This Week in Freight & Transport — Ottawa (#15, 2026)

Canada expands CBSA customs at Port of Québec; CBSA investigates steel rack dumping from China; Tribunal finds injury—oil tubular goods case; New Aeronautics Act legislation introduced; Canada and US co-host vehicle safety conference; StatsCan releases refined petroleum and storage data.

This Week in Freight & Transport — Ottawa (#15, 2026)

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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Freight & Transport? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Defence. Also consider subscribing to our Freight & Transport - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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


This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

Federal Government News

CBSA Expands Customs Service at Port of Québec for International Marine Containers

The Canada Border Services Agency and the federal government announced that the Port of Québec will be granted designation as a first port of arrival authorized to handle international marine container traffic. The decision was presented by Minister Joël Lightbound, acting on behalf of the Minister of Public Safety. The Port Authority and terminal operator QSL will work with CBSA to ensure proper licensing, inspection, and container facility requirements are in place. The CBSA will allocate required detection technology and border services officers at the site. The transition enables the port to function as a direct entry point for marine containers, facilitating import-export business networks and supporting national supply chains. This designation aligns with broader infrastructure goals to diversify trade and provide additional options for Canadian shippers. The move is expected to affect container logistics, inspection processes, and regional terminal operations. The initiative is framed as part of the government's ongoing infrastructure investment strategy.

Sources: www.canada.ca
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CBSA Opens Dumping and Subsidy Investigation into Steel Racks from China

On April 20, the CBSA initiated investigations into potential dumping and subsidization of steel racks from Chinese producers. This action follows a complaint by Arpac Storage Systems, Etalex Inc., Industries Cresswell Inc., Econo-Rack (2015) Group, and North American Steel Equipment, who report losses due to increased competition at below-market prices. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a preliminary inquiry into material injury to Canadian producers, with a decision due by June 19, 2026. Concurrently, CBSA will determine whether dumping or subsidies occurred, issuing preliminary findings by July 20. The Special Import Measures Act was cited as the protective instrument, with 185 active measures covering $3.3 billion in imports last year. Investigations will address concerns about price erosion, reduced domestic sales, underutilized capacity, and job impacts within the Canadian steel rack segment.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CITT Finds Injury from Dumping of Oil Country Tubular Goods from Five Countries

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal concluded that dumped oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Mexico, the Philippines, Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States have caused injury to domestic producers. The Tribunal's decision follows inquiry NQ‑2025-007, with Interpro Pipe & Steel and Welded Tube of Canada as complainants. Anti-dumping duties will be collected on affected imports, with detailed reasoning to be published on May 6, 2026. The Tribunal operates as an independent quasi-judicial body under the Minister of Finance’s purview. The decision will impact supply chains, import flows, and pricing for OCTG, which are critical in energy infrastructure and freight logistics. The measures add to ongoing oversight of international trade remedies supporting domestic manufacturing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Legislation to Amend the Aeronautics Act Introduced in the House of Commons

On April 21, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon introduced legislation to amend the Aeronautics Act. The announcement came via a press conference at the National Press Theatre, with a media technical briefing providing further background. While specifics of the amendments have not been made public, government officials provided additional details in non-attributable briefings ahead of formal debate. The forthcoming legislative changes may affect regulatory compliance requirements, oversight procedures, and operational standards for stakeholders across the aviation sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and United States to Co-host International Technical Conference on Vehicle Safety in Toronto

Transport Canada and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will co-host the 28th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) in Toronto this May. The conference focuses on advancing vehicle safety technology and international regulatory harmonization. Topics will range from automated driving and crash avoidance to cybersecurity and research-backed safety standards. The event brings together representatives from industry, academia, and government for technical sessions and demonstrations. Stakeholder engagement will address the ongoing evolution of road vehicle safety standards and practices, relevant for equipment providers and logistics operators in the ground transportation field.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Monthly Energy Transportation and Storage Data for February 2026

Statistics Canada has published new data on the transportation and storage of crude oil and other liquid petroleum products for February 2026. The dataset provides quantitative insight into flows, inventory levels, and throughput trends. This information is accessible online and supports market assessments, infrastructure utilization analysis, and distribution network planning for energy carriers and related freight segments.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Statistics Canada Publishes March Data on Refined Petroleum Product Production and Inventories

Statistics Canada announced that production and inventory data for refined petroleum products for March 2026 are now available by request. The release provides industry participants with information on supply chain trends and inventory positions for products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Access to this data allows for better forecasting and operational decision-making in the fuel supply, logistics, and distribution network.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Introduces Legislation to Facilitate Expansion of Billy Bishop Airport

On April 23, Ontario introduced the Building Billy Bishop Airport Act, which would allow the province to assume Toronto’s role in the airport’s tripartite agreement and acquire city-owned lands. The legislation supports the modernization and future expansion of the airport.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Announces Tariff Removal on Crude Oil Exports to South Korea

Alberta has signed an agreement with South Korea, eliminating a 3% tariff on Alberta crude exports. In 2025, Alberta's crude exports to Korea exceeded $400 million, with the removal expected to increase future shipments.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Super-Heavy Load to Cause Delays on Alberta Highways from April 22 to 24

A large move involving a 200,700-kilogram motor control centre building will travel from Blackfalds to Fort McMurray between April 22 and 24, using a multi-day route and potentially affecting traffic along several highways.

Sources: www.alberta.ca
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What We're Reading This Week

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