September 06, 2026 to September 12, 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

Canada, Ukraine, and Norway to Co-Host International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children and Detainees

On September 12, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada will co-host, along with Ukraine and Norway, the "Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War" in Toronto on September 28 and 29, 2026. The conference aims to enhance coordination among foreign ministers, senior officials, and international organizations in addressing the return and rehabilitation of people displaced or detained due to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The agenda will address efforts for tracing, information sharing, and coordination for return, protection of individuals under Russian control, and the provision of rehabilitation and reintegration services. Building on commitments from the 2024 Ministerial Conference and the Montreal Pledge, the meeting will review progress and propose measures aligned with international humanitarian and human rights law.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada, UK, EU Partners Signal Trade Restrictions on Israeli Settlement Goods

On September 8, Global Affairs Canada published a joint statement with the foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, asserting the Government of Israel’s actions in the West Bank are undermining the viability of a two-state solution. The statement announced intentions to introduce national and/or support European restrictions on trade in goods from Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law. UK, France, and Canada committed to bringing forward national measures to ban imports of settlement goods. The partners called on Israel to halt settlement expansion and pledged continued support for a two-state solution within recognized borders.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Advances Defence and Industrial Ties with Poland; Major Export Agreements Signed

Canadian ministers Maninder Sidhu (International Trade) and David J. McGuinty (National Defence) participated in the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Poland, September 8–11. Canada, serving as lead nation, hosted its largest defence and security business mission ever, with over 200 organizations and 500 delegates. More than 20 memorandums of understanding were reached between Canadian and European industry partners. During his visit, Minister McGuinty signed a renewed Defence Cooperation Agreement with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, providing a formal framework for expanding defence industry, military cooperation, and shared strategic objectives. Canadian defence exports to Europe increased by 56% over the past year. The visit included engagement on advanced technology, energy, and aerospace trade, and highlighted support for NATO and EU initiatives, including the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.

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

Canadian Potash to Bangladesh: CCC-BADC Agreement Expands Fertilizer Exports

On September 10, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu announced the Canadian Commercial Corporation signed a new government-to-government deal with the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation for Canpotex-supplied potash. This agreement extends Canada’s position among the world’s leading fertilizer exporters, with the country’s fertilizer exports valued at $9 billion last year (up 13.2%). The accord follows a long-standing export relationship—12 contracts since 2014—delivering 3.5 million metric tonnes of potash. The deal aims to support supply reliability for global agriculture producers and strengthen Canadian exporter access to major markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Submits Inquiry on Vegetable Imports; Federal Surtax Maintained

On September 9, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal submitted its report on increased imports of certain canned and frozen vegetables and their impact on domestic producers. The inquiry, initiated following a federal government directive, considered whether imports were causing or threatening serious injury and recommended remedies consistent with Canada’s World Trade Organization obligations. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated the government will review the Tribunal's recommendations thoroughly. Pending a final decision, a 10% surtax on global canned vegetable imports, announced June 10, remains in effect for up to 200 days or until replaced by lasting safeguard measures.

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

Government Releases Consultation Reports on Major Projects, Trade, Transportation, and Labour Reform

On September 9, federal ministers Dominic LeBlanc, Steven MacKinnon, and Patty Hajdu announced the publication of four “What We Heard” reports after nationwide engagements regarding reforms to major project approval, transportation, and federal labour relations. The reports summarize input from more than 26,000 participants, including over 300 industry stakeholders, on making project reviews more predictable and efficient, modernizing supply chains, and updating the labour framework. Further engagement and legislation are planned for the next Parliamentary session.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Condemns Iran's Actions in the Middle East and Maintains Economic Pressure

On September 6, Ministers Anita Anand and François-Philippe Champagne issued a formal condemnation of Iran’s activities in the Middle East, citing threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, illicit nuclear activities, and support for regional proxy groups. The government announced continued sanctions pressure via the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. Canada is working with G7 partners, supporting US- and EU-led efforts, and coordinating on global security and anti-terrorism finance measures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Officials and RCMP Deployed to Nepal-China Border After Severe Flooding

On September 10, Global Affairs Canada dispatched two RCMP Disaster Victim Identification experts to Kathmandu to support efforts following catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal-China border. These officials will assist local authorities and international partners in locating and identifying missing Canadians and permanent residents, using DNA profiling coordinated through Interpol Ottawa. Global Affairs Canada is providing $5 million in humanitarian aid and 18,000 emergency relief items to support affected families and ongoing relief operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Prairie Businesses in Response to New US Tariffs

Following new US tariffs on Canadian goods, the Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada, implemented expanded support for affected businesses in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. On August 25, government investment of an additional $1.5 billion under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) has been directed to address liquidity, diversify markets, and boost productivity. In Saskatchewan, $5.3 million was allocated to six projects, including substantial investments in equipment and automation for regional manufacturers. In Manitoba, Atom-Jet Industries was awarded $1 million to expand capacity, insource production processes, and develop new market channels in Canada and Australia.

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

Canada's Net Foreign Asset Position Rises Sharply: Q2 2026 StatsCan Data

According to Statistics Canada’s release on September 10, Canada’s net international investment position increased by $619.2 billion in the second quarter of 2026, reaching $1.95 trillion. The national balance reflects the value difference between Canadian external assets and liabilities held with foreign entities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Minister Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

On September 11, National Defence Minister David J. McGuinty issued a statement commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The minister paid tribute to the 24 Canadians who died and acknowledged the deployment of more than 40,000 Canadians to Afghanistan in the years following, including those who lost their lives and those who returned with injuries. The statement noted Canada's response in providing refuge to thousands of diverted air passengers in 2001 and underlined the lasting obligation to collective defence.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Amends Regulation on Municipal Supply Contracts Amid US Tariffs

On September 8, Quebec issued a decree extending special rules for municipal supply contracts to mitigate the ongoing impact of US tariffs. The regulation will remain in effect through March 5, 2027.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

BC Business House Drives International Trade and Investment at FIFA World Cup

British Columbia hosted more than 2,300 delegates from 25 countries during the FIFA World Cup, seeking to expand sector trade, partnerships, and investment as part of the province’s Look West strategy.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Expands Tariff Support Programs as New US Measures Take Effect

The Ontario government expanded eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program and Ontario Together Trade Fund in response to new US tariffs and import bans taking effect September 15 and 29.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Launches Defence Alliance to Support Industrial Investment

The Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance (MCDA) has been launched to coordinate investment-attraction efforts, supporting aerospace and defence industry growth linked to upcoming federal procurement.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec to Support Projects Linking the Province with Francophonie States

Eight projects have been selected to foster economic, cultural, and scientific partnerships with Francophonie states, bolstering Quebec’s international presence ahead of the summit in Phnom Penh.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

OSFI Launches Consultation on TLAC Guideline Updates

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions opened a 60-day public consultation on proposed revisions to the Total Loss Absorbing Capacity Guideline as of September 10.

Sources: www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Reuters: Canada boosts trade with Bangladesh through new potash export deal: Canada signs major potash export agreement with Bangladesh.
• Globe and Mail: Ottawa eyes increased economic pressure on Iran: Federal government signals ongoing coordination of Iran sanctions.
• Financial Times: EU and UK move to ban Israeli settlement goods: Western governments announce plans to restrict imports from West Bank settlements.
• CBC: Prairie manufacturers shift strategy after new US tariffs: Canadian SMEs in Saskatchewan and Manitoba adapt production models.
• BBC: Poland and Canada deepen defence industry collaboration: Canadian and Polish ministers sign renewed Defence Cooperation Agreement.
• National Post: Canada set to host Ukraine war prisoner conference: International partners to assemble in Toronto for discussions on Ukraine war detainees.
• Bloomberg: Ontario defends critical industries as US tariffs escalate: Ontario expands tariff support programs amid rising US trade measures.
• Le Devoir: Quebec's Francophonie project selection strengthens southeast Asia ties: Quebec invests in international academic and economic partnerships.
• The Guardian: G7 allies respond to Hormuz shipping threats: Canada coordinates with G7 on Strait of Hormuz security.
• Les Echos: Quebec at the heart of cinema's digital transformation at Lumière Summit: Quebec officials attend global summit on innovation in film and digital media.

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