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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 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

• INDU Committee Reviews Economic and Supply Chain Impacts of U.S. Tariffs, April 27: The Industry and Technology Committee hosts witnesses to discuss U.S. tariffs’ effects on Canada’s metallurgical and advanced manufacturing sectors from 3:30–5:30 p.m. ET, Room 425, Wellington Building.
• SRSR Committee Studies Implications of Canada-China EV Arrangement, April 27: The Science and Research Committee hears witnesses on the impact of the Canada-China preliminary joint arrangement on Canada’s electric vehicle sector, 3:30–5:30 p.m. ET.
• CIMM Committee Reviews Canada’s Immigration System, April 29: The Citizenship and Immigration Committee meets to discuss Canada’s immigration system with expert witnesses, 4:30–6:30 p.m. ET.
• SRSR Committee Considers Reports on Antimicrobial Resistance and Research Funding, April 30: The Science and Research Committee discusses draft reports on antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and research funding from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. ET.

Federal Government News

Canada Advances Free Trade Negotiations with Mercosur Bloc

Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu held separate calls with his Argentine and Uruguayan counterparts, Pablo Quirno Magrane and Mario Lubetkin, reaffirming Canada's commitment to pursuing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mercosur. Discussions reviewed growing bilateral and regional trade, as both Argentina and Uruguay have seen notable increases in their trade volumes with Canada; in 2025, Canada-Argentina merchandise trade reached $2.8 billion (up 8.9% year-over-year), while commerce with Uruguay saw over 50% growth since 2024. Sidhu and counterparts noted opportunities for deeper economic engagement in sectors such as critical minerals, energy, defence, sustainable agriculture, agri-food, renewable energy, and digital services, along with the potential for expanded Canadian investment. Both sides agreed to remain engaged as FTA negotiations develop.

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

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Safeguard Inquiry on Certain Wood Goods

On April 21, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) was directed by the Governor in Council to inquire into the importation of solid and engineered wood cabinets and vanities, hardwood flooring, and engineered-wood storage furniture. The safeguard inquiry (GC-2026-001) will determine if imports of these goods in increased quantities are causing or threatening serious injury to Canadian producers. An affirmative finding would prompt the Tribunal to recommend remedies in alignment with international trade agreements, with a report due by January 15, 2027. Stakeholders interested in participating can file a Notice of Participation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Contributes $5 Million to OPCW for Chemical Weapons Elimination in Syria

On April 22, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand announced a $5 million contribution to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) through Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program. The funding is intended to support ongoing efforts to identify, investigate, and ensure the destruction of Syria's remaining chemical weapons, in line with the Chemical Weapons Convention. This initiative aims to support international accountability and civilian protections in the region, and continues Canada’s long-standing support of the OPCW.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CITT Finds Injury from Dumped Oil Country Tubular Goods

The CITT determined that dumping by exporters from Mexico, the Philippines, Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States has caused injury to Canada’s domestic oil country tubular goods sector. Anti-dumping duties will be enforced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), following complaints from Interpro Pipe & Steel Inc. and Welded Tube of Canada Corp. The Tribunal is scheduled to release its detailed reasons for the injury finding on May 6, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CITT Initiates Expiry Reviews on Concrete Reinforcing Bar Imports

On April 20, 2026, the CITT initiated two expiry reviews (RR-2026-002 and RR-2026-003) concerning prior findings on dumped imports of concrete reinforcing bar from Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Oman, and Russia. The reviews will assess whether ending current findings may lead to resumed or continued dumping and injury to Canadian industry. The Canada Border Services Agency will issue its determination by September 17, 2026; affirmative findings will trigger a second phase assessment by the Tribunal, concluding by February 24, 2027.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Preliminary Injury Inquiry Launched on Steel Racks from China

The CITT opened a preliminary injury inquiry (PI-2026-002) into complaints from five Canadian companies, alleging injury from dumped and subsidized steel racks imported from China. If a reasonable indication of injury is found by June 18, 2026, the CBSA will continue its investigations, with preliminary determinations due by July 17, 2026. Further review, including a possible final injury inquiry, will follow depending on CBSA findings.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests Nearly $1 Million in Northern Ontario Defence Initiatives

On April 21, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) announced $976,650 for the Northern Ontario Defence Opportunities Project. The initiative supports regional firms in diversifying into the defence supply chain, including certification, cybersecurity, compliance, and quality assurance, through performance-based contributions of up to $50,000 per eligible company. The overarching goal is to bolster domestic defence capacity and reduce reliance on external suppliers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada to Redevelop Embassy in Mexico to Deepen Bilateral Relations

Global Affairs Canada announced on April 24 the redevelopment of the Canadian embassy in Mexico City. The initiative will consolidate operations in one location to support expanding trade, provide enhanced program delivery, and improve safety and accessibility for staff and visitors. The redevelopment is part of an effort to further grow trade and commercial ties between Canada and Mexico and reflects the ongoing partnership between the two countries.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Eric Walsh Appointed as Canada’s New Ambassador to Brazil

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand has named Eric Walsh as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brazil, succeeding Emmanuel Kamarianakis. Walsh's career includes previous ambassadorial and senior roles in Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva.

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

Canada Contributes $8 Million for Repairs to Chornobyl Confinement Structure

Minister Anand announced an $8 million contribution to repairs at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant's New Safe Confinement structure, which incurred damage from a Russian drone strike in February 2025. The funding will support stabilization and safety work at the facility, continuing Canada's tradition of supporting nuclear safety in Ukraine in concert with G7 partners and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Data: Canadian Exporters and International Travel Trends

Statistics Canada reported that in 2025, the number of Canadian goods-exporting enterprises decreased slightly by 0.2%, with small and medium-sized exporters down 0.3%, though large exporters grew by 2.7%. Meanwhile, February 2026 saw a 5.9% increase in U.S. resident trips to Canada compared to the previous year, while Canadian trips to the U.S. fell 12.5% year over year.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Eliminates Oil Tariffs for Exports to South Korea

A new agreement removes a 3% tariff on Alberta crude exports to South Korea. In 2025, Alberta shipped $400 million of crude to Korea—over five times the previous year's volume.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Secures MOU with Hanwha Group on Investment and Supply Chains

Alberta entered an MOU with South Korea’s Hanwha Group to facilitate investment in energy, manufacturing, defence, and related supply chains. The agreement supports sector development and long-term partnerships.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec, Wallonia, and Brussels Deepen Strategic Partnerships

A high-level visit involving Quebec and Belgian delegations resulted in new cooperation agreements across education, technological innovation, aerospace, and agri-food, aiming to further economic and cultural ties.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Farmland from Foreign Acquisition

Ontario intends to restrict foreign ownership of provincial farmland and facilitate local agricultural expansion within the Clay Belt region, citing alignment with policies in Alberta and Quebec.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Hosts Francophone Diplomatic Delegation

Manitoba welcomed a delegation from the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, highlighting the province's bid for observer status and its commitment to international partnerships and bilingualism.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Canada's Import Quota for Electric Vehicles from China

Global Affairs Canada is gathering input until May 1 on allocation and administration of Canada’s import quota for Chinese electric vehicles.

Sources: international.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Globe and Mail: Canadian businesses brace for global turbulence as economic outlook shifts: Coverage on industries' adjustment strategies in the wake of shifting international trade policies.
• Reuters: U.S. House committee probes foreign investment in key technology sectors: Analysis of ongoing U.S. congressional scrutiny of foreign investment in sensitive technologies.
• Financial Times: South American trade bloc seeks deeper economic ties with North America: Insight into Mercosur's ambitions to secure new trade agreements.
• BBC: OPCW steps up chemical weapons inspections in conflict zones: Report on OPCW’s ongoing missions and international support, including recent efforts in Syria.
• The New York Times: Nuclear facilities face resilience tests amid regional conflicts: Overview of post-conflict nuclear safety challenges in Ukraine and the Caucasus.
• Bloomberg: Canada’s exporter landscape shows limited growth in latest survey: Review of new data on Canadian exporting enterprises in 2025.
• Politico: USMCA renegotiation brings fresh challenges for Canadian and Mexican industries: Update on discussions ahead of potential renegotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
• Le Devoir: Quebec diplomacy focuses on European economic alliances: Report on Quebec-Wallonia-Brussels partnership mission and its strategic goals.
• Al Jazeera: Security threats to international trade routes growing, say experts: Examination of developments in global trade route security.
• Nikkei Asia: Alberta crude finds new Asian markets with Korea tariff deal: Assessment of the impact of zero-tariff access for Alberta oil in South Korea.

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