June 14, 2026 to June 20, 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

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

Federal Government News

Royal Assent of Bill C-8 Expands Cyber Security Rules for Critical Infrastructure

Bill C-8, known as the An Act Respecting Cyber Security (ARCS), has received Royal Assent as announced on June 16 by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. The new act amends the Telecommunications Act to add security as an explicit policy objective, granting the federal government new authorities to require organizations to take specific actions against threats facing the country's telecommunications system. The ARCS brings forward the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act, creating a regulatory framework for operators in the finance, telecommunications, energy, and transportation sectors. Designated operators now face obligations to implement stronger cyber security measures and report significant incidents. Amendments to the Telecommunications Act take effect immediately, while the new cyber security rules will be phased in over time. The government will retain authority to enforce accountability and safeguard services that underpin the Canadian economy. Organizations operating within vital sectors, including automotive manufacturing and components supply, may see enhanced expectations related to digital risk management and compliance under the updated legislation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Industrial Product Price Index Posts 13.6% Annual Gain in May; Raw Materials Costs Also Rise

Statistics Canada’s latest release shows the Industrial Product Price Index climbed 1.2% month-over-month in May 2026 and surged 13.6% compared to the previous year. The Raw Materials Price Index recorded a 0.7% increase from April and a 33.4% jump from May 2025. Rising input costs could have implications for automotive and related supply chains, as manufacturers contend with persistently higher expenses for primary metals, energy, and other industrial inputs. The continued upward trend may influence pricing across vehicles, parts, and components produced within Canada.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Insurance Premiums Far Outpace Inflation, Pinching Vehicle Owners and Operators

A new Statistics Canada study covering December 2019 to December 2025 shows that home and mortgage insurance premiums rose 45%, while passenger vehicle insurance premiums climbed 23.9%. Both rates notably exceeded the all-items Consumer Price Index increase of 21% during the period. The report attributes financial pressure on insurers to a rise in extreme weather events, increased replacement and repair costs, higher vehicle prices, and elevated vehicle theft rates. These trends have contributed to rising insurance costs for vehicle owners, with implications for fleet operators and automotive services.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Releases Advisory Note on Transportation Mobility and Climate Transition

The Advisory Committee on Climate Change published a note on June 17 examining the centrality of people's mobility to Quebec's climate objectives and calling for more consistent public policy decisions related to transportation.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Announces $600,000 for Indigenous Transportation Initiatives

Ontario’s government is investing nearly $600,000 through the Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund to support new vehicles, transportation safety measures, and mobility programs for multiple Indigenous communities.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Québec and California Confirm Joint Cap-and-Trade Auction Set for August 19, 2026

The province’s environment ministry has confirmed a joint auction for emission units with California to be held August 19, with application details and requirements now publicly available.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

INRS and UQTR Launch Joint Battery Research Unit Backed by $2.88M Investment

Québec’s Institut national de la recherche scientifique and Université du Québec à Trois–Rivières announced the formation of a joint research unit focused on battery technologies, funded by $2.88 million to advance lithium extraction, battery recycling, and new energy materials.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Motorized Mobility Aid Safety Campaign Issued in Quebec

Quebec’s Ministry of Transport released updated guidance on safe operation of electric wheelchairs, tricycles, and quadricycles on public roads, clarifying permissible speeds and applicable traffic rules for various environments.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Feedback Sought on Risk Management Approach for Alkyl Halides Group

Environment and Climate Change Canada is inviting comments on a newly released risk management approach for the Alkyl Halides Group, with submissions accepted until June 24, 2026.

Sources: gazette.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• LILLEY: Carney government policy a threat to our auto industry: A column discusses the potential effects of new federal policies on the Canadian automotive sector.

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