October 25, 2026 to October 31, 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

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Public Safety and National Security Committee meeting on Canada’s security screening processes: On November 2, the Public Safety and National Security Committee will meet from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with sessions covering Canada’s security screening processes, CBSA’s role in the H2O Highway Corridor, port clearance practices, and the removal of foreign nationals with criminal records. Draft report consideration and webcast available.
• Senate Special Committee reviews Building Canada Strong Act, economic strengthening and rail/port leadership: On November 2, the Senate Special Committee on the Building Canada Strong Act meets to examine Bill C-39, featuring testimony from Employment and Social Development Canada, trade unions, First Nation Lands Advisory Board, as well as senior representatives from Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and Montreal Port Authority.
• Senate Transport and Communications Committee considers Bill S-216 on Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System: On November 3, the Senate Transport and Communications Committee will conduct clause-by-clause review of Bill S-216, which pertains to declaring the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System for the general advantage of Canada. Session scheduled at 9:00 a.m.; interpretation and in camera proceedings available.

Federal Government News

Canada launches Trade Digitalization Task Force to modernize trade information flows

On October 30, Transport Canada announced the creation of the Trade Digitalization Task Force, which held its initial meeting on October 29. The Task Force, led by Minister Steven MacKinnon, aims to advance digitalization across Canadian trade channels by bringing together representatives from key organizations, including Air Canada, CN, CPKC, DP World, Port of Vancouver, and the Canadian Trucking Alliance, among others. The initiative is designed to improve the security and efficiency of trade information exchange, while reducing manual paperwork, administrative delays, and costs. Central to the Task Force's work is the 'Tell Us Once' approach, allowing businesses to submit information a single time to be securely shared across federal departments. The collaborative process will identify barriers and propose solutions, with the effort continuing as long as government-industry partnership is necessary to modernize trade processes for freight, passenger, and logistics sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Roberts Bank Terminal 2 designated as project of national interest at Port of Vancouver

Transport Canada listed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) as a project of national interest on October 30. This move provides regulatory certainty to expedite construction at the Port of Vancouver, accelerating operations by up to four years and setting a path for final investment decision by mid-2027. Led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the $5.9 billion investment will add 2.4 million containers of annual capacity, expanding the port’s throughput by about 50 percent and supporting up to $100 billion in yearly trade. The project addresses forecasted capacity shortfalls, reduces congestion, and is projected to save Canadians nearly $1 billion annually in shipping-related costs. RBT2 maintains stringent environmental conditions and includes 27 mutual benefit agreements with Indigenous communities. The federal government is investing nearly $2 billion in marine conservation efforts, including measures related to Southern Resident Killer Whale habitat and underwater noise objectives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau warns against Air Canada–United Airlines arrangement on Canada-U.S. routes

The Competition Bureau reported to the Minister of Transport on October 28 that a proposed coordination between Air Canada and United Airlines would likely harm competition on ten cross-border routes, including five where the carriers provide all non-stop passenger traffic. The Bureau found that the arrangement would substantially reduce competition, potentially resulting in higher prices and millions in annual consumer harm. Existing restrictions from a 2012 consent agreement remain in effect and the Bureau's findings indicate that barriers to entry are high, and other carriers would be unlikely to counterbalance Air Canada and United’s dominance. The Bureau's analysis informs the Minister’s public interest review authorized under the Canada Transportation Act.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA marks two years of CARM system for commercial imports

The Canada Border Services Agency provided an update on October 29 regarding the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system, which has modernized duties and tax collection for commercial imports since its official launch on October 21, 2024. CARM replaced legacy paper workflows, and now supports electronic processing for nearly all imports (99.65%), supplemented with Release Prior to Payment enrollment. With over 263,000 businesses registered, CARM increased revenue collection from $39.8 billion in fiscal 2023-24 to $41.7 billion in 2024-25. The system was developed under budget ($498.6 million) within an approved allocation, and ongoing IT maintenance brings total investment to $804 million. CBSA regularly updates resources for CARM users and offers extensive support through webinars, guidance documents, and onsite assistance.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal finds injury from Chinese truck and bus tire imports

On October 30, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal found reasonable indication of injury from the dumping and subsidizing of truck and bus tires imported from China, following a preliminary injury inquiry (PI-2026-005) under the Special Import Measures Act. This determination allows the Canada Border Services Agency to proceed with ongoing investigations, with preliminary findings expected by November 30. The Tribunal’s decision is a step in Canada’s procedures for addressing dumped or subsidized imports impacting domestic manufacturing and broader supply chain participants.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Zero Emission Transit Fund opens applications for planning and advisory services

On October 29, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada launched a call for applications for up to $15 million in planning and advisory support under the Zero Emission Transit Fund. Not-for-profits and academic institutions will assist transit agencies and municipalities in deploying zero emission buses (ZEB) and related infrastructure through detailed assessments, operational modelling, performance measurement, and knowledge-sharing activities. Applications will be accepted until January 14, 2027, with capital intake under the fund expected to open in the coming months.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Operation BOXTOP completes Arctic resupply to Canadian Forces Station Alert

On October 30, the Royal Canadian Air Force concluded Operation BOXTOP, the semi-annual logistics mission delivering cargo and fuel to Canadian Forces Station Alert, Nunavut. The deployment featured a CC-177 Globemaster III supporting operations in harsh Arctic conditions and included personnel from the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, as well as integration with partners from Denmark, Greenland and the US. The initiative maintained station operations during the Arctic winter, reinforcing Canadian military presence and operational reach in the region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA and RCMP charge four in cross-border tobacco smuggling via rail

On October 28, Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP announced criminal charges against four individuals involved in a scheme that illegally transported 116,000 kg of tobacco from the United States to Canada and interprovincially between October 2020 and April 2024. The operation utilized the Canadian railway network for smuggling raw leaf tobacco. Accused individuals face multiple counts under the Criminal Code, Customs Act, and Excise Act, including conspiracy, transport, possession, and record falsification. Court appearances are scheduled for October 29 at Toronto Provincial Court.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Mark's Auto Air Conditioning fined for unlawful import of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant

On October 28, Environment and Climate Change Canada reported that Mark’s Auto Air Conditioning & Car Accessories Ltd. was fined $25,000 by the Provincial Court of Manitoba for violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The offence involved importing HFC-134a refrigerant without a permit, detected during a shipment inspection at a CBSA facility in Edmonton in May 2023. The fine will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund, and Mark’s will be listed on the Environmental Offenders Registry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Operation NANOOK‑TATIGIIT strengthens crisis response capabilities in the Arctic

Between October 19 and 23, the Canadian Armed Forces conducted Operation NANOOK‑TATIGIIT in Whitehorse, Yukon, assembling federal, territorial, municipal and Indigenous partners for a complex emergency response exercise. Participants coordinated decision-making in simulated crises affecting northern infrastructure and public safety, clarifying roles and improving preparedness. The operation confirms Canada’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach for Arctic safety and security.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Freight rail, courier, airport screening and aviation statistics released for October

Statistics Canada released multiple datasets relevant to freight and passenger transport. Data for the Freight Rail Services Price Index (October 2026) and Couriers and Messengers Services Price Index (September 2026) are now available. For September, 5.2 million passengers underwent pre-board screening at Canada’s eight largest airports, marking a 4.5% rise year over year. In August, Canadian railways moved 32.8 million tonnes of freight (up 8.0% vs August 2025), and major airlines transported 8.5 million passengers (up 3.7%).

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

Provincial Government News

Ontario introduces Building Ontario Faster Act, 2026 to reduce permit delays and boost competitiveness

On October 27, the Ontario government tabled legislation to eliminate nearly 220,000 days of permit processing times, expedite infrastructure projects, streamline approvals, and reinforce resilience against US tariffs. Measures include targeted permit reviews, enhanced labour mobility, and modernized environmental oversight.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario issues 2026 Fall Economic Statement with tariff relief and supply chain measures

The October 29 Ontario Economic and Fiscal Review details an $8.7 billion Canada-Ontario action plan to support key sectors impacted by US tariffs, supply chain investments, and a competitiveness tax cut projected to attract $11 billion in capital and 30,000 jobs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta supports Bill C-264 to repeal federal Oil Tanker Moratorium Act

On October 26, Premier Danielle Smith and Minister Brian Jean of Alberta issued statements urging Parliament to repeal the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, seeking expanded crude-by-rail exports through Prince Rupert to access global markets.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia allocates funding to expand boatbuilding sector

On October 26, Nova Scotia's government announced $366,000 in support for the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, facilitating trade show participation, business promotion, and capacity expansion for national defence and international contracts.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Transportation - Financial Post: Current coverage on freight and logistics developments in Canadian transportation.
• Are interprovincial trade barriers costing you? Share your story - Globe and Mail: Discussion on the impact of internal trade barriers for Canadian businesses.
• This freight train claims to be the longest ever. Here’s how long - Toronto Star: Report on record-setting freight train operations.

.