This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning most types of manufacturing activities (except agricultural, automotive, aerospace, food, and pharmaceutical), e.g. textile and apparel, chemical, electronics, wood and paper, metals, plastics and rubber, packaging, and machining. 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 Manufacturing? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Mining and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Manufacturing - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Budget 2025: Bill C-15 Receives Royal Assent with Measures Targeting Clean Economy and Productivity

On March 27, the federal government announced the passage of Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act for 2025, introducing extensive measures relevant to manufacturing and supply chains. Key provisions include the Clean Electricity investment tax credit (ITC), enhancements to Clean Economy ITCs, and a new Productivity Super-Deduction which allows accelerated write-offs for capital investment. The legislation also rolls out substantial investments in research and development via improvements to the SR&ED tax credit program. Strategies to fortify sector resilience were outlined, such as a $5 billion Strategic Response Fund, immediate liquidity relief for trade-impacted sectors, and targeted workforce training programs. The bill extends 'Buy Canadian' preferences in federal procurement—backed by approximately $186 million over five years—highlighting steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber. Strategic investments in critical minerals supply chains, infrastructure, and Arctic development were detailed through multi-billion dollar funds. Additional measures cover new regulatory frameworks for banking, digital payments, and stablecoins, as well as the launch of the Financial Crimes Agency and provisions for workforce attrition incentives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Allocates $28.9 Million for Clean Energy Technology Projects

Natural Resources Canada announced $28.9 million in funding for 12 projects nationwide to advance clean energy technologies, focusing on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), renewable energy deployment, and smart grid innovation. Notable grants include $10 million to Carbon Alpha Corp. in Saskatchewan to test new seismic survey methods for underground CO2 storage and $4.9 million to Petroleum Technology Research Centre for geological storage risk analysis. Project recipients such as CarbiCrete Inc. (Quebec) and York University (Ontario) will develop decarbonized concrete processes and novel CO2 capture technologies, respectively. Renewable power demonstration efforts, including a 5-MW agrovoltaic project in Ontario, and solar thermal systems for low-carbon fertilizer production, are among other funded initiatives. Regulatory innovation in smart grids receives separate support for reports on demand flexibility and integration of distributed energy resources.

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

Regional Tariff Response Initiative Delivers $1.3 Million to Dartmouth Advanced Manufacturing

On March 24, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced investments totaling nearly $1.3 million under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to support three Dartmouth firms in scaling automation, expanding capacity, and developing new products. Outdoor-Fit Exercise Systems will purchase automation equipment and expertise for facility upgrades, while Reftek Systems is establishing a sensor lab to reinforce local supply chains. Aurea Technologies is set to reduce production costs and support global expansion of its turbine line. The RTRI aims to enhance productivity and resilience in the face of international tariff pressures and supply chain volatility.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Saskatchewan Launch $15.6 Million Workforce Tariff Response Fund

On March 27, federal and provincial officials jointly announced a $15.6 million investment through the new Canada–Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response, targeting upskilling and retraining support for up to 1,800 workers impacted by tariffs, particularly in the steel and softwood lumber sectors. The funding, delivered via existing SaskJobs offices and training partners, will support displaced and at-risk workers, those in Work-Sharing agreements, and employees requiring supply chain resilience skills. This is positioned as a coordinated response to ongoing global trade disruptions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Issues Guidance for Commercial Goods Imports Related to FIFA World Cup 2026

The Canada Border Services Agency released a detailed bulletin reminding businesses of requirements for importing commercial goods tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026. The notice covers registration through the CARM Client Portal, securing necessary CRA business numbers, and compliance with multi-agency permits or inspection regimes. Special instructions are included for non-resident importers, advanced tariff classification rulings, use of Duty Relief and Drawback programs, and temporary import options (including ATA Carnets). Importers seeking FIFA World Cup remission order benefits are pointed to Customs Notice 25-30 for eligibility terms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Outlines Canada’s Conventional and Clean Energy Strategy at CERAWeek

In remarks at CERAWeek in Houston, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson emphasized Canada’s dual-track strategy for conventional and clean energy, underlining investments in LNG, nuclear, critical minerals, grid modernization, and export capacity. Hodgson referenced ongoing LNG expansion efforts, optimized oil transmission (including TMX), and partnerships with Alberta on energy infrastructure and resource transport. He cited surges in foreign investment and announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta, supporting both export growth and integrated resource development. References were made to the timeline for bringing new offshore fields like Bay du Nord online and advancements in small modular nuclear reactors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Funds Virtual Safety Training Courses for Northern Industries

On March 24, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced a $600,000 contribution to the Northern Safety Association. The funding will convert 30 workplace health and safety courses to an online format, enabling improved access for workers in Northwest Territories and Nunavut, particularly in equipment-heavy and industrial sectors. The initiative is designed to reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents and improve business operational reliability.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Advance Manufacturing Sales Increase Reported for February 2026

Statistics Canada released an advance estimate for manufacturing sector sales indicating a 3.8% rise in February 2026. Transportation equipment and food subsectors were primary contributors to the growth. This preliminary data provides an indicator for aggregate performance in industrial production across the country.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Annual Data Released for Manufacturing Output, Inputs, and Trade Flows

Statistics Canada made available the 2024 preliminary and revised 2023 figures for products manufactured and sold, as well as raw materials used in major manufacturing industries nationwide. Additional data show that total interprovincial trade in manufactured goods rose by 0.7% to $167.4 billion, with wholesale trade up 1.5% to $562.5 billion. These figures reflect updated values for output and inputs, as well as continuing trends in cross-province commerce.

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

Physical Flow Account for Plastic Material, 2022 Now Available

Statistics Canada published updated data covering the flow of plastic materials by category, resin type, and province and territory for 2022. The environmental-economic account now spans a decade and supports sector analysis regarding production, consumption, and material management in plastics manufacturing and recycling.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Specialized Design Services Revenue Reaches Nearly $4.7 Billion in 2024

Statistics Canada reported operating revenues for specialized design services reached almost $4.7 billion in 2024, a 4.3% annual gain marking the fourth consecutive increase. These services support design-intensive manufacturing subsectors, including advanced manufacturing and product development.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Proposes Interprovincial Trade Bill to Lower Barriers and Costs

The Government of Alberta introduced Bill 21, aimed at implementing the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods, expected to reduce red tape for manufacturers and facilitate easier domestic market access.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Launches Fifth Innovation Zone for Mining Technologies

The Quebec government designated Rouyn-Noranda as the Mining Innovation Zone, backed by $28 billion in investments. The zone will serve as a hub for automation and digital transformation throughout the mineral value chain.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Confirms Position as Major Lithium Resource Holder

An Alberta Geological Survey report concluded the province has an estimated 82.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, placing it among the world’s largest reserves and supporting critical minerals sector initiatives.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Issues Funding to Expand Helium and Hydrogen Manufacturing

Quantum Technology Corp. in Squamish will receive up to $400,000 from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to double its production space for helium and hydrogen systems, with a projection to create 10 new local jobs.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Releases 2026 Budget: Tax Cuts and Capital Investment Initiatives

The Ontario government presented the 2026 budget, which includes a reduction in small business corporate income tax, plans for accelerated capital cost deductions aligned with federal changes, and $210 billion in overall capital spending over 10 years.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Product Filters for Green Public Procurement Tool Approaches Close

The federal consultation regarding the customization of the Green Public Procurement Tool is ongoing until March 31, 2026, with feedback gathered from stakeholders on product category filters, certifications, and Canadian procurement criteria.

Sources: circularinnovation.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada’s Manufacturing Moment Arrives at N³ Summit in Toronto: Industry leaders discuss growth opportunities at Toronto's N³ Summit.
• Linamar Corporation to Acquire Winning BLW’s Remscheid and Penzberg Facilities, Expanding Its Forging and Gear Manufacturing: Linamar expands European manufacturing footprint with new acquisitions.
• Casting the dye: New tech that’s stopping textile industry pollution at source: Canadian firms implement pollution-cutting technologies in textile production.
• Meet the Canadian e-bike maker who is redefining the factory floor: Feature on automation and advanced manufacturing at a Canadian e-bike factory.
• Business Matters: Tariff-hit industries struggling as Trump’s trade war drags into 2nd year: Canadian industries assess the effects of ongoing tariff dispute.
• Tariff-hit industries struggling as trade war drags into second year: Further analysis on prolonged tariff impacts on manufacturing.
• Confidential contract between feds, Stellantis reveals Brampton factory and worker terms: CBC reports on details of Stellantis–Government of Canada agreement affecting Brampton.

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