October 18, 2026 to October 24, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Finance Committee Reviews Budget Implementation Bill, Includes Transport Minister Appearance: On October 26, the House Standing Committee on Finance will study Bill C-31 with testimony from Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon and Department of Transport officials from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
• House Committee on International Trade Briefs on North American Customs Brokers: On October 27, the International Trade Committee will hold an in-camera briefing on customs brokers and freight forwarders; session scheduled from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. with industry representatives.
• Senate Committee to Examine Bill C-39 – Building Canada Strong Act: The Senate Special Committee reviews the subject matter of Bill C-39 on October 26, with Transport Canada and Natural Resources Canada witnesses scheduled, followed by sessions with labor organizations and Indigenous leadership.
• Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Explores Canada-Mexico Trade: On October 29, the Standing Senate Committee will examine Canada-Mexico trade and CUSMA issues, hearing from Mexican congressional delegates and Canadian officials beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Federal Government News

Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford Launch Joint $8.7 Billion Action Plan for Ontario Industries

The federal and Ontario governments announced a sweeping $8.7 billion action plan aimed at strengthening Ontario’s steel and automotive industries and accelerating development of critical mineral supply chains. The measures include a five-year, $5.2 billion Joint Steel Action Fund, prioritization of Canadian steel in procurement, and formation of joint federal-provincial task forces to guide implementation. A $2.5 billion capital investment will support modernization and competitiveness in Ontario’s auto sector, with standards for light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emissions maintained at 2026 levels through 2029. Additional federal commitments include up to $1 billion for infrastructure supporting mineral extraction in Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire, a new permitting process for faster project approvals, and dedicated working groups for Indigenous engagement and project prioritization. Trade enforcement, particularly monitoring unfair steel imports, will be strengthened.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Governments Convene on Coordinated Carbon Markets

A newly established federal–provincial–territorial working group convened its inaugural meeting this week, advancing coordination of carbon markets across Canada. Representatives reviewed a draft workplan to explore models for linking regional carbon markets, aiming to boost clean industrial investment and enhance energy security. The initiative, mandated by First Ministers in July 2026, is positioned to influence capital flows towards emissions-reducing technologies, potentially affecting cost structures and compliance options for vehicle manufacturers and supply chains. No regulatory changes have been decided, but the coordinated approach suggests ongoing collaboration on emissions pricing and decarbonization frameworks impacting industry operations nationwide.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Makes $193.3 Million Investment in Aluminum and Critical Minerals Modernization

The Government of Canada has announced a $193.3 million investment under the Strategic Response Fund directed towards Rio Tinto's Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean operations ($164.8 million) and Aluminerie Alouette’s modernization project ($28.5 million). Projects include construction of a new billet casting centre, anode baking furnace upgrades, and technology adoption aimed at increasing operational efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrades are anticipated to sustain approximately 6,000 jobs and provide 65 co-op placements. Funding is expected to maintain sector competitiveness amid tariff pressures and support integration with key automotive supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly Launches $1.75 Billion Venture and Growth Capital Plan

Minister Mélanie Joly introduced the Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative, deploying $1 billion through a fund-of-funds program and earmarking $750 million for early and later-stage investment strategies. The new capital plan aims to leverage at least $2.1 billion in private investment and strengthen access to financing for scaling technology firms, including those in advanced manufacturing and automotive-adjacent sectors. A call for fund-of-funds managers is now open, and written feedback on later-stage investment design is being accepted until November 23, 2026. The Business Development Bank of Canada will manage investments, and additional guidance will be informed by industry consultation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister LeBlanc Chairs Canadian Advisory Panel on U.S. Tariffs and Trade Response

Minister Dominic LeBlanc, joined by trade officials and industry representatives, convened the Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations for its ninth meeting since April 2026. Discussions centered on the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries and the response mechanisms in place, including coordinated efforts with industry and labor. Updates were provided on CUSMA compliance and current negotiations in Washington. The session focused on maintaining industry resilience, monitoring trade barriers, and ensuring government action aligns with sector priorities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Secretary of State Belanger Outlines $2B National Home Retrofit Initiative

Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger highlighted a federal commitment of $2 billion over eight years to facilitate up to one million home retrofits nationwide. The measures include a new National Heat Pump Rebate targeting 820,000 households and retrofit financing for apartment buildings. The program, in partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Infrastructure Bank, is projected to cut national emissions by over 25 megatonnes over the program’s lifespan. These efforts are positioned to drive demand for HVAC systems, energy-efficient building materials, and could influence manufacturing and supply requirements in the vehicle and construction equipment segments.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Reports 1.2% Increase in August Retail Sales, Led by Vehicle and Parts Dealers

Statistics Canada’s August 2026 retail data show sales rose by 1.2% to $74.6 billion, with the motor vehicle and parts sector registering the largest gains among all subsectors. The uptick signals ongoing consumer demand in both new and used vehicles, dealer services, and automotive parts. Industry operators may observe continued strong sales momentum into Q4.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indexes Mark Double-digit Annual Growth

September’s Industrial Product Price Index rose 2.0% month-over-month and 14.5% year-over-year, while the Raw Materials Price Index climbed 4.8% on the month and 27.0% annually. These figures, released by Statistics Canada, may influence input costs throughout the automotive supply chain, impacting parts manufacturing and pricing for assembled vehicles and aftermarket components.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Transport and Supply Chain Services Price Indexes Released for August 2026

Updated Transportation Services Index and Supply Chain Services Price Index data for August 2026 are now available from Statistics Canada. These indicators provide a near-term snapshot of cost and performance trends in freight, logistics, and vehicle-related transport services, relevant for manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors managing domestic and cross-border operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

September Refined Petroleum Products Data Available

Statistics Canada has published September 2026 figures for the production and inventories of refined petroleum products in Canada. This dataset is available upon request and may support ongoing analysis of fuel input trends affecting automotive OEMs, service networks, and supply logistics.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario, Canada Announce $8.7 Billion Plan for Strategic Industries

Ontario and the federal government unveiled a joint $8.7 billion action plan supporting steel, automotive, and critical mineral sectors, including capital for manufacturing and infrastructure, and new mechanisms to support transition to electrified vehicles.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Sets Fall Legislative Agenda Impacting Auto Insurance and Consumer Protections

The Alberta government’s fall legislative session includes planned measures to lower auto insurance costs, increase consumer protections related to defective vehicles, and strengthen commercial truck driver accountability.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Enforces Mandatory Winter Tire Rule from December 1

Quebec reminds drivers that winter tires are mandatory for all registered vehicles, including rentals, between December 1 and March 15, with fines ranging from $200 to $300 for non-compliance.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Invests in Support for Tariff-Impacted Workers in Hamilton

Ontario is providing over $390,000 to Hamilton for the launch of the Tariff Response Team, which will aid steel and manufacturing businesses in diversifying supply chains and maintaining jobs faced with ongoing tariff challenges.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Minister Travels to U.S. for Transportation and Infrastructure Talks

Minister Devin Dreeshen is in Washington, D.C., from October 21-24, meeting with U.S. officials and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators to promote commercial vehicle safety and economic corridor improvements.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Carney, Ford pledge billions for tariff-hit sectors, roads to Ring of Fire: Details joint government measures to support Ontario’s industrial base amid US tariffs.
• Used EVs offer major monthly savings, but options are limited in provinces that have not supported EV uptake: report: Market analysis on regional disparities in used electric vehicle affordability.
• Commercial vehicles targeted for Project Safe Haul: A look at new enforcement measures for commercial vehicle safety.
• Police raid Saint-Jérôme, Que., headquarters of EV manufacturer Lion Electric: Law enforcement activity involving a major Quebec-based EV firm.
• Affordability measures, consumer protection legislation coming: Alberta government: Preview of Alberta’s new legislation on auto insurance and consumer protection.
• Energy resources and industry: Feature on strategies shaping Canada’s evolving energy and industrial landscape.

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