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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Industry and Technology Committee Reviews Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Advanced Manufacturing: On April 27, 2026, from 3:30–5:30 p.m., the Industry and Technology Committee will examine the economic and supply chain impacts of U.S. tariffs on Canadian metallurgical and advanced manufacturing sectors. Representatives from EMC Canada, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Preferred CNC Inc., Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association are scheduled to provide testimony.
• Science and Research Committee to Gather Testimony on Canada-China EV Sector Arrangement: On April 27, 2026, from 3:30–5:30 p.m., the Science and Research Committee will hear witnesses on the implications of the preliminary joint arrangement between Canada and China regarding the electric vehicle sector. The session will include experts from academia, automotive manufacturers, and research organizations.
• Science and Research Committee Prepares Reports on AI, Antimicrobial Resistance, and EV Sector: On April 30, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Science and Research Committee will meet to draft and consider reports relating to antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence, the Canada-China EV sector arrangement, and research funding criteria. The meeting will be held with webcasting available.
• Senate Committee Set for Energy Efficiency Act Review and Clause-by-Clause Consideration: The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will meet April 30, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (in camera), to conduct clause-by-clause review of Bill S-4, which amends the Energy Efficiency Act.
• Senate Committee Addresses Energy Efficiency and Emissions Strategy: On April 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will discuss Bill S-4, energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and review the 2025 Progress Report on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and related strategies.

Federal Government News

Canada and United States to Co-Host Global Vehicle Safety Conference in Toronto

Transport Canada and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are partnering to jointly host the 28th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) in Toronto in May 2026. The event under the banner “Advancing Innovation: Technologies for Safer Vehicles” will convene sector experts from government, industry, and academia to showcase and discuss the deployment of next-generation safety systems. Conference sessions will cover crashworthiness, automated driving technologies, cybersecurity, active and passive safety features, and data-driven research. Attendees can expect interactive demonstrations and industry-focused plenaries on harmonization and the future of international standards. This collaboration is positioned to drive harmonized adoption of new vehicle safety technologies across major markets. More information and registration details are available on the official ESV 2026 website.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Suspends Fuel Excise Tax through September 2026

On April 24, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel, effective April 20 through September 7, 2026. The measure is anticipated to reduce prices at the pump by 10 cents per litre for regular gasoline and 4 cents per litre for diesel, with similar relief for aviation fuels. Targeted at lowering immediate operating costs, the tax pause is expected to deliver financial relief to transportation, logistics, and goods-moving sectors, including trucking and vehicle rentals. The government also introduced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit—set to replace the GST/HST credit from July 2026—offering a one-time top-up on June 5 and a 25% increase to quarterly benefit payments for roughly 12 million Canadians over five years. This suite of affordability measures coincides with ongoing investments in Canadian energy security.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Affordability Measures Detailed by Secretary of State Zerucelli

At an event in Hamilton, Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli provided specifics on the government’s temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax, confirming the 10-cent and 4-cent per litre reductions on gasoline and diesel, respectively, until September 7, 2026. The measures extend to aviation fuels, with cost savings projected for businesses in trucking, construction, agriculture, and related supply chains. Zerucelli stated the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will reach more than 12 million Canadians—this year offering a family of four up to $1,890, and single individuals up to $950, and ongoing annual support for at least four years. These interim policy adjustments have been presented in the context of global disruptions in fuel pricing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Support for Prairie Businesses Amid Excise Tax Suspension

Minister Eleanor Olszewski, responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, confirmed the applicability of the federal fuel excise tax suspension to gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels for Albertans as of April 20, 2026. The measure is expected to ease operational costs in Alberta’s manufacturing and logistics sectors for the duration of the suspension, with public announcements held on April 24 at a local Edmonton gas station.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Siemens Secures $23 Million Federal Investment for Battery R&D Centre in Canada

During HANNOVER MESSE in Germany, Minister Mélanie Joly announced $23 million in federal funding for Siemens Canada as part of a $70 million project to expand its Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery Production. This aligns with a recently signed joint declaration between Canada and Germany aimed at investment in the electric vehicle sector. The new facility is designed to develop battery production and efficiency technologies, supporting Canada’s role in the North American automotive value chain and battery ecosystem. The project supports 3,310 existing jobs, adds 90 full-time positions, and is expected to provide 625 co-op placements, directly linked to ongoing policy efforts under Canada’s auto strategy introduced in February.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Issues Advisory on Illegal Agreements in Public Procurement

The Competition Bureau issued a public notice on April 24 relating to heightened risks of bid-rigging, price-fixing, and other anti-competitive practices amid increased public contracting activity. The Bureau clarified that agreements between competitors targeting public contracts—including market allocation and wage-fixing—are criminal offences under the Competition Act. Consequences can include criminal charges, substantial fines, up to 14 years in prison, and debarment from public procurement opportunities. The Bureau encouraged all firms engaging in procurement activities to refer to guidance tools and maintain robust compliance programs to avoid these pitfalls.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Retail Sales Grow in February with Strength in Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers

Statistics Canada reported a 0.7% increase in retail sales to $72.1 billion for February 2026, with gains seen in seven of nine subsectors. Motor vehicle and parts dealers led monthly growth, pointing to continued strong consumer demand for both new vehicles and aftermarket products.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Manufacturing Sales Rise in March Led by Petroleum and Transportation Equipment

Preliminary results from Statistics Canada's advance monthly survey indicate that total manufacturing sales grew by 3.5% in March 2026. The largest sales volume rises occurred in the petroleum and coal product subsector, along with the transportation equipment sector—which includes automobile assembly and parts production.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Industrial Product and Raw Material Prices Continue Upward Trend

March 2026 data from Statistics Canada shows the Industrial Product Price Index rising 2.4% month-over-month and 7.8% year-over-year. The Raw Materials Price Index followed, up 12.0% from February and 23.6% compared to last March, underscoring continued cost pressures in vehicle manufacturing inputs.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Business Expenditure Data Released on Environmental and Clean Technology R&D

Newly published Statistics Canada data details business research and development spending related to environmental protection and clean technology products for 2022 and 2023. The figures include industry-specific investments in lower-emission automotive technologies, contributing to benchmarking for future policy and private sector initiatives.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Directs Federal Fuel Tax Revenue to Low-Emission Fuel Technology Projects

Alberta launched the $50-million Future Fuels Challenge, utilizing federal fuel tax revenue to fund low-emission fuel technologies managed by Emissions Reduction Alberta. The program is designed to support projects such as refinery efficiency improvements and new production methods for biofuels and hydrogen.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Government Allocates $380 Million in Gas Tax Funding for Municipal Transit

Ontario announced almost $380 million in gas tax funding for 107 municipalities for the 2025-26 fiscal year, with allocations intended for expanded service, vehicle procurement, and upgrades to transit systems across the province.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Invests in Rural EV Charging and Low-Carbon Mobility as Part of Earth Day Initiatives

Manitoba announced $400,000 to expand the Southeast Regional Transportation Initiative, supporting new electric vehicle charging networks and lower-emission mobility options for southeastern communities on Earth Day 2026.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Employer Fined in Manitoba Following Fatal ATV Incident

Manitoba Labour and Immigration prosecuted an employer for contraventions of workplace safety regulations following an ATV incident in 2022, resulting in a $100,000 fine for breaches of The Workplace Safety and Health Act.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Super-Heavy Equipment Move to Affect Central Alberta Highways

A motor control centre building weighing over 200,000 kilograms is being transported from Blackfalds to Fort McMurray, Alberta, between April 22 and April 24, causing expected traffic delays along major highways due to its size and convoy requirements.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Canadian Import Quota for Electric Vehicles from China

Global Affairs Canada is inviting stakeholder submissions through May 1, 2026, regarding the allocation and administration of Canada’s import quota for electric vehicles from China.

Sources: international.canada.ca

Feedback Sought on Draft Safety Assessment for Automated Driving Systems

Transport Canada is seeking comments from industry and other stakeholders on updating its Safety Assessment document for automated driving systems. The consultation runs through May 1, 2026.

Sources: tc.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• High gas prices have you dreaming of life without a car? Consider this first: A feature exploring economic and lifestyle factors associated with high gasoline costs and vehicle ownership.

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