights issues with both opportunistic and organized cargo theft operations affecting all freight modes—highway, rail, maritime, and air. Agencies submit comments by October 20, 2025. DOT seeks input on reporting barriers, interagency coordination, vulnerabilities caused by regulations, and technologies such as GPS tracking and electronic seals. The RFI states DOT's intent to strengthen supply chain security and collaborate with agencies such as DHS, CBP, and USCG, with implications for port operators, freight forwarders, and industrial transport.

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Modernizes Tonnage Tax Procedures

Effective September 16, 2025, CBP published an interim final rule aligning tonnage tax periods with the federal fiscal year rather than on a per-vessel basis. Electronic receipts will replace previous paper-based forms for payment documentation. Paper receipts will remain available when electronic options are unavailable. The rule alters guidance on maximum annual payments and recognition of last foreign ports of call for rate application. According to CBP, the procedural update will reduce calculation errors and administrative workload, with an anticipated annual cost savings of $28,908 and annualized government revenue increase of $310,917. The regulatory change is exempt from advance comment and is expected to improve compliance processes for vessel operators. Stakeholder outreach indicated positive industry feedback.

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

Federal Maritime Commission Receives Complaint Against Ship4wd, Inc.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) received a complaint from Roger Waterloo dba EcoBamboo against Ship4wd, Inc., an Israel-based NVOCC, for alleged violations of the Shipping Act of 1984 regarding contractual obligations for fumigation, phytosanitary certification, import documentation, and third-party agent handling. The case was assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judges with an initial decision due by September 9, 2026. Respondents have 25 days from service to file a reply. Industry participants engaged in trans-Pacific container and cargo operations may refer to the FMC’s Reading Room for case updates.

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

White House Establishes Emergency Board for Long Island Rail Road Labor Dispute

On September 16, 2025, the White House issued an executive order forming an emergency board under Section 9A of the Railway Labor Act to address unresolved labor disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and employees represented by five unions, including the Transportation Communications Union and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. The board will investigate and report within 30 days of appointment, with all parties required to maintain current dispute terms for 120 days, unless otherwise agreed. Administrative records will be managed by the National Mediation Board, and the Department of Transportation covers publication costs. The order pauses potential changes in operations for affected segments of the rail passenger and freight network serving the New York area.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission Announces Competitive Service Contracts and Product Additions

On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service filed multiple requests with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add new domestic shipping agreements to the Mail Classification Schedule's Competitive Products List. The filings include contracts for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage, among others. Dockets from September 8–12, 2025, feature products such as PM-GA 848, PME-PM-GA 1411, and PM-GA 854, with associated negotiated service agreements available at www.prc.gov. The expansion affects rates, coverage, and competitive positioning of the USPS in parcel and bulk mail delivery services.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Saskatchewan Government Responds to Postal Service Disruptions

The Government of Saskatchewan announced ongoing efforts to minimize disruptions to postal services, with translated website content now available for increased access.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Announces $100,000 Short Line Railway Safety Project During Rail Safety Week

A $100,000 pilot project supporting short line railway safety was announced by the Government of Saskatchewan as part of Canada’s Rail Safety Week efforts.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Innovation Saskatchewan Invests $60,000 in Startup TNT for Startup Growth

Innovation Saskatchewan has invested $60,000 in Startup TNT to support early-stage startups with investor connections and capital, targeting growth in the provincial technology sector.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Upgrades Fire Safety Systems in Government Buildings

Recent fire safety system upgrades have been completed in Saskatchewan government buildings to meet modern safety standards and extend facility lifecycle.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Reports Strong Housing Starts Performance

The Government of Saskatchewan reports strong performance in new housing starts, indicating accelerated development in residential construction markets.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

Public Consultation Announced for St-Georges-de-Malbay Breakwater Extension

On September 15, 2025, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Branch opened a public consultation inviting feedback on the planned breakwater extension project at St-Georges-de-Malbay. The consultation closes October 24, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: aeic-iaac.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘It’s the end of an era.’ Businesses fear for their survival after U.S. halts duty-free shipping: Canadian businesses react to changes in U.S. duty-free shipping policies.
• Takeda and VELA to Ship Medicines Across the Atlantic Using First-of-its-Kind Wind-Powered Trimaran: Pharmaceutical firms pilot transatlantic wind-powered shipping vessel.
• Shipping companies support a first-ever global fee on greenhouse gases, opposed by Trump officials: Industry groups voice support for a global carbon fee on shipping despite U.S. opposition.
• Suspension of Canada Post flyer delivery gets mixed reactions from residents and businesses: Community weighs impacts of changes to flyer distribution by Canada Post.
• Freeland called back to testify on B.C. Ferries' deal with Chinese shipyard: Minister Freeland to provide further testimony concerning vessel procurement in B.C.
• Future undecided for grain elevator as Port of Halifax expands: Port expansion in Halifax raises questions about grain elevator operations.

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