September 13, 2026 to September 19, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, shellfish, and marine conservation. 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 Fisheries channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Environment and Agri-Food. Also consider subscribing to our Fisheries - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Fisheries and Oceans Committee: Review of the Fisheries Act: The House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans will hold an in-camera review of the Fisheries Act and consider a draft report on September 21, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Room 420 of the Wellington Building.
• Public Safety and National Security Committee: The Role of the Canada Border Services Agency in H2O Highway Corridor: On September 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Public Safety and National Security Committee will meet in-camera to discuss the Canada Border Services Agency’s activities in the H2O Highway Corridor and port clearance practices, with draft report consideration.
• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee: Clause-by-Clause on Bill C-244 and Committee Business: On September 22, 2026, the committee will meet for clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-244, amending the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Room 420, Wellington Building.

Federal Government News

Government of Canada calls for proposals to protect aquatic species at risk

On September 16, 2026, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced the opening of the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) for project proposals. The Fund allocates $77.5 million over five years to support stewardship projects aimed at protecting and recovering aquatic species at risk nationwide. Eligible projects must involve multi-year, multi-partner, and multi-species stewardship, and partnership with Indigenous communities, provinces, industry, and academia is emphasized in the call. The application window is open from September 16 to November 16, with funding supporting recovery measures that address threats and enhance species resiliency. Since 2018, over 150 projects have been funded, delivering $120 million in support and executing more than 1,200 recovery measures targeting almost 200 species. This latest round of funding is tied to Canada’s broader nature conservation strategy, seeking to further enforce recovery and conservation efforts for at-risk aquatic species.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada names Diana Fox Carney as Ocean Envoy and Chair of 2027 Our Ocean Conference

On September 16, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced the appointment of Diana Fox Carney as Canada’s Ocean Envoy and Chair for the 12th Our Ocean Conference, scheduled to take place in Canada in 2027. Fox Carney, an economist with a background in climate policy and investment advisement, will take the lead in connecting the conference's focus areas—ocean conservation, marine science, Indigenous leadership, and maritime security. As host, Canada aims to facilitate partnerships among governments, Indigenous groups, NGOs, and industry, seeking to translate ocean protection ambitions into tangible international cooperation and practice. The conference will feature Canada's initiatives related to healthy oceans, coastal community resiliency, and Indigenous-led stewardship. The appointment underscores the country’s position in international marine governance and ongoing engagement with global ocean policy developments.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Farm Credit Canada launches $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund and $150 million for agri-tech investment

On September 14, 2026, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald announced FCC’s $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, with the aim to address financing gaps and strengthen critical infrastructure across Canada's agri-food sector, including potential benefits for seafood and marine supply chains. The fund, part of the National Food Security Strategy, targets mid-market agri-food infrastructure development, technology adoption, and expanded domestic processing. In addition, $150 million will be allocated to Velocity Agri-Capital Partners for investments focused on the agri-food and agri-tech sectors. These initiatives fall under FCC’s $2 billion commitment by 2030 to advance innovation and processing capacity in Canada’s value-added food sector. By targeting commercialization, processing capacity, and supply chain diversification, the investments are intended to support Canadian producers’ and processors’ competitiveness and international growth. Official communications indicate these funds are a key step in strengthening domestic resilience against food system disruptions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario fines individual for illegal rainbow trout fishing practices

An individual from Thunder Bay, Ontario, was fined $4,500 and given a five-year suspension from fishing after convictions for fishing within 23 metres of a dam and using unapproved methods to catch rainbow trout. Charges also included making false statements to conservation officers.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba activates response for zebra mussel detection in Lake Winnipegosis and Waterhen Lake

Manitoba’s Environment and Climate Change department activated its Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Response Plan after zebra mussel larvae were detected in two lakes. All water users must now decontaminate vessels before moving to new waterbodies.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia launches new municipal stormwater resilience program

Nova Scotia opened applications for its $1.9 million STORM program, offering municipalities funding to improve stormwater management, address flooding risks, and plan infrastructure upgrades. Individual applications can receive up to 50 percent of project costs.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Imported salmon sparks debate about aquaculture industry growth: Ongoing discussion over the economic and regulatory impacts of rising salmon imports.
• Atlantic salmon farmers push for growth here as imports top $750M: Coverage of the industry response to high foreign salmon imports.
• Dropping in on the 2026 Cold Harvest aquaculture conference: Industry perspectives from the annual aquaculture event.
• Some N.L. fishers say more lobster licenses could spur rural fishing economies: Lobster licensing debates in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• As climate change pushes lobster north, some N.L. fishers want in on the harvest: Impact of shifting lobster habitats on Atlantic fisheries.
• John Ivison: Repairing Trudeau’s salmon-industry sabotage is next on Carney’s agenda: Exploration of federal policy and its effect on the salmon industry.

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