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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 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

• Fisheries and Oceans Committee: Marine and Coastal Protections Study: The House Fisheries and Oceans Committee will review marine and coastal protections on February 23, 2026, with witnesses including Doug Mavin (Bay of Fundy Inshore Fishermen’s Association), Colin Sproul (Coast Tsimshian Fish Plant Ltd), and Philippe Archambault (ArcticNet Network).
• Fisheries and Oceans Committee: Continued Study on Marine and Coastal Protections: On February 25, 2026, the committee reconvenes with senior officials from Fisheries and Oceans, Parks Canada, and Environment Canada, including Kathy Graham and Marie-Eve Neron, to discuss marine planning and conservation strategies.
• Finance Committee: Bill C-15, Implementation of Budget Measures: The House Finance Committee will conduct clause-by-clause study of Bill C-15 on February 23, 2026, with appearances from multiple departments, including Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans, and the Department of Environment.
• Environment and Sustainable Development: Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: The Environment Committee will meet in camera on February 24, 2026, to review the effectiveness and future direction of the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, including planning for subsequent committee business.
• Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry: Bill S-230 on Soil Health: The Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee will conduct a hearing on Bill S-230, the national soil health strategy, on February 24, 2026, with Fertilizer Canada as witnesses.

Federal Government News

Canada’s Environmental and Clean Technology Trade in 2024

Statistics Canada reported that Canadian exports of environmental and clean technology (ECT) products reached $20.2 billion in 2024, a 5.2% decrease from 2023, while imports increased to $35.8 billion, up 2.8% compared to the prior year. ECT products constituted 3.5% of overall Canadian exports and 2.0% of total imports. The dataset documents trade by both origin and destination, informing the industry on bilateral flows and market dynamics. The shift in balance suggests evolving opportunities and pressures in international ECT markets during 2024. Full data and methodological details are available on the Statistics Canada website.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Monthly Mineral Production Survey Data Published for December 2025

Statistics Canada released data from both the Monthly Mineral Production Survey and the Monthly Survey of Smelters and Metal Refineries for December 2025. The survey provides current figures on a range of non-fuel mineral outputs, supporting industry tracking of production trends and informing business planning and sector monitoring. Data cover output volumes and, where applicable, preliminary information on refining operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Media Coverage: Protection Delays for Snowy Owl

A recent media report discusses legal protection delays for the snowy owl, a notable Arctic species. The coverage notes the species’ ongoing exposure to climate-driven habitat changes while federal wildlife protection triggers require several steps before legal listing. The case provides context for sector stakeholders involved with migratory bird or terrestrial species under federal jurisdiction, as timelines and consultation processes continue to shape the listing of at-risk wildlife.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Courts Levy Fines for Endangered Chimney Swift Habitat Violation

Marble Arch Corporation and a demolition contractor were ordered to pay a combined $157,501 for damaging Chimney Swift habitat in Parry Sound without the required permit under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Marten Falls First Nation Submits Environmental Assessment for Access Road to Ring of Fire

The Marten Falls First Nation submitted an environmental assessment for a community access road that is positioned to connect to the provincial highway system and facilitate economic development in Northern Ontario.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Announces Record Investment and Progress in Caribou Habitat Restoration

Alberta has restored 6,100 km of legacy seismic lines since 2019, with new MOUs signed with Syncrude Canada and TC Energy for additional habitat recovery funding.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Mining Projects Advance Toward Environmental Assessment with Support from Critical Minerals Office

Northisle Copper and Gold, Surge Copper, and Defense Metals have been identified to receive project-specific support from the BC Critical Minerals Office as they enter the environmental assessment and permitting phases.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

New Waterbomber Contract to Bolster Alberta’s Wildfire Response

Alberta awarded De Havilland Canada a $400-million contract for five waterbombers, supporting local manufacturing and increasing the province’s aerial firefighting capacity starting in 2031.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Amendments to Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations

Environment and Climate Change Canada is soliciting comments on proposed amendments allowing the export of certain single-use plastics, with feedback due by February 28, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• In defence of hewers of wood and drawers of water: A perspective on Canada’s natural resources sector.
• Opinion: How to save Canada’s troubled forestry industry: Analysis of options for the forestry industry’s future.
• The Nature Legacy Society: A community of changemakers: Highlights a network supporting conservation goals.
• The road to sustainability can seem hazy. Data shows where we need to go | CBC Climate Change News: Discussion of sustainability progress using recent data.
• Why an Arctic icon, the snowy owl, must wait so long for legal protection: Reporting on legal listing timelines for snowy owl conservation.

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