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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Anti-dumping Duties Maintained on Carbon Steel Screws from China and Chinese Taipei

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal, following expiry review RR-2025-001, maintained with amendments its existing order on anti-dumping and countervailing duties for carbon steel screws originating in or exported from China and Chinese Taipei. The Tribunal determined that lifting the order would likely result in injury to Canadian industry. The amended order means that the Canada Border Services Agency will continue to impose duties on these items. Manufacturers in sectors using carbon steel fasteners, including machinery, specialty equipment, and construction materials, will remain under the current duties regime. The Tribunal is an independent body that reports to Parliament via the Minister of Finance and evaluates cases on dumped and subsidized goods.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Preliminary Injury Determination for Forged Grinding Media Imports from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal found reasonable indication that dumping and subsidizing of forged grinding media from China are injuring Canadian industry. This action follows preliminary investigations by the Canada Border Services Agency, which is expected to issue determinations by April 10, 2026. The Tribunal’s inquiry was conducted under the Special Import Measures Act, reflecting ongoing monitoring of trade practices relevant to Canadian foundry and metal processing sectors. Affected parties should anticipate potential preliminary duties impacting the supply chain for industrial machinery, mining, and material processing operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Interim Exemption for Flexible Photovoltaic Modules from Anti-Dumping Order

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal amended an existing order on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China. Flexible photovoltaic modules with a power output not exceeding 200W, designed for attachment to curved vehicle surfaces such as truck fairings, are now excluded from duties. This amendment, following an interim review, changes import conditions for specialty solar applications in transportation manufacturing. Manufacturers supplying or integrating photovoltaic technology for trucks and transport equipment are affected by this exemption.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Final Injury Inquiry Initiated on Imported Truck Bodies from China

An inquiry to determine the injury or threat of injury from dumped and subsidized truck bodies imported from China was initiated by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal on March 9, 2026. The final determination is expected by July 3, 2026. Interested parties, including manufacturers and importers in the commercial vehicle and logistics equipment sectors, may participate in the proceeding by filing the required documentation. The investigation follows preliminary findings from the Canada Border Services Agency on dumping and subsidizing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Ontario Launch $228.8 Million Workforce Tariff Response for Affected Sectors

A new tariff-response program allocating $228.8 million over three years will support up to 27,000 Ontario workers impacted by tariffs and global market shifts. The program targets sectors such as softwood lumber, steel, and automotive manufacturing, and is funded jointly through the Canada–Ontario Labour Market Development Agreement. Workers and employers participating in Work-Sharing agreements, or facing adaptation challenges due to tariffs, will gain access to skills training and employment services. Delivery will leverage existing Ontario channels including Skills Advance Ontario.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Funds Labour Market Data Across 14 Sectors

Through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, the federal government committed up to $94.5 million from 2026 to 2031 to support 14 organizations in developing sector-specific labour market information (LMI). The Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, the Canada Green Building Council, and other bodies will receive funds to produce detailed LMI and HR tools. This initiative aims to inform workforce planning, recruitment, and retention in manufacturing, construction, advanced materials, and related sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Investment to Electrify Ship Loading and Expand Trap Rock Facility in Great Lakes Region

Transport Canada announced $6.4 million for the Ontario Trap Rock facility at Bruce Mines to replace diesel truck haulers with an electric-powered ship loading system. The investment, under the Green Shipping Corridor Program, will support increased efficiency in construction material movements and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Facility upgrades are set to grow shipping capacity by up to 25%. The quarry provides aggregates for infrastructure projects in Ontario and employs about 50 workers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Manufacturing Sales Decrease by 3.0% in January 2026

Statistics Canada reported a 3.0% drop in manufacturing sales for January 2026, citing declines mainly in transportation equipment and machinery subsectors. Miscellaneous manufacturing saw the largest increase. The data details shifts that may affect supply chain planning, resource allocation, and contract management across industrial sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Industrial Capacity Utilization Dips in Fourth Quarter 2025

Canadian industry operated at 78.5% of production capacity in Q4 2025, down from a revised 78.9% in the prior quarter, according to Statistics Canada. Changes in capacity utilization are relevant for assessing resource deployment and throughput in primary and secondary manufacturing.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Parliamentary Scrutiny of High-Speed Rail Legislation and Industrial Impact

The Senate Committee on National Finance evaluated high-speed rail provisions in Bill C-15 with Minister Steven MacKinnon on March 11, 2026. MacKinnon described the project as a means to drive economic growth, create an estimated 50,000 jobs, and reduce emissions. Senators requested further details on cost projections, route specifics, and expropriation provisions. The project aims to maximize domestic content, despite limitations in Canadian rail steel production. The bill’s framework includes public-private partnership mechanisms and stipulates ongoing consultation with affected parties.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Reviews Canada's Progress toward 2030 Emissions Targets

On March 12, 2026, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources examined the 2025 progress report for the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. Environment and Climate Change Canada officials discussed current measures, including industrial carbon pricing and clean electricity policies. Senators raised concerns on the feasibility and economic impact of targets and examined issues related to infrastructure, AI for transport emissions, carbon sequestration, and provincial regulatory barriers.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Probes Competition in Food Supply Chains and Strengthened Act

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, in a March 12 session, heard from Competition Bureau Canada officials on food supply chain competition and impacts of the amended Competition Act. Representatives outlined ongoing investigations, barriers in retail concentration, and the importance of workforce development in agriculture, including labor shortages and workforce risk management.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Announces $7.3 Million Investment to Support Tariff-Impacted Businesses in Windsor

Ontario is investing over $7.3 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund to assist manufacturers in Windsor region, supporting eight projects totaling $44 million. The program targets firms in automotive parts, mold technology, plastics, and related industries to safeguard 692 jobs and create more than 65 new positions.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Canada and Ontario Partner in $228.8 Million Support Fund for Workers Impacted by Tariffs

Ontario, with federal support, will administer $228.8 million over three years through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, providing skills and training programs for workers in critical sectors, including softwood lumber, steel, and automotive.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Adopting Global Technical Regulations for Zero Emission Vehicle Safety

Transport Canada launches a consultation on updating Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) to harmonize with UN GTR 20 for electric and UN GTR 13 for hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle safety.

Sources: N

What We're Reading This Week

• Rio Tinto slows pace of construction on Quebec lithium processing plant: Rio Tinto delays its Quebec lithium project amid changing market conditions.
• Manitoba bill would ban suppliers from keeping repair parts private: Legislation proposed to require suppliers to make repair parts available.
• Canada is racing to refine this key battery ingredient at home: Canadian manufacturers invest in domestic battery material processing.
• Techmer PM Releases 2025 Sustainability Report Highlighting Innovation, Transparency, and Progress: Techmer PM details developments in sustainability and innovation.

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