Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements, and other government-related news concerning power generation and transmission, wind and solar, utilities, midstream companies, batteries and energy storage, LNG, biofuels and nuclear. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-19
End Date: 2025-05-24

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Minister Tim Hodgson Pledges Major Federal Projects Office, Faster Reviews for Energy Infrastructure

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson addressed the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on May 23, presenting the federal government’s strategy to accelerate energy and resources projects. Hodgson confirmed the creation of a Major Federal Projects Office for 'One Project, One Review' permitting, committing to decision timelines of two years for all projects labeled as 'Projects of National Interest.' The plan aims to support both conventional and clean energy sectors, expand export markets, and drive grid integration across provinces. Hodgson emphasized infrastructure investments for east–west transmission and critical minerals processing, and said the federal government would work to harmonize and link carbon markets with provinces. Industry stakeholders were invited to discuss how project delivery can support economic growth and grid reliability amid changing global trade dynamics.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CER Considers SaskPower’s Application for Two International Power Lines to North Dakota

The Canada Energy Regulator announced receipt of Saskatchewan Power Corporation’s application to build and operate two 230 kV international power lines between the Tableland Switching Station near Estevan, Saskatchewan, and the North Dakota border. At approximately 6 km per line, the new connections would link Saskatchewan’s system with the Southwest Power Pool in the U.S. The CER set June 21 as the deadline for submissions on the application, with responses from the applicant due by July 6. The process addresses cross-border power trading and impacts for energy exporters, with materials available for review through CER’s public filings.

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

CNSC Releases Final Decommissioned Beaverlodge Properties from Licensing, Revokes Cameco’s Waste Facility Licence

On May 21, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announced the release of the final 27 decommissioned Beaverlodge mining properties in Saskatchewan from licensing under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Cameco Corporation’s waste facility operating licence for the decommissioned mine and mill site has been revoked. The Commission stated that all performance objectives were met, allowing transfer to the Province of Saskatchewan’s Institutional Control Program. The record of decision will be published after translation, and all public hearing submissions are available through CNSC. This decision concludes a multi-stage regulatory process involving Indigenous and local consultations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Quebec and California Hold 43rd Joint Cap-and-Trade Auction

Quebec’s environment ministry held a joint auction of greenhouse gas emission units with California on May 21, offering over 57 million units for sale. Results are scheduled for publication on May 29.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Forest Biomass Investments in Northeastern Ontario Announced

Ontario pledged $11.3 million to five projects focused on forest biomass utilization, including power generation upgrades, green hydrogen research, and biochar feasibility studies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Outlines $3.1 Billion for Indigenous Partnerships in Critical Minerals

Ontario introduced nearly $3.1 billion in loans, grants, and scholarships to promote Indigenous participation in the province’s critical mineral sector, as highlighted in the 2025 budget.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Approves Quarry Expansions with Strict Terms

Nova Scotia granted environmental assessment approval for two quarry expansion projects, mandating 33 terms and conditions for each to address environmental and community considerations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

NB Power Review Leads Appointed for Comprehensive Utility Analysis

New Brunswick named Michael Bernstein, Anne E. Bertrand, and Duncan Hawthorne to lead a full review of NB Power, focusing on financial sustainability, governance, and investor attractiveness. Public engagement will follow, with recommendations targeted for March 2026.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Western Premiers’ Conference to Discuss Economic Corridors, Pipelines

Alberta Premier Smith will meet other western leaders in Yellowknife to address economic growth and energy infrastructure corridors, including oil and gas pipelines.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

New Brunswick Minister Recuses Himself from Spruce Lake Industrial Park Assessment

NB’s environment minister stepped back from the environmental assessment of Spruce Lake Industrial Park due to potential conflict; the review continues under the deputy minister.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Blake Richards stated on May 23 that exporting Canadian natural gas can protect jobs and contribute to global emissions reductions, referencing recent studies on LNG.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On May 23, MP Shannon Stubbs critiqued Minister Hodgson’s policy speech and pressed for the repeal of Bills C-69 and C-48, swifter project approvals, and removal of the oil and gas emissions cap.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Chris Warkentin MP, on May 23, argued via social media that Energy Minister Hodgson failed to commit to repealing recent federal pipeline and emissions policies.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On May 21, MP Shannon Stubbs announced her re-appointment as Conservative Shadow Minister for Energy, pledging to seek regulatory rollbacks and expedited project development.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On May 22, Patrick Bonin MP commented there is no viable market for GNL Québec, citing reduced demand in Europe and Asia and a lack of investors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Tim Hodgson noted, on May 19, a discussion with Minister Lecce focusing on strengthening federal-provincial collaboration in the energy sector.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Tim Hodgson, via Twitter on May 19, posted a French-language message on energy and the role of provinces in building a stronger, resilient Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On May 22, MP Ryan Turnbull highlighted Minister Mélanie Joly’s visit to Ontario Tech University, noting the institution’s efforts in automotive R&D relevant to energy transition.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• More infrastructure needed to boost energy security in Eastern Canada, Hodgson says: Hodgson comments on critical energy infrastructure gaps impacting Eastern Canadian supply.
• Edward Greenspon: Mark Carney’s energy tightrope act: can he save Canada’s economy, its environment — or both?: Analysis on Mark Carney’s navigation of energy and environmental policy priorities.