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.

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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Public Safety and National Security Committee to Review Bill C-8 on Cyber Security: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security will hold a televised clause-by-clause meeting on Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security, on February 10 at 3:30 p.m. Key witnesses include Stephen Bolton (Communications Security Establishment), Daniel Couillard (Canadian Centre for Cyber Security), and Andre Arbour (Department of Industry).
• Senate Committee: Social Affairs, Science & Technology to Examine Parts of Bill C-12 Impacting Borders: On February 9, the Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee will discuss elements of Bill C-12 concerning border security and immigration, with witnesses from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Canadian Bar Association, and academic experts.
• Senate Committee to Study U.S. National Security Strategy Impact: The Senate Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee convenes on February 11 to review the U.S. national security strategy, with testimony from Vina Nadjibulla (Asia Pacific Foundation), Maxwell A. Cameron (UBC), and Ann Fitz-Gerald (Balsillie School of International Affairs).
• Senate to Review Situation in Gaza at Foreign Affairs Committee: On February 12, the Senate Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee will discuss developments in Gaza, with testimony from Alexandre Lévêque (Global Affairs Canada) and academics Costanza Musu and Peter Jones (University of Ottawa).
• Senate Social Affairs Committee to Examine AI Impact and Border Security: On February 12, the Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee will hold a session on the impact of artificial intelligence in Canada, with witness Geoffrey Hinton (University of Toronto), alongside continued review of Bill C-12 provisions.

Federal Government News

Federal Government Launches Broad Auto Industry Transformation Strategy

The Government of Canada has launched a sweeping new strategy to reposition the country's auto sector. Details shared in Brampton include a $3 billion Strategic Response Fund allocation and up to $100 million from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, supporting the industry’s adaptation and expansion to new export markets. A. Berger Precision Ltd., among other firms, will access targeted funding to bolster production and competitiveness. The plan includes a Productivity Super-Deduction and reduced corporate taxes for zero-emission technology manufacturers, alongside stringent model year emissions standards for 2027-32 aimed at reaching 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040. A new $2.3 billion EV Affordability Program offers consumer and business incentives, and Canadian-made EVs/PHEVs are exempted from the $50,000 vehicle price cap for rebate eligibility. The government will maintain counter-tariffs on U.S. auto imports, strengthen the automotive remission framework, and expand the national EV charging network with a $1.5 billion investment via the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Additionally, the strategy includes targeted partnerships with Korea and China for industrial collaboration and joint ventures, employment assistance, and workforce realignment covering up to 66,000 workers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Opens Consulate in Greenland, Expands Arctic Engagement

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand traveled to Copenhagen and Nuuk from February 5 to 7 to deepen Canada's northern presence. The trip included the opening of the Canadian consulate in Nuuk, Greenland—a commitment first set out in Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy framework from December 2024. The consulate will deliver services to Canadians in Greenland and support bilateral and commercial ties, strengthening mobility and cooperation on Arctic governance. The opening ceremony featured the presence of Governor General Mary Simon and the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker CCGS Jean Goodwill. Minister Anand also held discussions with Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Research, Vivian Motzfeldt, to review collaboration opportunities in areas such as resource development, clean energy, scientific exchange, and regional transportation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand Meets with Denmark’s Foreign Minister on Defence and Arctic Cooperation

During her visit to Copenhagen, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand engaged with Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen. The ministers reviewed expanded economic engagement in quantum technology, clean energy, and defence, with reaffirmed support for Ukraine. Collaboration with the Nordic Five and European partners was also on the agenda, focused on adaptive responses to emerging geopolitical risks. The meeting marked the 80th anniversary of Canada-Denmark diplomatic relations and set the stage for broader Arctic security cooperation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Inquiry into Austrian Oil and Gas Well Casing Imports

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) began a preliminary injury inquiry into allegations that oil and gas well casing imported from Austria is being dumped in the Canadian market. This action follows a complaint from Tenaris Canada, with the CBSA launching its own investigation on February 2 under the Special Import Measures Act. The CITT will rule by April 2, 2026, on whether a reasonable indication exists that the imports are causing or threatening injury. A positive finding would allow the CBSA to proceed to a preliminary determination of dumping by May 1, 2026, potentially resulting in anti-dumping measures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Probes Alleged Dumping of Austrian Oil and Gas Well Casing

The Canada Border Services Agency has launched a formal investigation targeting steel oil and gas well casing exports from Austria, following Tenaris Canada’s complaint of unfair pricing and market injury. The CBSA will assess whether Austrian imports are sold below market value and undermining Canadian producers, focusing on potential lost sales, price undercutting, and impact on domestic financial performance. The process coordinates with the CITT inquiry and falls under the Special Import Measures Act, with a preliminary agency decision anticipated by May 4, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Trade Tribunal Launches Expiry Review of Anti-dumping Duties on Chinese Solar Modules

The CITT has initiated an expiry review concerning its existing order on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China. The review evaluates whether letting the order lapse would result in resumed or continued dumping/subsidizing, likely to injure the Canadian market. The CBSA will assess risk by July 2, 2026, followed by a Tribunal determination on industry injury by December 9, 2026, if continued unfair pricing is found. Participants may file notices to join the process.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Anti-dumping and Countervailing Measures Applied on Chinese Cast Iron Soil Pipe

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has ruled that Chinese-origin cast iron soil pipe imports, subject to both alleged dumping and subsidization, have caused injury to Canada’s domestic industry. As a result, anti-dumping and countervailing duties will now be imposed. The complainant was Canada Pipe Company ULC, operating as Bibby-Ste-Croix. Detailed Tribunal findings will be released on February 23, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Issues Statement with Freedom Online Coalition on Iran Internet Shutdowns

Global Affairs Canada joined members of the Freedom Online Coalition to issue a joint statement expressing concern over the Iranian government’s ongoing internet and telecommunications shutdown, which began on January 8, 2026. The statement cites violations of rights under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with interruptions having broad impacts on documentation, communication, essential services, and economic activity. The coalition references Human Rights Council resolution SS 39/1 and urges the Iranian government to restore full access to all digital communications.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu to Visit Singapore and Vietnam on Indo-Pacific Trade Mission

International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu will be visiting Singapore from February 9–10, 2026, to attend the Canada-in-Asia Conference, followed by an official visit to Vietnam from February 11–12. The itinerary includes meetings with local business leaders, investors, and government officials intended to promote trade diversification, strengthen investment ties, and support Vietnam’s role as 2026 CPTPP Commission Chair. The mission is intended to reinforce trading relationships with partners in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Sources: www.canada.ca

Support for SMEs on CUSMA Compliance Program Delivered via Toronto Region Board of Trade

The Government of Canada is providing a $500,000 investment to the Toronto Region Board of Trade and its World Trade Centre Toronto, enabling the delivery of a CUSMA Compliance Series targeting Ontario SMEs. The program offers specialized workshops and tailored coaching to help businesses navigate United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement compliance, facilitating improved operational certainty and increased competitiveness in North American markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Panels Review Foreign Aid, Consular Support, and Diaspora Engagement

In meeting no. 20 of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Global Affairs Canada representatives addressed consular assistance to Canadians abroad and voting rights for the diaspora. Statistics Canada discussed challenges in tracking international electors and the growth of registry numbers. Discussions extended to the diplomatic and trade value of the Canadian diaspora, resource needs for embassy engagement, and models for national diaspora policies. Other witnesses included the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Venture for Canada. Participants canvassed the role of business engagement and mechanisms for leveraging diaspora networks for economic and strategic objectives.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta MLAs Travel to Oregon to Advance Cross-Border Economic Ties

Alberta MLAs Brandon Lunty and Justin Wright are visiting Salem, Oregon from February 8 to 11 as part of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region’s 2026 Capital Visits. The meetings with state leaders and business officials will focus on trade, energy, and corridor development, with Alberta set to host the region’s annual summit in July.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Ships First Domestic Steel for Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaker

Algoma Steel has shipped its first plates to Quebec’s Davie shipyards, backing construction of the Polar Max Coast Guard icebreaker. The milestone supports Ontario’s manufacturing base and aims to mitigate supply chain disruptions and U.S. tariff effects.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Government and Indigenous Leaders Discuss Churchill Plus Project

Premier Wab Kinew and Minister Ian Bushie met First Nations and Métis leaders in Thompson to discuss economic opportunities tied to the Churchill Plus project, which has been brought to Ottawa’s Major Projects Office. Participants considered job creation, national defence, and Arctic sovereignty.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

BC Establishes Advisory Group on Extortion to Boost Community and Law Enforcement Coordination

The BC government, led by Premier David Eby and Minister Nina Krieger, has formed a community advisory group on extortion, to connect community concerns with police and support responses to a surge in such threats.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Moves to Explore National Marine Conservation Area in Hudson Bay

Manitoba is investing $250,000 to study the potential creation of a national marine conservation area in western Hudson Bay, working with Indigenous partners, environmental organizations, and the federal government on feasibility and stakeholder engagement.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Opens on Import and Export of Nuclear-Related Dual-Use Items

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is seeking input on REGDOC-2.13.2, covering the import and export of controlled nuclear substances, equipment, and information, through February 27, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Cuts at Global Affairs raise questions about Canada's diplomatic ambitions: Analysis on funding changes for Canada's diplomatic service.
• New Greenland consulate sparks hopes for joint action on climate change, defence: Reporting on Canadian diplomatic expansion in the Arctic.
• Steve Paikin: The rules-based international order is officially dead. Has NATO suffered the same fate?: Commentary on shifts in global order and multilateral institutions.
• Carney must resist Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' to secure Canada's international trade future. Here's why: Opinion on the future direction of Canada's global trade amid U.S. policy shifts.
• Keeping her ‘eye on the ball’: Hillman reflects on her time as top diplomat in D.C.: Interview with Canada’s former U.S. ambassador Kirsten Hillman.
• Opinion: Canada is uniquely unprepared for the dire national-security crisis we are now in: Perspective on the state of Canadian national security.
• Why protecting Canadian digital sovereignty must be near top of agenda in CUSMA talks with Trump: Op-ed about digital sovereignty in North American trade negotiations.
• As Canada prepares to open Greenland consulate, parallels drawn between Trump’s threats against countries: Article exploring diplomatic context surrounding the new Greenland consulate.
• Supply Chain Safety: Western Powers Race for Domestic Mineral Sovereignty: Report on efforts of Western states to secure mineral supply chains.
• Opinion: I study political violence and mass atrocities. What’s happening in the United States is a warning: Analysis on U.S. political violence and global stability warnings.

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