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: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 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

There are no scheduled committee meetings this week.

Federal Government News

Ottawa and St. John's Launch Drought Relief Program for Newfoundland and Labrador Farmers

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Heath MacDonald and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, Pleaman Forsey, confirmed on February 10 the rollout of the AgriRecovery Forage Assistance Initiative for livestock producers impacted by the 2025 drought. Financial support targets feed costs for dairy, beef, and small ruminant operations. The announcement outlines deadlines for AgriStability (April 30, 2026), AgriInsurance (April 30, 2026), and AgriInvest (September 30, 2026), with contact information for program details provided. The relief package operates as a federal-provincial cost-shared solution under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The province also reopened AgriStability for late applications and highlighted support channels for business risk management within the sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Ministers to Announce New Automotive Transformation Strategy and EV Charging Investments

On February 9, Ministers Tim Hodgson (Energy and Natural Resources), Steven MacKinnon (Transport), and Julie Dabrusin (Environment, Climate Change and Nature) issued a joint advisory on the formal launch of a federal strategy aimed at transitioning Canada’s auto sector and increasing investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The announcement signaled inter-ministerial coordination for upcoming funding initiatives and outlined requirements for accredited media participation. The event points to significant public investments that are anticipated to affect supply chains tied to manufacturing, resource extraction, and EV infrastructure deployment.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Secretary of State Sarai Closes International Development Week 2026 Highlighting Climate Resilience Partnerships

Secretary of State Randeep Sarai concluded International Development Week with a review of federal investments supporting Canadian organizations engaged in climate resilience and biodiversity projects, including the announcement of the Canada LIFTs Fund and Coffee for Communities. The initiatives set out to leverage matching support for Canadian organizations and encourage engagement on climate adaptation and global development priorities. Sector-focused engagements covered climate action, youth programs, and support for diaspora and Indigenous entrepreneurship. The federal report stressed the economic and community impacts of these federally supported partnerships throughout the week.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Building Opens in Shawinigan with Emphasis on Environmental Performance and Indigenous Cultural Elements

Public Services and Procurement Canada marked completion of its new federal building in Shawinigan, Quebec, designed for LEED Gold certification and featuring carbon-neutral technologies. The project, completed $61 million under budget at $223 million, incorporates extensive use of local materials and natural lighting. The building now houses federal departments and employs approximately 2,000 workers. Atikamekw cultural themes have been built into the architecture and interior spaces in collaboration with Indigenous artists and the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw, including multilingual signage and art installations. Final landscaping continues through fall 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Allocates $20 Million to Species at Risk Projects

The Ontario government announced a $20 million investment through its new Species Conservation Program, supporting 46 community-led conservation initiatives, including wetland restoration, turtle recovery, and land securement for habitat protection. Funding recipients include ALUS Canada, Ducks Unlimited, and the Forest Gene Conservation Association.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Aulds Cove Wind Project Approved by Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia government has approved the environmental assessment for the Aulds Cove Wind Project in Guysborough County. Construction will start in late 2026, supporting up to 150 jobs and providing 147 megawatts of new wind capacity.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Invests $28 Million in Energy Technology with Environmental Benefits

Alberta’s government is investing $28 million through its TIER program to support six projects across energy and agri-food sectors. Funded projects include pipeline safety improvements, methane reduction in agriculture, remediation of old well sites, and new renewable natural gas generation.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Pilots Satellite-Based Forage Insurance for Crop Year 2026

The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation has introduced a satellite-based forage insurance pilot for 2026. The initiative aims to reduce reporting burdens for forage producers and is open to 50 participants at no extra cost, with technology assessments expected to inform future insurance program design.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ice-Jam Mitigation Underway on Red River in Manitoba

Manitoba has begun its annual ice cutting and breaking operations on the Red River using remote-controlled equipment and Amphibex icebreakers. The program, running from February 17 to March 10, aims to reduce flooding risks from ice jams.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations for Scully Mine Expansion

Environment and Climate Change Canada is soliciting public input on amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations to enable mine waste disposal in fish-bearing waters at the Scully Mine site. Comments accepted until February 15, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Proposed Amendments to Migratory Birds Regulations (2026-2028) Open for Comment

Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking feedback on proposed biennial changes to Migratory Birds Regulations affecting hunting areas, open season dates, and bag limits by province and territory. Consultation period concludes on February 15, 2026.

Sources: gazette.gc.ca

Draft Guidelines Open for Comment: Fording River Extension Project Environmental Assessment

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada invites public feedback on draft guidelines for the proposed extension of the Fording River metallurgical coal mine in British Columbia. Comments accepted until February 15, 2026.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Shaakichiuwaanaan Lithium Mining Project: Impact Assessment Participation Funding Available

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada launched a funding program to support Indigenous and public engagement in the review process for the proposed Shaakichiuwaanaan open-pit and underground lithium mine east of Radisson, Quebec. Application deadline: February 16, 2026.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Great Bear Gold Project: Funding for Public Participation in Impact Assessment Offered

Participant funding has been made available by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada for the Great Bear Gold Project assessment 23km southeast of Red Lake, Ontario. Eligible groups are encouraged to apply before February 20, 2026.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• EPA decision to revoke climate change finding: US EPA action prompts widespread attention to regulatory shifts in climate policy.
• UN report on business and biodiversity: UN releases analysis mapping opportunities for aligning biodiversity with business growth.
• Raw log export ban motion withdrawn in Nanaimo, BC: Discussion on export controls continues at the regional district board level.
• Nova Scotia’s CarbonRun marks milestone in river-based carbon capture: Company achieves progress in deploying liming methods for CO2 sequestration.
• N.S. wind farm receives environmental assessment approval: Construction on new turbines will add to the province’s renewable energy capacity.
• Osisko Development awards Cariboo Gold Project contract: Gold development proceeds with new construction management contracts for BC project.
• Trump EPA revokes US climate finding: In-depth US coverage of federal regulatory changes affecting GHG oversight.
• Trump’s EPA revokes scientific finding: Policy developments on GHG emissions attract media focus.

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