October 04, 2026 to October 10, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Government Introduces Bill C-40 to Establish Defence Investment Agency as Crown Corporation

On October 6, the Government of Canada tabled Bill C-40: Strengthening Canada’s Defence Sector, formalizing the Defence Investment Agency (DIA) as a Crown corporation. The move grants the DIA greater commercial flexibility, a dedicated Board of Directors, and increased authority for defence procurement and investment activities supporting National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The DIA will be empowered to negotiate and manage contracts independently and will have a mandate to consolidate procurement authorities within the National Defence portfolio. Bill C-40 also amends the National Defence Act to create an Associate Minister of National Defence for Procurement. The government expects these changes to accelerate procurement, strengthen domestic industry and supply chains, and offer Canadian suppliers broader access to allied markets through programs such as Security Action for Europe (SAFE) and Readiness 2030.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and India Advance Bilateral Security Dialogue in New Delhi

David Morrison, Senior Diplomatic and International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada, met with India’s National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval in New Delhi from October 5 to 7, as part of ongoing bilateral security talks. Both parties reviewed the implementation of the Security Work Plan formalized in February 2026 and agreed to increase cooperation in combating transnational crime, counter-terrorism, human and drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extradition. The officials discussed advancing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and considered the prospects for a more substantive bilateral defence relationship. Proposals include possible structural dialogues on cyber and economic security, as well as new mechanisms for communication and timely information-sharing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Maintains Anti-Dumping Duties on Oil Country Tubular Goods, Lifts Measures on Ukraine

On October 7, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal continued its order on anti-dumping duties covering oil country tubular goods from Taiwan, India, Indonesia, South Korea (with exceptions), Thailand, Türkiye (with exceptions), and Vietnam. The Tribunal rescinded its order concerning Ukraine, finding that expiry of the duty was not likely to result in injury for Ukrainian imports. The Canada Border Services Agency will thus continue duties on covered goods from the listed countries except for Hyundai Steel Company (South Korea) and Borusan Mannesmann Boru Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Türkiye), while halting duties on imports from Ukraine.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Joint G7 Statement Rejects US Sanctions on International Criminal Court

On October 9, the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the UK issued a joint statement reaffirming support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) independence and impartiality. The signatories collectively disagreed with the US announcement of new sanctions targeting the ICC, warning that such measures could impact the Court’s personnel and operations. The joint statement commits these states to maintain support for the ICC and promote engagement ahead of the Assembly of States Parties in December 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu to Lead Canada's Largest Trade Mission to India in Over 30 Years

Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, announced on October 9 that he will head a Team Canada Trade Mission to India from October 12 to 17. Nearly 300 delegates from sectors including aerospace, clean tech, ICT, life sciences, and agri-food will participate in meetings in Mumbai and Bengaluru. The mission targets expanding commercial relations, and is set against a backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. In 2025, two-way Canada-India goods and services trade was $30.4 billion. Canadian direct investment in India reached $11.4 billion, and Indian multinational affiliates employed over 37,000 people in Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Global Affairs Canada Releases 2025-2026 Consular Data Report Amid Heightened Global Risks

Global Affairs Canada published its Annual Consular Data Report on October 8, showing officials managed 7,436 consular cases—up 3% from the previous year—and issued 33,437 apostilles. There were 208,174 passport applications from abroad and 289,254 enquiries responded to. The Emergency Watch and Response Centre facilitated the return of 28,000 Canadians from Cuba, addressed 2,700+ enquiries during violence in Mexico, and supported over 1,500 departures from the Middle East. Registrations in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program increased to 574,338. The report covers additional operational responses to disruptions stemming from events worldwide.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Iceland Issue Joint Statement, Expand Arctic and Economic Cooperation

Following meetings on October 8 in Reykjavík, Foreign Ministers Anita Anand and Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir issued a joint statement outlining deepened collaboration on Arctic affairs, security, and trade. The two countries committed to bolstering NATO’s Arctic posture and strengthening defence cooperation in line with an earlier MoU. The statement announces an Embassy-led geothermal network and supports ongoing talks to modernize the Free Trade Agreement between EFTA states and Canada. Both parties also reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Releases Reports on Stakeholder Input for Forced Labour Import Ban and Supply Chain Due Diligence

Employment and Social Development Canada published two 'What We Heard' reports on October 8 summarizing input from stakeholders—including businesses, labour groups, and civil society—regarding Canada’s approach to banning goods produced by forced labour (Bill C-35) and possible mandatory supply chain due diligence measures. The first report notes broad support for a risk-based, transparent import ban aligned with international partners and includes discussion of clear guidance and procedural fairness for importers. The second report details support for due diligence and mandatory reporting requirements, with some division over civil liability for entities failing to conduct due diligence. The government will review the feedback as it develops legislative and regulatory measures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Maintains Trade Surpluses in Goods and Services for August 2026

According to Statistics Canada, in August 2026 the country's merchandise exports rose 2.5% and imports dropped 2.0%, raising the monthly trade surplus from $787 million in July to $4.2 billion. This marks the sixth consecutive merchandise trade surplus. Canada’s exports of services climbed 0.7% to $21.1 billion while service imports declined 0.4% to $20.7 billion, contributing to a services surplus of $0.4 billion for the month.

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

Minister Anand Issues Statement on Three Years Since Hamas Attacks on Israel

On October 7, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand released a statement on the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel. The release reiterates Canada’s condemnation of Hamas, support for the two-state solution, and outlines new legislative protections against hate crimes—namely the Combatting Hate Act and recent federal funding for security at at-risk institutions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Critical Mineral Production Valued at $26.3 Billion in 2024

Statistics Canada reported that production of critical minerals accounted for $26.3 billion of economic activity in 2024, representing 0.9% of the national GDP and 33.4% of Canada’s mining sector as defined by the Natural Resources Satellite Accounts. The data highlights growth in Canada’s role in the global critical mineral supply chain.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Welcomes Major Federal Defence Investment

The Government of Alberta reported on October 7 that approximately $8 billion from the federal government will be invested in Alberta-based military infrastructure, including $550 million to establish the province as the main western operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-330 Husky fleet.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Premier Meets with Canadian Ambassador to the US on Trade Uncertainty

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Ambassador Mark Wiseman met to discuss the impacts of trade uncertainty with the United States, including recent support measures—$100 million—targeted at businesses and workers affected by ongoing disputes.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Promotes Defence Sector at DEFSEC Atlantic 2026

Nova Scotia hosted DEFSEC Atlantic 2026, drawing international defence leaders and over 3,000 attendees. The province's defence sector includes more than 130 companies contributing $2.7 billion to local GDP.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario and Canada Support Hamilton Steel Workers Amid US Tariffs

On October 6, Ontario and the federal government announced an investment of over $203,000 through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response to help 75 steel and manufacturing workers in Hamilton upgrade skills and transition to in-demand careers.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Strengthens Tourism Ties with Mexico

Alberta’s Minister Andrew Boitchenko is leading a mission to Mexico City to expand tourism partnerships, supporting sustained growth in Mexican visitor numbers and related local spending—$51 million in 2025.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada drops sponsorship of conference that cites U.S. as foreign-interference actor: The Globe and Mail reports on Ottawa’s decision to withdraw support for a conference naming the U.S. as a foreign interference risk.
• Ottawa tracking allegations of foreign interference in Alberta referendum, Carney says: The Toronto Star covers the federal monitoring of foreign interference allegations in Alberta.
• Peace prize winner Navi Pillay has served as a judge across multiple international courts: The Toronto Star describes Navi Pillay’s judicial career at international courts.
• Diplomat Ian Hamilton led operation to save desperate refugees afloat on the South China Sea: The Globe and Mail recounts a Canadian diplomat’s role in a historic refugee rescue.
• Canada urged to keep ‘eyes wide open’ on espionage: Global News reports on Canadian officials’ warnings regarding ongoing espionage threats.
• Opinion: Canada is becoming an outpost of everyone’s empire: The Globe and Mail features an opinion column analyzing foreign influence in Canada.

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