June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

CBSA Implements Direct International-to-International Transfer Process at Major Canadian Airports

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the launch of the Free Flow International-to-International Transit program now operational at Vancouver International, Toronto Pearson Terminal 1, and Montréal–Trudeau airports. The process enables transiting international travelers to proceed directly to their onward flight without an in-person border stop. Instead, airlines will collect and provide finalized passenger information to the CBSA to ensure accountability and border integrity. Travelers must possess all required documentation for their destination and a confirmed onward ticket departing Canada within 24 hours. The system aims to expedite passenger flows while allowing the CBSA to allocate attention to higher-risk cases. The process is available only at select airports after successful trials. Airlines are responsible for compliance by verifying travel data and supplying it directly to the CBSA.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Brings Stricter Penalties for Retail Theft and Violence Against Transit Workers

The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) received Royal Assent on June 25, introducing more than 80 amendments to the Criminal Code focused on bail and sentencing. The reforms specify new mandatory consecutive sentences for violent auto theft, break and enter, extortion, and arson, while also providing for aggravating factors in cases of retail theft and violence targeting all transit employees, from fare inspectors to station staff. The legislation introduces stricter bail conditions for repeat and violent offenders, including a reverse onus on bail and numerous procedural changes courts must consider. The law takes effect July 15, 2026, and was supported at all government levels following substantial collaboration. These changes mark a substantive shift in federal justice policy affecting risks frequently encountered in the freight, public transit, and courier sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA and Uruguay Sign Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement to Combat Illicit Trade

On June 25 in Brussels, Erin O’Gorman, President of the CBSA, and Ambassador Pablo Sader of Uruguay signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA). The CMAA authorizes information-sharing to suppress customs offenses such as drug, firearms, and contraband smuggling. This bilateral agreement, which follows ongoing free trade discussions with MERCOSUR, covers information exchange and coordinated enforcement along a trade route valued at $317 million annually. The accord was formalized at the World Customs Organization’s 2026 Council meetings.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan: 14 New Commercial Agreements Announced

Minister Sidhu announced the completion of 14 commercial agreements in Japan with an estimated value exceeding $1.7 billion during the Team Canada Trade Mission. Highlights include MDA Space Ltd. securing a contract for advanced satellite payloads, BlackBerry QNX supplying core automotive software to Japanese supplier Astemo, collaborations on grid modernization, hydrogen systems for energy projects, and a floating LNG project in Prince Rupert aiming for Japanese buyers. Covered Bridge signed an open-ended supply agreement with Costco Japan, entering its 10th international market. Collectively, these deals span the aerospace, railway, energy, and freight-associated supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Tribunal Affirms Injury: Anti-Dumping/CVD Duties to Be Collected on Chinese Thermoformed Tableware

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined on June 26 that imports of thermoformed molded fibre tableware from China have caused injury to Canada’s domestic industry (case NQ-2025-008). As a result, the CBSA will proceed with the collection of anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The investigation originated from a complaint by CKF Inc. of Hantsport, Nova Scotia. The Tribunal will issue a full explanation for the findings on July 13, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Tribunal Launches Injury Inquiry into Dumping of Wheat Gluten From Europe

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated a preliminary injury inquiry (PI-2026-003) into dumped wheat gluten from Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, following a complaint from ADM Agri-Industries Co. The inquiry is undertaken under the Special Import Measures Act in response to a CBSA investigation. Parties wishing to participate must file a Notice of Participation. The Tribunal will determine by August 18 whether there is a reasonable indication of injury, after which the CBSA will make a preliminary determination by September 17.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Yellowknife Airport Receives Federal Safety Infrastructure Funding

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced over $1.2 million from the Airports Capital Assistance Program for Yellowknife Airport in the Northwest Territories. The funding supports design and installation of a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) at Runway 16, in line with Canadian Aviation Regulations that apply to airports exceeding 375,000 annual passengers. Since 1995, Yellowknife Airport has received nearly $16 million for 14 safety-related projects under this program.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Reports Progress on Immigration Enforcement Cases with Links to Organized Crime and Extortion

CBSA provided an update on immigration enforcement against organized crime, with 484 cases opened since August 2025 and 139 removal orders issued, resulting in 81 removals as of June 18, 2026. The agency’s efforts are concentrated in the Pacific, Greater Toronto Area, and Prairie regions, following enhanced data tracking and collaboration with law enforcement. Investigations stem from information-sharing and public tips, focusing on violations under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The results reflect a continuing federal focus on criminal activities connected to the movement of goods and people, particularly in logistics and border-related operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Airport Workers Day Statement Recognizes Role of Aviation Labor in National Supply Chains

On June 25, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon issued a statement marking Airport Workers Day, acknowledging the work of cargo handlers, equipment maintainers, and security screeners in supporting critical domestic and international supply chains. The government reaffirmed the essential contribution of airport personnel to both economic activity and airline operations, including the time-sensitive delivery of medical supplies, exports, and perishable goods.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Transport Canada Directs High-Speed Rail Project to Assess Kingston Stop

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, joined by Alto’s CEO Martin Imbleau, announced the outcome of Alto’s “What We Heard” report. New instructions require Alto to evaluate a southern alignment between Peterborough and Ottawa that could see Kingston serve as a rail hub, connected with VIA Rail. The project’s next phase involves additional consultation, technical analysis, and regulatory review, including the Impact Assessment process, with a focus on minimizing impacts on agriculture and local properties. Passenger travel times between Kingston and Toronto could drop to approximately 90 minutes under this proposal.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Air and Rail Traffic Data Released for April–May 2026

Multiple recent datasets from Statistics Canada reflect sector volumes: 7.0 million passengers flew on major Canadian airlines in April, up 0.5% year-over-year; railway carloadings rose 0.6% in April to 33.0 million tonnes; pre-board security screening at eight largest airports processed 4.9 million passengers in May (+3.3% year-over-year); and April’s urban public transit networks recorded 128.7 million trips, a decrease of 3.9% from last year.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Manitoba Launches $585 Million Infrastructure Program Covering 24 Construction Projects

The Manitoba government announced investments in 24 road and trade corridor projects this summer, including a new interchange at PTH 100 and PTH 3 valued at $235 million.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Waste Management Company Fined for Operating Without Approvals

Ruby Environmental Inc. was fined $40,000 plus surcharge for operating waste transportation and disposal facilities without ministry approval, based on ministry inspections and public complaints.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Releases New Road Design and Maintenance Standards

The Quebec Ministry of Transport released updates to its 'Road Works' standards collection, including new documents on road design and maintenance.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Provincial and Territorial Ministers Meet on Infrastructure Planning and Federal Funding

Canada's provincial and territorial ministers, meeting in Jasper and joined by federal minister Gregor Robertson, discussed the importance of stable federal-municipal infrastructure financing and the impact of Buy Canadian Policy on timely project delivery.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Health Officials Confirm Measles Case Aboard Domestic Flight

A measles exposure was confirmed for Air Canada flight AC410 from Toronto to Montreal, with public health notices applying to the arrival zone at YUL on June 13.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Hydrological Assessment

The Canadian Transportation Agency opened public consultation on hydrogeological findings and CMQR’s response regarding the Lac-Mégantic bypass project, submissions accepted through June 29, 2026.

Sources: otc-cta.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Building Canada Strong through logistics - lessons learned over the past 18 months: Examination of logistics sector risks and lessons.

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