This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news coverings Canada's foreign affairs and international relations. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 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

• National Defence Committee to Examine Critical Minerals and National Security: On March 23, the National Defence Committee will study the nexus between national defence, national security, and Canada's critical minerals sector at 11:00 a.m., including witness testimony from Defence and Natural Resources officials.
• Citizenship and Immigration Committee to Review Supplementary Estimates: The committee meets on March 23 at 11:00 a.m. to review the 2025–26 Supplementary Estimates for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, featuring appearances by Minister Metlege Diab and department leadership.
• International Trade Committee to Hear Testimony on Mercosur and Africa Trade: On March 24, the International Trade Committee will focus on Canada's trade relationships with Mercosur and North/West African countries, with sessions starting at 11:00 a.m.
• Foreign Affairs Committee to Study Syria’s Political Transition: On March 24, the committee will take evidence on Syria’s political transition, with Canadian diplomatic and academic witnesses, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Public Safety and National Security Committee to Review Supplementary Estimates: Meeting on March 24 at 3:30 p.m., the committee will discuss Supplementary Estimates (C), covering Public Safety, CSIS, and RCMP votes, with presentations from relevant ministers and agency officials.

Federal Government News

Minister Anand Meets UK Foreign Secretary on Middle East Crisis and Trade Expansion

On March 19, Minister Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Yvette Cooper, the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs in London. The discussion covered the evolving conflict in the Middle East and corresponding effects on global energy markets. Both officials reaffirmed coordination among Allies to support diplomatic de-escalation. The meeting revisited initiatives from the June 2025 Canada-UK Joint Statement, committing to deepen bilateral trade and investment, as well as enhance security and defence collaboration. The two ministers also addressed ongoing Russia-Ukraine hostilities and avenues for stronger economic cooperation. The session signaled continued Canadian-UK efforts in advancing operational partnerships, particularly in trade and defence.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces $200 Million Investment in Sovereign Space Launch and Nova Scotia Spaceport

Minister David J. McGuinty announced a $200 million commitment over 10 years to lease a dedicated space-launch pad at a new Canso, Nova Scotia, spaceport operated by Maritime Launch Services. This infrastructure will support launches by the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, and allied access. The investment forms part of the Security, Sovereignty, Prosperity: Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and aims to secure sovereign access to space from Canadian soil. The first phase grants $8.3 million each to three firms (NordSpace, Canada Rocket Company, Reaction Dynamics) through the IDEaS program to develop rocket launch technology. Canada declared intent to join NATO’s STARLIFT initiative, strengthening allied space capabilities.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Canada Unveils Defence Industrial Strategy, Invests $900 Million in Defence Innovation and Quantum Technology

Minister David J. McGuinty, on behalf of Minister Mélanie Joly, announced in Waterloo on March 19 that the National Research Council will invest over $900 million via the Defence Industrial Strategy. The strategy accelerates the commercialization of dual-use and quantum technologies for defence applications. Emphasis areas include quantum computing (encryption, AI integration, material sciences), communications, and sensing for military advantage. The initiative aims to position the Canadian sector as a top-tier global supplier and drive domestic technology capability, with spillover effects envisioned for job creation and export resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Secretary of State Sarai Announces $11.75 Million in Humanitarian and Development Projects in Kenya

During a visit to Kenya, Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai announced $11.75 million in new Canadian funding for diverse humanitarian and economic projects. The assistance package includes support for low-carbon power generation grid readiness, skills training, refugee humanitarian needs, and technology work via the International Development Research Centre. Canadian partners are running projects on human rights, emergency food assistance, responsible AI policy, and unlocking climate financing for women-led businesses. In Nairobi, Sarai discussed agri-food value chains, clean energy cooperation, and aerospace investment where Canadian-manufactured engines support 70% of humanitarian airlifts in Sub-Saharan Africa. He also outlined new connectivity and aviation training initiatives in conjunction with Kenyan and Canadian partners.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Secretary Naqvi Visits Poland to Promote Canadian Defence and Nuclear Sector Cooperation

Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and the Secretary of State (International Development), travelled to Warsaw for the Baltic Nuclear Energy Forum and Canada-Poland Defence Industry Day. Naqvi promoted the Canada-Poland Strategic Partnership, focusing on energy security and defence exports. Export Development Canada announced a $1 billion letter of interest regarding Polish defence procurement from Canadian suppliers and the opening of a Warsaw EDC office. During bilateral discussions with Polish officials, Naqvi raised expanded opportunities for nuclear and aerospace cooperation and laid groundwork for enhanced business-to-business engagement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Delivers Armoured Vehicles to Ukraine, Minister McGuinty Visits Roshel Facility

On March 17, Minister David J. McGuinty visited Roshel’s Brampton facility, highlighting Canada’s delivery of 383 Senator armoured vehicles to Ukraine as part of the $6.5 billion military aid package. The event underlined the continuing Canadian commitment to Ukraine’s military through provision of equipment, training, and other support. Roshel vehicles have been actively used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The visit involved discussions with Roshel leadership concerning ongoing product development and feedback from Ukrainian operational use.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada, Allies Respond to Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Amidst Middle East Conflict

Canadian news outlets reported that Canada, alongside European peers and Japan, stands ready to coordinate efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following disruption by Middle East conflict. Minister Anand has signaled support for diplomatic action and reaffirmed alignment with allied positions, although no specifics were provided on scope or potential deployment. Uncertainty in the energy market has been cited as a core concern, with discussions focusing on maintaining maritime security and lawful passage in the strategic choke point.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com, www.ctvnews.ca

Ministers Fraser and Thompson Announce $16 Million in Defence Investment for Newfoundland and Labrador

The federal government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced $16 million under the Regional Defence Investment Initiative to five firms in Newfoundland and Labrador. Announced by Ministers Sean Fraser and Joanne Thompson on March 19, the funding will go to PAL Aerospace Ltd., Virtual Marine Technology Inc., Solace Power Inc., CoLab AI Inc., and Rutter Inc. The investments are expected to support the creation and maintenance of 115 skilled jobs while enhancing integration into defence and security supply chains in Atlantic Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces New Contract to Deliver Modernized Capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces

On March 17, Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr and Minister McGuinty scheduled the announcement of a major Defence procurement contract in Kitchener, Ontario, on March 19. The contract focuses on procurement of new capabilities for members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Details regarding technologies or suppliers remain subject to announcement at the scheduled press event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Marks International Day of La Francophonie, Underscores Multilateral Francophone Engagement

On March 20, Minister Anand issued a statement affirming Canada’s continued engagement in the International Organisation of La Francophonie and outlined the economic significance of the 90-member bloc. With the French language comprising 20% of global goods trade and 14% of the world’s mineral and energy reserves, Canada is seeking to host the 2028 Francophonie Summit in the National Capital Region, projecting economic and cultural ties as well as shared support for multilateral values.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Spending Data: Foreign Investment Flows into Canadian Securities Rise

Statistics Canada reported that foreign investors purchased $46.7 billion in Canadian securities during January 2026, marking a substantial inflow led by bond markets. Meanwhile, Canadian acquisition of foreign securities reached $11.4 billion for the same period.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Launches 68 New Critical Minerals Exploration Projects

The Ontario government announced support for 68 new mineral exploration projects, with funding through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program, supporting 71 jobs and an estimated $18 million in economic output.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Dedicates $1.7 Billion to Accelerate Economic Transformation

The Quebec government will invest more than $1.7 billion over five years to drive economic transformation, including support for business investment, critical and strategic minerals, loans for Indigenous community business participation, and the development of innovation zones.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Quebec AI Firms Showcase Solutions at Excellence Quebec Meetings in Paris

The Excellence Quebec Meetings convened 11 Quebec AI companies in Paris, promoting digital sovereignty and research partnerships with firms from France and Europe.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

FIGO World Congress to Convene in Montréal in 2027

The Palais des congrès de Montréal will host the XXVI FIGO World Congress from October 31 to November 5, 2027, bringing together 8,000 specialists from 145 countries.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Premier of British Columbia Issues Statement for Nowruz

Premier David Eby issued a statement marking Nowruz, noting support for those affected by violence in the Middle East and referencing solidarity with the Iranian people.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ottawa outlines criteria for helping Gulf nations hit by Iran war: Summary of how Canada defines support for Gulf allies in the context of Middle East tensions.
• Foreign affairs minister calls for ‘no weaponization’ of Strait of Hormuz, offers no specifics on Canada’s support: Minister Anand addresses Strait of Hormuz security concerns.
• Katherina Reiche: A Canada-Germany vision for strategic sovereignty and building resilience together: German-Canadian cooperation on sovereignty and resilience.
• Canada, allies ready to help unblock Strait of Hormuz as oil prices spike: Allies set for potential action in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Why geography dictates Canada’s dealings with Trump as he rattles NATO - National: US-Canada-NATO geopolitics amid global pressure.
• Opinion | You can’t have national security without food security. Can Canada really achieve both?: Food security’s connection to Canadian national security.
• Politics Insider: Canada, European allies, Japan willing to use efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz: Reports on coordinated allied activity in the Gulf.

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