April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

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.

Want to track other GR news in related areas? Don't miss this week's updates in Defence and Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Foreign Affairs - 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

• House Foreign Affairs Committee to Hear Bill C-219 on Amendments to Foreign Affairs and Sanctions Legislation: The Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee will hold a session on May 5 to hear witnesses on Bill C-219, which amends several key acts including the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and Special Economic Measures Act, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• International Trade Committee to Examine Trade with North and West Africa: On May 5, the International Trade Committee will hold a hearing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. focusing on Canada’s trade with North and West Africa, followed by a discussion on free trade within Canada.
• Senate Foreign Affairs Committee to Review Bill S-214 on Disposal of Foreign State Assets: The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade will meet on May 6 at 4:15 p.m. to review Bill S-214, examining witnesses from Carleton University and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
• Senate Panel to Address Foreign Asset Disposal and Situation in Haiti: On May 7, the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee will conduct hearings on Bill S-214 and broader foreign relations topics, with particular attention to the situation in Haiti. Scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
• Science and Research Committee to Study Canada’s Dual Use and Defence R&D Needs: The Science and Research Committee will hold a session on May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., addressing dual use and defence research requirements for Canadian security and industrial strategy.

Federal Government News

Canada Pledges $51.5 Million for Global Impact Investing and Blended Finance Initiatives at G7 Meeting in France

Secretary of State Randeep Sarai concluded his visit to Paris from April 28-30, representing Canada at the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting. Throughout the event, Sarai announced $51.5 million in international assistance programming intended to mobilize private capital and support blended finance solutions. Key projects include a $28 million commitment in the Allianz Credit Emerging Markets (ACE) Fund, $10 million for the Global Innovation Fund Growth in Africa and Asia, $7 million to Convergence Blended Finance, $4.6 million for strengthening the SOURCE global infrastructure platform, and $1.9 million for the Canada Forum for Impact Investment and Development. The delegation also participated in a session of the G7 Infrastructure Investment Council aimed at scaling infrastructure investments. The announcement forms part of a broader Canadian strategy to increase international climate finance to over $13 billion in the next five years, mainly through FinDev Canada and Global Affairs Canada. The G7 ministers issued a joint communiqué focused on economic partnerships, collective stability, and global infrastructure investment.

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

First Meeting of Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations Focuses on Stability Ahead of CUSMA Review

Minister Dominic LeBlanc chaired the inaugural session of the Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations in Ottawa on April 27. The committee, which now includes Eliot Pence, CEO of Dominion Dynamics, convened industry leaders to discuss ongoing trade dynamics, economic stability, and opportunities arising from the upcoming Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review. Participants reviewed the importance of maintaining preferential tariff-free access for the majority of trade between the two countries and stressed the need for coordination to support North American competitiveness and integrated supply chains. The assembly is part of preparations to strengthen Canada’s policy stance in both economic and security matters with its principal trading partner.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly Advances Investment and Industrial Cooperation in Germany and Norway

Minister Mélanie Joly completed a working visit to Germany and Norway, engaging with officials and company representatives, including Siemens and Bayer, during HANNOVER MESSE and separate bilateral meetings. The trip resulted in a $23 million investment for Siemens’ Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center for Battery production and a $60 million commitment for 14 new projects by Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Cluster. In Norway, discussions addressed supply chain resilience, defence, and science collaboration, culminating in a joint statement with Norwegian counterparts to further research in Arctic data security and accessibility. The agreements set the groundwork for direct industry and innovation partnerships in advanced manufacturing and Arctic research.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada to Host Headquarters of International Defence, Security and Resilience Bank

Canada will serve as the headquarters for the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) following the conclusion of charter negotiations in Montréal. The DSRB is designed to deliver long-term, low-cost financing for defence and security initiatives with a specific mandate to support supply chains and small- and medium-sized enterprises. Backed by $80 billion in investments from Budget 2025 and the newly released Defence Industrial Strategy, federal ministers François-Philippe Champagne, David McGuinty, and Anita Anand stressed the institution’s multilateral mission in strengthening cross-border and cross-sector collaboration amid shifting security requirements. The bank is expected to fill critical financing gaps for defence projects among member states.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand Affirms Canada’s Approach on Western Sahara in Talks with Morocco

On April 28, Minister Anita Anand met with Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to discuss the two countries’ bilateral relationship and recent developments regarding Western Sahara. Anand confirmed Canada’s recognition of Morocco’s autonomy plan, referencing UN Security Council resolution 2797, and described the initiative as a credible basis for a negotiated settlement. Both sides agreed to seek a lasting political solution consistent with the UN Charter and to consider a potential official visit to Morocco. The meeting signals further diplomatic engagement between Canada and Morocco, especially on Middle East and North African policy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Francophonie Consultation Committee Established

Minister Anita Anand announced the launch of Canada’s Federal-Provincial-Territorial Francophonie Consultation Committee, which convened for its inaugural meeting in Ottawa on April 29. The committee aims to coordinate intergovernmental collaboration on Francophonie matters ahead of the upcoming international summit in Cambodia in 2026 and Canada's prospective bid to host the event in 2028. Efforts will include aligning economic and resilience strategies with La Francophonie countries and advancing Canada’s Francophone presence internationally.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Nuclear Sector Strategy Previewed at Canadian Nuclear Association Conference

On April 29 in Ottawa, Minister Tim Hodgson outlined forthcoming elements of a federal Nuclear Energy Strategy at the Canadian Nuclear Association Conference. The conference address covered Canada’s history in nuclear technology, recent uranium mine approvals, and the announcement of a new joint feasibility program assessing microreactor technology for remote northern and defence applications, with Defence investing over $40 million this year. Hodgson described Canada’s continued advancement in reactor development, domestic and export opportunities, and $2.2 billion committed for capital investments at Chalk River Laboratories. The formal Nuclear Energy Strategy, expected in coming weeks, will set the government’s direction for domestic builds, export support, uranium utilization, and nuclear innovation, including small modular reactors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

International Statement Marks 40th Anniversary of Chornobyl and Nuclear Safety Coordination

Canada participated in the International Donor Conference on Chornobyl in Kyiv on April 26, where the 40th anniversary of the disaster was observed. The joint statement addressed concern over recent damage at the site from a Russian drone strike in February 2025, raising nuclear safety and infrastructure integrity issues. Signatories reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated restoration efforts and ongoing international support for Ukraine’s nuclear safety and the restoration of critical energy infrastructure disrupted by armed conflict. The document recognized ongoing collaboration with the IAEA and outlined support for the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be hosted in Poland.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Reports Foreign Direct Investment Trends for 2025

Statistics Canada’s newly released data on foreign direct investment (FDI) indicates that the country’s net direct investment position with the rest of the world reached $828.4 billion at the close of 2025. This marks a decrease of $37.1 billion year-over-year. The update notes that, for the first time since 2022, growth in FDI into Canada outpaced Canadian direct investment abroad. The data provide insight into capital flows and relative position shifts in global investment patterns relating to Canadian enterprises.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Prime Minister Promotes Provincial Interests During Washington Trade Mission

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette met with American officials and business leaders in Washington, D.C. on April 26-27 to address the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and reaffirm Quebec’s economic position.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Official Opposition Presses for Proactive Trade Strategy with U.S.

Following Premier Fréchette’s U.S. visit, Liberal MNA Désirée McGraw criticized the government’s approach, citing challenges for Quebec businesses amid trade uncertainty and calling for clarity on trade engagement and the USMCA renegotiation process.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Hosts Diplomats to Diversify Trade Links Amid U.S. Tariffs

Premier Doug Ford and Minister Vic Fedeli held a roundtable on April 30 with international diplomats to expand Ontario’s non-U.S. exports, which have risen by nearly 75% since 2018. The government plans further targeted trade missions in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and MERCOSUR.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Funds Sault Ste. Marie Foreign Direct Investment Strategy

The Ontario government is providing $500,000 through the Trade-Impacted Communities Program to support a $550,000 FDI strategy in Sault Ste. Marie, aimed at reducing dependence on U.S. markets and expanding export diversification.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Details Progress on Look West Strategy and Major Investments

British Columbia reports $88 billion in proposed major project investments under its Look West strategy, including expedited permitting for critical mines and energy infrastructure, with 17 new projects added to a growing list of provincial priorities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Reuters: U.S. lawmakers call for tougher rule on China investment: U.S. legislators press Treasury to clamp down on American outbound investment in China.
• Financial Times: G7 pushes for reformed multilateral development bank system: G7 leaders consider overhauling global development finance institutions.
• Politico: NATO weighs options as Arctic tensions rise: Rising Arctic competition puts defence alliances under the microscope.
• BBC News: Morocco’s growing role in North African stability: Profile on Morocco's diplomatic initiatives in the Western Sahara and regional partnerships.
• The Globe and Mail: Canada’s clean tech sector eyes expansion in Europe: Canadian firms plan new projects and collaborations in Germany and Norway.

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