Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning manufacturing, e.g. textile and apparel, chemical, electronics, wood and paper, metals, plastics and rubber, packaging, and machining.

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: 2025-03-09
End Date: 2025-03-15

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Responds to U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

The Canadian government has responded vigorously to the reimposition of Section 232 tariffs by the U.S. on Canadian steel and aluminum. Minister Mary Ng labeled the tariffs as unjustified, violating both CUSMA and WTO agreements. Canada has initiated formal consultations and imposed reciprocal tariffs worth $29.8 billion on U.S. products. Additionally, Minister François-Philippe Champagne instructed Industry Canada to prioritize projects using Canadian steel and aluminum, emphasizing the critical role these materials play in North American infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Investment in Canadian Circular Textile Economy

The Government of Canada has announced a $662,161 investment in the Fashion Takes Action initiative, aimed at reducing textile and plastic waste through the Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium. This project will connect industry stakeholders and conduct research on textile waste. It forms part of Canada's broader plan to transition toward a circular economy by addressing plastic pollution and supporting innovative solutions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Support for Wood Construction Technologies in B.C.

Natural Resources Canada has allocated over $1.5 million for three projects in British Columbia to advance prefabricated wood construction technologies. This investment under the GCWood program supports sustainable construction practices and aims to boost the use of Canadian wood in the industry. Projects include the construction of a mass timber building at BCIT and the development of energy-efficient designs for mass timber structures.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests in Emerging Technology Networks

Canada has expanded its Strategic Innovation Fund, directing additional resources to five networks, including those in cleantech and mining, to stimulate innovation. These investments aim to attract large-scale projects and enhance the growth of SMEs in sectors like agriculture and aerospace, reinforcing Canada's position in emerging technologies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Regulatory Changes to Domestic Substances List

Recent amendments to the Domestic Substances List under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act have been announced. These changes involve the addition and removal of specific chemicals and polymers, reflecting ongoing regulatory efforts to manage chemical risks and ensure compliance with modern standards.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Plastic Flow Through Canadian Economy

Statistics Canada has released data on the flow of plastic materials in the Canadian economy, covering the period up to 2021.

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

Manufacturing Sales Increase

January 2025 saw a 1.7% rise in manufacturing sales, driven by the motor vehicles and petroleum sectors, despite a decline in chemical product sales.

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

Canadian Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory

Environment Canada published its annual Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory, detailing pollutant emissions data from 1990 to 2023.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Significant New Activity Notice for L-proline

A Significant New Activity Notice has been issued for L-proline applications, indicating potential toxic risks under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

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

Preliminary Inquiry into Renewable Diesel Imports

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has launched an inquiry into potential injury from U.S. imports of renewable diesel.

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

Innovation Funding Across Canada

Over $308 million is being invested to support research and development projects nationwide, focusing on transformative initiatives and Canada Research Chairs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Quebec Supports Asbestos Mining Residue Project

Quebec announces $600,000 support for Exterra Solutions Carbone's project to extract critical minerals from asbestos mining residues.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Invests in Digital Transformation

JRV receives over $1.36 million from Quebec to support its digital transformation, enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Hedy Fry on Carbon Capture

MP Hedy Fry highlighted Canada's investment in carbon capture technology with a $324 million partnership with Heidelberg Materials.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Turnbull Discusses Graphite Mines

MP Ryan Turnbull met with Northern Graphite Mines, emphasizing graphite's strategic importance for the green economy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Pierre Poilievre Condemns U.S. Tariffs

Pierre Poilievre condemned U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, advocating for retaliatory measures.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Sameer Zuberi on Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Sameer Zuberi expressed support for Canada's countermeasures against U.S. tariffs targeting Quebec's steel and aluminum sectors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• The Globe and Mail: Global Industrial Company to Showcase Industrial Equipment Innovations at ProMat 2025.
• The Globe and Mail: Steel and aluminum's essential role in American industries.
• The Star: HPQ’s Statement on U.S. - Canada Tariff Situation, Reinforces Case for Domestic Fumed Silica Production.
• The Globe and Mail: MD&M West Celebrates 40 Years of Leadership in Manufacturing.
• The Star: Boston Metal Commissions Industrial-Scale Cell in Crucial Green Steel Milestone.