July 12, 2026 to July 18, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Government of Canada receives top mark from Canadian Federation of Independent Business for action on internal trade

Canada has achieved an A+ rating from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business for reducing internal trade barriers in 2026, including the adoption of the One Canadian Economy Act and the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. The government eliminated all federal exceptions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and implemented the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods, effective January 1, 2026. A memorandum of understanding on interprovincial trucking is underway, aimed at simplifying rules and reducing costs for businesses. The financial services sector benefits from a new CFTA chapter providing improved market access and transparency. A Domestic Trade Commissioners Network has launched to connect small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. Additional measures in housing, construction, and agrifood are planned, supported by provincial and territorial collaboration on direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and trucking.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal continues anti-dumping and countervailing duties on corrosion-resistant steel sheet imports

On July 16, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal announced the continuation of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on corrosion-resistant steel sheet from Türkiye and Vietnam, following expiry review RR-2025-004. The Tribunal determined that terminating these duties would likely cause injury, thus extending measures originally set in inquiry NQ-2019-002. The Tribunal’s decision maintains tariff protection for domestic manufacturers, with administration by the Canada Border Services Agency. The Tribunal reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance and adjudicates cases relating to dumped and subsidized imports, procurement complaints, and appeals of customs decisions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Champagne discusses internal trade harmonization with provincial finance ministers

At the July 15 meeting in Charlottetown, Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne met with provincial and territorial finance ministers, addressing priorities such as affordability, internal trade barriers, housing, energy, critical minerals, and fiscal management. Ontario committed to joining the national securities regulatory passport system, signaling greater harmonization across provinces. Updates included the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit rollout and suspension of the federal fuel excise tax. The ministers examined the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and reviewed developments for the new Financial Crimes Agency. Discussions focused on transparency in ownership and efforts to combat financial crime, supporting economic security and strengthening regulatory coordination.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau launches consultation on Cartel Enforcement Guidelines

The Competition Bureau is seeking input from Canadians on proposed Cartel Enforcement Guidelines until September 13, 2026. The guidelines aim to clarify enforcement of cartel provisions under the Competition Act, covering bid-rigging, price-fixing, market allocation, supply restriction, wage-fixing, and no-poaching agreements. These activities are criminal offences with penalties that may include fines and imprisonment. The consultation is open to businesses, legal practitioners, procurement authorities, and academics. Submissions may be published unless confidentiality is requested, with final guidelines to follow review of responses.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Simard Suspensions receives federal and Quebec government funding for manufacturing plant expansion

Simard Suspensions, a manufacturer of suspension and steering systems for heavy trucks, will expand its operations in Baie-Saint-Paul and Saint-Urbain, Quebec, with financial support from both levels of government. The project includes a $9 million investment in plant construction and new equipment. Funding comprises $3.7 million from Quebec (ESSOR program and grand V initiative) and a $500,000 repayable federal contribution through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). The expansion supports efficiency improvements, capacity gains, and regional job creation. The ESSOR program targets technology and productivity enhancements, while the grand V initiative encourages business innovation and sustainable productivity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Monthly manufacturing survey indicates vehicle sales drive sector growth

According to Statistics Canada’s Monthly Survey of Manufacturing for May 2026, manufacturing sales increased by 1.3%. The automotive sector, particularly motor vehicles, contributed significantly to growth, alongside gains in chemical products. Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturers reported the most pronounced declines over the period.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Statistics Canada reports on new motor vehicle sales for May 2026

In May 2026, 190,564 new motor vehicles were sold in Canada, a 1.9% decrease year-over-year. Despite reduced unit sales, the dollar value of sales increased by 2.3% over May 2025. Truck sales fell by 2.2%, while passenger car sales rose modestly by 0.1%, highlighting a shift in vehicle purchasing trends.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta publishes oil sands emissions intensity report as national environment ministers convene

The Government of Alberta released its annual Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity report ahead of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment meeting. The report notes a 28% reduction in emissions intensity per barrel since 2012, with production now exceeding 3.3 million barrels a day based on 2024 data.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• India Plans Rules to Boost Car Fuel Economy to Curb Oil Imports: India prepares new regulations to enhance vehicle fuel efficiency as part of efforts to manage oil import costs.
• Chinese automaker Dongfeng, aiming to enter Canadian market, displays six models in Montreal: Dongfeng Motor showcases six electric vehicle models in Montreal, signaling plans for entry into the Canadian market.

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