Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup 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.

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Start Date: 2025-03-23
End Date: 2025-03-29

Top Headlines

Main Stories

CBSA Investigates PET Resin Dumping

The Canada Border Services Agency has initiated investigations into alleged dumping and subsidizing of polyethylene terephthalate resin from China and Pakistan. This inquiry, under the Special Import Measures Act, will assess potential injury to the Canadian industry. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will conduct a preliminary inquiry, with a decision expected within 60 days. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit written inputs by July 25, 2025.

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

CEPA Waives Information Requirements for Certain Substances

The Department of the Environment has waived specific information requirements under subsection 81(9) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Companies including 3M Healthcare and Covestro LLC received waivers for data such as biodegradation tests and vapor pressure measurements. This waiver affects the import and manufacture of substances not listed in the Domestic Substances List.

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

Steel Import Monitoring Continues

Steel imports into Canada remain controlled under the Export and Import Permits Act. Weekly reports track imports by industry class and country.

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

Export Controls Tighten on Advanced Technologies

Canada has amended the Export Control List to include advanced technologies with military applications, such as quantum computing and metal additive manufacturing. These controls aim to prevent exploitation of gaps in the export framework and align with measures taken by countries like the U.S. and Germany. The regulations will require permits for exporting these technologies to ensure national and international security.

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

VOC Regulations Impact Small Businesses

New regulations on volatile organic compounds will affect storage and loading of petroleum liquids. Estimated to impact twelve small businesses, the regulations include equipment requirements based on facility size and emission risks. Compliance costs are projected, with administrative burdens also delineated. These regulations align closely with U.S. policies.

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

PET Resin Injury Inquiry Commences

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has started a preliminary injury inquiry into the dumping and subsidizing of PET resin from China and Pakistan. The inquiry will examine whether these actions have caused or threaten to cause injury to the Canadian market. Public and confidential submissions are accepted until April 25, 2025, with participant lists issued April 7.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Amendments to Domestic Substances List

Recent amendments to the Domestic Substances List under CEPA include trixylyl phosphate. The substance, used in flame retardants and hydraulic fluids, was assessed as non-toxic but poses potential risks if exposure increases.

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

StatsCan Reports Decline in Manufacturing Sales

February's advance manufacturing sales indicate a 0.2% decline, with significant decreases in food and petroleum subsectors. This early data could signal broader trends in manufacturing for Q1 2025.

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

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data Updated

Facility greenhouse gas emissions data, including CO2 and methane, are available from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Data spans from 2004 to present, assisting in tracking emissions trends.

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

Manufacturing and Logging Survey Data Available

Annual data for 2023 on products produced and sold by manufacturing industries are now accessible. This dataset informs on economic activities across Canada's provinces and territories.

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

Provincial Announcements

Manitoba Launches Made-in-Manitoba Program

Manitoba is investing $1.5 million to support manufacturers impacted by U.S. tariffs, offering business training and market diversification initiatives.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Saskatchewan Premier Leads Trade Mission

Premier Scott Moe is leading a trade mission to Germany and the UK to promote Saskatchewan's manufacturing and export capabilities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Saskatchewan Amends Income Tax Act

Amendments include tax credits for fertility treatments and investments in small and medium businesses, affecting sectors like machinery manufacturing.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta Invests in Skilled Trades Education

Alberta's Budget 2025 allocates $20 million for the Advanced Skills Centre at NAIT, enhancing training for construction and manufacturing sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Engages in Trade Mission to Germany

Minister Matt Jones will participate in Hannover Messe to attract investment and support Alberta's advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Salma Zahid Promotes Canadian Manufacturing

MP Salma Zahid tweeted about establishing an 'All-in-Canada' network to boost auto manufacturing competitiveness using Canadian resources.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Blaine Calkins Advocates for Trades

MP Blaine Calkins criticized tax policies affecting steel workers and proposed apprenticeship grants up to $4000 for tradesmen.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Sonia Sidhu on Auto Manufacturing Innovation

MP Sonia Sidhu tweeted support for Canadian innovation in auto manufacturing, emphasizing resources and workforce.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Arielle Kayabaga Praises Robotics Firm

MP Arielle Kayabaga acknowledged Armo Robotics in London for its contributions to Canadian manufacturing resilience.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Amina Gerba Highlights African Innovation

Senator Amina Gerba shared her visit to EKOWATURA in Cabo Verde, a project transforming recycled plastics into sustainable construction materials.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC News: Manitoba commits $1.5M to support local manufacturers affected by tariffs.
• Global News: Manufacturers are increasingly integrating new technologies to enhance productivity.
• Global Affairs Canada: Steel imports monitoring under Export and Import Permits Act detailed.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada: Updated greenhouse gas emissions data for Canadian facilities available.