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: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Federal Investment in EV Charging Infrastructure Announced at Toronto Expo

On April 2, 2026, Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy, representing Minister Tim Hodgson, unveiled plans to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure at the EV & Charging Expo in Toronto. The announcement focused on expanding access to charging facilities, with a media availability scheduled for April 8 at the Enercare Centre. Accredited media are required to pre-register for the event. This initiative is led by Natural Resources Canada and forms part of ongoing efforts to support electric vehicle adoption nationwide. The announcement comes as the industry continues to observe segments of accelerated infrastructure development corresponding to federal priorities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Sufferance Warehouse Approved at Port of Hamilton to Enhance Trade Flow

The Canada Border Services Agency, with Secretary of State Adam van Koeverden acting for Minister Gary Anandasangaree, gave approval in principle for a new sufferance warehouse at the Port of Hamilton on April 1, 2026. Sufferance warehouses are privately operated, CBSA-licensed facilities for the temporary storage and examination of imported goods. This development targets cargo handling efficiency and aims to relieve port bottlenecks, allowing CBSA Border Services Officers additional space for regulatory inspections. The facility awaits final verification and licensing, with operations set to improve supply chain flows for automotive imports and exports. CBSA will coordinate with Hamilton Container Terminal and HOPA Ports to ensure regulatory compliance and operational capacity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Allocates $7 Million for Trade Expansion in Tariff-Affected Alberta Businesses

The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski announced over $7 million in federal investment via the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) for five Edmonton-based organizations on March 31, 2026. The Alberta Chambers of Commerce will receive $3.5 million to deliver strategic trade missions and implement initiatives targeting supply chain efficiency for manufacturing and value-added agriculture sectors. These projects are intended to strengthen domestic capacity, support advanced manufacturing, and facilitate international market expansion. Tariff-affected businesses will gain resources to address trade disruptions amid global economic uncertainty. The federal government’s focus is on supporting business adaptation, productivity gains, and diversification of supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Q4 2025 Equipment Rental and Leasing Price Index Data

Statistics Canada published the Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing Services Price Index for the fourth quarter of 2025, with updated data available as of April 2, 2026. The index tracks price movements for rental and leasing services of machinery and equipment, including vehicle-related segments. The data establish benchmarks for pricing trends relevant to automotive rental, leasing, and heavy vehicle component supply.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Ottawa’s Vehicle Regulation Changes Face Industry Pushback

A Globe and Mail report dated March 29, 2026, details ongoing disputes surrounding new federal vehicle regulations. The piece references mounting opposition among automotive stakeholders to changes affecting compliance, imports, and vehicle manufacturing standards. The regulatory debate signals potential adjustment periods and compliance challenges for affected segments, especially with regard to emission standards and vehicle safety requirements.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

Potential for Chinese EV Production at Stellantis Brampton Facility Raises Industry Questions

A Toronto Star article published April 2, 2026, discusses Stellantis’s possible plans for Chinese electric vehicle production at its Brampton assembly plant. Reports surfaced amid concerns from labor groups and industry observers regarding operational shifts, workforce impacts, and competitive positioning. The facility, previously idled, may see new utilization if a deal progresses, affecting supply chains and import/export dynamics between Canada, China, and North America.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Stellantis Reportedly Weighs Partnership for Chinese EV Manufacturing in Brampton

According to a Toronto Star report from April 2, 2026, Stellantis is considering a partnership to produce Chinese electric vehicles at its Brampton facility. The story addresses market concerns about the impact on Canadian manufacturing jobs and supply chain adaptation. Details regarding the finalization of any agreements remain undisclosed at this stage.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Auto Sector Reports Strategic Shift Away from US Market

CTV News coverage on March 31, 2026, notes that Canada’s auto sector is making structural moves away from the US market. Analysts argue this long-term adjustment could alter trade flows and manufacturing priorities, with implications for parts suppliers and OEMs. The shift is attributed partly to trade policy and economic diversification.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Long-Term Shifts in Auto Sector’s US Engagement Documented

A second CTV News article, published March 31, 2026, reinforces the industry’s trajectory away from reliance on US markets. The report points to evolving cross-border dynamics, competitive pressures, and regulatory changes affecting sector strategies and partnerships.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Provincial Government News

B.C. Revises Zero-Emission Vehicle Targets, Expands EV Charging Network

British Columbia amended its Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, lowering the 2035 ZEV sales target from 100% to 75% and aligning its mandate with federal fleet emission standards. The province is funding 75 new public EV-charging projects.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Tables Legislation to Improve Transit and Accelerate Housing Construction

Ontario introduced the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, aiming to expand transit options, simplify fares and rules, and support accelerated homebuilding. Measures include changes to HOV lane usage and commercial driver licensing.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Implements Legislative Changes for New Auto Insurance Model

As part of Budget 2026, Alberta moves toward a care-first auto insurance system, amending its Automobile Insurance Act to improve clarity, transparency, and consumer protections with a transition scheduled for January 1, 2027.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Opens 2026 Intake for Clean Industry Fund

The British Columbia Clean Industry Fund is accepting new applications, offering funding for industrial projects that reduce emissions and adopt cleaner technologies, now featuring a $10-million project cap for emissions performance.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

B.C. Proposes Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act Affecting Transportation and Fuel Markets

The Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act seeks updates to the Fuel Price Transparency Act and Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, introducing an industry-funded administration model for fuel transparency and adjusting ZEV sales targets.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

CBSA Launches Administrative Monetary Penalty System Review Consultation

The Canada Border Services Agency initiated a consultation to gather industry feedback on findings and recommendations relating to its Administrative Monetary Penalty System Review.

Sources: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Battle over Ottawa’s new vehicle regulations heats up: The Globe and Mail details ongoing disputes regarding federal vehicle regulation changes.
• Auto sector’s pivot away from U.S. could reshape industry: expert: Industry analysts comment on long-term shifts away from US markets.
• Potential for Chinese EV production at Stellantis plant raises concerns: Toronto Star covers reported plans for Chinese EV production in Brampton.
• Stellantis considering a deal to make Chinese EVs in Brampton: Report: Further reporting on Stellantis’s possible EV manufacturing partnership.
• Province proposes changes to used tire regulations after tumultuous year in recycling industry: The Star notes new proposals for tire recycling regulation.
• Auto sector making long-term shifts away from U.S. market: CTV News discusses manufacturing and trade diversification.

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