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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Manufacturing? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Mining and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-09-07 to 2025-09-13

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada to Invest $5 Billion in Strategic Response Fund and Launch 'Buy Canadian' Policy Amid Tariff Pressures

Minister Mélanie Joly outlined a package of measures on September 8 addressing industries hit by U.S. tariffs, most notably in aluminum and steel. The government will create a $5 billion Strategic Response Fund with flexible terms to help firms across all affected sectors adapt, diversify, and pursue growth. The announcement also details a new 'Buy Canadian' procurement policy requiring federal purchases from domestic suppliers when available, with this approach set to extend to all federal funding streams and Crown corporations. Business Development Bank of Canada loan limits for SMEs were raised to $5 million, and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility was made more flexible. SME support through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative will allocate an additional $1 billion over three years and increase non-repayable contributions for tariff-impacted firms. New workforce alliances are planned to align training needs to sectoral demands, and a 60-day review will seek cost reductions for the auto sector, including waiving 2026 electric vehicle availability requirements. The government characterized this as critical support for the competitiveness of Canadian strategic industries, including aluminum.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA and CITT Issue Dumping Determinations and Launch Inquiry for Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Imports

The Canada Border Services Agency issued a preliminary dumping determination for carbon and alloy steel wire from China, Chinese Taipei, India, Italy, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam, as of September 4. Provisional duties now apply to these imports pending the Canadian International Trade Tribunal's full injury inquiry, which was launched on September 13. The CITT will conduct hearings and make a final determination within 120 days. The scope includes a broad range of wire products, with certain stainless, high-speed steel, and welding wires excluded. Interested parties can submit declarations and participate in the proceeding, with hearings set to begin December 1.

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

CITT Determines Reasonable Indication of Injury in Cast Iron Soil Pipe Case from China

On September 9, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal found a reasonable indication that imports of cast iron soil pipe from China, subject to dumping and subsidizing allegations, have caused or threaten to cause injury to domestic producers. This determination follows initiation of CBSA investigations under the Special Import Measures Act. The CBSA is required to issue its preliminary findings by October 9, 2025. The Tribunal's inquiry gives the domestic cast iron sector a period of tariff protection pending further findings.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CITT Final Injury Inquiry Initiated for Thermal Paper Rolls from China

A final injury inquiry regarding the dumping and subsidizing of thermal paper rolls from China was initiated by the CITT on September 11, with preliminary determinations already made by CBSA. The CITT will issue its final injury decision by January 8, 2026. Interested trade associations or parties may still file for participation, with the Tribunal's standard procedures for hearings and submission of confidential information in place.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Expiry Review Launched for Corrosion-Resistant Steel Sheet II from Türkiye and Vietnam

A CITT expiry review was launched September 9 to determine if the lapse of anti-dumping and countervailing measures on corrosion-resistant steel sheet II from Türkiye and Vietnam would likely result in resumed or continued dumping or subsidizing, and injury to Canadian industry. CBSA will issue a likelihood determination by February 6, 2026. If positive, the Tribunal proceeds to a full review and final determination by July 16, 2026.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Environment Canada Waives Information Requirements for Certain Substances

On September 13, the Department of the Environment granted waivers under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, relieving several companies—including BASF Canada, Dempsey Corporation, Evonik Canada, IGM Resins USA, NextStar Energy, and SNF Holding Company—of specified chemical data requirements for new substances. The waivers covered tests for mutagenicity, physical property data, and certain biodegradation and adsorption data, facilitating the submission of new chemicals for review and potential market introduction.

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

Ministerial Conditions Set for Two Substances Deemed Potentially Toxic

Environment and Health Canada, as detailed in the Gazette, set strict notification and reporting conditions for the manufacture or import of two new substances: butanoic acid (CAS 832720-36-2) and 1-pyrrolidinecarboxamide (CAS 1310726-60-3). Importers or manufacturers are obligated to give 120 days' advance notice, providing information on quantities, manufacturing processes, and environmental release control measures prior to commencing production in Canada.

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

Red Tape Review Identifies 500 Initiatives for Regulatory Relief

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali announced the publication of red tape review progress reports on September 8. Nearly 500 recent and planned initiatives to streamline regulatory requirements and cut duplication were identified. The measures include efforts to expedite product reviews, accelerate project approvals, and collaborate with provinces and trading partners to reduce barriers. The Red Tape Reduction Office will continue to coordinate horizontal reviews and work across regulators.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests $5.8 Million in BC Carbon Capture and Utilization Projects

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced $5.8 million in federal support for three British Columbia-based projects targeting industrial carbon capture and utilization. Funding recipients include Svante (demonstrating CO2 capture with new adsorbents), Anodyne Chemistries (conversion of CO2 to formate), and Agora Energy Technologies (developing an amine-free CO2 capture and power generation process). These projects will enable performance testing under industrial flue gas conditions, support technology validation for the cement, oil and gas, and chemical manufacturing sectors, and explore novel CO2-to-chemicals conversion pathways.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Regional Economic and Forestry Investments Announced for Northern Ontario

Minister Patty Hajdu announced $3.6 million in regional investments across Northern Ontario, supporting ten forestry and economic resilience projects. Major initiatives include $1.7 million for the Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio-Economy to scale biorefinery and manufacturing clusters, $922,649 for an Indigenous women-led modular home construction facility, and equipment upgrades at several wood products manufacturers. The funding aims to foster job growth, cluster development, and value chain resilience within the northern forest sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Workforce Development and Employment Insurance Measures Extended for Tariff-Affected Sectors

Employment and Social Development Canada announced expanded reskilling and income support initiatives for workers affected by U.S. tariffs and global trade disruptions. An additional $450 million will be invested under provincial Labour Market Development Agreements, and $382 million is allocated for up to five Workforce Alliances to coordinate sectoral training. Temporary Employment Insurance measures, including waived waiting periods and suspended separation payments, are extended through April 2026, and long-tenured workers will be eligible for up to 20 extra weeks of income support. $50 million is directed to modernize Job Bank and create an online training platform integrating AI-driven job matching and feedback.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

OSBLOCK™ Receives $1.8 Million for Modular Product Expansion Using Recycled Materials

On September 9, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced repayable funding of $1.8 million for OSBLOCK™, which produces modular and structural components from recycled materials for the construction sector. The facility will integrate orphan plastics and improve productivity, targeting increased sales and creation of local jobs. The project is funded under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program and aligns with federal industrial strategies supporting SME competitiveness and use of recycled inputs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Clean Energy Training and Retrofit Programs Funded Across Northern and Western Canada

Natural Resources Canada allocated $3.2 million through the Toward Net-Zero (TNZ) Homes and Communities Program for five energy-related training and retrofit projects supporting Indigenous communities, heating and HVAC trades, and solar deployment in the Arctic. Initiatives include the Trade Winds to Success Training Society in Edmonton, air-to-air heat pump training for HVAC professionals, and solar panel installation for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association's conservation centre in Nunavut.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

U.S. Initiates Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations on High Purity Dissolving Pulp Imports

The Department of Commerce initiated less-than-fair-value (LTFV) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into imports of high purity dissolving pulp from Brazil and Norway, following petitions from Rayonier Advanced Materials and the United Steelworkers Union. The scope covers pulp with an alpha cellulose percentage of 90%+ by weight and a brightness of 90% or higher. The period of investigation runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 for the LTFV actions and calendar 2024 for the CVD probe. The proceedings target producers Bracell Bahia (Brazil) and Borregaard (Norway) and allege margins of 62.08% (Brazil) and 110.04% (Norway). Preliminary determinations are due in late 2025, with the International Trade Commission conducting parallel injury investigations.

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

U.S. Department of Energy Finalizes Rule Revoking October 2024 Certification and Labeling Requirements

The Department of Energy published a final rule effective September 9 reversing certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements for several consumer and commercial products. The rule implements a Congressional Review Act disapproval of DOE's October 2024 amendments, reinstating previous standards and eliminating new reporting requirements for appliances including central air conditioners, dishwashers, washers, pool heaters, dehumidifiers, and commercial HVAC equipment. DOE cited statutory mandates for the action and clarified the regulatory rollback is neither a 'major rule' nor expected to have significant economic impact.

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

OSHA Seeks Comment on Methylenedianiline (MDA) Standard Paperwork Requirements for Industry

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a proposed extension for OMB approval of information collection under the 4,4′-Methylenedianiline (MDA) Standard (29 CFR 1910.1050). The agency requests public comments by November 12 on the necessity, effectiveness, and cost of the existing paperwork, which includes exposure monitoring, written programs, training, and record retention. OSHA is seeking feedback on opportunities to reduce reporting burden. No substantive changes to scope or protection requirements are proposed, but increases are made in estimated cost per medical exam ($228) and exposure monitoring ($100).

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

Preliminary Results Released in U.S. Commerce Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders Covering Metals and Pipes

Commerce released preliminary findings for several trade remedy reviews: For cut-to-length steel plate from Belgium, Industeel Belgium S.A. and NLMK Belgium face a weighted-average dumping margin of 5.22%; for Korea, POSCO is assigned a subsidy rate of 4.31%. For large-diameter welded pipe from Canada, Pipe & Piling Supplies Ltd and affiliates face a preliminary margin of 50.89%. Most non-reviewed or rescinded companies retain prior rates. Importers are reminded of certification requirements for antidumping and countervailing duties.

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

FDA Issues Final Guidance on Alternative Tools for Drug Manufacturing Facility Assessments

The Food and Drug Administration finalized guidance on September 12 describing how virtual assessments and the use of remote technology may be used in evaluating drug manufacturing facilities named in pending applications. The notice formalizes use of tools such as remote record reviews, teleconferencing, and reliance on foreign inspection reports, carrying over practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy states these techniques may supplement or serve in lieu of on-site inspections for New Drug Applications, Biologics License Applications, and abbreviated NDAs. Recordkeeping and response timelines are clarified for facilities subject to such assessments.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Supports $100 Million Cobalt Refinery, Bolstering Battery Material Supply Chain

The Ontario government announced support for Electra Battery Materials' $100 million cobalt sulphate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, including a $17.5 million provincial investment, aiming to boost domestic critical mineral processing capacity for EV batteries.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Launches Expanded Skilled Trades Career Fairs for Students and Jobseekers

Ontario is expanding its Level Up! career fair series, taking place over 29 days across 12 communities to connect students and jobseekers with opportunities in skilled trades, as part of efforts to address labour shortages in key sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Allocates Over $5 Million for Industry-Specific Skills Training Grants

Alberta's Industry Skills grant will distribute more than $5 million to four sector-focused training programs supporting aviation, non-destructive testing, technology management, and mechanical insulation for the construction industry.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Convicts Individual for Illegal Dumping of Construction Materials on Public Land

A North Bay resident was convicted and fined $8,000 for illegally dumping construction materials, including shingles and insulation, on Crown land north of North Bay; the Ministry of Natural Resources facilitated site clean-up and prosecuted the case.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Opens Applications for Collective Entrepreneurship Immobilization Program

Quebec is inviting applications to its Collective Entrepreneurship Immobilization Program, which offers non-repayable funding of up to $500,000 for eligible renovation, expansion, or acquisition projects for businesses and service organizations using buildings for production.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• NorthStrive® Companies Inc. Releases Report on California's CNC Machining Industry: "The Silent Collapse" Highlights Succession Crisis and Strategic Opportunities: A new industry report analyzes the succession challenges facing California's CNC machining sector.
• Canada can maximize economic benefits of nation-building projects by pairing speed with broader industrial competitiveness strategy: Article discusses approaches to combining project speed with industrial competitiveness for Canadian nation-building initiatives.
• CAMI production in Ingersoll, Ont., to resume in November with fewer workers and only 1 shift: Production at the CAMI plant will restart in November but with reduced workforce and a single shift.
• RecycLiCo Strengthens Technical Expertise with the Addition of Mohammadali (Mo) Shahsavari as Materials Scientist and Process Engineer: RecycLiCo has expanded its technical team with the addition of a new materials scientist and process engineer.
• Ontario brick manufacturer hits a wall at Immigration Canada as $2M machine from China sits idle: An Ontario brick manufacturer faces delays due to regulatory hurdles with a high-value import.
• Poilievre talks tariffs, temporary foreign worker policy and ‘Stand on Guard Act’: Media coverage on federal political discussion of trade and labor policy impacts.
• Canada can maximize economic benefits of nation-building projects by pairing speed with broader industrial competitiveness strategy: Further commentary on optimizing large-scale project delivery in Canada.
• RecycLiCo Strengthens Technical Expertise with the Addition of Mohammadali (Mo) Shahsavari as Materials Scientist and Process Engineer: Additional coverage of technical hiring news in advanced material recycling.
• NorthStrive® Companies Inc. Releases Report on California’s CNC Machining Industry: “The Silent Collapse” Highlights Succession Crisis and Strategic Opportunities: Insights into talent and business continuity themes for precision manufacturers.
• Ontario brick manufacturer hits a wall at Immigration Canada as $2M machine from China sits idle: Reiteration of regulatory delays in equipment procurement.

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