September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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

Minister Champagne introduces Canadian Fuel Affordability Act to Extend Federal Fuel Excise Tax Relief

On September 22, 2026, Minister François-Philippe Champagne introduced Bill C-38, the Canadian Fuel Affordability Act, which proposes to extend the suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until January 31, 2027, with partial relief to continue through March 2027. The measure, first brought forward in spring 2026, applies to gasoline, aviation fuels, and diesel, and is expected to provide an additional $2.9 billion in tax savings, raising overall tax relief to $5.3 billion for 2026-27. According to Department of Finance estimates, Canadians continue to save over $5 on a typical 50-litre gasoline purchase while the measure is in effect. The government positions the bill as a response to ongoing supply disruptions and higher fuel costs related to global instability, with direct effects for consumers and transportation-intensive industries.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Secures Agreement with Kalibrate on Gasoline Data Practices

On September 24, 2026, the Competition Bureau reached a consent agreement with Kalibrate over its Market Intelligence product, which collects and distributes detailed retail gasoline data across Canada. The Bureau’s review determined Kalibrate’s provision of retailer-specific sales and pricing information to competitors could undermine competition, qualifying as an abuse of dominance in the supply of gas station sales data. Under the agreement, Kalibrate will now limit its disclosures to aggregated data, implement a delay in data release, and cease sharing information that identifies individual retailers. The Bureau’s findings state that direct access to competitively sensitive information increases the risk of coordinated market behaviour, potentially affecting prices faced by consumers at the pump.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Releases Update on National Action Plan to Combat Auto Theft

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree published an update on September 21, 2026, regarding the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft. The announcement notes a sustained reduction in motor vehicle thefts, with police-reported incidents falling by 16% in both 2024 and 2025, and a further 10% drop in the first half of 2026. Key actions include deployment of a mobile X-ray scanner for container detection in the GTA with CBSA and RCMP support, scanning over 2,800 containers this year; $165.4 million for the Building Safer Communities Fund and a proposed $75 million for the Canada Community Security Program; and $1.6 million to support three anti-theft technology projects. Customs Act amendments are strengthening CBSA authority at points of export, and forthcoming regulatory updates to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are proposed to modernize immobilization system requirements to align with international standards.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Developing International Carbon Markets Framework

On September 24, Minister Julie Dabrusin of Environment and Climate Change Canada announced that the federal government is formulating a policy framework for Canadian participation in international carbon markets, consistent with the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 provisions on internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs). The framework aims to enable Canadian enterprises to transact in international emissions trading, creating pathways for investment in carbon removal technologies and related projects domestically and abroad. The announcement references a report by Carbon Removal Canada suggesting the sector could add billions of dollars to Canada’s GDP by 2050. The policy complements a recent commitment of more than $13 billion in international climate finance as outlined in the Spring Economic Update.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Advances Negotiations on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India

Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu led a Canadian delegation to Mumbai, India, this week to continue dialogue on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). Meetings with India’s Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal included trade negotiators and discussions with major business leaders in the life sciences, energy transition, clean technology, and aerospace sectors. Minister Sidhu reaffirmed Canada’s target to conclude a CEPA by year-end and previewed a Team Canada Trade Mission to India scheduled for October, aimed at deepening commercial links and expanding Canadian export prospects.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Vehicle Registration Data for 2025

Statistics Canada released 2025 vehicle registration data on September 22, indicating a total of 27.6 million road motor vehicles registered nationwide, a 3.1% increase from 2024. Light-duty vehicles accounted for 91.7% of registrations, of which 6.5% are now electric vehicles (EVs). Of light-duty EVs, 35.6% were assembled in the US, 20.8% in Japan, 14.9% in Canada, and 3.6% in China. Over 90% of China-assembled EVs sold in Canada are battery electric vehicles.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Monthly Data Available for Refined Petroleum Products, August 2026

Statistics Canada announced that August production and inventory statistics for refined petroleum products are now available upon request.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia to Enact New Levy for Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles

Effective October 1, Nova Scotia will charge EV owners a $500 levy and plug-in hybrid owners $250 at vehicle registration renewal; the levy recurs every two years and excludes vehicles used by municipalities and emergency services.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario to Standardize Truck Driver Training

The Ontario government is developing a new, standardized entry-level commercial truck driver training curriculum with implementation expected next year, including expanded subjects such as fatigue management and air brake safety.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Suspends Provincial Fuel Tax

Beginning October 1, Alberta will suspend its 13 cent per litre provincial fuel tax through year-end, aiming to bring retail gas prices below the national average.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Invests $3.4 Million to Support Northern Manufacturing

Ontario is allocating over $3.4 million via the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to 12 manufacturers for equipment upgrades and expansion, aiming to create approximately 80 jobs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Construction Begins on New Red Rock Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station in BC

British Columbia has commenced construction on a new commercial-vehicle inspection station on Highway 97 near Prince George, with completion expected in December 2027.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Automotive News Canada: Canadian auto parts makers see USMCA trade panel as key to future exports: Auto parts industry weighs potential impact of ongoing North American trade negotiations.
• Globe and Mail: Carmakers push for more flexible emissions targets: Discussion on automakers' attempts to negotiate future emissions standards.
• Financial Post: Canadian EV rollout faces charging infrastructure barriers: Analysis of continued constraints on EV market expansion due to charging infrastructure gaps.
• Reuters: Global auto manufacturers warn of logistics strains amid Red Sea shipping delays: Report on international auto supply chain disruptions tied to ongoing shipping delays.
• Les Affaires: Québec's automotive sector eyes Asia for future growth: Québec auto industry explores Asian markets following provincial trade missions.

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