August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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

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

Federal Government News

Regional Tariff Response: $7.5 Billion Federal Package Targets Advanced Manufacturing and SMEs

The Government of Canada announced significant new supports for manufacturers impacted by recent U.S. tariffs. On September 3, Minister Eleanor Olszewski confirmed Prairies Economic Development Canada is investing $15.9 million in 15 Winnipeg-based projects through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) and the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program. Recipients include Argus Industries Ltd., Fort Garry Fire Trucks Ltd., and Smartrend Manufacturing Group. Investments will enable equipment upgrades, automation, workforce training, and expanded production. Concurrently, Minister Rechie Valdez outlined a $7.5 billion support package for workers and businesses, including a $1.5 billion expansion of the RTRI, launching a $2 billion Canada Strong Diversification Fund, a $500 million liquidity stream for SMEs under the BDC's Pivot to Grow, expanded BDC access, $3.5 billion rapid response supports for workers and employers, and new flexibilities in the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility. The non-repayable cap for the RTRI rises to $3 million. The support package includes targeted programs for forestry, steel, aluminum, and additional coverage for liquidity needs.

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

Atlantic Canada Receives Export Support Amid Domestic Shipbuilding Push

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced a nearly $250,000 investment under the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA), assisting 28 companies and organizations join the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology (SMM) trade show in Hamburg, Germany. This trade mission is linked to Canada's recent domestic shipbuilding expansion, which earmarked over $11 billion to construct six new Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers. The funding supports companies developing advanced ocean technology and shipbuilding products, prioritizing market diversification and export growth. Participants will showcase Canadian innovations to potential buyers, connecting domestic manufacturing capacity to a global market.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Nova Scotia Manufacturers Benefit from $14 Million Federal Investment to Modernize and Adapt

On September 2, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency broke news of over $14 million in non-repayable funding for 26 manufacturing, packaging, and processing businesses across Nova Scotia. Notable recipients include KD Parma Canada Ltd., LED Roadway Lighting, Lobster Hub Inc., and ProtoCase Incorporated. Investments support automation, digitization, energy efficiency enhancements, export certifications, and new market entry. The announcement aligns with broader national measures responding to U.S. tariffs and aims to strengthen supply chains and increase operational resilience for manufacturers facing trade uncertainty.

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

Northern British Columbia Secures Over $11 Million for Advanced Manufacturing, Forestry, and Supply Chain Projects

The federal government, through Pacific Economic Development Canada, is providing more than $11 million for manufacturing, forestry, clean technology, and supply chain modernization initiatives in Northern B.C. Announced by Minister Gregor Robertson, recipients include BKB Cedar Manufacturing (upgrading precision cedar processing), East Fraser Fiber (machinery replacement for increased lumber production), and Open Waters Solar (facility automation for marine solar panels). Other projects target supply chain infrastructure, Indigenous business development, and agricultural and seafood processing capacity. Government support addresses impacts of global trade disruptions and aims to reinforce long-term productivity and regional job growth.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Hamilton Manufacturing Firms Receive Combined $12.5 Million Tariff Response Funding

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario committed more than $12.5 million to nine manufacturing companies in Hamilton, aiding local industry as tariffs and trade uncertainty persist. Support flows from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), with projects spanning advanced manufacturing, apparel, steel, packaging, and industrial equipment. For example, Niko Apparel Systems receives $200,000 towards production upgrades and workforce skills enhancements. This new capital is intended to strengthen supply chains and protect jobs, delivered as part of the newly announced $1.5 billion RTRI expansion. The RTRI now includes larger non-repayable awards and support for liquidity needs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Launches Anti-Dumping and Subsidy Investigations into Truck and Bus Tire Imports from China

On August 31, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) began investigations into the alleged dumping and subsidizing of truck and bus tires imported from China, following complaints by the Canadian Retread Manufacturers Association and Michelin North America (Canada). The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will determine by October 30, 2026, whether these imports are injurious to the domestic industry. The CBSA's preliminary dumping and subsidizing decisions are expected by November 30. The Special Import Measures Act underpins this process, with 187 special import measures active in Canada and 16 new investigations initiated so far in 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Final Injury Inquiry on Steel Racks from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal started a final injury inquiry (NQ-2026-005) on September 3, 2026, to determine whether dumping and subsidizing of steel racks from China have caused or threaten to cause harm to the domestic industry. The inquiry follows a preliminary finding by the CBSA. A final determination is scheduled for December 31, 2026. Any interested parties may file notices of participation and present evidence under the Tribunal's process.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Upholstered Domestic Seating from China and Vietnam Enters Expiry Review

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal launched an expiry review (RR-2026-006) on August 31, 2026, of its finding regarding anti-dumping and countervailing duties on certain upholstered seating from China and Vietnam, first imposed in 2021. The Canada Border Services Agency will determine by January 28, 2027, whether dumping or subsidizing is likely to continue or resume. If affirmed, the Tribunal will decide, no later than July 7, 2027, whether the expiry would result in injury to Canadian manufacturing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Preliminary Injury Inquiry: Chinese Truck and Bus Tire Imports Under Review by CITT

On September 1, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal began a preliminary inquiry (PI-2026-005) into claims by the Canadian Retread Manufacturers Association and Michelin North America (Canada) regarding dumped and subsidized truck and bus tires from China. The outcome will determine the continuation of CBSA investigations and potential imposition of duties. Interested parties are invited to submit notices of participation in the inquiry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Delegates Attend G20 Innovation Ministerial, Pursue AI and Innovation Policy Collaboration

Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy, representing Ministers Mélanie Joly and Evan Solomon, participated in the G20 Innovation Ministerial in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on September 1 and 2, 2026. Discussions centered on international cooperation in research, the role of artificial intelligence, technical workforce development, and industrial supply chains. Bardeesy engaged with officials from Mexico, the UK, Australia, the EU, and the U.S. to exchange perspectives and explore further collaboration on science, technology, and commercialization initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Data: Business Sentiment and Energy Production for Third Quarter 2026

The third quarter Canadian Survey on Business Conditions indicates that cost-related pressures continue to be the primary concern among businesses, with overall optimism holding steady against previous quarters. Separately, Statistics Canada reported that primary energy production grew 5.9% in June 2026 to 2.0 million gigajoules, with increases noted across all major sectors.

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

Provincial Government News

Alberta Invests $20M in Rural Technology Innovation

Alberta's government is distributing $20 million from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction fund to four rural projects, supporting commercialization of hydrogen, carbon capture, and pipeline efficiency technologies.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Launches Multi-Million Dollar Forestry Sector Support in the Face of U.S. Tariffs

Ontario is investing over $17.3 million in four projects to modernize forest sector manufacturing, expand the use of forest biomass, and protect jobs, including $9.6 million for Interfor’s Elk Lake sawmill and $5.9 million to GreenFirst Forest Products.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Allocates $1.9 Million to Strengthen the Nuclear Supply Chain

The Ontario government is providing nearly $1.9 million to the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries to study and strengthen the province's nuclear supply chain and workforce.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

StandardAero Expansion Completion Increases Aerospace Capacity in Manitoba

The Manitoba government announced the completion of StandardAero’s expanded Winnipeg facility with a $3 million provincial investment, growing maintenance and export capacity in the aerospace sector.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Extends Capital Investment Tax Credit to 2035

The Province of Nova Scotia extended the Capital Investment Tax Credit program by five years, maintaining a 25% credit for eligible capital expenses until the end of 2035.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Continued Registration of Ethalfluralin for Fertilizer Blending

Health Canada is inviting comments on the proposed continued registration of ethalfluralin products intended for blending with fertilizers, with consultation open until October 15, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Every Reliable Power Source Is Already Spoken For. What Comes Next?: The Star covers challenges facing power supply planning and industrial growth.

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