Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors. 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 Mining? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-11-30 to 2025-12-06

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Senate ENEV Committee Examines Bill C-15 Environmental Provisions: The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources is scheduled to study Divisions 32, 40, 41, and 42 of Part 5 of Bill C-15, with testimony from Mark S. Winfield, Professor at York University, on December 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Room B30, Senate of Canada Building, with videoconference option.

Canadian Federal Government News

Atlantic Canadian Mining and Tech Firms Conduct Trade Missions in the United Kingdom

Mining and technology companies from Atlantic Canada concluded two trade missions in London, aimed at advancing export opportunities and international partnerships. The delegations, supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) under the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement, included firms active in gold, critical minerals, base metals, and industrial minerals. At London Mining Week and the Resourcing Tomorrow conference, participants such as EDM Resources, NexGold, St. Barbara, Canadian Copper, Galway Metals, Northcliff Resources, Atlas Salt, FireFly Metals, and NewFound Gold presented regional projects to investors and engaged in discussions on global supply chain requirements and project planning. The missions included targeted meetings and market briefings with European industry leaders, buyers, and potential clients. This initiative is positioned to broaden market access for Atlantic Canadian mineral producers and facilitate long-term partnerships across Europe.

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

Government of Canada Invests Nearly $5 Million in Indigenous Economic Development in Northern Ontario

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) announced $4,774,515 in funding for ten Indigenous-led projects across Northern Ontario. Allocations include $1 million to Enaadmaagehjik for an Indigenous eco-park tourism project; $784,655 to Gord’s Rentals for warehouse expansion supporting mining and forestry supply; $512,000 to Indigenous Tourism Ontario for a new drone-based storytelling display; $500,000 to Pemiijiwan Support Services to build capacity related to Ring of Fire developments; $500,000 to Beam Paints for facility and manufacturing growth; $459,800 to Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek for a district biomass heating system using sawmill residues; $400,000 to Shibogama First Nations Council for business analysis on a potential Musselwhite Mine purchase; and additional funds for economic development, pre-feasibility, and design work in several First Nations. These investments extend support to Indigenous participation in resource sector activities and related infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review on Oil Country Tubular Goods

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal began an expiry review of its 2020 order concerning oil country tubular goods (OCTG) imported from Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, Ukraine, and Vietnam. The review will determine whether ending the order would likely result in continued or resumed dumping and injury to the Canadian industry. The Canada Border Services Agency must report on the likelihood of resumed dumping by April 30, 2026, with the Tribunal’s injury determination due by October 7, 2026. Interested parties may participate by filing a Notice of Participation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Hears Evidence on Offshore Petroleum and Environmental Legislation

The Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENEV) received testimony from Chief Bradley Benoit of the Miawpukek First Nation and Environment and Climate Change Canada on December 4. Chief Benoit spoke to the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore petroleum sector, stressing the need for economic reconciliation, enhanced consultation, and direct Indigenous involvement in offshore projects, including LNG. He noted insufficient funding for Indigenous engagement and discussed the community’s strong local employment. Senators raised concerns about the community’s participation in oil spill responses and environmental risk management. The committee also reviewed Bill C-15’s proposed Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) amendments, with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Stephanie Lane explaining the aim to facilitate administrative and equivalency agreements for intergovernmental cooperation. Senators questioned the adequacy of Indigenous consultation on these amendments and discussed potential cross-border pollution impacts. The committee resolved to seek further clarification from the Minister of Environment.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Finance Committee Reviews Mining Tax Credits and Clean Economy Incentives

At its December 3 meeting, the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance (NFFN) examined elements of Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, focusing on investment tax credits for carbon utilization and storage, clean electricity, mineral exploration, and carbon capture. Department of Finance officials clarified eligibility criteria, non-refundable status, and the future implementation of these credits, including provisions for Crown corporations. Senators questioned tax incentives for scientific research, clean technology, and mining exploration, with specific discussion on the mineral exploration tax credit and the treatment of biomass. The committee also discussed enforcement resources for the Canada Labour Code, the repeal of the digital services tax, transfer pricing rules, the Canadian entrepreneurs’ incentive, and the immediate expensing of capital expenditures. Concerns regarding the competitiveness of the SHRED tax credit and the productivity super deduction were raised, along with questions about rental housing deductions and underused housing tax.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canada Participates in Kimberley Process Plenary on Conflict Diamonds

Global Affairs Canada issued a statement following Canada’s participation in the 22nd Kimberley Process Plenary in Dubai. The session concluded a three-year review of the definition of conflict diamonds, though consensus on including state actors was not reached. Canada expressed regret that Russia again blocked discussion of the role of rough diamond sales in funding its war against Ukraine. Canada reaffirmed its support for a modernized conflict diamond definition to encompass state-driven conflict, citing the necessity for reforms to safeguard the credibility of the Kimberley Process and the global diamond trade. Certification of country of origin and traceability were noted as critical priorities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Public Hearing Scheduled for Wheeler River Mine and Mill Project

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announced a public hearing for Denison Mines Corporation’s proposed Wheeler River uranium mine and mill in northern Saskatchewan. The second part of the hearing will occur in Saskatoon from December 8–11, featuring interventions from Indigenous Nations, communities, and the public. The project would be located in Northern Saskatchewan, with both in-person and virtual participation available.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Data on Oil and Gas Capital Spending and Industrial Equipment Leasing

StatCan reported capital expenditures in oil and gas extraction industries at $10.9 billion for Q3 2025, a decrease of 2.6% from the previous quarter. Additionally, the commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental and leasing sector recorded $18.1 billion in operating revenue for 2024, representing a 4.5% increase over 2023.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Primary and Secondary Energy Production Up in September 2025

Statistics Canada’s September 2025 energy statistics show a 5.6% increase in primary energy production to 2.0 million terajoules, with four out of six sectors reporting growth. Secondary energy production was also up 5.7%, led by a 5.5% increase in refined petroleum products.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Labour Productivity Rebounds in Q3 2025

Canadian business sector labour productivity rose by 0.9% in the third quarter of 2025, following a 1.0% decline the previous quarter. This marks the sixth increase in productivity over the last eight quarters.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Approves Kings County Sandpit Expansion

Nova Scotia's Department of Environment and Climate Change approved the expansion of Kenneth Lutz Trucks Ltd.'s Morden Road sandpit in Kings County from four hectares to 5.46 hectares, subject to 33 environmental conditions. The expanded pit is expected to add over 10 years to the project’s lifespan.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Supports $85 Million Investment in Sudbury Mining Infrastructure

Ontario announced an $85 million investment by Sandvik in Sudbury to establish a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility. The project will sustain 400 jobs and create 60 new positions, supporting critical mineral processing infrastructure.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Advances Major Mining and Energy Projects in Fall Session

British Columbia’s fall legislative session included passage of laws supporting the North Coast Transmission Line, LNG Canada Phase 2, and Red Chris Mine, as well as new job-protected leave and prompt payment measures for construction.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Announces Public Engagement on Nuclear Energy and Regulatory Changes

Alberta is holding information sessions in December and January regarding nuclear energy’s potential role in the province. Recent Orders in Council included amendments to emissions management, environmental assessment, and energy development regulations.

Sources: www.alberta.ca, www.alberta.ca

Quebec Opens Public Review for ESG Management Standard

The Bureau de normalisation du Québec initiated a public review for the draft national standard CAN/BNQ 9700-700 on integrating ESG factors into business practices. Stakeholder comments are accepted until January 31, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Barrick explores partial spin-out of North American mines: Barrick Gold considers an IPO for its North American mining assets.
• Recent Discovery at Froome Mine Expands Along Strike and Down-Dip: Drilling at Froome Mine reveals high-grade gold intersections and potential mine life extension.
• Vale Base Metals and Glencore Canada to evaluate copper project in Sudbury Basin: Vale and Glencore to assess a new copper project in Ontario’s Sudbury Basin.
• North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. Launches Exploration Program in Quebec: The company initiates a C$2.69 million exploration program targeting niobium and rare earth elements.
• CABs ENDORSE NORRA KARR MINING LEASE APPLICATION: Community advisory boards support the Norra Karr mining lease application.
• Eby says DRIPA law could be amended after First Nations win appeal in mining case: B.C. Premier David Eby signals potential amendments to DRIPA following a court decision involving First Nations and mining.
• DPM Metals Announces Inferred Resource at Rakita Camp: DPM Metals reports inferred resources of 2.6 million gold ounces and 1.9 billion pounds of copper.
• Titan Mining Announces Strong Kilbourne Graphite Project Economics: Titan Mining details robust project economics for the Kilbourne graphite project and increased U.S. EXIM support.
• Opinion: Barrick preps for Newmont deal with IPO plan: Commentary on Barrick’s potential IPO as a precursor to a Newmont deal.
• Recent Discovery at Froome Mine Expands Along Strike and Down-Dip: Another report on Froome Mine’s new gold intersections and resource potential.

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