Good morning! This is 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.

Dates: 2025-07-06 to 2025-07-12

📋 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

CBSA Initiates Dumping and Subsidy Investigations on Cast Iron Soil Pipe from China

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) launched investigations on July 11 into the alleged dumping and subsidizing of cast iron soil pipe from China, following a complaint from Canada Pipe Company ULC (Bibby-Ste-Croix). The complaint cited material injury attributed to increased dumped and subsidized imports, including lost market share, price erosion, and adverse impacts on financial performance and employment. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a preliminary injury inquiry, with a decision expected by September 9. The CBSA’s parallel investigation will determine if the imports are being sold below fair value or are subsidized, aiming to issue a preliminary determination by October 9. These processes will determine if special import measures will be imposed. Canada currently enforces 158 such measures across various imported goods, with recent activities said to have protected approximately 45,000 Canadian jobs and $18.4 billion in production during 2024.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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CITT Rules Reasonable Indication of Injury on Steel Strapping Imports

On July 10, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined there is a reasonable indication that dumped imports of steel strapping from China, South Korea, Türkiye, and Vietnam, and subsidized steel strapping from China, have caused or threaten to cause injury to the Canadian industry. The Tribunal’s findings were made in response to dumping and subsidy investigations initiated by the CBSA under the Special Import Measures Act. The CBSA is proceeding with its investigation and has scheduled preliminary determinations by August 8. The Tribunal’s determination allows the investigations to continue toward possible provisional duties, depending on CBSA and final Tribunal findings.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Review of Regulations Targets Red Tape Elimination

The Treasury Board announced on July 9 a Red Tape review across federal departments and agencies, with a stated objective to identify and eliminate inefficient or outdated regulations seen as contributing to higher costs, lower productivity, and administrative complexity. Each federal minister is required to report back within 60 days with proposals for streamlining or removing unnecessary rules. Oversight will be carried out by the newly-established Red Tape Reduction Office. The review includes a mandate to align regulations more closely with provincial regimes where possible, aiming for more efficient service delivery and reduced overlap.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Announced for Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture, and Grid Modernization in the Maritimes

Natural Resources Canada announced on July 11 nearly $16 million in funding for energy projects across Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. Allocations include $6 million for Nova Scotia Power Inc. to modernize its distribution grid, over $5 million for Saint John Energy Inc. in New Brunswick for intelligent grid management, $2 million for Maritime Electric in Charlottetown to deploy public cellular network-enabled grid technologies, and further investments for smart metering and renewable energy alignment in Antigonish. Dalhousie University is also receiving over $700,000 for offshore carbon storage regulatory research, and Millbrook First Nation was awarded over $1 million for a solar generation project in collaboration with Imperial Oil. These projects combine both infrastructure modernization and research to drive transition toward meeting national climate targets and supporting regional industry shifts.

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

Ministerial Conditions Imposed on Import and Use of New Industrial Chemical Under CEPA

Environment and Climate Change Canada published Ministerial Condition No. 22106, effective June 23, 2025, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) for a newly-notified substance, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 2-[[[[[(isocyanatophenyl)methyl]phenyl]amino]carbonyl]oxy]ethyl ester (CAS RN 2410511-02-1). Import, manufacture, and downstream use are now subject to strict recording and reporting requirements. The substance may not be present in any uncured form within consumer products or used to manufacture such products unless cured into a stable matrix. Written confirmation of compliance must be maintained by all parties in the distribution chain, and manufacturers are obligated to maintain detailed records for at least five years.

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

Committee on Internal Trade Moves Forward With Internal Trade and Labour Mobility Reform

Ministers met in Québec on July 8 at the Committee on Internal Trade to finalize steps supporting domestic barrier removal. Achievements highlighted include elimination of federal exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and upcoming inclusion of the financial services sector by the fall. The committee reported expansion of mutual recognition for trucking credentials and agreed on further integration of mutual recognition for goods, except food, by December. An action plan for 30-day labour mobility approvals was announced and internal trade missions planned. These reforms are aimed at reducing transaction friction and unlocking new market access for manufacturers and suppliers across the country.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ottawa and European Commission Leadership to Discuss Industrial Policy Dialogue

On July 10, the Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, was scheduled to meet with Stéphane Séjourné, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, to discuss a potential industrial dialogue. Topics may include regulatory cooperation, industrial policy, and strengthening bilateral trade in the manufacturing sector. Further details of the outcome are pending the completion of the media availability.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu Meets Industry Leaders and Alberta Officials on Trade and Advanced Manufacturing

During a three-day visit in early July, Minister Maninder Sidhu (International Trade) met with Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration and participated in meetings with industrial leaders in Calgary. The agenda included technology demonstrations at Carbon Upcycling and Carbonova, a plant visit to De Havilland Aircraft, and roundtables with aerospace, defence, and manufacturing associations. Minister Sidhu also discussed trade priorities and federal supports for exporters with representatives from Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Research Funding of $1.3 Billion to Over 9,700 Projects and Researchers

The Government of Canada allocated over $1.3 billion to support 9,700 researchers and research projects across Canada, as announced on July 9 by Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, and Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. Funding spans major scholarship and fellowship programs, Discovery Research, partnership initiatives, and innovation grants, distributed via Health Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, NSERC, and SSHRC. These investments target life sciences, artificial intelligence, climate technology, and advanced manufacturing among priority areas for R&D-driven economic activity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Delegation of Authority Under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act Updated

The July 12 issue of the Canada Gazette, Part I, includes notice of updated delegation of authorities by the President of Measurement Canada under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act. The update outlines those positions empowered to maintain contractor registers, issue registration certificates, certify and approve meters, grant dispenser permissions, oversee the accreditation of meter verifiers, and revoke previously granted permissions. The notice revokes the October 10, 2015, delegation and lists precise role-based authorities within Measurement Canada for implementation and compliance oversight.

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

Agricultural Stewardship Initiative Opens Third Intake for Energy Efficiency Projects in Ontario

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in partnership with Ontario, announced up to $3 million for energy efficiency projects for the province's agri-food industry. The third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative enables eligible farmers to apply for between $10,000 and $90,000 on updates such as geothermal installations, high-efficiency motors, ventilation, refrigeration, and lighting systems. Applications are being accepted August 13–September 3, 2025, and the initiative continues as part of a $3.5 billion, five-year federal–provincial-territorial framework for agricultural competitiveness and innovation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

White House Ends Market-Distorting Subsidies for 'Unreliable, Foreign Controlled' Energy Sources

On July 7, President Trump issued an executive order directing the federal government to end subsidies and related tax credits for wind, solar, and other renewables, referencing reliability, cost, and foreign supply chain dependence as key concerns. The Department of the Treasury is assigned to enforce the repeal of clean electricity production and investment tax credits, and to police eligibility and foreign-entity restrictions. The Department of the Interior is mandated to review and revise regulations that provided preferential treatment for such projects on federal lands. Departments must report actions within 45 days. These moves coincide with provisions in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which also overhauled certain tax incentives.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Extension of Reciprocal Tariff Rate Suspensions and Rollout of New Tariff Schedule

President Trump signed an executive order on July 7 extending until August 1 the suspension of reciprocal tariff rates that were set to expire on July 9, following recommendations from federal advisors and ongoing trade negotiations. Effective August 1, reciprocal tariff rates will be applied to multiple countries, including new rates such as 25% on Japan and Korea, 30% on South Africa, and 40% on Laos. These modifications are aimed at responding to persistent trade deficits and leverage negotiations to reduce non-tariff barriers. The White House also indicated that several countries have agreed to tariff or non-tariff changes over the last quarter as a result. The announcement also noted the continued effect of prior suspensions for China imposed under Executive Order 14298.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov, White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Commerce Initiates Circumvention Inquiry on Aluminum Containers Imported from Thailand and Vietnam

On July 11, the U.S. Department of Commerce began country-wide circumvention inquiries concerning disposable aluminum containers, pans, trays, and lids imported from Thailand and Vietnam. The investigation will determine whether products manufactured using aluminum foil from China are circumventing U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty orders. Initiation follows a request from the Aluminum Foil Containers Manufacturers Association and its constituent companies, based on section 781(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930. Commerce plans to select respondents using U.S. Customs data and has outlined a full schedule for data submissions and CBP actions.

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

Commerce Department Launches Later-Developed Merchandise Circumvention Inquiry—Vertical Shaft Engines from China

On July 11, Commerce initiated a circumvention inquiry to determine whether certain models of small vertical shaft engines (models 5C65M0 and BC70M0 by Zongshen), imported from China, evade existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders by falling outside the original scope as 'commercial' or 'heavy commercial' applications. The petition was submitted by Briggs & Stratton under section 781(d) of the Tariff Act, alleging these models were developed after investigations commenced. Commerce will examine physical characteristics, buyer expectations, and actual use, with preliminary determinations scheduled within 150 days.

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

OSHA Seeks Comments on Hexavalent Chromium Standard Paperwork Extension

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a public comment period on July 9 regarding extension of the Office of Management and Budget's approval of information collection requirements for its Hexavalent Chromium Standards impacting general industry, shipyards, and construction. Anticipated changes account for an increase in annual burden hours and cost, with the regulated community expected to file over 1 million responses. OSHA is accepting input on necessity, accuracy, and methods for minimizing compliance burden until September 8, 2025.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta–Ontario Agreements Target Energy Infrastructure and Trade Reform

Alberta and Ontario signed memoranda of understanding to coordinate on oil and gas pipelines, energy corridors, and supply chain development, while expressing a unified call for Ottawa to repeal or amend various federal measures affecting energy and related industries.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Invests $9.1 Million in Forest Biomass Innovation

Ontario will provide over $9 million for projects to expand the use of forest biomass and biochar, advancing technology adoption, supply expansion, and product innovation in the forestry sector.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta First Nation Celebrates Chemical Facility Expansion

Alexander Chemical, majority-owned by Alexander First Nation, expanded its chemical production facility in Calgary, supported by a $400,000 grant from the province's Aboriginal Business Investment Fund to boost production of diesel exhaust fluid and other chemical products.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Municipal Infrastructure Funding Announced in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia committed more than $2.5 million to support 23 local projects, including upgrades to water, wastewater, and waste management infrastructure through various municipal funding programs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Responds to Potential U.S. Tariffs

In response to the threat of new 35% U.S. tariffs by August 1, Nova Scotia’s Premier issued a statement affirming support for Team Canada and reiterating the province's commitment to finding new trading partners and maintaining measures on procurement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Proposed Amendments to Canadian Feed Ingredients Table

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is soliciting feedback until August 8 on changes to single-ingredient livestock feed descriptions, including fresh liquid whey, hydrolyzed animal proteins, and various fermentation extracts.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: Share your thoughts: Proposed amended livestock feed ingredients – Miscellaneous changes to the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table - inspection.canada.ca

Consultation: Modified Livestock Feed Ingredient – L-lysine

CFIA seeks comments through August 8 on proposed changes to single-ingredient feed descriptions for L-lysine, L-lysine monohydrochloride, and L-lysine solution.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Tony Loffreda posted on July 8 about his recent questions posed to Public Services and Procurement Canada officials, drawing attention to the drop in federal procurement awarded to small- and medium-sized enterprises from 47% in 2020–21 to 24% in 2022–23.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Dumping of steel strapping from China, other countries hurting Canada’s industry, tribunal finds: The Globe and Mail covers the Tribunal's preliminary injury finding on steel strapping imports.
• NGen Announces $1.29 Million in Funding to Support Advanced Manufacturing Clusters Across Canada: Funding aims to boost advanced manufacturing innovation.
• PyroGenesis Improves Fumed Silica Quality, Purity, and Consistency Across Multiple Production Cycles: Update on new production cycle improvements in specialty materials.
• CETY Announces Continued Eligibility for Federal Clean Energy Incentives Under New Law, Solidifying Leadership in Advanced Green Technologies: U.S. policy impact on clean tech manufacturing.
• Nano One Positioned for Rising LFP Demand, Aligned with Energy Strategies & Supporting Critical Mineral Localization Efforts Worldwide: Battery materials manufacturer aligns with global critical mineral strategies.
• Re-shoring manufacturing back to Canadian factories: CBC interviews on the return of production to Canadian plants.
• Stratasys Celebrates 10 Years of the Fortus 450mc 3D Printer With Launch of Factory-Floor-Ready Additive Manufacturing Solution: Spotlight on additive manufacturing system updates.
• DataToBiz’s AI Blueprint for Manufacturing Firms: From Operational Visibility to Intelligent Automation: AI adoption case studies in the sector.