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.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Construction.

Dates: 2025-11-23 to 2025-11-29

📋 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

• ENVI Committee: Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-2026 and Minister's Mandate: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development will review Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26 for Environment and Parks Canada, with Minister Julie Dabrusin and senior officials appearing on December 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Room 420, Wellington Building.
• Senate ENEV: Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Industry: The Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will continue its examination of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry and relevant budget provisions on December 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., with Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc. representatives scheduled to appear.
• Senate ENEV: Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Industry: The Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will hold a further session on December 4, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., with Miawpukek First Nation Chief Brad Benoit and others scheduled to testify.
• Senate POFO: Ocean Carbon Sequestration: The Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee will meet in camera on December 4, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. to examine ocean carbon sequestration and consider a draft report.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canada Introduces Amendments to Modernize the Energy Efficiency Act

Natural Resources Canada tabled amendments in the Senate to update the Energy Efficiency Act, first passed in 1992. The proposed changes would extend regulatory reach to cover online sales and digital product labels, introduce regulatory sandboxes, and allow for more flexible compliance options. The government estimates that current regulations have delivered over $110 billion in savings since 1995, with the industrial sector projected to save $743 million annually by 2030 under existing rules. The amendments aim to align regulatory tools with modern statutes, make compliance reviews more targeted, and accelerate regulatory processes. The government expects that these updates will facilitate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, assist Canadians and businesses in reducing energy costs, and support the reliability of electricity systems.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Allocates $10 Million for EV Charging and Innovation Projects

On November 29, 2025, the government announced over $10 million in funding to expand EV infrastructure and support research in electric vehicle technology. More than $9 million from the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program will fund projects installing over 1,200 EV chargers nationwide, with Green Economy Canada receiving $7 million for 950 Level 2 and 40 fast chargers in Alberta, New Brunswick, and Ontario. New Brunswick Power Corporation will receive $2.1 million for 240 chargers across public and workplace locations. Additionally, $1.4 million from the Energy Innovation Program will support the University of New Brunswick’s R&D into high-silicon electrical steels and rare-earth–free magnets for EV motors, aiming to lower costs and strengthen supply chain security.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Nearly $22 Million Invested in Inuit-led Clean Energy Initiatives in Nunatsiavut

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, together with the Nunatsiavut Government, announced close to $22 million in federal investments for three clean energy projects in northern Labrador. The Nain Wind Energy Project will install two wind turbines and battery storage, displacing over one million litres of diesel annually and reducing local emissions. Another project will continue data collection for a potential tidal energy facility near Rigolet. These initiatives are part of the Nunatsiavut Government's climate plan and are funded through the Indigenous Climate Leadership Program, with the goal of increasing community energy security and reducing reliance on diesel.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CSE Issues Warning on Cyber Threats to Canadian Critical Infrastructure

The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) released a backgrounder describing the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats to Canadian critical infrastructure, including the energy sector. Threats cited include ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, insider threats, and supply chain vulnerabilities, with particular concerns for operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) used in utilities. The CSE highlighted the need for asset inventories, restricted ICS-OT Internet access, and separation of IT and OT environments. The agency referenced recent alerts about hacktivists targeting energy and utilities, and outlined steps for incident reporting and guidance available through the Cyber Centre.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Alberta Sign Agreement on Oil Exports, Pipeline Expansion, and Regulatory Certainty

The federal and Alberta governments have finalized an agreement to more than double oil exports to Asian markets, designate an Indigenous co-owned bitumen pipeline as a project of national interest, and suspend the federal oil and gas emissions cap. The agreement also suspends Clean Electricity Regulations in Alberta and commits both parties to a new carbon pricing approach for large emitters via Alberta's TIER system by April 2026. The deal includes support for the Pathways Alliance to develop the world’s largest carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project, and sets targets for methane reductions. Adjustments to the tanker ban are also expected, contingent on pipeline approvals.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Senate Committee Scrutinizes Offshore Petroleum Regulatory Barriers, LNG and Bay du Nord Project

At the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, Jim Keating, CEO of Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador, addressed the economic importance of offshore petroleum, regulatory obstacles such as emissions caps and marine protected areas, and the Bay du Nord project's challenges. Keating cited conflicts between local job creation requirements and cost-effective construction, noting investor apprehension over Bill C-49's clause 56. He referenced Newfoundland's significant gas potential and noted interest from Canadian firms and European partners in LNG exports. Keating called for greater government involvement in natural gas surveys and fiscal terms, and described the competitive landscape for offshore platform construction.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

House ENVI Committee Debates Electric Vehicle Availability Standards and Market Transition

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development examined EV availability standards, infrastructure deployment, and the economic and regulatory challenges of EV adoption. Witnesses discussed the need for clear policies to guide EV infrastructure investment, cited a $150 million battery investment in Oakville, and weighed the inclusion of plug-in hybrids in mandates. Concerns were raised about rural adoption, battery technology improvements, safety regulations, and credit trading transparency. The committee reviewed the role of government incentives, infrastructure gaps, and the potential for job growth in the EV ecosystem.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

House RNNR Committee Reviews Natural Resources Supplementary Estimates and Major Project Oversight

Minister Tim Hudson presented the supplementary estimates for the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, indicating a $50.3 million budget increase for 2025-26. Hudson detailed efforts to attract $116 billion in investment and outlined priorities including defense stockpiling and Indigenous equity. Committee members questioned project oversight, tanker bans, critical minerals, pipeline approvals, and U.S. company contracts, with discussion of energy security, trade disputes, and resource development strategies. The meeting concluded with votes on the estimates and a motion to study AECL's contract with U.S. firms.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases September Data on Natural Gas Transmission, Storage and Distribution

Statistics Canada published data for September 2025 covering natural gas transmission, storage, and distribution. These figures provide updated insights into sector performance and supply chain trends for the month.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Ontario Approves Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment to Extend Operations

Ontario authorized the refurbishment of four CANDU reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, supporting nearly 37,000 jobs and extending the facility's life by up to 38 years.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Signs National Electricity Grid Memorandum of Understanding

Manitoba joined a national MOU to strengthen interprovincial transmission, promote hydroelectric exports, and enhance energy security through expanded grid interties.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Announces COAST Innovation Challenge for Maritime Clean Energy

British Columbia opened applications for the COAST Innovation Challenge, offering up to $100,000 for renewable energy projects in the maritime sector, under the Integrated Marketplace platform.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia Approves 432 MW Wind Project in Guysborough County

The Setapuktuk Wind Project received environmental assessment approval to build 54 turbines, supplying clean electricity to a green hydrogen and ammonia facility. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• AltaLink Recognized for Innovation, Safety and Leadership by Electricity Canada: AltaLink receives industry honors for advances in utility operations.
• Energy agreement an important first step to generating renewed prosperity in Canada: CTV covers reactions to the new Alberta-Ottawa energy accord.
• NDP calls for ownership and regulatory review of Nova Scotia Power: Nova Scotia's NDP seeks a review of the province's electricity utility.
• PIPELINE OR PIPE DREAMS: Time to get on with building national projects: Commentary explores prospects for new energy infrastructure.
• Alberta bill to prioritize AI data centres that generate their own power: Alberta legislation proposes regulatory changes for data centre power generation.
• Tech Update: Aslan’s modular turbines could be the next wave in Canada’s green energy: Profile of modular turbine technology in Canadian renewables.
• Plug-in polluter? Why Canada may need to rethink 'transition' EV: CBC examines emissions implications of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
• Federal Government Continues Investment in Fusion Sector to Establish Centre for Fusion Energy: Federal and Ontario governments announce new fusion research centre.
• Enserva’s 2025-2026 State of the Industry Report Highlights Shifting Market Conditions and Emerging Opportunities for Canadian Energy Services: Industry group releases annual outlook on Canadian energy markets.
• Pickering Refurbishment Supply Chain: Ontario's Pickering nuclear project draws in new supply chain partners.

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