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: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 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

There are no scheduled committee meetings this week.

Federal Government News

FedDev Ontario Allocates $9.3 Million for Auto Supplier Modernization

On February 9, the Government of Canada announced an investment of up to $9.3 million for Kumi Canada Corporation through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The modernization funding will enable the company to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, supporting operational resilience and enhancing its competitiveness in global markets. Minister Evan Solomon stated that the package is delivered via the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, which is part of a new auto strategy aimed at strengthening supply chains and mitigating tariff cost pressures. The strategy allows auto suppliers to access support for time‑sensitive modernization projects as the sector adapts to shifting market conditions. The government’s stated goal is to bolster industry resilience by assisting suppliers and manufacturers as they respond to volatile trade environments and sector transformation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Advances New Auto Strategy With EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion

Natural Resources Canada, on February 10, disclosed the next phase of the national Automotive Strategy, which prioritizes the development of EV charging networks and supports fleet electrification. The government announced the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program and an allocation from the Canada Infrastructure Bank totaling $1.5 billion through the Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative. Over $97 million will be distributed across 155 clean transportation projects, including $84.4 million for more than 8,000 new public EV chargers, $5.7 million for three low-carbon freight projects, and $7.2 million for 30 public awareness campaigns, 11 of which are Indigenous-led. Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, joined by Ministers Steven MacKinnon and Julie Dabrusin, described the strategy’s industry-facing components, with an emphasis on public and private investment in new transportation infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Ministers Detail New Auto Industry Strategy Rollout

On February 10, Ministers Hodgson, MacKinnon, and Dabrusin provided further details about the Canadian government's automotive transformation plan during a scheduled announcement and media briefing. The presentation included the Government’s intentions for sector-wide modernization and enhanced EV charging infrastructure. The ministers scheduled a national media briefing to clarify the Automotive Strategy’s objectives for transitioning domestic supply chains and its approach to sector investment and regulatory adaptation. Media registration for industry stakeholders was available in advance of the event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Backgrounder Issued on National EV Charging Expansion

Natural Resources Canada published an official backgrounder on February 10, summarizing the new national strategy for EV charging infrastructure. The document provides further administrative context regarding public investment in automotive electrification and clean fuels initiatives announced under the Automotive Strategy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Motor Vehicle Sales Contract in December 2025

According to data from Statistics Canada released on February 13, new motor vehicle sales in December 2025 reached 127,248 units, down 6.1% year-over-year. In value terms, sales were 7.4% lower than the same month in 2024. The decline was most pronounced in new passenger car sales, which dropped by 20.2%, while new truck sales fell by 4.2%. These figures reflect widespread softening in retail activity as 2025 came to a close.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Opens New Round of Road Safety Initiatives Fund

The Government of Ontario will make additional funding available for municipalities under the $210 million Road Safety Initiatives Fund starting February 19. Eligible communities can apply for projects to implement traffic-calming measures, following a province-wide ban on speed cameras.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

New Consumer Protection Rules to Take Effect in British Columbia

British Columbia will implement amendments to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act on August 1, 2026, introducing clearer contract requirements and stronger protections against high-pressure sales tactics for household products.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Company and Directors Fined for Environmental Protection Act Violations in Ontario

Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks reports fines exceeding $1 million to 11705580 Canada Inc. and two directors for unauthorized waste deposit, with the infractions occurring at a site formerly used as an auto salvage yard.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Public Consultation—Shaakichiuwaanaan Mining Project (Lithium) Open Until February 16

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is accepting participant funding applications for input on the proposed Shaakichiuwaanaan Mining Project east of Radisson, Quebec, with a consultation period open until February 16.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Should Canada invest more in U.S. automakers here?: Commentary considers the role of Detroit-based automakers in Canada's automotive sector.
• German minister says auto industry in talks to expand footprint in Canada: German officials discuss ongoing talks to grow automotive presence in Canada.
• Detroit auto rep warns Carney that plan for Chinese EVs risks U.S. trade: U.S. auto industry raises trade concerns over potential imports of Chinese electric vehicles into Canada.
• Posthaste: Canadian auto sector innovates amid uncertainty: Outlets track ongoing innovation in Canada’s auto industry amid disruptive pressures.
• Behind Canada’s $900M auto theft crisis: Organized crime, the Hells Angels, kid thieves and crooked shipping companies: News coverage investigates the scope of auto theft by organized groups in Canada.
• Auto sector undergoing fundamental transformation: KPMG survey: Survey results illuminate the ongoing transformation in automotive manufacturing and retail.
• Globe Climate: A new strategy on EVs: Reporting examines recent Canadian government policy regarding electric vehicles.
• When some people drive EVs, entire communities can benefit: Feature addresses local impacts of wider electric vehicle adoption.
• Federal government invests $9.3M in automotive sector in Simcoe County: News details funding for an Ontario automotive supplier.
• China's Evolving EV Monopoly - Energy Realities Podcast: Podcast discussion explores China’s position in global electric vehicle supply chains.

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