June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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.

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📋 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

• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee examines Bill C-244 on marine vessel regulation: The Environment and Sustainable Development Committee will meet June 16, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to study Bill C-244, which amends the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee assesses affordability challenges in Northern Canada: The committee will hold hearings on June 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. regarding affordability in Northern Canada, with witness testimony and discussion of related reports.
• Fisheries and Oceans Committee reviews Atlantic mackerel and herring fisheries and marine harvesting season timing: On June 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Fisheries and Oceans Committee will discuss draft letters and reports on Atlantic mackerel and herring fisheries and the timing of marine harvesting seasons.
• Senate National Finance Committee considers Supplementary Estimates (A) for 2026-27, includes CATSA and Transport Security: The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance meets June 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to review Supplementary Estimates (A), featuring testimony from Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and Public Safety Canada officials.

Federal Government News

Government introduces legislation to strengthen prohibition on imports of goods produced with forced labour

On June 12, 2026, Global Affairs Canada tabled Bill C-XX, An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour. The proposed legislation replaces the current import ban under the Customs Tariff with a standalone legal framework and grants the Minister of Foreign Affairs authority to designate high-risk goods, regions, or entities. Importers of goods on this list would be required to submit extended supply chain tracing information; any failure to provide the required data would see those goods deemed prohibited from entry. The Canada Border Services Agency will enforce the ban, with enhanced inter-agency information sharing and a cost-recovery model for violations. The Act is designed to give importers greater certainty and transparency in compliance. The legislation aligns Canada with similar developments in the U.S. and Mexico, with the EU’s legislation taking effect in 2027. Stakeholders active in international trade will be required to meet updated documentation and compliance standards for certain goods based on country or entity of origin.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.theglobeandmail.com

Preclearance facility opens for cross-border rail at Vancouver Pacific Central Rail Station

On June 10, 2026, the Government of Canada, together with U.S. officials, launched a preclearance facility at Vancouver Pacific Central Rail Station—Canada’s first for rail. Travellers bound for the U.S. can now fully clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Vancouver prior to departure, resulting in faster arrivals and simplified onward transfers. The move is positioned to improve operational fluidity for cross-border rail, reduce the risk of border delays, and increase the predictability for rail carriers linking British Columbia with U.S. destinations. The facility was formally announced by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada launches targeted support for airlines amid global fuel market volatility

The Department of Finance Canada announced the Liquidity for Airline Sector Resilience facility on June 8, 2026, in response to elevated jet fuel costs arising from global energy price shocks. The program, delivered via the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation, will allow airlines to apply for loans of up to $150 million. Support is contingent on fuel-related financial metrics and will require participating airlines to 'Buy Canadian,' limit executive compensation, and maintain Canadian operations. The excise tax on aviation fuel has also been suspended until September 7, 2026, shaving 4 cents per litre from operating costs. The facility and associated relief are intended to maintain service continuity, employment, and financial viability in the aviation sector through September.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Tribunal initiates anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation for decorative plywood imports from China

On June 9, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal issued a determination of reasonable indication of injury regarding dumped and subsidized decorative and other non-structural plywood imports from China. This is part of a process under the Special Import Measures Act, following complaints from the domestic industry and preliminary CBSA investigations. The Tribunal's finding allows the CBSA to proceed to preliminary determinations, expected by July 9, 2026. Trade in these goods remains subject to potential duties pending the outcome of the investigation, with implications for Canadian importers, distributors, and downstream users in the construction and furniture sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and France sign General Security of Information Agreement supporting defence and advanced technology sectors

On June 12, 2026, Ministers Joël Lightbound and Anita Anand announced a new General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) with France, establishing protocols for the secure exchange of classified information. The agreement will facilitate Canadian participation in French defence, security, aerospace, and dual-use technology projects requiring information safeguards. It also supports increased bilateral cooperation in civil-military crossover technologies such as maritime, space, artificial intelligence, and cyber. Canadian companies in relevant sectors will have improved access to sensitive procurement and research opportunities under the new framework.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government launches annual mission targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the North Pacific

Fisheries and Oceans Canada began its fourth annual high seas patrol, Operation North Pacific Guard, on June 9, 2026, targeting IUU fishing in cooperation with the Canadian Coast Guard, RCMP, and international partners from the US, Japan, and South Korea. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a biofuel-capable vessel, will patrol over 15,000 km for two months, conducting inspections and enforcing compliance with international fisheries regulations. Aerial surveillance based out of Hokkaido, Japan supplements at-sea activities. Outcomes of the operation may affect seafood supply chains and the regulatory environment for marine transport and port operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard welcomes new officers and launches science vessel

On June 8, 2026, the Canadian Coast Guard Academy in Sydney, Nova Scotia, graduated 58 new officers, one of its largest classes to date. The event, attended by Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, also featured the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Naalak Nappaaluk, the service's latest science vessel. The vessel is configured for ocean research and is intended for deployment in both Atlantic and Arctic waters. The bolstering of personnel and capabilities supports operations including maritime traffic safety, search and rescue, and environmental response.

Sources: www.canada.ca

International air and auto arrivals to Canada rose 7.6% in May 2026

Statistics Canada reported that international arrivals by air and automobile in May 2026 totaled 5.2 million, increasing 7.6% over May 2025 and continuing a trend of year-over-year growth. The dataset aggregates Canadian residents returning, as well as arrivals from the US and overseas. The increase in inbound travel is of note for the commercial aviation, airport operations, and ground transportation sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Access to public transport by walking distance: new national dataset released

Statistics Canada has published a new dataset quantifying spatial access to public transport by walking distance, carrying capacity, and select demographic variables across Canadian geographies. Released on June 10, 2026, the data provide granular insights that may inform planning and investment in passenger bus, rail, and urban transport infrastructure.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Northern cod fishery: increased economic activity and updated quota allocations for 2026-27

Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported on June 12, 2026, that landings of Northern cod reached 32,700 tonnes in 2025, double the previous year, with exports valued at $80 million. For the 2026-27 season, the total allowable catch is 59,000 tonnes, with the inshore fleet allocated 41,300 tonnes (up from 30,400), offshore and midshore receiving 11,806 tonnes, and Indigenous allocations at 5,895 tonnes. These changes are expected to influence fleet operations, processing facilities, and export patterns in Atlantic Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Ontario invest in transit vehicles in Cobourg and Port Hope

On June 11, 2026, Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson announced joint federal and provincial funding for public transit upgrades in Cobourg and Port Hope. Nearly $1.2 million in Cobourg will go toward three new gasoline-powered buses with contactless payment capability, a new operations office, and improved bus stop accessibility. Over $560,000 in Port Hope is allocated for replacing three conventional transit vehicles. These investments aim to improve reliability and capacity in small-urban transit systems.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario, Canada, Cobourg, and Port Hope invest in new transit vehicles and infrastructure upgrades

Cobourg receives $1.2 million for new gasoline buses, transit office, and stop upgrades; Port Hope receives $560,000 for vehicle replacement, with contributions from all levels of government.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia modifies regulatory requirements for lead acid battery manufacturing

Effective June 10, 2026, lead acid battery manufacturers in Nova Scotia now require only an industrial approval, aligning with regulations elsewhere in Canada, and no longer need a Class II environmental assessment.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario unveils Fortress North America trade and security initiative

Premier Doug Ford announced the Fortress North America plan in Washington, DC, seeking to solidify North American supply chains and encourage cross-border investment under CUSMA.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba issues travel safety advisory after highway washouts

Several Manitoba highways were closed due to flooding as of June 10, 2026, with travel restrictions and emergency services mobilized to support affected regions.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia expands skilled-trades training in the Okanagan

Okanagan College receives 256 new skilled-trades seats as part of the province's Look West strategy, with initiatives targeting aerospace and maritime training and infrastructure.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ottawa introduces law requiring shippers to prove imports are free from forced labour: Report on new Canadian import rules affecting shipper documentation.
• Senate report recommends curbing labour strikes in ports, railways: Senate report urges federal government to address strike risks in critical transportation sectors.
• CSL Delivers World’s First Battery-Powered Self-Unloading Bulk Carrier to Support Adbri Operations: The first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier is delivered by CSL for Adbri, signaling advances in shipping technology.
• Cape Breton business leaders dream of reviving dormant rail line: Local leaders explore options for reactivating regional rail freight links.

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