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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Environment channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Mining. Also consider subscribing to our Environment - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 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

• FOPO: Factors Determining Opening and Closing Dates of Marine Harvesting Seasons (April 20): The House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans meets April 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to examine factors influencing marine harvesting season dates with witnesses from the fishing sector.
• FOPO: Atlantic Mackerel and Atlantic Herring Fisheries (April 22): The FOPO committee will hold a session on April 22, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., reviewing issues related to Atlantic mackerel and herring fisheries, including testimony from fishing associations and individual harvesters.
• Senate ENEV: Bill S-4, Energy Efficiency Act (April 21, 6:30 p.m.): The Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will study Bill S-4, focusing on energy efficiency, on April 21.
• Senate POFO: Pacific Coast Fisheries Licensing Regime (April 21, 6:30 p.m.): The Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans convenes April 21 to examine the commercial fisheries licensing regime on Canada’s Pacific Coast.
• Senate ENEV: Bill S-4, Energy Efficiency Act (April 23, 8:00 a.m.): The Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources continues hearings related to Bill S-4 on April 23 from 8:00 a.m., including testimony from Assembly of First Nations and related stakeholders.

Federal Government News

Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force Issues Final Report

On April 16, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced the conclusion of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force’s mandate. The Task Force, established in January 2026, was tasked with developing recommendations to support and modernize Canada’s forest industry in response to market pressures such as tariffs on softwood lumber. After a 90-day process that included wide-ranging engagement with industry, Indigenous groups, provinces, municipalities, and labour, the Task Force delivered its final report. The recommendations will inform upcoming federal initiatives and the agenda for the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers’ June meeting. The final report will soon be made public on Natural Resources Canada’s site and is expected to guide further efforts around market diversification, product innovation, and sector competitiveness.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Opens Anti-dumping and Subsidy Investigations into Chinese Plywood Imports

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated formal investigations on April 10 into alleged dumping and subsidization of decorative and non-structural plywood imported from China, following complaints from Columbia Forest Products and the Canadian Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a parallel inquiry to assess injury to Canadian industries, with a decision due by June 9, 2026. The CBSA will determine whether products were sold at unfair prices or received subsidies, aiming to publish preliminary findings by July 9, 2026. These actions are being taken under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA), which last year addressed $3.3 billion in imports affecting over 43,000 Canadian jobs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Impact Assessment Agency Concludes Review of Mihta Askiy Data Center Project

On April 17, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) announced that the proposed Mihta Askiy Data Center Project in Alberta does not require further review under the Impact Assessment Act. The Agency determined that any potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction would be either limited or sufficiently managed under existing federal and provincial laws, including the Migratory Birds Convention Act, Fisheries Act, and Species at Risk Act. The project will now move forward to seek detailed federal and provincial authorizations and permits as required. The decision and supporting documents are available in IAAC’s Notice of Early Decision with Reasons.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Assessment Completed for Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project

The IAAC announced on April 17 that no further federal environmental assessment is needed for the Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project in Alberta. The assessment concluded that adverse effects under federal jurisdiction are minimal and will be addressed through provincial and federal mechanisms such as the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Proponent TransAlta Corporation is now directed to pursue necessary regulatory approvals under the relevant statutes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Nature Strategy Drives Habitat Restoration in Urban Toronto

Minister Gary Anandasangaree, on behalf of Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, drew attention to federal investments in Rouge National Urban Park on April 14 as part of the deployment of ‘A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature’. The new strategy, backed by a $3.8 billion investment, includes habitat restoration projects in the Rouge, with $936,485 provided to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. These funds have restored over 23 hectares of habitat in the Rouge River and affiliated watersheds. The initiative is linked to ongoing federal commitments to expand parklands, marine areas, and integrate nature conservation with economic activities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Dabrusin to Participate in G7 and Petersberg Climate Events

Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature Julie Dabrusin will attend the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin and the G7 Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Paris between April 21 and 24. The Minister is slated to advance Canada’s climate competitiveness strategy, plans for scaling clean growth, and policies underpinning decarbonization, conservation, and critical nature protection. Key priorities include cross-border collaboration on methane mitigation, biodiversity, and mobilization of private capital for conservation, in addition to outlining how Canada’s regulatory regime is facilitating investment and aligning with international partners ahead of the UNFCCC COP31 and CBD COP17 conferences.

Sources: www.canada.ca

DFO Reports Record Participation in 2025 Newfoundland and Labrador Food Fishery Survey

On April 16, Fisheries and Oceans Canada released a summary of results from the 2025 Food Fishery survey in Newfoundland and Labrador. The survey, which received the highest response rate on record with over 9,500 participants and 100 written submissions, found continued high engagement from local residents. Respondents cited access to cod as a primary driver; many requested more adaptable regulatory measures for fishing days and seasonality. Input highlighted the importance of tailoring management actions to stock health and also included feedback on changing bag and boat limits. Findings from this survey will guide DFO planning for the 2026 season.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Enforcement of Fisheries Act Results in Fine for Haida Gwaii Fishing Guide

On April 16, Fisheries and Oceans Canada detailed the outcome of enforcement action in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. Fishing guide Jean-Marc Cyr was convicted and fined $12,000 for providing false documents and exceeding catch limits during inspections in July and August 2023. This case reinforces the legal requirements surrounding accurate catch reporting, species possession limits, and truthful communication with DFO officers under the Fisheries Act. The department encourages reporting of potential violations through its Pacific Region channels.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Thompson Targets Market, Trade, and Conservation Partnerships in Europe

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced on April 17 that she will lead Canada’s delegation to Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona (from April 20) and proceed to Brussels for bilateral meetings with European Union officials. The mission will promote Canadian seafood exports, support trade diversification, and further governmental and commercial partnerships. The Brussels agenda will cover international collaboration on trade access and conservation priorities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Supports Business Growth in BC, Including New Clean and Marine Tech

On April 17, Pacific Economic Development Canada disclosed more than $10.5 million in funding for nine companies in Delta and Richmond, targeting areas such as food security, critical minerals, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing. Recipients include North Delta Seafoods (expansion in wild-caught seafood processing), Saltworks (industrial wastewater and lithium refining), and Richply (facility modernization for value-added plywood). These investments are intended to reinforce local supply chains, jobs, and capacity in marine and environmental sectors, and to support broader adoption of clean technologies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Data on Rural Employment by Industry Released by Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada published a new interactive dashboard on rural Canadian employment trends as of March 2026, providing industry-level workforce information for rural regions. The dataset gives up-to-date insights useful for tracking shifts in environment-related sectors, community-level employment, and related economic linkages.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Government Seeks Faster Approvals for Major Projects

The Government of Alberta introduced Bill 30, the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, proposing new timeframes for regulatory reviews and environmental assessments of major projects valued at $250 million or more.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba, Ottawa, and Seal River Watershed Alliance Advance Indigenous Protected Area

On April 17, Manitoba, the federal government, and four First Nations released a proposal to protect the Seal River Watershed—over 50,000 square kilometres—with new provincial and proposed national park designation, supported by combined investments including a new $4 million Manitoba endowment.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Strengthens Air Quality Regulations

Nova Scotia is enacting updated Air Quality Regulations effective June 1, increasing the number of regulated air pollutants from 6 to 26, with implications for industrial operations and reporting requirements province-wide.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

B.C. Launches Marine Polystyrene Disposal Pilot for Dock Owners

British Columbia, in partnership with the shíshálh Nation and Ocean Legacy Foundation, announced free disposal events for dock-related polystyrene to help reduce marine pollution along the Sunshine Coast, part of the new BC Coastal Marine Strategy.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Invests Additional $11.5 Million to Upgrade Critical Water Infrastructure

Ontario will invest in upgrades for four dams across the province, supporting flood control, water quality, and long-term reliability for rural communities.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Proposed Regulation: Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area Consultation

Environment and Climate Change Canada is accepting feedback until April 20 on proposed amendments to designate the Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area in Nova Scotia.

Sources: canada-preview.adobecqms.net

Health Canada Opens Consultation on Cholecalciferol Rodenticide Registration

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is consulting on the registration for several cholecalciferol-based rodent baits, with comments accepted until April 26.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Prohexadione-calcium Pesticide Re-evaluation Open for Comment

Health Canada is consulting on the proposal to continue registration for prohexadione-calcium and related products, with comments open through April 19.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario’s new Species Conservation Act raises concerns about oversight, habitat protection: Reporting on industry and stakeholder reaction to recent changes in Ontario’s species conservation law.
• In Minnesota’s wilderness, a town divided over the future of mining: An analysis of how U.S. mining policy disputes are playing out in local communities near the border.
• A seafood retailer hopes the snow crab fishery gets going soon + Meet the artist behind an ocean installation created entirely from beach plastic: CBC covers current issues affecting the seafood supply chain and marine debris.

.