This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, rental companies, and importers/exporters in the automotive industry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Automotive? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Automotive - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Government of Canada funds innovation to curb organized auto theft

On March 25, 2026, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced $1.6 million in funding under the Vehicle Theft Prevention challenge, support for three Canadian companies focusing on the development of anti-theft vehicle technologies. Carmodity Ltd. (Toronto) will develop a miniaturized disabling device triggered upon theft detection; Steel Mirror Inc. (Toronto) will advance an AI-driven steering wheel lock that detects tampering and alarms; and Audesse Automotive Inc. (Kitchener) will produce a smart system that blocks unauthorized starts by syncing with a driver’s mobile device. Funded projects proceed to prototype creation and testing in collaboration with Transport Canada, the RCMP, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Following prototype development, commercialization decisions rest with each company.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal government and Transdev Canada invest in electric transit readiness

On March 24, 2026, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada announced an investment exceeding $620,000 from the Zero Emission Transit Fund to Transdev Canada Inc. to support planning for electrifying its Ontario school bus fleet. Transdev, active countrywide across multiple passenger transport services, has operated over 100 electric school buses in Canada since 2016. The project’s aim is to improve the company's preparedness for future zero-emission bus deployment by increasing knowledge and comprehensive planning within the organization.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA issues import advisory ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

On March 25, 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency provided guidance to businesses managing commercial imports in relation to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™. Points addressed include requirements for Canada Revenue Agency business numbers, use of the CARM Client Portal, and eligibility for duty relief programs. Importers are reminded of the 5% GST and potential customs duties based on tariff classification, origin, and value. Temporary import options and the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 Remission Order were also detailed, offering procedures and documentation requirements for event-related vehicle and equipment imports.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan advance indicator: February auto manufacturing sales expand

Statistics Canada’s advance estimate for February, released March 24, 2026, points to a 3.8% rise in overall manufacturing sales, with significant increases in the transportation equipment subsector. This uptick follows a similar trend for automotive parts and vehicle assembly, adding context to robust factory activity leading into spring.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Annual data on automotive production and raw material purchases now available from StatsCan

2023 revised and 2024 preliminary figures for Canadian manufacturing and logging industries are now available, detailing the value of products manufactured, sold, and raw materials used—including the automotive sector. Data disaggregation by province and territory is available upon request for industry and supply chain tracking.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Government of Canada provides $3.6M for defence sector cybersecurity capacity, targeting transportation systems

On March 24, 2026, the federal government announced $3.6 million support for Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative. The funding will establish a defence-standard cybersecurity laboratory, focusing on simulated threats, including those targeting interconnected transportation systems. UQO aims to transfer advanced technology and training to strengthen cyber resilience in automotive and transport supply chains, with additional ties to the Multidisciplinary Institute for Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta details care-first auto insurance savings and premium structure

A new independent report released March 27 by Alberta’s Automobile Insurance Rate Board projects up to $366 in annual savings per vehicle for drivers under the incoming care-first insurance model. The system launches January 1, 2027, and will determine premiums by individual risk factors.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Work begins to review core streets on the Halifax Peninsula

Nova Scotia announced on March 25, 2026, that CIMA Canada Inc. will analyze congestion and travel optimization strategies for Halifax’s core streets, with work expected to continue for approximately one year.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta tables legislation to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade

Bill 21 (Interprovincial Trade Mutual Recognition Act), introduced March 26, proposes implementing the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods. The bill will support supply chain fluidity and cost reduction by aligning trade standards with other provinces.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Geological Survey report underscores massive lithium reserves

Alberta’s government, citing an Alberta Geological Survey report dated March 24, confirmed 82.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in place—positioning Alberta as a major potential global supplier, pending regulatory and investment advancements.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta engages at CERAWeek to promote energy sector

From March 23–27, Premier Danielle Smith and Minister Brian Jean represented Alberta at CERAWeek in Houston, focusing on promoting the province’s energy portfolio and market access in discussions with international stakeholders.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Auto industry insiders on the big issues they’ll be watching in 2026: Discussion with sector executives on regulatory, supply, and innovation fronts for the coming year.
• China Sets New Benchmarks for Global Car Industry Innovation: Overview of advances in manufacturing and technology led by Chinese carmakers.
• AJAC’s Innovation Award winners highlight nuance of how cars are getting better: Summary of engineering and product improvements recognized in the Canadian market.
• Rising gas and diesel prices deliver multiple negative economic impacts: Reporting on fuel price movements and effects on transportation and logistics.
• Meet the Canadian e-bike maker who is redefining the factory floor: Profile on Canadian e-mobility manufacturing innovation.
• Geotab’s 2025 Sustainability and Impact Report Shows Fleets Cutting Fuel Waste, Reducing Idling by up to 30%, and Electrifying as Energy Costs Rise: Results from Geotab’s latest fleet performance data.
• A low-carbon future needs an electric jolt: Editorial exploring electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure needs.
• Confidential contract between feds, Stellantis reveals Brampton factory and worker terms: Details from a released agreement related to auto manufacturing labor and expansion.
• As fuel prices rise, US lawmakers push to suspend the federal gas tax: US Congressional response to cost pressures in transportation.

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