June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Canada Reopens Northern Shrimp Fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador With New Assessment Framework

The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced on June 22 the reopening of the commercial Northern shrimp fishery in Shrimp Fishing Area 7 (SFA 7) off eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, reestablishing access after over a decade-long closure. The domestic TAC for the 2026-2027 season is set at 1,367 tonnes. This decision follows the adoption of a new stock assessment framework in 2025, which redefined assessment regions to better match the shrimp's biological distribution. Under the new methodology, shrimp populations in the South Stock Assessment Region, including SFA 7, are classified in the Healthy Zone. DFO will conduct ongoing stock assessments to monitor resource status and balance both conservation and economic objectives, referencing the closure and moratorium imposed by NAFO in 2015 due to prior stock declines.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Announces $73 Million for Mining and Clean Energy Innovation

On June 26, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson detailed $73 million in federal investments for 12 projects advancing mining sector sustainability and critical minerals infrastructure across Canada. The First and Last Mile Fund is supplying $51.57 million for five projects to develop mines and modernize the upstream and midstream critical minerals supply chain, with a particular focus on Indigenous partnership. Major initiatives include the $50 million NICO Project Access Road, the Bathurst Caribou Habitat Conservation Initiative, and the DKFN Guardians Monitoring Program, each supporting capacity-building and environmental monitoring. The Energy Innovation Program has allocated $19.6 million for decarbonization technologies such as closed-loop copper extraction, battery-electric fleet demonstration, and ventilation energy recovery. Nearly $2 million funds the Tahltan Central Government’s participation in impact assessment under the Critical Minerals Strategy, strengthening Indigenous co-regulation in northern British Columbia.

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

Canada Participates in International Climate Action Negotiations at MoCA10 and London Climate Action Week

Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin took part in the 10th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA10) in Brussels from June 22-23, before participating in London Climate Action Week on June 23-24. Canada, as co-convener of MoCA10, played a central role in setting discussions on implementing the Paris Agreement and shaping priorities for COP31. Minister Dabrusin chaired sessions on climate finance and highlighted Canada’s pledge to deliver $13 billion in climate-related support to developing nations over five years. Bilateral meetings were held with ministers from Norway, the EU, China, and others. In London, Canada co-hosted roundtables on methane abatement in the energy sector with the UK and EU, jointly issued statements promoting methane reduction and clean energy transition initiatives, and participated in the Electrify Now initiative. Minister Dabrusin also addressed industry representatives and Powering Past Coal Alliance members, focusing on collaboration for the energy transition.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Invests in the Albemarle Brook Habitat Restoration Project

A federal grant of more than $45,840 from the Natural Infrastructure Fund has been designated for the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association to restore and protect the Albemarle Brook watershed. The funds, announced June 23, target streambank stabilization, cattle-exclusion fencing, and community engagement in South Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. These measures are designed to improve water quality, promote habitat and biodiversity, and support the long-term health of related local waterbodies and wetlands.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Energy Innovation and Hydrogen Storage Projects Advance in Alberta

Parliamentary Secretary Corey Hogan announced $19.4 million in support for 13 clean energy innovation and energy efficiency initiatives in Alberta on June 25. Notable projects under the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program include a $10 million investment in Emissions Reduction Alberta's Strategic Energy Management for Industry, and retrofit funding for McCain Foods, West Fraser Mills, and other industrial operations. Smart grid programs, hydrogen production demonstration, and hydrogen storage trials by VulcanX Energy Corp. and University of Alberta will investigate advanced infrastructure for grid modernization and support for low-emission hydrogen deployment. Facilities receiving support range from municipal utility upgrades to energy management overhauls in manufacturing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Funds First-of-its-Kind Renewable Microgrid in Sayisi Dene First Nation

On June 22, Minister Rebecca Chartrand, on behalf of Minister Hodgson, announced a $21.6 million investment to launch a suite of clean energy projects in Tadoule Lake, Manitoba. The program will deliver an integrated microgrid—combining bifacial solar PV technology, battery storage, and a microgrid controller—to reduce diesel dependence in Sayisi Dene First Nation. Once operational in fall 2026, the system is expected to cut emissions by 500 tonnes of CO2 annually and decrease long-term energy costs for the remote community.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Polar Knowledge Canada Awards $180,000 for Northern and Polar Research

On June 26, Polar Knowledge Canada announced $180,000 to support 10 emerging researchers through scholarships, fellowship awards, and Northern recruitment programs. Recipients—including doctorate students, post-doctoral fellows, and Northern residents—will target research in wildlife monitoring, nanocontaminant exposure, permafrost changes, climate impacts on water quality, snowpack hydrology, and polar animal health. Awards also support Indigenous participation and self-determination in Arctic research execution.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Joint Statement Issued on Methane Abatement in the Energy Sector

On June 23, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a joint statement, with international partners, presenting methane abatement in the energy sector as a key measure supporting energy security. The declaration builds on prior commitments under the Global Methane Pledge and reinforces alignment between Canadian and European methane reduction strategies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatCan Releases Human Landscape Modification Index Geospatial Data

On June 25, Statistics Canada released a new geospatial file, the Human Landscape Modification Index (HLMI), providing updated 2020 data on anthropogenic changes to land use across Canada. The HLMI resource offers industry access to spatial data quantifying cumulative human pressures on landscapes relevant to environmental assessment and habitat monitoring.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Survey Data Published on Institutional Energy Use for Hospitals and Postsecondary Campuses

Results from Statistics Canada’s 2024 Survey of Commercial and Institutional Energy Use, covering hospital and postsecondary campuses, are now available. The data offer insights into energy demand and consumption patterns in institutional buildings, supporting the objectives of net-zero building emissions by 2050. The survey data inform facilities on the impact of national construction codes and energy-saving incentives, aligning with the Canada Green Buildings Strategy.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

May 2026 Refined Petroleum Products Data Now Available

As of June 23, Statistics Canada has released the latest figures for Canadian refined petroleum product production and inventories for May 2026. The new statistics are provided on request and will support monitoring of supply, demand, and related emissions implications in the downstream energy sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Invests Over $3 Million in Wetlands Restoration Through Ducks Unlimited

On June 22, Ontario announced $3.1 million in funding to Ducks Unlimited Canada for 15 wetland restoration projects across the Lake Ontario watershed, supporting 136 acres of new and restored wetlands to manage stormwater, reduce flooding risk, and enhance wildlife habitat.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Companies Fined for Environmental Protection Act Violations

Two Ontario waste management firms and a company manager were fined a combined $73,000 for multiple violations of the Environmental Protection Act, including unauthorized waste disposal site operation and non-compliance with ministry orders regarding hazardous waste and stormwater management.

Sources: news.ontario.ca, news.ontario.ca

BC Establishes Centralized Compliance and Enforcement Agency

The Government of British Columbia announced the formation of the BC Compliance and Enforcement Agency effective July 1, 2026, merging several regulatory enforcement functions from the natural resource sector to improve governance, data coordination, and efficiency.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC Invites Public Comment on Timber Supply and Forest Landscape Planning

Public consultations are open in British Columbia for the 100 Mile House Timber Supply Area and the Kootenay Lake Forest Landscape Plan, with community and First Nations engagement informing sustainable harvest levels and forest stewardship.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca, news.gov.bc.ca

Individual Fined for Migratory Bird Hunting Violation in Ontario

Liam Comerford of Killaloe was fined $2,500 and received a three-year hunting permit prohibition for shooting ducks from a moving motorboat, contrary to Migratory Birds Regulations, as heard April 20, 2026, in Pembroke.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Open on Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations Amendments

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is accepting input on proposed changes to the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations; submissions are open until July 16, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

Health Canada Consults on Amendments to Spiropidion Maximum Residue Limits

A public consultation is underway until September 6, 2026, regarding proposed maximum residue limit increases for spiropidion on crops including peppers, tomatoes, and melons.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Health Canada Seeks Input on Spiropidion Insecticide Registration Decision

Comments are invited on the proposed registration of A20262 Insecticide containing spiropidion; the consultation runs through July 5, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Public Feedback Requested on Lac-Mégantic Bypass Hydrogeological Assessment

The Canadian Transportation Agency invites feedback on the Groupe Conseil UDA hydrogeological report and railway company response for the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass application until June 29, 2026.

Sources: otc-cta.gc.ca

Health Canada Consults on Famoxadone Re-evaluation

Health Canada is reviewing the continued registration of famoxadone and invites public comment on proposed label updates, with input accepted until June 29, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada earmarks 20 per cent of climate funding to address biodiversity loss: Overview of federal climate funding targets related to biodiversity.

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