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: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 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

• Transport, Infrastructure and Communities committee to review Quebec and Canada’s Ports: Scheduled for March 9, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this session will feature witnesses from Montreal, Saguenay, Trois-Rivières, Windsor Port Authorities, and Vigie Citoyenne Port de Contrecoeur, discussing port modernization and diversification.
• Transport, Infrastructure and Communities committee studying VIA Rail safety and port modernization: March 11, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., includes Coalition pour le retour des services d’un train de passagers en Gaspésie and VIA Rail Canada Inc. The latter half features cruise and port sector representatives.
• Public Accounts committee reviews Bill C-230 and Auditor General reports: March 11, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., features Canada Revenue Agency, Department of Finance, and Treasury Board Secretariat. Agenda includes Bill C-230 (debt forgiveness registry) and Auditor General trade corridor fund review.
• Government Operations and Estimates committee examines Supplementary Estimates and Canada Post funding: March 12, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., witnesses from Public Works and Shared Services Canada. Second hour covers expenditure review with union representatives.
• International Trade committee addresses Canada’s trade with Mercosur and manufacturing: March 10, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., witnesses include Canadian Cattle Association, Les Éleveurs de volailles du Québec, Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and Canadian Pork Council.

Federal Government News

Government of Canada launches calls for proposals for Trade Diversification Corridors Fund and Arctic Infrastructure Fund

Transport Canada initiated calls for proposals for the $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund and the $1 billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund on March 4. The Corridors Fund aims to expand system-based trade and transportation infrastructure outside the U.S., targeting congestion relief and regional infrastructure gaps. The program outlines three funding streams for high-impact projects, multi-stakeholder solutions, and regionally focused initiatives, with an emphasis on intermodal capacity and bulk commodity exports. The Arctic Infrastructure Fund is open for northern communities and organizations, supporting both large-scale projects and community-led link improvements across specified Arctic regions. Both funds will leverage non-repayable and repayable contributions and may integrate with Canada Infrastructure Bank financing. Program criteria and application details are available through Transport Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Impact Assessment Agency completes federal review of Matane Port Facilities Expansion Project, Quebec

On March 5, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada issued an early decision for the Matane Port Facilities Expansion Project. The Agency concluded that potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction are limited or managed under existing laws including the Fisheries Act and Canadian Navigable Waters Act. The proponent, Société portuaire du Bas-Saint-Laurent et de la Gaspésie, must now secure further authorizations under federal and provincial frameworks. Public, Indigenous, and stakeholder inputs informed the review of project effects and mitigation pathways, marking completion of the federal impact assessment process.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of Transport announces opening of preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

On March 6, Minister Steven MacKinnon announced the opening of a preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The facility is intended to improve cross-border passenger processing and streamline operations. The announcement included participation from Ontario Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, representatives from Toronto Port Authority, and Nieuport Aviation. The event is scheduled for March 9, and media access arrangements have been provided for the occasion.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Defence Investment Agency seeks Canadian industry input on submarine fleet sustainment

The Defence Investment Agency is soliciting feedback from Canadian industry on approaches to sustainment of the future submarine fleet. Two qualified suppliers, Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (Germany/Norway) and Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. (Republic of Korea), submitted proposals for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, which are under review until summer 2026. The Request for Information invites responses from companies across sectors to shape domestic sustainment work, supporting the Defence Industrial Strategy and anticipated supply chain development. Sustainment is expected to be conducted in Canada and aligned with long-term industrial objectives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA seizes 111 kg of cocaine at Blue Water Bridge

Canada Border Services Agency officers seized 111.4 kg of suspected cocaine from a commercial truck at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry on February 19. Two individuals were arrested and charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, with ongoing proceedings in Ontario Court of Justice. Since January 2025, CBSA’s Southern Ontario Region has reported cumulative seizures of 1,743 kg of cocaine from the U.S. perimeter.

Sources: www.canada.ca

PacifiCan invests $13 million to support B.C.'s Southern Interior businesses facing tariffs and supply disruption

Pacific Economic Development Canada announced more than $13 million in investments through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, supporting ten projects in B.C.'s Southern Interior. This funding supports sectors such as forestry and manufacturing, with projects including Kalesnikoff receiving $5.5 million for prefabricated housing component production. The initiative targets productivity gains, supply chain resilience, and market diversification amid shifting global trade conditions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency funds modernization of Max Steel Inc. in New Brunswick

On March 5, Member of Parliament Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault announced a $750,000 investment in Max Steel Inc., Clair, New Brunswick. The funding will help the company integrate new production technologies, strengthening the steel sector supply chain and increasing efficiency. The support is delivered through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and is intended to enhance competitiveness against rising input costs and global trade uncertainties.

Sources: www.canada.ca

His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Yellowknife concludes Operation CARIBBE deployment

National Defence reported that HMCS Yellowknife completed its deployment on Operation CARIBBE, supporting multinational efforts against illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea. From January to March 2026, the vessel maintained joint patrols with the United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, contributing to detection and monitoring operations within key maritime corridors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of Transport scheduled to address federal priorities in Toronto

Minister Steven MacKinnon, alongside Minister Rebecca Alty and Parliamentary Secretary Brendan Hanley, delivered remarks on March 3 at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention in Toronto. The agenda included priorities for strengthening Canada's transportation system and supply chains. Media arrangements and access instructions were disseminated ahead of the event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Weekly aircraft movements data released for February 14–20, 2026

Statistics Canada released weekly data on aircraft itinerant movements covering February 14–20, 2026. The latest figures are available for industry reference regarding traffic and operational activity across Canadian airports.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Screened passenger traffic at Canadian airports up in January 2026

Statistics Canada reported that 4.5 million passengers passed through pre-board security screening at major Canadian airports in January 2026, marking a 5.1% annual increase and a 4.0% rise compared to the January 2020 pre-pandemic baseline. Data reflect security checkpoint volumes at the eight largest facilities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia introduces mandatory crane licensing and permitting program

B.C. is implementing a province-wide crane licensing and permitting framework through WorkSafeBC, following recommendations from the Crane Safety Table and recent fatal incidents. The program is set to apply consistent safety standards for crane operation and oversight.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta budget proposes $8.3 billion for transportation infrastructure

Alberta's Budget 2026 would allocate $8.3 billion over three years for road and bridge projects, including twinning highways 3, 11, and 63, and grants for municipal transit infrastructure.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Super-heavy industrial equipment shipments cause travel delays in Edmonton region

On March 5 and 6, transport of oversized loads, including a secondary dryer and demethanizer vessel, is affecting highways in Edmonton, Tofield, and Fort Saskatchewan, with speed and width restrictions and route details provided.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario announces national energy corridor agreement for interprovincial transmission

Ontario is leading a coalition of provinces and territories on new electricity transmission projects, enabling strategic interties, advocating for federal support, and coordinating investment in Canadian grid infrastructure.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba opens all-Canadian bus manufacturing facility in Winnipeg

NFI Group Inc. inaugurated its domestic bus manufacturing site, supported by Manitoba government investment, enhancing the supply chain and production capacity for zero-emission transit vehicles.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: General Regulations under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act

Parks Canada’s ongoing consultation regarding general regulations for marine conservation areas is set to close March 15, with draft regulations expected for comment in 2025.

Sources: www.letstalknmcas.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Port of Churchill and Port of Antwerp-Bruges International Sign New Agreement to Build a Stronger North Atlantic Trade Corridor: A partnership seeks to bolster transatlantic shipping and trade between Canada and Europe.
• Ottawa accused of preferential treatment with coming rail subsidies for steel, lumber: Discussion of industry concerns over targeted federal rail subsidies.
• Meet some of the women shaping Canada’s maritime and logistics industries: Focus on leadership and influence within Canada’s maritime sector.
• Due Diligence in Action: 1,000 Serious Supply Chain Issues Uncovered Weekly with SMETA: Reporting on the volume of supply chain issues detected through SMETA audits.
• Carney to cap Indo-Pacific trip with Tokyo visit focused on trade, security: Canadian cabinet member’s engagement with Indo-Pacific partners.
• Opinion | This is why we’re delaying having families, sitting in traffic and stifling our economy: Column considers chronic infrastructure and congestion challenges.
• Stocks of frozen and chilled meats, January 1, 2026: Statistical update on cold storage meat inventories.

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