This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning the trucking, rail, and shipping industries, ports, storage centers, cargo and container terminals, international and inter-provincial logistics, fulfillment centres, courier and delivery services. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

CBSA Approves Sufferance Warehouse Licence at Port of Hamilton

On April 1, the Government of Canada announced licence approval in principle for a new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sufferance warehouse at the Port of Hamilton, Ontario. Secretary of State Adam van Koeverden made the announcement on behalf of Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. A sufferance warehouse enables short-term storage and examination of imported goods; only cargo that has undergone CBSA health, safety, and security checks can enter. The facility will help alleviate bottlenecks at ports of entry by expanding inspection capacity for imported goods. Once final regulatory requirements are met, CBSA will officially issue the licence for the Hamilton Container Terminal’s Pier 18 facility. CBSA is collaborating with HOPA Ports and Hamilton Container Terminal to support growth in Canada’s trade economy and operational efficiency.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Integrates Aircraft Services into Defence Operations

On April 1, the Canadian Coast Guard announced it has welcomed personnel and assets from Transport Canada's aircraft services as part of the Defence Team. This program manages civilian aircraft supporting operational flights, environmental response, natural disaster response, and outreach to remote communities. The Coast Guard will now have operational control of the federal aerial fleet, reinforcing its security and surveillance responsibilities under the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12). The transition provides enhanced maritime domain awareness but leaves regulatory oversight under Canadian Aviation Regulations with Transport Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Production Begins on Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker at Chantier Davie

March 31 marked the start of full-rate Canadian production of the Polar Max Icebreaker at Chantier Davie Canada Inc. in Lévis, Québec, attended by Ministers Joel Lightbound and Mélanie Joly. This vessel is one of two new Polar Icebreakers under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. The project is estimated to contribute $420M annually to GDP and support over 3,000 jobs nationwide. When completed, these icebreakers will reinforce year-round Arctic operations, providing icebreaking, search and rescue, environmental response, and supply deliveries to Northern communities. The shipbuilding strategy has generated $38.7 billion in GDP and supported 21,400 jobs annually from 2012–2024. Canada achieved NATO’s 2% defence spending target for 2025–26, with investments exceeding $63 billion in defence.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Stronger Protections Announced for Southern Resident Killer Whales

On April 2, Minister of Transport Steven Mackinnon announced expanded vessel regulations to protect Southern Resident killer whales. Mandatory approach distance will increase to 1,000 metres effective June 1, 2026. Two speed-restricted and two vessel-restricted zones will be established off B.C.’s coast, while voluntary speed reduction continues at Tumbo Channel. Whale-watching companies are no longer required to obtain authorizations for viewing killer whales but are encouraged to follow voluntary practices. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority ECHO Program will extend seasonal vessel slowdowns, involving over 70 marine organizations and 33,000 slowdowns since 2017. Enforcement will involve Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Coast Guard, Parks Canada, RCMP, US Coast Guard, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Early Impact Assessment Decision Issued for Point Rousse Port Expansion

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, on April 2, released an early decision for the Point Rousse Port Expansion Project in Newfoundland and Labrador. After reviewing impacts under section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act, the agency found that potential adverse effects are limited or manageable via existing legislation, including the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Canadian Navigable Waters Act, and relevant provincial regulations. The proponent must seek federal and provincial authorizations, but no further federal assessment is required. Documentation is available in IAAC’s Notice of Early Decision with Reasons.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Launches Expiry Review on US Potato Imports

On April 1, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated an expiry review (RR-2026-001) of its previous 2021 order concerning whole potatoes imported from the United States. If CBSA determines, by August 28, 2026, the likelihood of resumed or continued dumping, the Tribunal will decide by February 4, 2027, if injury to Canadian industry is expected. Interested parties may join the review by filing Form I—Notice of Participation. The Tribunal addresses anti-dumping, tariffs, procurement complaints, and customs appeal cases.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Deploys First Fentanyl Detection Canine Teams and New Officers

April 2 saw the Canada Border Services Agency introduce its first specialized fentanyl detection dog units during a ceremony at CBSA College in Rigaud, Quebec. The 57 newly-trained officers include 14 recruited under Canada’s commitment to hire 1,000 new officers within three years. These deployments form part of the $1.3 billion investment in the 2025 Budget and Border Plan, aiming to strengthen border security and modernize detection tools.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Seizes 86.9 kg Cocaine at Coutts Port of Entry in Alberta

On April 2, CBSA announced that border officers intercepted and seized 86.9 kg of suspected cocaine at the Coutts port of entry, southern Alberta, on February 15. The drugs, concealed in three suitcases within a commercial truck’s cab, were destined for Calgary. The driver was arrested and transferred to RCMP Federal Policing. This follows previous major narcotics seizures at Coutts in late 2025.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Issues Travel Tips for Easter; Border Wait Times and Cargo Guidance

On March 31, CBSA issued advisory tips for travellers arriving in Canada over the Easter weekend, noting busier border crossings and potential delays, especially at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle due to ongoing construction. The agency recommends using Advance Declaration at airports, checking border wait times, and preparing all travel documents and declarations. Restrictions remain in place for importing raw poultry and cannabis, and travel guidelines are outlined for visitors carrying gifts, children travelling without guardians, and individuals transporting firearms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

LaSalle Causeway Marine Opening Closures Announced for 2026

Public Services and Procurement Canada released the 2026 marine opening schedule for the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston, Ontario, effective April 2. Full closures for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians support main marine navigation channel openings. Modular bridge removal will begin at 6 am on scheduled days, with marine navigation available by 9 am and causeway access restored by the evening. Approved dates extend from April through November, with detailed schedules available via PSPC’s LaSalle Causeway page.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Defence Investment Agency Awards CC-330 Husky Fleet Support Contracts

On March 30, the Defence Investment Agency awarded three long-term support contracts for the Royal Canadian Air Force CC-330 Husky fleet. L3Harris MAS Inc. will provide maintenance and materiel support, while Airbus Defence and Space S.A. handles original manufacturer services. Contracts are valued at $1.5 billion, supporting fleet engineering, repair, overhaul, and parts management. The terms deliver 720 jobs in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta and contribute $90 million annually to GDP, in support of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and NATO’s 2% GDP defence spending.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Passenger Screening at Canadian Airports Rises in February

StatsCan reported that 4.2 million passengers passed through pre-board security at Canada’s eight largest airports in February 2026, marking a 1.0% increase compared to the same month in 2025.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian International Merchandise Trade Sees Increased Deficit in February

StatsCan data released on April 2 shows that imports rose by 8.4%, exports increased by 6.4%, and Canada’s merchandise trade deficit widened from $4.2 billion in January to $5.7 billion in February 2026.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Freight Rail Services Price Index Data Released for March

StatsCan published updated March 2026 Freight Rail Services Price Index (2018=100), providing industry stakeholders with current pricing information.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Tables Bill to Improve Transit and Accelerate Homebuilding

On March 30, Ontario introduced the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, proposing expanded rideshare options, changes to HOV lane access, standardized planning policies, and reforms to municipal approval processes.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Introduces Legislation to Accelerate Housing and Streamline Approvals

On April 2, Alberta tabled Bill 28, streamlining building approvals, automating permitting, and modernizing industrial property assessment rules, with additional provisions affecting municipal governance and library access policies.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario and Canada Partner for Housing and Transit Investment

March 30 saw Ontario and the federal government sign a Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, committing $8.8 billion in ten-year funding for housing-enabling infrastructure and coordinated transit projects including Waterfront East Transit and GO 2.0.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Doubles Funding for Transit Investment Fund in Rural Communities

On April 1, Ontario announced its Transit Investment Fund will rise to $10 million annually over three years, supporting rural and underserved communities with new bus routes and rideshare services.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Revises ZEV Sales Targets and Expands EV Charging Network

April 1 saw B.C. amend its Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, reducing the 2035 ZEV sales target from 100% to 75%, while funding 75 new public EV charger projects throughout the province.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Transport Canada Announces Fee Consultation for Owned Ports

Transport Canada will consult stakeholders on new regulations for fees at ports it owns and operates, with consultations starting April 2026.

Sources: NA

What We're Reading This Week

• Killing home mail delivery amounts to cost shifting and more unemployment: The editorial discusses the effects of ending home mail delivery on costs and jobs.
• U.S. says Ottawa failing to block imports made with forced labour as Washington weighs more tariffs: Reports U.S. criticism of Canada's import controls amid possible tariff hikes.
• Why the Strait of Hormuz has been a global commerce chokepoint for centuries: Explains the historical and current significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.

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