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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Dates: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Government of Canada Launches Defence Industrial Strategy and Regional Investment Program

On February 26, Ottawa announced its new Defence Industrial Strategy, aiming to stimulate Canadian defence technology production and procurement efficiency. A $7 million federal commitment was allocated via FedDev Ontario to Creative Destruction Lab, facilitating venture growth in dual-use and defence technologies through the CDL Defence program. The Regional Defence Investment Initiative will be implemented nationally. The strategy intends to reinforce Canada’s defence supply chains, expand market access, and support skill development across defence and aerospace business networks.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and Manitoba Governments Prepare Winnipeg Airport Funding Announcement

The federal and Manitoba provincial governments set February 27 for a joint funding announcement supporting the expansion of airside lands at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. The announcement will take place at the airport, with airside access and a media event. MP Doug Eyolfson and Minister Jamie Moses will present the initiative, aimed at enhancing the airport's capacity for trade and economic development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

National Defence Accepts Third Naval Large Tug, Outlines Fleet Modernization

Canada has accepted its third Naval Large Tug, CFAV Canso, which reached Halifax from the Ocean Industries Inc. yard in Quebec. Scheduled for full transfer to the RCN in March following crew training, Canso marks the first of its class to reach the East Coast, with Stella Maris to follow in November. Earlier, Haro and Barkerville entered service in Esquimalt, B.C. The Defence Department revealed the contract for two additional tugs, raising its value to $213.45 million and maintaining between 40 and 60 shipyard jobs. All six tugs will support the Royal Canadian Navy's multi-coast operations and fleet redundancy.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Canada Blocks Illegal Export of Hazardous Waste under Operation Demeter XI

Environment and Climate Change Canada and the CBSA intercepted 59 shipping containers carrying over 1.2 million kilograms of hazardous waste in fall 2025, as part of Operation Demeter XI—a joint international enforcement action under the Basel Convention. Interceptions included e-waste, batteries, PCBs, hazardous metal, and oil. This operation recorded the country’s largest hazardous waste seizure to date and marks the sixth consecutive year of Canadian participation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Aviation Sector Recognized on National Aviation Day

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon issued a statement on National Aviation Day, describing the sector's economic and social role and referencing ongoing commitments to safety, regulatory rigour, and innovation. The statement recognized the contribution of Canada’s aviation workforce and the importance of emerging technologies in sustaining competitiveness.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Freight Rail Services Price Data for February Released

Statistics Canada released February 2026 Freight Rail Services Price Index data, extending current datasets on rail freight pricing.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan: Civil Aviation and Rail Carloadings Data Updated

On February 26, Statistics Canada published major airline traffic data for December, showing 7.3 million passenger movements, a 0.4% decline from the prior year. December rail carloadings fell 2.0% year-over-year to 31.0 million tonnes, with iron ore and coal shipments decreasing significantly.

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

Provincial Government News

Quebec Announces 2026 International Trade and Industry Mission Schedule

The Quebec delegation in Brussels released its 2026 event calendar, including the International Aerospace Innovation Forum (Montreal), Farnborough Airshow, CANSEC, and several infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and digital transformation missions.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Continues Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts in Partnership with Transportation Sector

Ontario reaffirmed its joint approach with industry, including the trucking sector and transport hubs, to raise awareness and bolster prevention measures under its $345 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Via Rail ‘must improve’ customer service, reliability, transport minister says: The Transport Minister calls for improvements to Via Rail operations and service reliability.
• Transport Canada approves remaining Gulfstream models at centre of Trump’s threats: Transport Canada certifies Gulfstream jet models, clearing them for Canadian operation.
• First planes, now trains? Why Quebec’s Mirabel region is wary of high-speed rail: Concerns arise in Quebec's Mirabel area regarding the impact of the proposed Toronto–Quebec City high-speed rail corridor.
• Editor’s Note: This Canadian defence contractor is ready for takeoff: Editorial reviews a Canadian defence contractor poised for new ventures.

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