June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026

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.

📋 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

• Industry and Technology Committee—Economic and Supply Chain Impacts of U.S. Tariffs on Metallurgy & Advanced Manufacturing: Scheduled for June 15, 2026, the committee will examine the impact of US tariffs on Canada’s metallurgical and advanced manufacturing sectors from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Minister Evan Solomon (Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation) and senior officials will also discuss AI regulation in strategic industries.
• Natural Resources Committee—Electrification and Energy Security; Forestry Industry Session: Meeting on June 16, 2026, the committee will hear from fuel and electrical sector representatives on Canada’s electrification and energy security from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., followed by discussion of the forestry industry's ongoing transformation.
• Science and Research Committee—Governance and Impact of Canada-China Preliminary EV Arrangement: On June 15, 2026, the committee will meet in camera for report drafting on federal science policy governance and the implications of the Canada-China EV sector joint arrangement.
• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee—Bill C-244, Amendments to CEPA and Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act: The committee will review Bill C-244 on June 16, 2026, from 3:30–5:30 p.m., with appearances from M.P. Patrick Weiler and senior officials to discuss updates to environmental protection legislation.
• Finance Committee—Bill C-30, Spring Economic Update Implementation: Clause-by-clause study of Bill C-30 is scheduled for June 19, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and running until 11:59 p.m. Location: Room 430, Wellington Building.

Federal Government News

Canada Tables Legislation to Strengthen Forced Labour Import Ban

On June 12, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation titled An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour. The bill, tabled by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, is designed to reinforce measures preventing goods made with forced labour from entering the Canadian market and to supersede the current import prohibition under the Customs Tariff. The proposed framework enables the Minister of Foreign Affairs to establish a list of high-risk goods—by region, entity, or individual—suspected of being produced by forced labour. Importers of such goods may be required to provide detailed supply chain tracing information; if these requirements are not met, goods will be deemed prohibited from import. The Act introduces improved coordination among federal enforcement partners, a cost-recovery model for non-compliance, and clear information-sharing processes. The framework aligns with efforts in the United States and Mexico while anticipating future similar measures in the EU and other jurisdictions. The law also interacts with the Supply Chains Act, which remains in force, mandating annual transparency reports for certain companies. Canadian manufacturers and importers are expected to see a clarified process for assessing and documenting supply chain due diligence and compliance.

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

Canadian International Trade Tribunal: Preliminary Finding of Injury—Decorative Plywood from China

On June 9, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined that there is reasonable indication of injury or threat to the domestic industry from the dumping and subsidizing of decorative and other non-structural plywood originating in or exported from China. This finding, made under the Special Import Measures Act, follows an inquiry conducted as a result of CBSA’s initiation of investigations into alleged unfair trade practices. The CBSA is scheduled to issue preliminary determinations by July 9, 2026. The case addresses impacts on both manufacturers and downstream users reliant on plywood imports.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests in First National Geothermal Energy Roadmap

Natural Resources Canada announced $468,000 in funding on June 11 for the Canadian Deep Geothermal Roadmap project, led by the Canadian Deep Geothermal Coalition (CDGC). The project will chart technology opportunities, research priorities, and supply chain requirements for developing deep geothermal resources. CDGC partners with the Cascade Institute for project management. Stakeholder engagement will include participation from industry and researchers to identify investment priorities and support growth in geothermal, which is positioned as a clean heat and power option not dependent on variable renewables. Manufacturers of drilling, subsurface engineering, and advanced machinery are likely to see engagement opportunities as Canada undertakes this strategic mapping exercise.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly, EU Agree on Bilateral Industrial Policy Steps

Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné convened on June 11 during the Conference of Montreal. They initiated steps under the Canada–EU Industrial Policy Dialogue, focused on expanding cooperation in aluminum, aerospace, and graphite. The discussions addressed economic security, investment screening, and reciprocal market access, including within the context of the Buy Canadian Policy and CETA. Next steps involve sector-specific engagements ahead of the G7 Leaders' Summit. These developments may have implications for Canadian suppliers engaging European partners for joint ventures, market entry, or regulatory harmonization in manufacturing and advanced materials.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and France Launch Sectoral Working Groups on Key Industries

At the Conference of Montreal on June 11, Minister Mélanie Joly and French Economy Minister Roland Lescure confirmed the formation of working groups targeting strategic partnerships in critical minerals, aerospace, nuclear energy, and digital technologies. Dialogue intends to strengthen bilateral industrial collaboration and coordinate on economic security measures. The agenda aligns with preparations for the Prime Minister's July visit to France and the G7 Summit. Canadian manufacturers operating within these sectors can anticipate direct engagement opportunities as negotiations develop on regulatory pathways, co-investment, and bilateral industrial strategies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Data Release: Rural Canada Manufacturing Employment for May 2026

Statistics Canada published updated data on manufacturing sector employment in rural Canada for May 2026 via its interactive dashboard. The release offers new insights into regional workforce trends relevant to operational planning, supply chain management, and site selection within the sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Update: Electric Power Selling Price Index, April 2026

The Electric Power Selling Price Index for April 2026 is now available from Statistics Canada. The index provides pricing benchmarks relevant to manufacturers for energy budgeting and operational cost assessments.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Fine for Rubber Manufacturing Facility—Water Resources Act Violation

North West Rubber Ltd. in Brantford, Ontario, was fined $105,000 after a 2022 fire resulted in the discharge of mixed rubber materials, oil, and firefighting foam into water systems, contravening the Ontario Water Resources Act.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Regulatory Change in Nova Scotia—Lead Acid Battery Manufacturing

Nova Scotia will now require only an industrial approval, not a Class II environmental assessment, for new lead acid battery manufacturing facilities, aligning requirements with other jurisdictions in Canada.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta: New Wallboard Manufacturing Plant Opens in Wheatland County

CGC Inc. opened a $210 million wallboard plant near Wheatland County, Alberta, creating nearly 100 full-time manufacturing jobs. The project received $3.7 million in provincial support.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Supports Critical Minerals Supply Chain Innovation

Ontario announced nearly $8 million for 18 projects through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, targeting accelerated research, development, and commercialization in mining, processing, and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Launches Review of Renewable Fuels Standard

The Alberta government is reviewing its Renewable Fuels Standard, with stakeholder input solicited to update requirements on blending low-carbon fuels and support new fuel production technologies.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Reuters: US Tariffs on Chinese EV Batteries Expected to Reshape North American Supply Chains: Coverage explores how new US trade measures could affect auto and battery manufacturing in Canada.
• Globe and Mail: Ontario’s Mining Industry Prepares for Next Phase of Critical Minerals Boom: Report on increased provincial investment in critical minerals processing and technology.
• Financial Post: Canadian Manufacturers Grapple With Energy Price Volatility: Analysis on how variable electricity costs are impacting operational planning.
• Bloomberg: EU Proposes New Standards for Plastics Recycling: Update on potential implications for North American exporters to the European market.
• Canadian Manufacturing: Supply Chain Resilience in a Post-Pandemic World: Assessment of ongoing supply chain restructuring strategies.
• Engineering News-Record: North American Cement Industry Eyes Carbon Capture Scale-Up: Technical look at adoption rates and challenges for carbon capture in cement and concrete manufacturing.
• BBC Business: Global Industrial Robotics Adoption Hits Record in 2026: Global snapshot of automation trends across manufacturing sectors.
• Nikkan Kogyo: Japanese Firms Expand Polymer R&D Operations in Canada: Coverage of cross-border advanced materials investment.
• Wall Street Journal: US–EU Steel Talks Stall Over Environmental Standards: Brief on transatlantic steel trade policy, with indirect ramifications for Canadian producers.
• Les Affaires: Quebec SMEs Invest in Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Examination of how small and medium enterprises are financing 3D-printing capabilities.

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