This Week in Freight & Transport — Ottawa (#34, 2026)

CBSA probes Chinese tire dumping; $13.8 million contraband seized in Southern Ontario; Infrastructure investments announced; Modernization at Paterson port of entry begins; Atlantic ocean tech delegation funded; Ongoing U.S. tariffs prompt support and consultations.

This Week in Freight & Transport — Ottawa (#34, 2026)

August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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 Launches Investigations into Dumping and Subsidizing of Truck and Bus Tires from China

On August 31, 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated investigations into whether truck and bus tires from China are being dumped or subsidized in the Canadian market. The proceedings follow a complaint by the Canadian Retread Manufacturers Association and Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., who allege that increased volumes of these imports have led to price undercutting, lost sales and market share, reduced capacity utilization, diminished profitability, and negative impacts on employment and investment. The CBSA, along with the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), will run concurrent inquiries—the CITT's ruling on industry injury is expected by October 30, 2026, while CBSA's preliminary determinations are due on November 30, 2026. These actions proceed under the Special Import Measures Act, which, as of 2025, protected $3.3 billion in imports across industries employing over 43,700 people. Industry participants following the truck and bus tire market may observe developments in anti-dumping and countervailing duties as these investigations advance.

Sources: www.canada.ca
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Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Preliminary Injury Inquiry on Chinese Tire Imports

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) commenced a preliminary injury inquiry (PI-2026-005) on September 1, 2026, in relation to alleged dumping and subsidization of truck and bus tires from China, acting upon petitions from the Canadian Retread Manufacturers Association and Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. The Tribunal is tasked with determining by October 30, 2026, if there is reasonable indication that the imports caused or threaten to cause injury, as defined by the Special Import Measures Act. Should injury be indicated, CBSA will move forward with its dumping/subsidizing probes, and CITT would then hold a final injury inquiry if warranted. Stakeholders, including associations and foreign governments, may file for participation in the process via the prescribed notice.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Seizes Over $13.8 Million in Tobacco and Nicotine Products in Southern Ontario

Throughout August, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted illicit tobacco and nicotine shipments valued at more than $13.8 million across land ports in Southern Ontario. Notable seizures include nearly 15,000 kg of loose-leaf tobacco and close to 1.8 million cigarettes at major crossings such as Blue Water Bridge and Ambassador Bridge. Since January 1, 2026, these seizures cumulatively surpass $52.2 million in contraband. The bulk of intercepted products originated from commercial shipments traversing the US border. These ongoing enforcement operations are tied to CBSA's broader mandate to curb illegal cross-border movement and disrupt revenue streams for criminal networks.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Begins Major Construction to Modernize Paterson Port of Entry in British Columbia

The Canada Border Services Agency announced the start of construction at the Paterson, BC, port of entry, which handles both traveller and commercial traffic 24/7. Scheduled for completion in 2028 and managed by Greyback Construction Ltd. under an $18.1 million contract, the project will overhaul border facilities, including expanded inspection areas and updated infrastructure serving both passenger and commercial vehicles. The port will remain operational throughout the upgrade. An Indigenous Participation Plan is embedded in the contract, with a minimum of 5% allocated to a supplier from the Osoyoos Indian Band. These efforts form part of the Land Border Crossing Project, an initiative to renew Canadian land border assets nationwide.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government to Announce Major Investment for Critical National Infrastructure in Norman Wells, NWT

Transport Canada has scheduled a press event for September 8, 2026, in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, where Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty, and senior territorial officials will detail a significant infrastructure investment. The announcement pertains to advancing a nation-building infrastructure project; the program is expected to attract participation and questions from the press. Details about the specific project will be delivered at Norman Wells Airport at 8:00 a.m. MDT.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Funds Atlantic Ocean Tech Firms to Access Global Shipbuilding Markets

Minister Sean Fraser announced that 28 Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations will join a trade mission to the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology (SMM) trade show in Hamburg, Germany, supported by a $250,000 investment via the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement. The event, described as the largest of its kind, will enable Atlantic ocean technology businesses to showcase Canadian innovation and build relationships with new international buyers and partners. The mission aligns with recent federal commitments totaling over $11 billion for new Coast Guard icebreakers, further integrating Atlantic supply chains with industry opportunities at home and abroad.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Robertson Convenes Northern B.C. Businesses to Discuss Impact of U.S. Trade Situation

On September 3, 2026, Minister Gregor Robertson, responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, met with industry leaders from Northern British Columbia to gauge ongoing challenges associated with the U.S. trade situation. Businesses reported concerns about tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and risks to exports and employment. The session comes as the federal government has rolled out $7.5 billion in new and enhanced supports, including $1.5 billion for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, targeted at helping small and medium-sized enterprises manage the effects of U.S. trade actions. Enterprises are directed to access these supports through PacifiCan, and further engagement is promised as conditions evolve.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases For-hire Motor Carrier Freight Services Price Index, Q2 2026

Statistics Canada published the second quarter 2026 results of the For-hire Motor Carrier Freight Services Price Index (2021=100). The updated index offers industry participants a current benchmark for pricing trends in the Canadian road freight sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Freight Rail Services Price Index Updated for August 2026

The Freight Rail Services Price Index (2018=100) is now available for August 2026, per Statistics Canada's latest dataset. Stakeholders can access monthly data trends for Canadian rail freight pricing.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Couriers and Messengers Services Price Index July 2026 Data Released

The July 2026 results for the Couriers and Messengers Services Price Index (2019=100) are now posted by Statistics Canada. This dataset provides fresh insights on service pricing in the parcel and courier segments.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Minister Valdez to Detail Federal Support Measures in Response to U.S. Tariffs

On August 31, 2026, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced she will address substantive federal support for Canadian businesses and workers affected by recent U.S. tariff action. The announcement was scheduled for September 3 at Ontario Shipyards in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario announced procurement for the east section of Highway 413 and the Highway 427 Extension, representing one third of the new corridor, and awarded the central contract's construction manager. The province emphasized job creation and reduced congestion for the GTA.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Launches Tariff Impact Portal for Businesses

Alberta introduced a new online portal for businesses to report tariff and counter-tariff effects, aiming to inform government response and identify sector-specific impacts. The provincial cabinet has formed a committee to coordinate support for affected industries.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Announces Completion of StandardAero Winnipeg Facility Expansion

A $3-million provincial investment supported the expansion of StandardAero's Winnipeg facility by 70,000 sq.-ft., increasing capacity for aircraft engine maintenance and reinforcing Manitoba's status in the aerospace industry.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Super-heavy Load Scheduled in Central Alberta Will Affect Highway Travel

A 1.16 million kg industrial C2 splitter will move between Tofield and Fort Saskatchewan on September 4, at speeds up to 50 km/h, causing traffic delays across highways in central Alberta.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia's Guysborough County Cable Ferry Service Suspended for Maintenance

Country Harbour cable ferry will be out of service for approximately eight weeks beginning September 2 for Transport Canada-mandated inspection and maintenance.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Updating Vancouver International Airport Zoning Regulations

Transport Canada is seeking feedback through September 11, 2026, on proposed changes to the Vancouver International Airport Zoning Regulations affecting building heights and vegetation near the airport.

Sources: tc.canada.ca

Consultation on RPAS Regulatory Proposal: Remote Identification and Airspace Designation

Transport Canada is collecting stakeholder feedback through September 8, 2026, regarding new regulatory proposals for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), including remote ID and community-based airspace management.

Sources: wwwapps.tc.gc.ca

CBSA Launches Accessibility Consultation for Public and Stakeholders

The Canada Border Services Agency is running an accessibility consultation until October 1, 2026, to gather perspectives from people with disabilities, stakeholders, and the public on accessibility in CBSA programs and workplaces.

Sources: To be provided
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What We're Reading This Week

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