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.

Dates: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 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

• House Foreign Affairs Committee: Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba: The Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Cuba on February 24, with witnesses from Global Affairs Canada and the Embassy of Cuba.
• Finance Committee: Bill C-15, Budget Implementation: On February 23, the Finance Committee reviews Bill C-15, with testimony from departments including Agriculture, Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Industry. Sessions will be televised and webcast.
• International Trade Committee: Draft Report on Rules-Based System: Feb. 24, International Trade Committee will meet in camera to consider its draft report on Canada’s engagement in a rules-based international trade and investment system.
• National Defence Committee: Critical Minerals Sector Security: Feb. 23, the National Defence Committee is studying the intersection of national security and Canada’s critical minerals sector, with representatives from the Business Council of Canada, Mining Association of Canada, and Vale Base Metals.
• Procedure and House Affairs: Nomination of Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner: On Feb. 26, the committee meets to review the nomination of Anton Boegman as Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner.
• Senate Foreign Affairs: US National Security Strategy Review: The Senate Foreign Affairs Committee meets Feb. 26 to examine the National Security Strategy of the United States, with witnesses from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Council on Foreign Relations.
• Senate Foreign Affairs: Situation in Ukraine: On Feb. 25, the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee holds hearings on the situation in Ukraine, featuring expert witnesses from academic and research institutions.
• Senate National Security: Bill C-12 Border Security Measures: Senate National Security committee meets Feb. 23 for clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-12, legislation relating to border security and the immigration system.
• Senate Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence Review: Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights meets Feb. 23 to hear expert testimony on artificial intelligence, economic security, and international human rights.

Federal Government News

Canada’s International Merchandise Trade Narrows in December

Statistics Canada reported that Canada's merchandise exports increased by 2.6% in December 2025, while imports rose by 0.6%. This change narrowed the country's merchandise trade deficit from $2.6 billion in November to $1.3 billion in December. The data offers an update on trade flows relevant to value chains, cross-border business activity, and international supply agreements. The update provides context for businesses monitoring changes in demand for Canadian goods abroad and the impact on bilateral relations with key trading partners.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

International Trade in Services Surplus Expands

Canada's international trade in services posted a surplus of $0.7 billion in December 2025, up from $0.1 billion in November. Imports of services declined 2.2% to $19.4 billion, while exports increased by 0.8% to $20.2 billion. This continued growth in the services sector provides data for enterprises involved in cross-border professional, technical, or information-based industries.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Data on Defence, Aerospace, Marine, and Cybersecurity Industries Available

Selected tables from the 2024 Defence, Aerospace, Marine, and Cybersecurity Industries Survey have been released by Statistics Canada. Sector participants may request detailed data, which can be leveraged for benchmarking defence sector activity and international competitiveness. The release contributes to ongoing assessments of supply chain capabilities and strategic industry vulnerabilities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian International Securities Transactions: Shift Recorded in December

Canadian investors acquired $13.1 billion of foreign securities in December 2025, led by purchases of US shares. At the same time, foreign investors reduced holdings of Canadian securities by $5.6 billion after six months of net investments totaling $145.4 billion. These movements provide visibility on international capital flows that could affect foreign exchange and investor sentiment towards Canadian issuers.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Environmental and Clean Technology Trade Data for 2024 Released

Exports of Canadian environmental and clean technology (ECT) products totaled $20.2 billion in 2024, a decrease of 5.2% from 2023. Imports of ECT products reached $35.8 billion, marking a 2.8% increase. ECT products represented 2.0% of Canada’s total imports and 3.5% of exported goods. The data informs monitoring of product segments in global environmental and clean technology trade.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Government Responds to Defence Industrial Strategy

Alberta Jobs Minister Joseph Schow issued a statement supporting Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, underscoring Alberta's position in defence infrastructure, manufacturing, and research.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Participates in Team Canada Trade Mission to Mexico

Minister Jamie Moses joins a delegation to Mexico, attending over 100 business-to-business meetings focused on agriculture, advanced manufacturing, ICT, and creative industries.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Engages with International Conservation Stakeholders in Nashville

Minister Todd Loewen is attending wildlife conservation conventions in Nashville to discuss Alberta’s wildlife programs and auction initiatives supporting conservation funding.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Nuclear Imports and Exports Guidance

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission invites feedback on REGDOC-2.13.2, Import and Export, which provides guidance for licensees handling nuclear and dual-use items. Consultation runs through February 27.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• From geopolitics to global logistics: new honours degree honing international business skills: Universities are developing new programs aimed at equipping students for evolving international business environments.
• Justin Ling: Carney’s defence plan could transform Canadian industry — but it comes with a moral cost: Commentary examines potential ramifications of proposals to overhaul Canadian defence policy and industry.
• Opinion: Canada’s new defence policy must do away with the old orthodoxies: Highlights ongoing debates on needed shifts in Canada's defence strategy.
• Welcome to meme diplomacy: How French bureaucrats are fighting trolls and Donald Trump: Explores the use of unconventional tools in modern diplomatic engagement.
• A new defence industrial strategy to reduce US dependence: Broadcast segment reviews implications of reducing US reliance within Canadian defence procurement.

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