August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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

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

Federal Government News

CBSA Launches Anti-Dumping and Subsidy Investigations into Chinese Paperboard Cup Imports

On August 17, 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated investigations concerning the alleged dumping and subsidizing of paperboard cups and containers imported from China, following a complaint from Great Pacific Enterprises Limited Partnership. The investigation will assess whether such imports are being sold in Canada at unfair prices, potentially harming domestic producers through price undercutting, lost sales, and other negative impacts. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) is conducting a parallel inquiry to determine injury to Canadian industry, with a finding due by October 16. CBSA will release preliminary determinations by November 16. The investigations are conducted under the Special Import Measures Act, which imposed duties on $3.3 billion worth of imports in 2025, impacting sectors employing nearly 44,000 Canadians. Outcomes may lead to provisional duties if unfair trading practices are confirmed.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Awards $32 Million Contract for Souris Ferry Terminal Upgrade

Transport Canada confirmed a $32 million contract awarded to Dexter Construction for the replacement of the movable transfer bridge at the Souris, Prince Edward Island ferry terminal. Announced August 17 by Minister Steven MacKinnon, this project addresses key infrastructure supporting the year-round ferry connection to Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec, serving the Magdalen Islands. The upgraded transfer bridge is designed to boost ferry operations, supporting annual volumes of 135,000 passengers and 59,000 vehicles. The contract will sustain local employment and enable the movement of essential supplies, including goods and medicine, in the region. The initiative proceeds under the Ferry Services Contribution Program and supports regional supply chains across Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hajdu Unveils Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance

On August 21, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, announced the launch of the Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance during an event at Calgary's Mount Royal University. The Alliance is intended to address current labour shortages and gaps in representation across Canada's road, rail, air, marine, and warehousing sectors. The initiative is expected to coordinate national efforts targeting multimodal supply chain workforce development. Parliamentary Secretary Corey Hogan attended the announcement, with details indicating further federal efforts to strengthen skills and resilience across the logistics and transport workforce.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Investigation Results in Montreal Arrest Warrant for Immigration Fraud Scheme

A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigation led to five charges against Montreal resident Abul Kasim for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of 53 individuals using fraudulently obtained temporary resident visas (TRVs), among other offences. Proceedings began July 28 at Montreal Courthouse, though the accused, believed to have left Canada in 2025, is wanted under warrant. The CBSA, acting on information from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, found evidence that between January 2022 and March 2024, Kasim also aided in submitting false information for TRV and asylum applications, and misused Canadian passports. The case involves over 65 individuals and highlights coordination between CBSA and IRCC on cross-border fraud investigations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Charges New Brunswick Individual with Firearms Smuggling

On August 19, CBSA announced six charges against Gaylon Smith of New Brunswick for attempting to smuggle four firearms and multiple high-capacity magazines into Canada via the River de Chute port of entry on July 17. CBSA officers, with a detector dog team, found the undeclared items during a secondary examination on Smith's return trip from the United States. Charges under the Customs Act include multiple counts of smuggling and making false statements. Smith appeared in Woodstock Provincial Court on August 18, with the next hearing scheduled for September 14. The investigation involved RCMP and Border Integrity teams.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Manufacturing Upgrades at Aliar Fabrication & Structures

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced a $600,000 repayable contribution to Aliar Fabrication & Structures in Saint-Ambroise, Quebec, to finance digital production equipment upgrades. The support, disclosed August 21 by MP Carlos Leitão, targets increased efficiency and competitive positioning for the company, a specialist in steel and aluminum products for agriculture, rail, and commercial construction. The CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, focusing on digitalization, underpins this investment. The company expects improved production capacity and broader economic benefits for the Saguenay region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedNor Announces Over $1.7 Million for Economic Growth in Parry Sound–Muskoka

FedNor, the Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, is committing more than $1.7 million to support business investments and job creation in the Parry Sound–Muskoka area. Connor Industries will utilize a $462,000 repayable investment for new watercraft manufacturing equipment and facility upgrades. Lofthouse Manufacturing receives $400,000 for a hydraulic forging press, and Muskoka Brewery secures $367,500 for innovative equipment allowing production expansion. The funding also supports Keystone Granite Management’s granite production and the Muskoka Community Land Trust's housing readiness efforts. The package is expected to drive manufacturing, support new product lines, and increase regional competitiveness.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Canadian Urban Transit Ridership Grows in June 2026

Statistics Canada data show that June 2026 urban public transit ridership reached 129.0 million passenger trips, representing a 3.3% increase over June 2025 and marking the first year-over-year gain since April 2025. This figure signals a return to positive ridership trends in major metropolitan transportation systems.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Reports Q3 2025 Civil Aviation Revenue Uptick

Third quarter 2025 operating revenue for Canada’s 23 largest air carriers totaled $9.7 billion, or 0.7% higher than the same period in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. The data set, released August 21, captures a period of marginal growth in the commercial aviation sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Monthly Energy Transportation and Storage Data Released for June

June 2026 data on the transportation and storage of crude oil and other liquid petroleum products are now available from Statistics Canada. The dataset provides information on shipment volumes and storage trends for energy commodities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Refined Petroleum Production and Inventory Data, July Release

Statistics Canada released July 2026 data on production volumes and inventories of refined petroleum products. The figures are available upon request, covering supply chain developments for liquid fuels.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Feasibility of Year-Round Shipping from Churchill Confirmed by Research

The governments of Canada and Manitoba, along with the Arctic Gateway Group, announced that recent studies confirm existing ice-class vessels can support year-round shipping from the Port of Churchill, citing expanded operating seasons and reduced reliance on icebreakers.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Convicts Seventeen for Tobacco Tax Act Violations

The Ontario Ministry of Finance reported the conviction of seventeen individuals and businesses, including Supertech Transport Inc., for offences related to the possession and transport of millions of unmarked cigarettes, resulting in fines and probation orders.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Invests Over $9.8 Million in Worker Training Across Key Sectors

Ontario is allocating more than $9.8 million via the sixth round of its Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support training for approximately 1,150 workers in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and marine industries.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia, Canada Launch $106.5 Million Fisheries Fund

A joint $106.5 million British Columbia Fisheries Fund was announced by federal and provincial ministers, with an emphasis on innovation, infrastructure, market development, and scientific partnerships for the fish and seafood sector, effective over five years.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

B.C. Offers New Funding for Community Shuttle Services in Northern Regions

The British Columbia government is providing grants up to $75,000 for operating rural shuttle services, covering eligible costs like wages and fuel, with funding available for the 2027–28 fiscal year.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Globe and Mail: Arctic Shipping Season Expands With New Ice Data: A look at Churchill’s prospects as year-round gateway following new feasibility research.
• Financial Post: Federal Investments Drive Regional Growth: Analysis of recent federal infrastructure grants and their industry implications.
• La Presse: Croissance du transport aérien au Canada: Revue des données de Statistique Canada sur l’aviation civile et les tendances de la demande.
• National Post: Maritime Sector Eyes Expansion Post-CBSA Investigations: Maritime industry reaction to ongoing anti-dumping investigations.
• CBC News: Ontario Workforce Development Initiatives: Overview of provincial skills and training investments impacting major sectors.
• Vancouver Sun: B.C. Funds for Community Transit Servicing Remote Towns: Community perspectives on the new Northern Community Shuttle program.
• Calgary Herald: Major Upgrades Planned for Souris Ferry Terminal: Ferry contract details and economic impact in Eastern Canada.
• Le Devoir: Investissements fédéraux pour les PME manufacturières québécoises: Nouvelles sur l’appui de DEC pour l’innovation manufacturière.
• Muskoka Region: FedNor Grants Support Regional Manufacturing: Local manufacturing businesses welcomed FedNor investments to expand capacity.
• Winnipeg Free Press: Growing Role of Port of Churchill in Northern Trade: Industry views on Churchill’s position in Canadian logistics.

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