This Week in Automotive — Ottawa (#21, 2026)
Canada extends steel and aluminum tariffs; CUSMA joint review preparations; federal loan assistance for logistics firm; Clean Air Day marks emissions action; StatsCan posts energy rise
May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026
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.
📋 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
- International Trade Committee Schedules CUSMA Review Witnesses Next Week: The House of Commons International Trade Committee will meet on June 9 to hear from representatives including the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association and discuss Canada’s trade with Japan; session runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with webcast available.
- Industry and Technology Committee Examines Economic Impacts of U.S. Tariffs: On June 8, the Industry and Technology Committee will hold a meeting regarding supply chain impacts from U.S. tariffs on metallurgical and advanced manufacturing sectors, along with sessions on financial fraud and international policy; start time is 3:30 p.m. in the Wellington Building.
- Natural Resources Committee to Review Canada’s Electrification and Energy Security: The House of Commons Natural Resources Committee will convene June 9 at noon to hear witnesses discuss Canada’s electrification, domestic energy self-sufficiency, and energy security; webcast will be available.
- Senate Committee on National Finance Schedules Estimates Review Including Transport Canada and VIA Rail: On June 10, the Senate National Finance Committee will review Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A) with witnesses from Transport Canada, VIA Rail Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada; session begins at 6:45 p.m. in Room W110, 1 Wellington St.
- Senate Committee to Examine CUSMA and Canada’s Trade with the U.S. and Mexico: The Senate Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee will meet June 10 to discuss issues related to CUSMA and Canada’s trade relations with the United States and Mexico, with industry and advocacy witnesses participating at 4:15 p.m. in Room C128.
Federal Government News
Preparations for CUSMA Joint Review Marked by Canada–U.S. Auto Industry Dialogue
On June 3, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, and Chief Trade Negotiator Janice Charette met in Ottawa with representatives from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association and American Automotive Policy Council. Among topics discussed were priorities for the upcoming Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) joint review, focusing on preserving sector competitiveness amid U.S. tariffs on automotive goods. Industry participants addressed investment support, manufacturing stability, and cross-border collaboration, all aimed at fortifying North America's global automotive standing. The dialogue included plans to sustain job growth and economic resilience across the sector, with government and trade leaders stressing ongoing cooperation before the formal joint review.
Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces Extension of Steel and Aluminum Tariff Measures
The Department of Finance Canada announced on June 3 that Canada will extend its steel and aluminum tariff-rate quotas (TRQ) for one year, subject to Governor in Council approval. The TRQs for imports from non-CUSMA partners and horizontal tariff relief for eligible U.S. steel and aluminum products will be extended until June 27 and June 30, 2027. Quota levels remain set at 20% of 2024 volumes for countries without a free trade agreement and 75% for those with an agreement, while imports above quota are subject to a 50% tariff. CUSMA partners, the U.S. and Mexico, continue to be exempt. The government intends to initiate efforts towards an allocation-based approach for certain product classes, inviting input from stakeholders. The extension aims to provide predictability for producers and importers, with remission processes of tariffs being reviewed with industry stakeholders.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Loan Assistance Announced for Transportation and Logistics Company C.A.T. North America Inc.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, stated on June 3 that a loan of up to $90 million through the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility is being made available to C.A.T. North America Inc., a major transportation and logistics employer headquartered in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec. The facility supports operations for C.A.T., which employs 1,670 people and operates over 1,500 power units and 5,000 trailers. This assistance aims to sustain Canadian jobs and capacity against changing trade patterns, supply chain shifts, and increasing operational costs. C.A.T. serves diverse customers in manufacturing, industrial, and retail segments, supporting the efficient movement of goods domestically and internationally.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Federal Measures Mark Clean Air Day, Including Transportation Emissions Policy Updates
On June 3, Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin and Health Minister Marjorie Michel marked Clean Air Day with a joint statement detailing federal actions on air pollution. The government noted health and economic impacts of pollution, estimated at $146 billion annually, and outlined ongoing measures—stricter Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter, upcoming regulations on benzene and methane, and new rules targeting emissions from industry and transportation. Actions include the National Electricity Strategy, aimed at reducing sector emissions. Consumers receive real-time air quality and health information via the WeatherCAN app and Air Quality Health Index tools. The ministers also described cooperative efforts with provinces and international partners to support cleaner air, including protecting natural landscapes.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Primary and Secondary Energy Production Rises in Canada in March 2026
Statistics Canada data released on June 1 indicate that primary energy production increased 0.9% year over year to 2.2 million gigajoules in March 2026. Increases were recorded in five of six subsectors. Secondary energy production rose by 2.7%, led by refined petroleum products. These shifts point to higher fuel availability and potential input impacts for automotive manufacturers and logistics providers.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Provincial Government News
Quebec Launches National Road Worker Safety Awareness Week
Quebec’s Ministry of Transport announced National Road Worker Safety Awareness Week for June 8–14, emphasizing risks to road workers from vehicle behavior and promoting safe driving practices at construction sites. Initiatives include podcast episodes, video content, and virtual reality activities to illustrate job hazards.
Sources: www.quebec.ca
Government Consultations
Transport Canada Opens Consultation on Global Technical Regulations for Zero Emission Vehicle Safety
Transport Canada is beginning a new consultation to update CMVSS 305 to harmonize with UN GTR 20 for electric vehicle safety and establish a new standard aligning with UN GTR 13 for hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle safety.
Sources: tc.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week
- ‘Substantial and unjustified harm’: Tesla takes Manitoba government to court over EV rebate exclusion: The article reports Tesla's legal action against Manitoba for being left out of provincial rebate programs.
- Algoma Steel would supply material for land vehicles: Hanwha: Hanwha discusses supply agreements involving Algoma Steel for automotive manufacturing materials.
- Canadian EV sales are thriving again. And buying used could be ‘the best deal in the Canadian car market’: The Star analyzes trends in Canadian EV sales, including the attractiveness of used models for buyers.