September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Committee to Review CBSA Role in H2O Highway Corridor and Port Clearance: The Public Safety and National Security Committee meets September 21 to consider the draft report on the Canada Border Services Agency's role in the H2O Highway Corridor and port clearance practices, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room 425, Wellington Building.
• Environment Committee Examines Bill C-244 and Wrecked Vessels Act Amendments: On September 22, the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee will hold clause-by-clause study of Bill C-244, amending the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, with departmental officials appearing from 3:30 p.m. in Room 420, Wellington Building.
• Senate Transport Committee to Discuss Budget Bill C-31, Division 17: The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications meets September 22 at 9:00 a.m. to address Division 17 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, including participation by airport and airline stakeholders.
• Senate Social Affairs Committee Considers Bill C-31 Labour Code Provisions: The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology convenes September 23 at 4:15 p.m. to discuss the Canada Labour Code and related measures in Bill C-31, with input from government, employer, and union representatives.
• Senate Transport Committee Features Air Passenger Rights Hearings: The Senate Transport and Communications Committee continues review of Division 17 of Part 4 of Bill C-31 on September 23, 6:45 p.m., with Air Passenger Rights representatives testifying by videoconference.

Federal Government News

Canada and Tunisia Broaden Air Transport Agreement to Boost Cargo and Passenger Access

Transport Canada announced an expanded air transport agreement with Tunisia, allowing up to seven weekly passenger-combination flights and granting each country access to all points rather than a single location. Notably, the deal includes unlimited weekly all-cargo flights, a new provision meant to support trade and logistics operators. Signed by the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, the agreement is positioned to facilitate supply chain connections between Canadian and North African markets, with shippers and carriers now able to leverage increased route flexibility for both passenger and cargo services.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Intercepts 215 kg of Cocaine at Coutts Commercial Border Crossing

The Canada Border Services Agency reported the seizure of a combined 215.5 kg of suspected cocaine from two commercial trucks at the Coutts port of entry in Alberta this July. The first interception, on July 26, involved 80 bricks totaling 90.94 kg, found among the declared load during a secondary examination, leading to the arrest of both driver and passenger. The second occurrence on July 31 resulted in the discovery of 107 bricks, totaling 124.6 kg, from a separate truck. Both matters have been referred to RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, with investigations ongoing. These actions have direct operational relevance to carriers involved in cross-border trade, reinforcing the continued emphasis on screening and enforcement at key entry points.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Allocates Nearly $7.5 Million for Windsor International Airport Runway and Emergency Upgrades

Transport Canada is investing $7.5 million through the Airports Capital Assistance Program at Windsor International Airport. This funding covers rehabilitation of Runway 07-25 asphalt, modernization of edge lighting, and acquisition of a second Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle. Announced by MP Mike Kelloway, the investment aims to address growing passenger volumes and emergency readiness at an airport situated along the Canada–US border, a key access point for both passenger and air cargo movements. The improvements also support the reliability of trade and tourism-related travel within an 800-kilometre industrial corridor.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Removes Over 100 Individuals Following Disruption of Extortion Networks

The CBSA disclosed that, as of September 3, a total of 188 removal orders have been issued and 111 individuals removed from Canada for links to organized crime and extortion activities. Focused on regions such as the Pacific, Prairie, and Greater Toronto Area since 2025, this effort forms part of an enforcement initiative under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, with referrals originating from law enforcement, other agencies, and public tips. The removals included foreign nationals linked to extortion-related shootings and organized criminal organizations, actions that may affect trucking companies employing foreign drivers or engaged in cross-border logistics.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Completes Arctic Operations Supporting Navigation and Supply

The CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier has concluded a multi-mission deployment in the western Arctic, undertaking seabed mapping, ice escorting operations for commercial traffic, and delivering fuel caches. Working alongside the Canadian Hydrographic Service, the ship contributed to improved navigation data in the region, and also engaged in science, SAR, environmental response, and community support activities, including logistical deliveries to Paulatuk, NWT. The operation affirms Canada’s Arctic maritime capability, aiding marine transport operators reliant on northern shipping and ice navigation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Initiative Launched to Strengthen Defence Supply Chain with Manitoba SMEs

Prairies Economic Development Canada announced $3.2 million in funding for RRC Polytech to establish the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge. The two-year project, part of the Regional Defence Investment Initiative, provides training and practical support for Manitoba businesses to enter defence and dual-use supply chains, including meeting cybersecurity and government procurement standards. This effort is tied to strengthening domestic supply resilience and may create up to 90 new jobs in advanced manufacturing and logistics.

Sources: www.canada.ca

PacifiCan Commits $500,000 to Island Corridor Rail Feasibility in B.C.

Pacific Economic Development Canada is providing $500,000 to the Island Corridor Foundation for feasibility and technical studies on reinstating passenger rail between Victoria West and Langford. The funding, announced by Secretary of State Stephanie McLean, supports corridor planning, land use analysis, and stakeholder engagement. This preliminary study is expected to inform future transport infrastructure decisions for the Capital Regional District and may influence rail logistics and passenger connections in southern Vancouver Island.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Armed Forces Participate in Multilateral Maritime Activity in Indo-Pacific

On September 11, Canada joined the Philippines and United States in a multilateral maritime cooperative activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. HMCS Regina and its CH-148 Cyclone helicopter operated with regional forces to build interoperability and facilitate security and navigation in the area. According to a statement from National Defence, this initiative aligns with supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing Canada's engagement in international maritime security and freedom of navigation operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Fertilizer Shipments Data for Q3 and Q4 2025/2026 Released by StatCan

Statistics Canada published the third and fourth quarter figures for the 2025/2026 fertilizer year, including data on shipments, production, and inventory nationwide. Distribution and logistics operators in the agricultural sector can access granular insights into product flows, which may inform planning for bulk storage, rail or marine transport allocations, and seasonal supply chain management.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Manitoba Declares Tax Exemption for Port of Churchill Plus Investments

The Manitoba government announced a provincial sales tax exemption for major capital investments in the Port of Churchill Plus project, targeting upgrades to rail, marine, and LNG infrastructure relevant to expanding year-round shipping and commodity export.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Awards Construction Contract for New Little Current Swing Bridge

Ontario named EllisDon as the construction manager for the new Little Current Swing Bridge on Highway 6, ensuring continued year-round access between Manitoulin Island and the mainland, supporting economic activity and transport reliability.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Announces New Supports for Businesses Impacted by U.S. Tariffs

British Columbia is allocating $90 million across several programs to aid businesses and communities affected by recent U.S. tariffs, with priority given to the forestry sector and initiatives targeting local manufacturing, international diversification, and supply chain resilience.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba and Canada Invest in Defence Supply Chain Competitiveness

Canada and Manitoba are jointly investing over $3.8 million to launch the Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, a partnership aimed at helping more than 100 provincial businesses access defence sector supply chains through targeted training and business supports.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Province Names Surrey Langley SkyTrain Extension the Dave Barrett Extension

B.C.'s new 16-kilometre SkyTrain extension, set to open in 2029, will be named for former premier Dave Barrett, enhancing transit connectivity between Surrey and Langley and expanding transport infrastructure in Metro Vancouver.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

VRCPI Forecast Models Consultation Open for Industry Input

The Canadian Transportation Agency continues to invite industry feedback on alternative forecast models for the Volume-Related Composite Price Index (VRCPI); consultation closes September 22, 2026.

Sources: otc-cta.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Regina transportation company charged under Immigration Services Act: Charges laid against a Regina transportation firm for alleged breaches of the Immigration Services Act.
• Trucking company charged under Immigration Services Act in Regina: A trucking operation in Regina faces legal action under immigration legislation.
• New tariffs cause of concern for Maritime consumers: Coverage of public and business reactions to new tariff regimes affecting the Maritime provinces.

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