Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning trucking, rail, shipping, ports, cargo terminals, international and interprovincial logistics.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Was this email forwarded to you? Join our over 3,000 subscribers. Sign up here!.

Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CRA and Labour Program Sign Data-Sharing Arrangement

On March 7, 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Labour Program at Employment and Social Development Canada announced a new Information Sharing Arrangement to bolster compliance within the federally regulated road transportation sector. This step is part of a broader initiative from Budget 2024 to enhance enforcement and address issues like worker misclassification and wage theft. The CRA will now access vital information to support its compliance activities, aiming to maintain a fair trucking industry and uphold tax law integrity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Freight Rail Services Price Index February Data Released

Statistics Canada released the Freight Rail Services Price Index for February 2025, providing updated data crucial for industry analysis. This index offers insights into price trends affecting the rail freight sector, an essential component of Canada's supply chain logistics.

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

Funding for Indigenous Marine Safety Initiatives in BC

Transport Canada announced $2.3 million in funding through the Marine Safety Equipment and Training Initiative for Indigenous communities along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project marine route. This funding aims to improve marine safety by equipping vessels and training members. Notable recipients include Ucluelet First Nation and Uchucklesaht Tribe, enhancing their capabilities to uphold cultural activities and safety standards.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government Awards Contract for Polar Icebreaker Construction

The Government of Canada has awarded a $3.15-billion contract to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards for constructing a polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard. Announced by Minister Jonathan Wilkinson on March 7, 2025, this contract is part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, marking progress in Canada's Arctic sovereignty and security. The new icebreakers will enhance capabilities, supporting operations in high latitudes and enabling better responses to maritime emergencies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New Brunswick Implements Spring Weight Restrictions

New Brunswick's spring weight restrictions for truck traffic will begin on March 10 in the south and March 17 in the north, continuing until mid-May. These annual measures protect road infrastructure during the thaw cycle, requiring the trucking community to adjust loads and routes accordingly.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

For-hire Motor Carrier Freight Services Price Index Released

The For-hire Motor Carrier Freight Services Price Index for Q4 2024 is now available, offering insights into pricing trends within the trucking sector.

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

Stocks of Frozen and Chilled Meats Increase

Stocks of frozen and chilled meats in Canada rose by 6.2% from October 2024, totaling 134,689 tonnes as of January 1, 2025.

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

Provincial Announcements

Saskatchewan Leads in Interprovincial Trade

Saskatchewan remains a leader in interprovincial trade, advocating for reduced trade barriers and participating in initiatives like the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Rural Road Improvements Announced

The Saskatchewan government announced over $34.4 million for rural road, bridge, and culvert projects, enhancing infrastructure for export-based economies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Ginette Petitpas Taylor Visits Vancouver Shipyards

MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor visited Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, highlighting progress on vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Mélanie Joly on Centerm Facility Expansion

MP Mélanie Joly discussed the Centerm facility expansion, noting its role in boosting economic growth and trade efficiency.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Ocean Freight Shipping: Overview of the current state of ocean freight shipping.
• Truckers Scramble for New Routes: How tariffs are affecting trucking routes.
• Tariff 'Earthquake' Sends Shipping Industry Into Crisis: The impact of tariffs on the shipping industry.
• Arctic Gateway Group Partners with Saskatchewan Fertilizer Company: New partnership for shipping materials through the Port of Churchill.
• Maritime Port Cities and U.S. Tariffs: Port cities react to the uncertainty of U.S. tariffs.