July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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

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

Federal Government News

Minister Sidhu establishes Strategic Exports Office to enhance global competitiveness

Global Affairs Canada announced the formation of Canada’s Strategic Exports Office (SEO) on July 30, aiming to strengthen Canadian businesses’ presence in global markets. In partnership with Export Development Canada, the SEO will coordinate commercial engagement across strategic sectors such as aerospace, defence, infrastructure, and energy. The office will leverage diplomatic, commercial, and financial expertise to help identify and advance major export opportunities, remove trade barriers, and support advocacy by senior government officials. Concurrently, the Strategic Exports Advisory Council was launched, bringing together CEOs and leaders from OpenText, Bombardier, Cameco, Telesat, WSP, Scotiabank, and others. The council will provide real-time feedback on diversification challenges, helping inform the Minister’s approach to international trade. This initiative supports Canada’s goal of doubling exports to markets outside the United States by 2035.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister McGuinty convenes industry and investment leaders on Defence Industrial Strategy

David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, met in Toronto with pension fund leaders and Canadian defence representatives to discuss the Defence Industrial Strategy. The strategy prioritizes Canadian suppliers, innovation, and predictable procurement. The Business Development Bank of Canada has facilitated over $1 billion to 130 SMEs, while Export Development Canada has demonstrated $2 billion in financing and insurance support since its expanded mandate in 2025, benefiting 60 companies in 2026. Collaborative discussions involving major pension funds focused on strategic defence projects, including infrastructure. The event builds momentum ahead of the Canada Investment Summit, which will promote investment in nation-building ventures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Alert issued by Canada and partners regarding North Korean IT worker schemes

Global Affairs Canada, in coordination with allied agencies from the US, UK, Japan, Korea, Australia, and others, released a joint alert on July 31 concerning the global proliferation of North Korean IT workers. The statement details tactics used to impersonate other nationals, secure contracts through online platforms, and facilitate illegal remittance, cryptocurrencies, and cyber activities. The advisory outlines multiple identity fraud indicators and notes compliance requirements under UN Security Council Resolution 2397. Companies are cautioned on the risk of sanctions violations and financial penalties associated with employing North Korean IT workers. The Financial Action Task Force maintains North Korea as a high-risk jurisdiction, calling for robust countermeasures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedNor invests $2.7 million to reinforce Northeastern Ontario’s defence sector

On July 31, Minister Patty Hajdu announced FedNor’s investment of $2,700,909 to support the International Test Pilots School (ITPS) and SKADI Cyber Defense Corporation. ITPS will use $1.5 million to relocate its International Tactical Training Centre to North Bay, providing advanced tactical training for NATO and allied military pilots. The project anticipates creating 60 full-time jobs and establishing North Bay as a defence and aerospace hub. SKADI will receive $1,200,909 to upgrade its Frostbow™ AI Cyber Defense system, enhancing real-time threat detection for IT infrastructures. Both initiatives are funded through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative.

Sources: www.canada.ca

GIT Coatings receives federal support to strengthen marine defence supply chains

Braedon Clark, MP for Sackville-Bedford-Preston, announced a $737,500 repayable contribution to GIT Coatings Inc. via Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency on July 29. The investment will finance new equipment for GIT’s production of marine coatings, including an icebreaking hull coating targeted at defence-sector vessels. Specialized expertise will also be sought to bolster the company’s market reach in defence and security. This initiative is designed to advance national supply chain resilience in marine and defence industries.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada support targets Ontario businesses expanding into European markets

FedDev Ontario announced the launch of GoEU, a new export-support program led by Toronto Business Development Centre. With nearly $2.5 million in federal support and $2.5 million from Ontario, the $5 million project provides tailored advisory and export-readiness services to Ontario companies, notably those affected by tariffs in automotive, steel, and related sectors. GoEU offers access to European market expertise, risk mitigation strategies, and partnership opportunities. The program aligns with the government’s Trade Diversification Strategy, aiming to double exports beyond US markets over the next decade.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Armed Forces improve Arctic mobility during Operation NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT

National Defence announced Operation NANOOK-QIMAAVIVUT, an engineering-focused activity within Canada’s signature Arctic operation, running from July through September 2026. CAF personnel are conducting infrastructure assessments near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, surveying airfields, and evaluating sites along the Labrador coast. The initiative supports operational planning and mobility requirements for year-round activities in remote Arctic regions. The operation coordinates with NATO’s Vigilance Activity ARCTIC SENTRY, contributing to continental defence readiness and sovereignty.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal launches final injury inquiry into Chinese unarmoured building cables

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal began a final injury inquiry (NQ-2026-003) on July 30 regarding claims of dumping and subsidizing certain unarmoured building cables from China. The Tribunal will determine, by November 26, 2026, whether these imports are injuring or threatening domestic industry. The inquiry follows preliminary findings by the Canada Border Services Agency and invites participation from relevant stakeholders. The Tribunal is responsible for addressing cases involving dumped imports, trade complaints, and tariff matters.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hajdu announces upcoming FedNor funding to expand defence sector opportunities in Northeastern Ontario

On July 30, Minister Patty Hajdu and Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, scheduled a FedNor announcement to enhance Northeastern Ontario’s engagement in Canada’s defence sector. The event will take place at ITPS Canada, Jack Garland Airport, North Bay, at 9:45 a.m. on July 31. Guest speakers will address media inquiries following the announcement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Solomon announces support for southern Ontario businesses entering European markets

On July 29, Evan Solomon, Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, announced new federal support in Toronto aimed at bolstering trade resilience for southern Ontario businesses. The initiative provides assistance to companies transitioning into new European markets and is structured to respond to tariff and supply-chain challenges. Details and media availability were provided to interested members of the press.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anandasangaree’s statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

On July 30, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree released a statement marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The statement addressed government actions to disrupt human trafficking, enforce stricter bail and sentencing measures, and increase investments in policing and border security. Initiatives include a national public education campaign with Indigenous-informed messaging and the implementation of recommendations from the Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario and Canada invest $7.2 million to support workers in Northern Ontario

Ontario and the federal government are partnering to fund workforce training initiatives across Northern Ontario, benefiting more than 500 workers in sectors impacted by tariffs and global trade disruptions.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government of Alberta issues joint statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Alberta officials, joined by Paul Brandt of the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons, reaffirm provincial commitments to tackling human trafficking and supporting survivors.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Premier David Eby issues statement marking Korean War Veterans Day

British Columbia’s Premier recognized Canadian contributions to the Korean War and ongoing relations with the Republic of Korea on the anniversary of the armistice.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultations launched on measures to address forced labour and exploitation in supply chains

Global Affairs Canada is seeking input until August 21 on regulations under Bill C-35 and potential due diligence legislation to address forced labour in global supply chains.

Sources: international.canada.ca

Public consultation on due diligence and civil liability for labour exploitation in supply chains

Employment and Social Development Canada is accepting submissions until August 21 on possible due diligence regimes and civil liability provisions for businesses operating abroad.

Sources: Share your views: Measures to address forced labour and labour exploitation in global supply chains

What We're Reading This Week

• Global Player: Recent video coverage of international diplomatic developments.

.