This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news regarding the environment, climate change policies, fish and wildlife protection, habitat conservation, environmental activism, and forestry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Canada and PEI sign agreement for 'one project, one review' of major projects

On March 26, 2026, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Government of Prince Edward Island signed a Co-operation Agreement for Environmental and Impact Assessment. This arrangement allows for a consolidated assessment process in which major projects in PEI requiring both federal and provincial review will undergo a single, coordinated procedure. The approach permits decisions on a project-by-project basis, with reviews relying on either jurisdiction’s process or a fully integrated method. According to Minister Julie Dabrusin and Minister Darlene Compton, the agreement also stipulates robust coordination of permitting, information sharing, and consultation with Indigenous Peoples. This model is similar to existing arrangements with British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick. The government expects more predictable timelines for proponents while preserving environmental standards and protection of Indigenous rights.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal government announces continued protection measures for North Atlantic right whales

On March 26, 2026, Ministers Joanne Thompson (Fisheries) and Steven MacKinnon (Transport) announced the 2026 suite of protective measures for the endangered North Atlantic right whale. For the fishery sector, adaptive closure protocols will be applied wherever whale detections occur. The three-year extension of the shallow water whalesafe gear pilot allows for testing break-away gear designed to reduce entanglement risk. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will distribute advisories to harvesters on whale detections that do not trigger closures, supporting operational awareness. Transport Canada’s annual speed limits in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, requiring vessels 13 metres or longer to keep to 10 knots, resume on April 22, with additional voluntary slowdowns for the Cabot Strait and advisories in the Bay of Fundy. These layered management actions were developed in collaboration with industry, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders, and incorporate both mandatory and recommended measures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

2026 snow crab quotas and precautionary approach review announced for Newfoundland and Labrador

On March 27, 2026, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson set the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) for Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab at 61,004 tonnes, a 3% reduction from 2025. This maintains the TAC as the third highest on record, with the fishery valued at more than $700 million in 2025. Two management areas will see quota increases (including a 19% increase in 4R3Pn), while three others will have significant reductions: area 3K will decrease by 18%, area 3Ps by 30%, and area 2HJ by 20%. Consultations with Indigenous groups and stakeholders informed these adjustments. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also announced it will launch a review of the precautionary approach framework aimed at improving TAC stability and reducing year-over-year volatility, involving industry and partners.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Elver fishery opens with increased quota and new traceability protocols

Minister Joanne Thompson announced the opening of the 2026 elver fishing season around April 1 in Southwest Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, and Southwest New Brunswick. The total allowable catch is set at 12,180 kg, up 22% from the previous year. Allocation increases are based on science advice and observed population trends, with no license holders facing reductions. For 2026, 180 kg of quota is set aside for research under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act, involving both DFO Science and organizations with ongoing research. The ongoing implementation of the Elver Monitoring and Traceability (EMT) application—mandated for all licensees—has improved compliance and reduced unauthorized harvest, underpinning the TAC increase. Enforcement actions on illegal harvest and export remain a focus for DFO.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada launches effort to develop National Water Security Strategy

On March 22, 2026, the Government of Canada, led by the Canada Water Agency and Minister Julie Dabrusin, began consultations on developing Canada's first National Water Security Strategy. This initiative responds to national water pressures, such as droughts, floods, and infrastructure challenges. The strategy’s creation will involve engagement with provinces, territories, Indigenous governments, and stakeholders from multiple sectors. Timelines for these stakeholder consultations will be announced in the coming months. The work builds on the Canada Water Act review, a $650 million Freshwater Action Plan, and the release of a National Freshwater Science Agenda informed by over 800 experts.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New marine infrastructure funding announcement scheduled for Northern Canada

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced an in-person media event for March 27, 2026, in Iqaluit, Nunavut, where details of new federal investments in small craft harbours for Canada's high Arctic will be released. The federal government is positioning these investments as support for marine safety, improved access, and broader Arctic sovereignty. Additional details will be shared post-event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan releases 2024 data on manufactured and logging products and raw materials

On March 27, 2026, Statistics Canada released revised 2023 data and 2024 preliminary data for the Annual Survey of Manufacturing and Logging Industries. New figures detail the value of products produced, sold, and the raw materials used by manufacturers and loggers at the national and provincial/territorial levels. Data are available by request and may inform analysis of supply chain and resource utilization trends.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Physical flow account for Canadian plastic material updated to 2022

Statistics Canada published updated data for its Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material through 2022. The tracking includes estimates for the flow of plastics by product category, resin type, and provincial jurisdiction. The time series starts from 2012, allowing year-over-year analyses of Canadian plastic material manufacturing, usage, and management.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Investment in wetland construction and stormwater infrastructure in Port Colborne

On March 23, 2026, the Government of Canada and the City of Port Colborne announced $140,000 in co-funding for the development of a 6,100 square metre wetland and 450 metres of walking paths in Centennial Park. The project aims to enhance local stormwater management and biodiversity by expanding natural infrastructure, including the planting of native vegetation. The investment aligns with planned residential growth in Niagara Region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy development underway

On March 26, 2026, Minister Heath MacDonald announced that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is partnering with the Soil Conservation Council of Canada to create a National Agricultural Soil Health Strategy. The process draws on Senate work, notably Bill S-230, and is set to be guided by advisory committees involving provinces, Indigenous agricultural groups, and industry organizations. Stakeholder engagement begins in Spring 2026. The strategy will address research, extension, data, and incentive structures for enhancing soil health nationwide.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sentence issued in federal court for illegal crab fishing operations in BC

On March 23, 2026, Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported that charter operator Jichuan Shi was fined $5,000 by Richmond Provincial Court following a May 2025 inspection in Steveston Harbour. The conviction was for possessing illegally caught fish, specifically nine undersized Dungeness crab, under the Fisheries Act. Additional infractions included fishing with unauthorized crab traps and possessing a non-declared lingcod. The case demonstrates active enforcement efforts around recreational fisheries and compliance with federal regulations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia and Canada sign joint environmental approval agreement for major projects

On March 27, 2026, Premier Tim Houston and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a co-operation agreement establishing a joint project review process for projects needing both federal and provincial environmental approvals. The arrangement is expected to reduce regulatory duplication and clarify permitting for energy and infrastructure development.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta proposes 120-day timeline for major project approvals legislation

On March 23, 2026, the Alberta government announced forthcoming legislation to set a 120-day approval deadline for major project applications, covering oil, gas, and infrastructure proposals. Environmental protection and Indigenous consultations are to remain central requirements in the streamlined process.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Forest Practices Board makes new chair appointment

On March 27, 2026, Meggin Messenger was named chair of the BC Forest Practices Board for a three-year term starting April 7, 2026. Messenger is a registered professional forester and has held senior BC Public Service roles in forestry and stewardship.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Flood resilience infrastructure completed in East Kootenay, BC

BC has completed several flood-mitigation projects in East Kootenay, including upgrades to dikes, debris barriers, and fish habitat restoration works in Fernie, Invermere, and Golden. Over $19 million was invested in the region, with a broader $410 million invested in more than 600 flood-risk reduction projects since 2017.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Group fined for illegal fishing and camping in Ontario provincial park

As of March 27, 2026, three Ontario individuals were fined a combined $7,610 for offences related to possession of a gillnet, unlicensed fishing, camping without permits, and fire violations in French River Provincial Park. All have a one-year ban on holding a fishing licence.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Conservation group looks to protect mainland moose and stop wind project: Report on ongoing efforts to protect moose habitat in the context of new wind energy proposals in Atlantic Canada.
• Indigenous program to protect Canadian wilderness aims to bolster First Nations’ economies: Coverage of wilderness protection programs with economic dimensions for First Nations.
• New Fourchette bleue eco-guide for sustainable St. Lawrence seafood: Feature on Quebec’s new guide for sustainable St. Lawrence seafood consumption.
• Judge won’t block meeting that could exempt Gulf drilling from Endangered Species Act: Examination of US judicial proceedings related to Gulf drilling exemptions.
• Liberals, PCs kill Green leader’s environmental bill of rights: Update on provincial legislative dynamics regarding environmental rights in New Brunswick.
• Coalition of First Nations, rural landowners demands review of proposed Pathways carbon capture project: Review of opposition to a major carbon capture project in Alberta.
• Oil spill deals economic blow to fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico: Reporting on economic impacts of a US oil spill event.
• Casting the dye: New tech that’s stopping textile industry pollution at source: Overview of technological advances in textile industry pollution control.
• Geotab’s 2025 Sustainability and Impact Report Shows Fleets Cutting Fuel Waste: Report details on vehicle fleet efficiency initiatives.
• WP Daily: National soil strategy bill set to pass in Senate: Legislative outlook on national soil health strategy in Canada.

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