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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Government of Canada launches projects under Atlantic Salmon Strategy

On March 13, 2026, the Minister of Fisheries, Joanne Thompson, announced four new initiatives as part of Canada’s National Strategy to Ensure the Future of Atlantic Salmon. The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat will lead collaborative governance efforts to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation and restoration of Atlantic salmon habitats. The Institut de développement durable des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador is gathering Indigenous knowledge through round-tables and community engagement. The Atlantic Salmon Federation’s project will focus on freshwater habitat connectivity and barrier prioritization. The Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon will organize inter-provincial symposiums to facilitate discussion among key stakeholders. These projects are expected to build capacity within Indigenous communities, develop governance, and improve the sharing and reporting of data across eastern Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada issues early decision on Bécancour Port Terminal Expansion Project

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) completed its review of the Bécancour Port Terminal Expansion Project – B6 Wharf in Quebec, issuing a Notice of Early Decision on March 13, 2026. IAAC determined that adverse effects within federal jurisdiction are either limited or mitigated by existing laws and regulations. The framework includes the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, and several Quebec provincial statutes. No further assessment under the Impact Assessment Act is required, and project proponents will proceed to secure requisite federal and provincial authorizations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada invests in electrified ship loading system through Green Shipping Corridor Program

Transport Canada is providing up to $6.4 million for an electrified extended ship loading system at R.W. Tomlinson Ltd.'s Ontario Trap Rock facility, announced in Bruce Mines, Ontario, on March 13, 2026. The project is expected to replace diesel-powered trucks with electric-powered systems for aggregate transport, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase shipping capacity by up to 25%. This investment, under the Green Shipping Corridor Program, is part of a broader plan to modernize ports and marine infrastructure for improved efficiency and lower environmental impact throughout the Great Lakes shipping corridor.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of Finance requests safeguard inquiry into wood products imports

On March 13, 2026, the Minister of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne, directed the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to conduct a safeguard inquiry into global imports of frozen and canned vegetables and is prioritizing an urgent request from the Canadian Wood Products Alliance for a similar inquiry on wood cabinets, vanities, hardwood flooring, and engineered wood storage furniture. The Tribunal will assess whether increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to Canadian producers and recommend remedies within 180 days. The government will consider the impact on food affordability and security alongside producer resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada begins renewal negotiations for fisheries funds

The Honourable Joanne Thompson announced on March 11, 2026, that negotiations have started for a five‑year renewal of Canada’s fisheries funds. The renewed funds will emphasize sector innovation and support for market diversification, with federal-provincial partnership as a central feature. The funds have enabled Canadian fish and seafood harvesters to adapt to shifting global dynamics and remain competitive. Moving forward, agreements will be reached to reflect current industry realities and drive productivity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada’s fisheries funds set to sunset, discussions underway for revitalization

Canada’s fisheries funds, including the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, Quebec Fisheries Fund, and British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, have supported innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships since 2017 and are scheduled to sunset on March 31, 2026. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has initiated discussions with provinces on revitalizing the funds, which will require new partnership agreements and updated funding commitments. Renewed funds aim to facilitate investment, enhance sector coordination, and allow harvesters and aquaculturists to adapt to evolving trade conditions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada prepares for Seafood Expo North America 2026

Canada will present its fish and seafood sector at Seafood Expo North America, held March 15 to 17, 2026, in Boston. The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, will head the delegation. Canada exported $8.5 billion worth of seafood to 114 countries in 2025, with lobster as the leading export. The Expo provides a global platform for demonstrating Canada’s regulated, science-driven fisheries management and strong conservation standards to potential buyers and partners.

Sources: www.canada.ca

DFO enforcement secures judgment for illegal sea cucumber harvesting

On March 10, 2026, Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported that three recreational fishers in Campbell River, B.C., received fines totaling $11,600 for exceeding daily possession limits and attempting to conceal evidence. Fishery officers confiscated 43 sea cucumbers, exceeding the limit of 12 per person, and returned them live to the ocean. Enforcement under the Fisheries Act supports stock sustainability and food security for First Nations, with strict catch limits and rigorous inspection protocols.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program funds environmental labour market projects

Employment and Social Development Canada announced up to $94.5 million over five years for 14 organizations to develop sector-specific labour market information (LMI) under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. ECO Canada’s SUSTAIN project will produce national LMI and develop occupational standards for the environmental sector. FPAC is piloting talent pipeline management for forestry, and BioTalent Canada is advancing workforce development in the bio‑economy. Projects are designed to address workforce gaps, support recruitment, and provide industry-validated data for emerging environmental occupations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Annual Survey of Environmental Goods and Services, 2024 released

Statistics Canada published 2024 data from the Annual Survey of Environmental Goods and Services. The dataset includes information on production and services by industry, enabling assessment of market trends and industry benchmarks. The release offers new details for companies tracking investment and performance in environmental goods and services.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Standing Senate Committee reviews progress on Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan

On March 12, 2026, Chair Joan Kingston hosted a Senate Committee session with Environment and Climate Change Canada officials to review the 2025 progress report on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. Alison McDermott discussed Canada’s commitment to Paris Agreement targets, noting emissions reductions alongside economic growth but acknowledged challenges stemming from geopolitical and economic factors. Senators questioned feasibility, regulatory approaches, carbon pricing, AI’s role in transport emissions, and industrial competitiveness. Rick Smith and Dr. Damon Matthews called for stronger policies and cited economic risks of lagging decarbonization efforts. The meeting included discussion of financial sector involvement, infrastructure choices, and the division of climate policy between federal and provincial governments.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee addresses backlog in Species at Risk Act reviews

Chair Joan Kingston on March 10, 2026, opened a Senate Committee meeting to discuss endangered wildlife and the draft 2026–29 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Tara L. Shannon from the Canadian Wildlife Service addressed workload pressures at COSEWIC, which faces a backlog of over 400 species due for reassessment. Process improvements are being made to increase annual reviews, with targeted completion of 30 additional species annually by 2027. Budget constraints and reliance on volunteer expertise were noted by Senator Miville-Dechêne. Discussions included prioritization, hybrid meetings, and international standards adherence, as well as overlap between EV and energy efficiency targets in the federal strategy.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

B.C., Simpcw begin negotiations on consent agreement for Yellowhead Copper mine

The Environmental Assessment Office and Simpcw First Nation have initiated talks for a consent agreement on the proposed Yellowhead Copper mine, aiming to align provincial and Indigenous review processes under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario plans for regional conservation authorities consolidation

Ontario will consolidate 36 conservation authorities into nine regional bodies under planned amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act, aiming for improved watershed management, flood resilience, and efficiency by early 2027.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta's Water Amendment Act comes into effect

Alberta implemented amendments to its Water Act on March 11, 2026, establishing streamlined licensing, transparent measurement standards, and simplified processes for water reuse and reporting.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta funds new parks and trail infrastructure

Budget 2026 commits $275 million over three years for upgraded trails, expanded campsites, and improved amenities, with projects for recreation and access across Alberta’s provincial parks and public lands.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Individual fined for illegal fishing in Algonquin Provincial Park

A Southern Ontario resident was fined $5,000 and prohibited from fishing for one year after being found in possession of 67 bass over the legal limit in Algonquin Provincial Park.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Techmer PM Releases 2025 Sustainability Report Highlighting Innovation, Transparency, and Progress: Techmer PM details advances and reporting in sustainable operations.
• Small river east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., recognized nationally for acrobatic fish: News report on national recognition of unique fish populations in Ontario.
• A better way to measure individual climate action | CBC Climate Change News: Article discussing new methods for tracking individual impacts on climate.
• Annual Survey of Environmental Goods and Services, 2024: Recent survey data provides industry trends in environmental goods and services.
• Business Counts in Rural and Small Town Canada: Interactive Dashboard, December 2025: Dashboard with business activity metrics for rural and small town regions.
• Revised data on aquaculture production and value for Nova Scotia and Canada, 2024: Updated figures for aquaculture production and valuations now available.
• Infrastructure economic account, 2025: Infrastructure investment and environmental impact estimates released for 2025.
• Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program 2026 Projects: Funding details for workforce development in environmental sectors.
• Environmental Assessment Office seeks feedback on proposed expedited process: BC seeks public input on a faster environmental assessment process.
• Advancing clean-energy goals of remote First Nations: Report on recent clean-energy projects initiated in remote First Nations communities.

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