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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Government launches $500 million to support forest sector transformation

On February 25, 2026, the Government of Canada rolled out a $500 million national call for proposals under Natural Resources Canada’s forest sector transformation programs. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Timothy Hodgson stated eligible organizations can now apply to the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT), Green Construction Through Wood (GCWood), Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), and Global Forest Leadership Program (GloFor). These funds are intended for innovation, product diversification, and addressing effects of U.S. trade measures by supporting at-risk businesses and expanding export markets. The announcement is tied to the government’s broader industrial strategy to prioritize Canadian wood through policies such as Buy Canadian and Build Canada Homes. The department also outlined the work of a new Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force, in operation since January 2026, which is coordinating these efforts.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada invests $2.8 million in seven Atlantic forestry projects

Minister Tim Hodgson announced $2.8 million in support for seven mass timber and forestry projects in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Recipients include Vyterra Renewables’ low-carbon fuel oil facility in Nova Scotia; University of New Brunswick’s 2x3 B-I-B container timber house research; the Ulnooweg Education Centre’s Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) treatment plan; and initiatives by the Wolastoqey Nation, John W. Jamer Ltd., Forest NB, and Maritime Lumber Bureau. These projects target expanded use of Canadian wood in construction, Indigenous land management and technical training, business plan development for community housing lumber supply, and market diversification studies. The project list integrates lifecycle analyses and knowledge-sharing activities relevant to biodiversity, biosecurity, and global trade compliance.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Over $2.3 million allocated for Wolastoq/Saint John River science and nutrient reduction

On February 28, 2026, Parliamentary Secretary Wade Grant announced $2.3 million for 14 partner-led projects to restore and protect the Wolastoq/Saint John River. The Canada Water Agency’s Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative will support nutrient reduction, scientific knowledge strengthening, and Indigenous-led water quality monitoring. Among the recipients, the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council will train community members in water quality analysis; Belleisle Watershed Coalition will assess PFAS contamination; and Nature New Brunswick will engage farmers on nutrient management. Projects are funded until 2027 and also cover initiatives using new riparian setback tools, bioindicator research with bivalves, real-time algal bloom monitoring, and historic lake health analysis. These actions are intended to support economic sectors dependent on river health, provide data for policy, and build capacity for managing contaminants and extreme events.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada prevents illegal export of over one million kilograms of hazardous waste

During fall 2025, Environment and Climate Change Canada, in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency, intercepted 59 shipping containers with over 1.2 million kilograms of hazardous waste as part of Operation Demeter XI, according to a February 26, 2026 release. Materials included e-waste, batteries, waste oil, hazardous scrap metal, PCBs, and plastic waste. The containers were en route to international destinations, and their seizure represents the largest such Canadian operation to date. Canada’s ongoing participation in this World Customs Organization initiative is part of compliance with Basel Convention obligations, and the operation targeted criminal networks involved in transboundary waste trafficking. No domestic operational changes were signaled, but future joint inspections are anticipated.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and A-Tlegay Member Nations sign 20-year fisheries reconciliation agreement

On February 19, 2026, the Government of Canada and the A-Tlegay Member Nations finalized a 20-year Reconciliation Agreement for Fisheries Resources. Ministers Joanne Thompson (Fisheries) and Rebecca Alty (Crown-Indigenous Relations) attended the Vancouver ceremony. The agreement will allow the Nations to acquire commercial licences and quotas for fisheries, support expansion into shellfish aquaculture, and facilitate business development and training opportunities. The arrangement also establishes a collaborative fisheries management model, integrating federal and Indigenous governance for shared commercial and conservation priorities on the central northeast coast of Vancouver Island. The formal structure responds to both economic participation objectives and resource stewardship under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Finance committee reviews high-speed rail and regulatory framework concerns

The Senate National Finance Committee (NFFN) examined Bill C-15 and included testimony from Alto, developer of a high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Quebec City. Martin Imbleau outlined engagement processes, Indigenous consultation, and construction planning beginning in 2029–30. Senators focused on regulatory clarity, economic assumptions, land expropriation, and confidential Indigenous knowledge handling. Imbleau compared Alto’s approach with international precedents (HS2, California High-Speed Rail) and noted workforce and inflation risks. Debate extended to Bill C-4 and privacy rules for federal political parties. Key issues included transparency in land acquisition, fair compensation, and incorporating Indigenous participation into project planning.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Transport committee hears on critical infrastructure and climate resilience

On February 24, 2026, the Senate Transport and Communications Committee analyzed Canada’s critical transportation infrastructure in the context of climate resilience, with testimony from directors at Transport Canada, Public Safety, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Measures discussed included Transport Canada’s Trade Diversification Corridors Fund ($5B), a $1B Arctic Infrastructure Fund, and investments in National Adaptation Strategy implementation. Officials outlined approaches for prioritizing infrastructure and strategies for integrating climate risks into long-term planning, including in Canada’s northern and remote regions. The committee was informed that a national list of critical transportation assets is forthcoming, with a follow-up due by mid-March.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Illegal shellfish harvesting convictions in B.C.

On February 24, 2026, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced that two individuals were fined a combined $10,500 and banned from fishing for two years after convictions in Nanaimo Provincial Court. Offenses included exceeding daily clam limits, possessing illegal species, and obstructing fishery officers, stemming from a June 2024 patrol in Nanoose Bay. The Fisheries Act charges reflect ongoing enforcement aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and food safety as well as supporting market access for legitimate operators. The DFO reiterated reporting channels for suspected illegal fishing activities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal government meets 2025 reduction targets for emissions in operations

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat reported on February 23, 2026, that emissions from government real property operations and conventional fleets dropped by 42.5% as of March 31, 2025, surpassing the 40% benchmark set for 2025 under the Greening Government Strategy. Minister Shafqat Ali announced the funding of 25 new projects designed to further decrease operational emissions, such as ship fuel innovation pilots and textile reuse schemes. The Greening Government Fund has distributed over $80 million to more than 130 projects since 2019 with the objective of supporting a net-zero target by 2050 for federal government operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia amends permitting regulations for natural resource projects

Four regulatory amendments were introduced to alter permitting processes for rebuilding after wildfires, wetland restoration, and industrial site rehabilitation. Changes include streamlined steps in the Water Sustainability and Riparian Areas Protection regulations, delegated authorities for sector expertise, and reduced requirements for low-risk construction activities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario fines individual for illegal commercial fishing on Lake Erie

Robert Johnston was fined $4,500 for fisheries violations, including failing to retrieve gill nets and spoiling fish, following a public complaint about abandoned nets in March 2025 near Wheatley.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba invests $950,000 in waste diversion infrastructure for Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation

A regional landfill upgrade will increase capacity, climate event resilience, and recycling efforts, funded through Manitoba GRO.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia's Powering the Economy Act sets framework for offshore wind and new subsurface energy rules

Legislation now creates an Offshore Renewable Energy Revenue Act, annual levies on wind output, and introduces regulatory oversight of natural hydrogen, geothermal, helium, and carbon storage.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Premier Houston promotes critical minerals at PDAC conference

Nova Scotia highlighted mining and forestry sector growth and will make new mineral resource announcements in Toronto alongside federal officials and international partners.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation launched on pesticide drone application

Health Canada’s PMRA is seeking input until March 25, 2026, on permitting pesticide application using drones for products currently registered for aerial use.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Proposed maximum residue limits for acynonapyr and EBDC fungicides open for comment

Written submissions on Health Canada's proposed MRLs for acynonapyr and ethylene bisdithiocarbamate fungicides are invited through May 12, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Protected natural areas helped generate $11-billion in GDP, new research shows: Research indicates economic contributions of protected natural areas.
• Federal government departments meet their 2025 climate target: Canada's public sector reports over 40% reduction in operational emissions since 2005.
• Data-informed decision-making enhancing project confidence: Industry explores the impact of analytics on project delivery in the resources sector.
• Future of Mining Challenge delivers water solutions: New approaches bring forward water management innovations for mining.
• Trump administration ends protections for rare dancing prairie bird: U.S. regulatory change removes protections for an endangered bird species.
• What immigration crackdowns have to do with climate: Coverage of climate-related migration dynamics and policy responses.
• Company based in Guelph steps in to make takeout containers greener: Local innovation aims at improving the sustainability of food packaging.
• Indigenous protest in the Amazon forces Brazil’s Lula to revoke waterway decree: International news on Indigenous-led environmental protest in Brazil.
• Winnipeg students learn about impact of hydro projects in Indigenous communities: Educational programs introduce students to environmental considerations of hydro development.

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