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: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 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

CFIA Implements Seven Measures to Reduce Red Tape in Agriculture Sector

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has introduced a suite of regulatory changes to lower administrative burdens and support the resilience of Canada's agricultural sector. These amendments impact the Health of Animals Regulations and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, including the removal of prescriptive labelling requirements for fresh produce and reduced traceability requirements for hatching eggs and chicks. Grading requirements for produce destined for processing or preserving have been eliminated, and import requirements have been updated to offer veal producers greater flexibility. Certain grade standards for fresh fruits and vegetables will now be managed by the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation, enabling more rapid updates in response to industry needs. Changes also include streamlined processes for updating animal import rules in alignment with international standards and new science. Additionally, the importation of hatching eggs from the US now requires Salmonella Enteritidis testing, matching domestic protocols and creating a more equitable market environment for Canadian businesses.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Final Injury Inquiry on Cast Iron Soil Pipe Imports from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has begun a final injury inquiry into the dumping and subsidizing of cast iron soil pipe from China. This action follows preliminary determinations by the Canada Border Services Agency and will assess whether such imports have caused or threaten to cause injury to the domestic industry. The Tribunal’s decision, expected by February 6, 2026, will have implications for Canadian manufacturers of cast iron products and related supply chains. Interested parties may participate in the inquiry by submitting a Notice of Participation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Trade Tribunal Finds Reasonable Indication of Injury from Dumped Oil Country Tubular Goods

A recent determination by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal indicates there is reasonable evidence that dumping of oil country tubular goods from Mexico, the Philippines, Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States has harmed or threatens to harm Canadian producers. The investigation, initiated under the Special Import Measures Act, is ongoing, with the Canada Border Services Agency expected to make a preliminary determination by November 7, 2025. This finding may affect manufacturers in the steel pipe and tube sector as well as upstream suppliers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review of Oil Country Tubular Goods Order

The Trade Tribunal has launched an expiry review of its 2020 order on oil country tubular goods from China, examining whether lifting the order would likely result in resumed or continued dumping or subsidizing and injury to domestic industry. The Canada Border Services Agency will determine the likelihood of resumed or continued dumping by March 9, 2026, with the Tribunal’s subsequent injury determination expected by August 14, 2026. The process could impact domestic steel and pipe manufacturers with exposure to Chinese competition.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Mélanie Joly Outlines Industrial Vision at Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM

Minister Mélanie Joly addressed business leaders and executives at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Toronto on October 8, 2025, discussing current economic and political challenges facing Canadian businesses. The session focused on shaping policy direction for the coming year, with Joly emphasizing national priorities for industrial growth and global competitiveness. The gathering provided a platform for manufacturers and other stakeholders to engage with federal policymakers on issues affecting the sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly Presents Industrial Growth Plan at Canadian Club Toronto

The Honourable Mélanie Joly spoke at the Canadian Club Toronto, outlining Canada's strategy to drive industrial growth and strengthen competitiveness. The event, held October 9, 2025, addressed plans to unlock new economic opportunities, including supporting advanced manufacturing and expanding international market presence. Manufacturers and related businesses were invited to participate and gain insight into federal priorities for the sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CED Funding Announced for Over 50 Quebec Residential Construction Supply Chain Projects

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) is announcing funding for more than 50 projects to strengthen Quebec’s residential construction supply chain. Minister Mélanie Joly, alongside Caroline Desrochers and Tatiana Auguste, will present the investments at a Terrebonne-based manufacturing business on October 14, 2025. The projects aim to accelerate the construction of affordable housing through innovative and sustainable manufacturing solutions, with direct impacts for manufacturers of building materials and related supply chain firms.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Supports Appalachian Flooring’s Innovation in Quebec’s Construction Sector

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is supporting Appalachian Flooring in Cowansville, Quebec, with investments designed to spur innovation in residential construction. MP Louis Villeneuve will tour the facility and discuss the project’s contribution to supply chain modernization and sustainable housing solutions. This initiative forms part of wider federal efforts to address housing shortages and foster the development of advanced manufacturing techniques in the construction industry.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Invests $1.78 Million in Food and Beverage Atlantic

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is investing $1.78 million over three years to bolster Food and Beverage Atlantic’s operations. Announced by Minister Sean Fraser, the funding will support business training, supply chain optimization, and food safety initiatives for producers and processors in the region. The program includes a region-wide training strategy, expansion of food safety training, and measures to improve operational efficiency for manufacturers in the food and beverage sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Examines Canada-US-Mexico Agreement’s Impact on Manufacturing

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade reviewed the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) with input from Brian Kingston (Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association) and Flavio Volpe (Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association). Kingston advocated for the removal of US Section 232 tariffs and discussed the federal EV mandate’s effect on the auto sector, while Volpe stressed the importance of a rules-based CUSMA renewal and alignment on trade policy. Both witnesses cited the need for a robust North American supply chain, particularly for critical minerals, and highlighted the interconnectedness of manufacturing across the continent.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Considers Critical Minerals Strategy and Clean Energy Progress

The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, featuring Commissioner Jerry V. DeMarco, discussed Canada’s critical minerals strategy and clean energy development. The audit found that $3.8 billion in federal funding is targeted at increasing supply of essential minerals for green technologies; however, slow progress, insufficient analysis of environmental impacts, and lagging performance compared to other G7 nations were noted. The discussion focused on the need for improved data, cross-jurisdictional cooperation, and the potential for value-added manufacturing in the critical minerals supply chain.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

President Trump Issues Tariffs on Timber, Lumber, and Derivative Wood Products

President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on select timber, lumber, and derivative wood products following a Section 232 national security investigation. The measures include a 10% duty on softwood timber and lumber, and 25% on upholstered wooden products, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, with certain rates rising to 30% and 50% by January 2026. Imports from the UK, EU, and Japan are subject to capped tariffs. The proclamation, issued September 29, 2025, aims to reinforce domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The Secretary of Commerce and US Trade Representative are directed to negotiate with trading partners to address national security risks and ensure monitoring of future imports.

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

EPA Reconsiders Risk Management Rule for Carbon Tetrachloride

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comments on its reconsideration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk management rule for carbon tetrachloride (CTC). The rule, finalized in December 2024, established strict workplace exposure limits and prohibited certain uses. After legal challenges and a consolidated petition for review, the EPA is reopening the rulemaking process to consider alternative exposure limits and implementation feasibility. Comments are due by November 10, 2025, with focus areas including exposure monitoring and workplace chemical protection standards. The review could affect manufacturers and industrial users of CTC across several sectors.

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

President Trump Approves Ambler Road Project to Expand Alaska’s Mineral Access

President Trump has authorized the Ambler Road Project, a 211-mile industrial road connecting Alaska’s Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District. The project unlocks access to significant copper, cobalt, and zinc deposits and involves a $35.6 million US government investment in Trilogy Metals, including a 10% shareholding. The road is expected to support 2,730 jobs, generate over $1.1 billion in state revenues, and facilitate access to 1,700 mining claims. Federal agencies are directed to reissue permits and implement mitigation for caribou and fish passage. The decision reverses the prior administration’s rejection and accelerates permitting for critical mineral extraction.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

National Manufacturing Day Proclaimed by President Trump

President Trump proclaimed October 3, 2025, as National Manufacturing Day, emphasizing manufacturing’s importance to US prosperity and industrial independence. The proclamation cites over $5 trillion in investments, 450,000 new jobs, reciprocal tariffs, and the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" granting immediate expensing for new factories. The administration is leveraging artificial intelligence to boost productivity and support workforce development, with the goal of maintaining US leadership in global manufacturing.

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

PHMSA Extends Comment Period for Pipeline Safety Special Permit Requests

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has extended the public comment period for a special permit request from Columbia Gulf Transmission, LLC (CGT), part of TC Energy. The permit covers a new segment in Tennessee, allowing deviation from federal pipeline safety rules for a segment upgraded from Class 2 to Class 3. The extension provides additional time for stakeholders to review and comment on the potential impacts and safety considerations. PHMSA will evaluate all submissions before granting or denying the permit.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Plastics Manufacturer Polykar Doubles Edmonton Production

Polykar will invest $20 million to expand its Edmonton plant, doubling production and adding 25 permanent and 63 temporary jobs. The expansion includes a new product line with increased recycled content and is supported by a $770,000 Investment and Growth Fund grant.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Invests $10 Million in Forest Sector Innovation

Ontario is providing $10 million through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program for Daiken North America to upgrade its laminated board production line in Huntsville, supporting the launch of a proprietary wood panel product and creating 10 new jobs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Government Unveils Path to Net Zero Strategy

Manitoba’s plan targets net-zero emissions by 2050, with initiatives such as clean energy investments, renewable generation expansion, and smart grid technology development, including collaboration with Indigenous communities and industry.

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

Alberta’s Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit Supports Mustard Milling Facility Expansion

G.S. Dunn Limited is investing $30 million to expand its Bow Island mustard milling facility, backed by a $3.1 million Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit. The project has created 34 new jobs and increased processing capacity by 70%.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Reduces Fees and Eliminates Renewals for Skilled Trades Certification

Nova Scotia has removed the five-year certification renewal for most compulsory trades and reduced the exam challenge fee from $644.15 to $350, making it more affordable for workers to become certified.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada’s last hockey stick factory survives in face of tariff threats, globalization: Coverage of manufacturing resilience amid trade pressures.
• Linamar Corp. expands U.S. manufacturing footprint in US$300M deal: Linamar’s acquisition increases its presence in the US market.
• Business Matters: Canada adds 60,000 jobs in September as manufacturing rebounds: September sees growth in Canadian manufacturing employment.
• ‘We need bigger Canadian companies’: Joly unveils three-pronged industrial strategy to bolster key Canadian sectors: Federal strategy announced to encourage scale in Canadian industries.
• Pressure is building on Donald Trump as tariffs bite deeper into American manufacturing: Analysis of US tariff impacts on domestic manufacturing.
• Smith says she's open to adjusting Alberta's industrial carbon price: Alberta considers changes to industrial carbon pricing.
• How even the most traditional industries are saving time and money through AI: Report on AI adoption in legacy manufacturing sectors.
• Canada's last hockey stick factory survives in face of tariff threats and globalization: Hamilton factory maintains operations amid global pressures.
• Canada's last hockey stick factory survives in face of tariff threats, globalization: Financial Post reviews challenges for domestic manufacturers.
• Canada's last hockey stick factory survives in face of tariff threats and globalization: CBC examines manufacturing persistence against trade headwinds.

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