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.

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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 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

• INDU Committee to Examine Automotive and Industrial Provisions in Budget Bill C-15: The House Industry and Technology Committee meets February 9 (3:30–5:30 p.m.) to review Clauses 389–398, 589–591, and 597–598 of Bill C-15 with Minister Mélanie Joly and Industry officials. Later, members consider a draft report on productivity gaps and capital outflows.
• Finance Committee Reviews Budget Implementation Act C-15: On February 9 (5:45–7:45 p.m.), the House Finance Committee hears from Minister Sean Fraser and Department of Justice officials on Bill C-15, with Environment Department witnesses scheduled.
• Senate Committee to Hold Clause-by-Clause on Weights and Measures Modernization: The Senate Banking, Commerce and Economy Committee convenes February 12 (10:30 a.m.) for clause-by-clause study of Bill S-3, with Daniel Wilson (University of Calgary) and Bryce Tingle as witnesses.
• Senate Committee Studies Multiple Divisions of Budget Implementation Act: On February 11 (4:15 p.m.), the Senate Banking, Commerce and Economy Committee examines several elements of Bill C-15 and continues study and future planning for Bill S-3, with testimony from Canadian Fuels Association and Sub-metering Council of Ontario.
• Senate Transport and Communications Committee Considers Transport Provisions in Budget Bill: Scheduled for February 10 (9:00 a.m.), the Senate Transport and Communications Committee will study Bill C-15’s provisions related to transport and will consider a draft report.

Federal Government News

Federal Government Unveils Comprehensive Auto Strategy with Major Investments

On February 6, the federal government announced an ambitious automotive strategy aiming to transform Canada’s manufacturing sector and reduce sectoral reliance on U.S. exports. The plan allocates $3 billion through the Strategic Response Fund and up to $100 million from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support the adaptation and growth of Canada’s auto industry in new markets. Key components include stronger 2027–32 greenhouse gas standards, a $2.3 billion EV affordability program, and a five-year incentive offering up to $5,000 per battery electric vehicle or up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids, with Canadian-made EVs and PHEVs exempt from a $50,000 price cap. The strategy repeals the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard in favor of more flexible emissions standards, maintains counter-tariffs on U.S. auto imports, and pursues new joint ventures with Chinese EV firms under a fixed import volume. Additional measures target investments in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, workforce reskilling for 66,000 workers, and expansion of charging infrastructure with $1.5 billion, alongside a broader focus on market diversification and domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

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

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Finds Injury in Cast Iron Soil Pipe Dumping Case

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined that dumped and subsidized imports of cast iron soil pipe from China have caused injury to Canada’s domestic industry. Anti-dumping and countervailing duties will be collected on these imports by the Canada Border Services Agency. The case originated from a complaint by Canada Pipe Company ULC. The Tribunal is set to publish its reasoning on February 23, 2026. This determination enforces trade remedy measures impacting domestic producers and importers of cast iron pipe products.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Launches Investigation into Austrian Oil and Gas Well Casing Imports

On February 2, the Canada Border Services Agency initiated an investigation into alleged dumping of oil and gas well casing from Austrian producers, after a complaint from Tenaris Canada. The CBSA will examine if these imports are sold in Canada below fair market value and whether this has led to material injury for domestic firms, citing lost sales, price undercutting, and depressed production. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has begun a parallel injury inquiry, with a decision due by April 3, 2026, and the CBSA will issue its preliminary finding by May 4, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review on Photovoltaic Modules and Laminates from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal began an expiry review to assess if the lapse of its order against dumping and subsidizing of photovoltaic modules and laminates from China could result in resumed injurious imports. The Canada Border Services Agency will decide by July 2, 2026, if dumping or subsidizing is likely, followed by a Tribunal determination by December 9, 2026, on potential injury to domestic producers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Estee Lauder Cosmetics Ltd. Fined $750,000 Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act

Estee Lauder Cosmetics Ltd. was fined $750,000 after pleading guilty to two counts under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The company failed to notify authorities about a significant new activity involving PFAS in certain eyeliner products and did not comply with a subsequent compliance order. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered the company to inform shareholders about the conviction, and the fine will be paid into the Environmental Damages Fund. The company’s name was added to the Environmental Offenders Registry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Launches Build Canada Homes Act; Modern Methods of Construction in Focus

Build Canada Homes has advanced six direct-build projects in cities including Dartmouth, Ottawa, and Toronto, representing over 7,500 homes and multiple strategic partnerships. The newly introduced Build Canada Homes Act will establish the entity as a Crown corporation dedicated to affordable housing development, using modern methods such as modular construction. Priority will be given to sustainable Canadian materials and supply chains. Additionally, Build Canada Homes launched a Request for Information targeting modular and prefab construction firms; submissions are open until March 5, 2026.

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

Federal Support Announced for SMEs Navigating CUSMA Compliance

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario approved $500,000 for the Toronto Region Board of Trade to provide targeted trade programming for SMEs addressing CUSMA (Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement) compliance. The program features expert-led workshops and one-on-one coaching, aiming to strengthen SMEs’ trade readiness and competitive position in North American markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Expands Access to Skilled Trades Training and Modern Equipment

Employment and Social Development Canada announced close to $10 million in funding to support national energy assessment training for the insulator Red Seal trade through SkillPlan. The announcement forms part of the broader Union Training and Innovation Program, which has been expanded to cover shipping and installation of equipment, with increased contributions for remote areas. Budget 2025 proposes an additional $75 million over three years for apprenticeship training.

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

StatCan Reports Latest Environmental–Economic Accounts and Energy/GHG Intensities

Statistics Canada published new data for 2022, reporting an average national direct plus indirect energy use intensity of 3.75 gigajoules per thousand current dollars of output and an average greenhouse gas emissions intensity of 0.26 tonnes CO2 equivalent per thousand current dollars.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Standing Senate Committee Considers Modernization of Canada’s Measurement Framework

On February 5, the Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy reviewed Bill S-3, which proposes updates to the Weights and Measures Act and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act. Testimony from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Measurement Canada indicated the goal to incorporate digital technologies and virtual inspections to align with international standards. Discussion points included delays in EV charging standard updates, sampling for certification, and extension of statutory review periods from five to ten years. Industry stakeholders noted concerns regarding inspection timelines and integration with existing utility processes.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Competition Act Amendments Related to Anti-Greenwashing Under Review

The Senate Committee on National Finance reviewed amendments to the Competition Act targeting anti-greenwashing. The changes remove the explicit requirement for internationally recognized methodologies and third-party complaints, raising questions on the definition of 'adequate and proper substantiation.' The government committed to developing guidance and maintaining flexibility for affected businesses.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Ships First Batch of Locally Produced Steel for Coast Guard Icebreaker

Ontario’s Algoma Steel shipped its first plates to Davie in Quebec for use in the Canadian Coast Guard’s new Polar Max icebreaker, signaling increased interprovincial trade and support for the domestic steel sector amid ongoing U.S. tariff concerns.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Opens Applications for Commercial Carbon Storage Projects

As of February 2, Ontario is accepting applications for commercial-scale geologic carbon storage projects, introducing a regulatory framework designed to provide clarity and reduce uncertainty for industrial operators.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Glencore Canada Fined $120,000 for Workplace Safety Violation

Glencore Canada Corporation was fined $120,000 after a worker sustained critical injuries during mining operations at Nickel Rim South Mine, with the conviction relating to neglected safety precautions and equipment maintenance.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Delivers Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment Project Ahead of Schedule

Ontario completed the Darlington Unit 4 nuclear reactor refurbishment four months early and $150 million under budget. The project contributes to long-term economic benefits and energy supply, supporting up to 14,200 jobs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Begins Construction on BCIT Trades and Technology Complex

Three new facilities at BCIT’s Burnaby campus are under construction, part of a $220-million investment supporting mass timber and steel fabrication training. The complex aims to address trades workforce needs in B.C.’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada sheds 25,000 jobs to start 2026 on manufacturing, Ontario weakness: Manufacturing and Ontario job losses reflected in recent national labour statistics.
• Feds outline measures aiming to boost auto manufacturing: Media coverage of Ottawa's new plan to increase competitiveness in auto manufacturing.
• Supply Chain Safety: Western Powers Race for Domestic Mineral Sovereignty: Western jurisdictions seek to secure mineral supply chains amid geopolitical pressures.
• Opinion: Good EV plan, Canada. The risk now lies in execution: Commentary on the federal EV and auto manufacturing strategy.
• From Alberta's oilfields to geothermal drilling in Scarborough: How the changing energy sector is fuelling a better life for workers: Labour shifts highlighted in Canada's evolving energy industry.
• Federal automotive strategy needs to reward Canadian production: report: Analysis of policy suggestions for maximizing automotive sector benefits.
• How a new, more sustainable lithium mining process could kick off the industry in Western Canada: Lithium extraction technology developments may impact Western Canada mining.

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