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: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 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

• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee: Effectiveness of 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Scheduled for March 10, 2026, 3:30-5:30 p.m., the House of Commons Environment Committee will review the effectiveness and potential improvements of Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, with witnesses and a draft report under in camera discussion.

Federal Government News

Government Invests $700,000 in NextGen Mold Technologies for Advanced Machining

On March 6, 2026, the federal government announced up to $700,000 in funding for NextGen Mold Technologies in Windsor, Ontario, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State, detailed the investment which will modernize advanced machining and automation technology for plastic injection and compression mold manufacturing. This aims to strengthen market diversification and efficiency in automotive supply chains. Backed by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the initiative is part of the federal auto strategy designed to support manufacturers facing tariff pressures. Measures include capacity upgrades to suppliers and direct support to auto-related manufacturing. The investment is positioned to help reinforce competitiveness across multiple sectors, including automotive, and contribute to Ontario’s local and national economies. Strategic responses to tariffs and operational upgrades are key elements of the government’s efforts to protect Canadian workers and solidify Canada’s standing as a G7 economy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Congratulates NextStar Energy on Completion of EV Battery Facility

On March 4, 2026, Minister Mélanie Joly joined provincial and municipal officials in Windsor, Ontario, to mark the opening of NextStar Energy’s lithium-ion EV battery facility. The federal project was first announced in 2022 in partnership with Ontario, intending to support transformation of the vehicle manufacturing supply chain. The facility, operational since November 2025, has produced over one million battery cells and employed more than 1,300 workers. NextStar Energy’s investment, with a commitment to create up to 2,500 jobs, improves Ontario’s standing as an EV battery manufacturing hub. The collaboration leverages LG Energy Solution’s capabilities and aligns with government priorities for strategic mobility, energy storage, and critical minerals. The $5 billion facility enhances economic opportunities in Windsor-Essex and is positioned at the intersection of national industrial policies and global automotive competitiveness.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Projects Support Laurentides Manufacturing Sector

On March 2-3, 2026, MP Madeleine Chenette announced Government of Canada funding for six manufacturing businesses in Mirabel, Quebec, on behalf of Minister Mélanie Joly. The funding comes from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and aims to boost the growth and capacity of local manufacturers. Media advisory and background materials confirm federal involvement, with upcoming details circulating directly to invited media representatives. The initiative targets regional business expansion and supply chain improvements within Laurentides, enhancing competitiveness in Quebec’s manufacturing sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Federal Backing for Manufacturing Innovation in British Columbia's Kootenays

On March 3, 2026, Minister Gregor Robertson announced a $3.6 million investment in two Kootenay-based organizations—Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) and KC Recycling. The funding, delivered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), includes over $1.6 million for STAC to expand advanced manufacturing capacity, including new research capabilities in particle accelerator and ion source technology. KC Recycling receives $1.9 million for battery processing facility upgrades, targeting a 40% increase in processing capacity. Material recovery projects for lead, plastics, and acid aim to drive circular economic gains for battery manufacturing. The support advances manufacturing innovation, clean technology adoption, and economic growth in British Columbia.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Secretary of State Long Announces Support for Southern Ontario Manufacturing

On March 5, 2026, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, announced pending government support for the automotive manufacturing sector of southern Ontario, scheduled for March 6. The event included a facility tour and media availability. Industry professionals were invited to register for B-roll and further information on the government’s upcoming measures. Details align with broader federal initiatives supporting local industry amid tariff and competitive pressures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of Transport Scheduled Announcement at PDAC 2026 Convention

Minister Steven MacKinnon, along with Minister Rebecca Alty and Parliamentary Secretary Brendan Hanley, was set to deliver remarks at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto on March 3, 2026. The announcement focused on federal priorities for strengthening Canada’s transportation systems, reinforcing supply chains, and supporting economic growth. The event offered registered media a day pass and opportunities for questions, with location specifics provided upon confirmation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Opens NextStar Energy Battery Facility in Windsor

The Ontario government marked the grand opening of NextStar Energy Inc.’s Windsor facility on March 5, 2026. The 4.23 million-square-foot EV battery plant will create up to 2,500 jobs and reinforce Ontario’s role in advanced manufacturing.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Launches All-Canadian Bus Manufacturing Facility

NFI Group Inc. opened its Winnipeg manufacturing plant, restoring full bus production to Manitoba and supporting 250 new direct jobs. The facility expands zero-emission transit capacity and domestic supply chains.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Invests in Transportation Infrastructure Under Budget 2026

Alberta’s Budget 2026 proposes over $8.3 billion for major road and bridge projects, including highway twinning and LRT expansion, targeting congestion reduction and infrastructure growth.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Develops Critical Minerals Incentive Program

Alberta will launch a new incentive program for the critical minerals sector in 2027, focusing on lithium extraction, mineral processing, and new tax credits to attract exploration and investment.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Canada and Alberta Agree on Faster Project Approvals

A new cooperation agreement-in-principle between Canada and Alberta will shift environmental assessment leadership to Alberta for projects under provincial jurisdiction and integrate provincial reviews with federal processes.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Transport Canada Proposes Motor Vehicle Safety Regulation Amendments

Transport Canada solicits public comment until March 11, 2026, on amendments to Canada Motor Vehicle Standard 114, updating theft protection requirements and harmonizing immobilization system standards with international norms.

Sources: gazette.gc.ca

Transport Canada Opens Consultation on Night-Time Headlight Glare

A federal consultation is underway (ending March 13, 2026), seeking feedback on vehicle headlight glare complaints and its effects on night driving, as well as potential influences from modern vehicle and lighting features.

Sources: NA

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada’s first commercial-scale EV manufacturing facility could be ‘crucial piece’ for auto sector: Stakeholders assess implications for auto supply chains.
• Driving Canada’s economic resilience: Insight on broader manufacturing strategies and resilience.
• F1 reset finally gives automakers a plan they can defend to stakeholders: Analysis of regulatory and market positioning for automakers.
• NextStar battery plant was 'worth every single penny,' premier says: Premier’s comments on economic impact of Windsor battery facility.
• Canada’s first commercial-scale EV manufacturing facility set to open in Ontario: Overview of operational and employment milestones in Ontario.

.