August 23, 2026 to August 29, 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

Federal Government News

Canada Launches Targeted Countermeasures and $7.5 Billion Support Package in Response to New US Tariffs

On August 25, the Department of Finance announced measures following the imposition of 50% tariffs by the United States on $27.6 billion of Canadian exports, effective August 22. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed that Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs at identical rates on US goods, targeting steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics starting September 8. The government detailed a $7.5 billion support package for impacted workers and firms, including $1.5 billion through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative for SMEs, a new $500 million liquidity stream under BDC’s Pivot to Grow, and $2 billion for the Canada Strong Diversification Fund. Additional $3.5 billion will be available for rapid worker and employer supports, including extended EI flexibilities, retraining programs, and employer wage supports through the new Worker Retention and Retraining Program. Loan and liquidity access will be broadened with a lower income threshold, and there are new flexibilities to the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility. The government indicated further measures could expand support to newly impacted sectors as needed.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment Announced to Defend Alberta Pulp Sector from US Tariffs

On August 26, the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, Eleanor Olszewski, detailed a $20 million federal investment to help modernize the Mercer Peace River pulp mill in Alberta. The announcement follows Washington’s recent introduction of new tariffs on Canadian forest products. Upgrades will target facility and equipment modernization, expected to reduce costs, lower emissions, and increase operational efficiency. As the mill employs 360 people locally and supports roughly 3,000 jobs throughout Alberta’s forest supply chain, the investment is aimed at mitigating the uncertainty from resumed trade friction with the US. The modernization is intended to maintain jobs and supply chain stability, and may create the basis for energy production and carbon capture retrofits in future cycles.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada to Host 28th Annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference with US

The Department of National Defence confirmed Canada will co-host the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense (CHODs) Conference in Victoria, BC from August 31 to September 2. General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of US Pacific Command, will lead the meeting. Senior military leaders from 32 countries are invited to the three-day event, where discussions will focus on regional security and cooperation. The gathering is positioned as a major opportunity for dialogue among regional partners and allies, with interoperability and crisis response likely to be discussed given regional tensions and evolving security demands. Advance media accreditation is required due to space and security restrictions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Secretary of State Sarai Concludes Diplomatic Visit to Lebanon and Jordan, Announces $80 Million in Aid

On August 24, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), ended a diplomatic mission to Lebanon and Jordan, confirming nearly $80 million in international assistance funding targeted at humanitarian needs and economic opportunities in the region. Sarai met with Lebanon’s top political leaders and humanitarian partners, visited regional service organizations supporting refugees and vulnerable communities, and affirmed ongoing commitments to displaced populations, including Syrian and Palestinian refugees. In Jordan, Sarai visited the Zaatari refugee camp—one of the world’s largest—and highlighted Canada’s partnership on regional security and humanitarian corridor projects, including the World Food Programme’s logistics hub supporting Gaza and Lebanon. The visit involved site meetings with UN partners, Jordanian officials, and Canadian and Jordanian development agencies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Details $80 Million in International Assistance Projects across Lebanon and Jordan

The federal government outlined new funding allocations made during Secretary of State Sarai’s visit. The projects include the Lebanon Initiative for Gender, Equality, Rights and Access to Civic Space (Oxfam-Québec, $10M), BRIDGE to support women’s participation in Lebanon (UN Women, $7M), BLISS reinforcing Lebanon’s social safety nets (World Food Programme, $16.5M), NASHMIA for women-led microenterprises in Jordan (WUSC/ECO Consult, $10M), WE-GREEN to support industrial employment for women and youth (Alinea Int’l/BDC, $9.7M), TADWEER supporting agri-food resilience (Cowater, $10M), GROW expanding opportunities for women and youth (CBIE, $9.9M), as well as direct food and relief support via the World Food Programme ($3.15M) and UNHCR ($3.5M) in Jordan.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces $5 Million in Humanitarian Relief after Nepal-China Border Floods and Landslides

On August 28, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Secretary of State Randeep Sarai announced the allocation of $5 million for emergency relief efforts after severe flash floods and landslides struck along the Nepal-China border. Funding will be delivered through UN, Red Cross, and Canadian NGO partners and is intended to provide food, shelter, water, sanitation, and health services. Global Affairs also dispatched additional consular staff to Kathmandu to assist affected Canadians and maintain coordination with local partners under a rapidly evolving situation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada to Co-Host International Conference on Return of Ukrainian Civilians and Prisoners of War

Global Affairs announced Canada will co-host, with Norway and Ukraine, the 'Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War' in Toronto on September 28-29. Minister Anita Anand is overseeing the international gathering, which is open for accredited media coverage until September 11. The event will include government officials and international organizations, with a focus on repatriation efforts, humanitarian law, and multilateral coordination.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Affirms Ongoing Commitments to Ukraine on Independence Day

On August 24, Ministers Anita Anand (Foreign Affairs), David J. McGuinty (National Defence), and Randeep Sarai (International Development) released a joint statement marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. The statement recounts Canada’s support for Ukraine since the 2014 Crimea annexation and the 2022 full-scale invasion, referencing cumulative Canadian commitments of more than $25.5 billion. The ministers also noted Operation UNIFIER’s extension to 2029 and over $2 billion in additional military assistance this year. Canada remains active in coordinating military training, humanitarian aid, governance support, and is a co-chair of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Diplomats for Equality: Joint Statement on Global Rights and Social Cohesion

On August 24, Global Affairs Canada and over two dozen diplomatic missions in Ottawa released a joint statement as 'Diplomats for Equality.' The document marks the tenth anniversary of the Equal Rights Coalition and confirms a collective commitment to upholding legal protections for sexual and gender minorities globally. Representatives denounced recent international legislative efforts restricting advocacy and access to services for 2SLGBTQI+ people. The statement included endorsements from the EU Delegation and several national embassies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government to Announce Investments for BC Lower Mainland Businesses Impacted by Trade Disruptions

On August 27, Pacific Economic Development Canada scheduled an announcement regarding forthcoming investments for businesses in BC’s Lower Mainland facing tariff pressures and disrupted trade conditions. Minister Gregor Robertson (Housing and Infrastructure/PacifiCan) will announce the measures on August 28, joined by Minister Jill McKnight and MP Parm Bains, with the intent to address productivity and growth strategies for the region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Launches Public Consultation on Voluntary National Review for Sustainable Development Goals

On August 24, Employment and Social Development Canada launched a nation-wide consultation to collect submissions for Canada’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) related to the UN’s 2030 Agenda. The engagement invites organizations and individuals to provide feedback, stories, and best practices regarding progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. The consultation opened on August 21 and closes December 18, 2026. The compiled review will be presented at the UN High Level Political Forum in July 2027.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada: Q2 2026 Current Account Moves to $8.8 Billion Surplus

Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s current account for Q2 2026 moved from an $8.3 billion deficit in Q1 to an $8.8 billion surplus, seasonally adjusted. The reversal reflects significant shifts in the balance of international payments.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Expands Financial Supports for Businesses Facing US Tariffs

Ontario broadened eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) following new US Section 338 tariffs, expanding support for businesses and workers affected by tariff exposure.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Wider Eligibility for Ontario's POFP for Exporters Affected by US Tariffs

Ontario extended POFP eligibility to exporters hit by both Section 232 and Section 338 US tariffs, covering diverse sectors including steel, auto, machinery, plastics, and consumer goods.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Government Convenes US Trade Council in Response to Latest Tariffs

The Manitoba government called a meeting of its U.S. trade council to assess the local impact of new US tariffs and coordinate its response with industry and labour representatives.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Announces Over $100 Million in Supports for Tariff-Affected Sectors

Manitoba introduced more than $100 million in targeted funding to aid businesses, producers, and supply chains experiencing pressures from escalated US tariffs.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec-Bavaria Bilateral Cooperation Project Launched for 2026-2028

Quebec and Bavaria opened a call for bilateral science, innovation, and training project proposals for 2026-2028, seeking joint ventures that benefit both jurisdictions.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Recovery from Ship-Source Marine Oil Spills

Environment and Climate Change Canada launched a stakeholder consultation on recovery processes for ship-source marine oil spills, running from August 25 to December 23, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

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