This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors. 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 Mining? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Mining - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 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

• National Defence Committee Studies Critical Minerals for National Security: The House National Defence Committee meets March 23 to examine links between national security and Canada’s critical minerals sector, with testimony from the Department of National Defence, Natural Resources Canada, and expert witnesses. Session scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• House Natural Resources Committee Reviews Canadian Energy Exports: On March 24, the House Natural Resources Committee holds hearings on Canadian energy exports. Scheduled witnesses include presidents of industry groups, academics, and the Canadian Nuclear Association. The session runs 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• House Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development to Examine Industrial Carbon Pricing: The Environment and Sustainable Development Committee will meet March 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to hear testimony on industrial carbon pricing, with several national organizations and research institutes participating.
• Natural Resources Committee In Camera Session on Committee Business: The House Natural Resources Committee will conduct an in camera session devoted to committee business on March 23 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee to Examine Climate and Resource Reports: The Senate committee meets March 26 to review the status of endangered wildlife, the 2026–2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (draft), and the 2025 Progress Report on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, with witnesses from the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

Federal Government News

Canada and Peru Sign Agreement on Critical Minerals and Mining Cooperation

On March 18, Natural Resources Canada announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and Peru focused on critical minerals and sustainable mining. The MOU advances bilateral investment, regulatory cooperation, and technology transfer for traceability and decarbonization. It builds on Canada’s recent initiatives, including 21 bilateral frameworks and the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance, which has supported $18.5 billion in mining projects capital since mid-2025. The collaboration aims to promote best practices, workforce development, and export opportunities for Canadian mining technology and services in Peru. The Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated the agreement aligns standards and secures critical mineral supply chains for both countries. This development strengthens Canada’s position as a major foreign mining investor.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases January Mineral Production Survey Data

Statistics Canada has published the results of the Monthly Mineral Production Survey and the Survey of Smelters and Metal Refineries for January 2026. These datasets provide updated information on mineral output and refined metals, serving as reference points for monitoring production trends in the mining industry. The data is available via the official Statistics Canada portal and supports tracking of commodity volumes and performance relevant to supply chains and market planning.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Upcoming Federal Critical Minerals Announcement in Montreal

On March 16, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, is scheduled to deliver a federal critical minerals announcement in Montreal, representing Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson. Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay, as well as representatives from the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Export Development Canada, will participate. The event’s details, including access for accredited media, have been made public. The announcement is expected to address federal priorities for critical minerals and associated industry supports.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Quebec's Mining Innovation SME Point Laz

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions has granted $200,000 in repayable funding to Point Laz Mining Laser Expertise. The announcement, made March 18 by MP Jean-Yves Duclos on behalf of Minister Mélanie Joly, will enable Point Laz to advance the commercial deployment of its Lazaruss platform for underground mine shaft scanning. The investment targets expansion into international markets and product certification. The project is expected to facilitate job creation and tech development in Quebec's mining cluster.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indexes Up for February 2026

The latest Statistics Canada data (Feb 2026) show the Industrial Product Price Index rose 0.4% month-over-month and 5.4% year-over-year. The Raw Materials Price Index gained 0.6% from January, for a total 8.6% annual increase. Price changes remain relevant for cost modelling in mining, mineral processing, and supply chain management.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Posts January 2026 Energy Transportation and Storage Data

Monthly figures for crude oil and liquid petroleum transportation and storage for January 2026 are now public, according to Statistics Canada. Data series cover pipeline and facility throughput, informing sector analysis and infrastructure planning for crude oil and liquids associated with mining and extraction activities.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Repair and Maintenance Services Subsector Data for 2024 Released

The repair and maintenance services subsector statistics for 2024 are now available from Statistics Canada. The dataset includes information relevant to maintenance activities for mining equipment, drilling rigs, and related machinery.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Funds 68 New Mine Exploration Projects Through OJEP

The Ontario government announced support for 68 early mineral exploration projects under the Ontario Junior Exploration Program. The initiative is projected to create 71 jobs and generate $18 million in economic output.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

2025-26 Ontario Junior Exploration Program Recipients Listed

Ontario released the names of 68 companies awarded funding under the latest OJEP round, with individual grants ranging widely and a focus on critical mineral development.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Invests in Advanced Oilfield Equipment Manufacturing

Exceed (Canada) Oilfield Equipment Inc. in Nisku will expand manufacturing operations with more than $500,000 in government funding and $16.1 million in private investment, supporting energy sector supply chains.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Publishes New Oil and Gas Property Tax Accountability Report

The Government of Alberta released a report with 17 recommendations on addressing unpaid oil and gas property taxes, including a proposal to give the Alberta Energy Regulator new enforcement tools.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Premier to Meet with Energy Leaders at CERAWeek in Texas

Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia will attend the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Texas, to promote resource investment and meet with oil, gas, and alternative energy sector leaders.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Teck royalty on Fourmile gold project could be worth billions, potentially affecting Barrick’s IPO plans: Analysis of royalty entitlements and potential impacts on project financing.
• Court grants interim injunction pausing Rossland magnesium mine construction: Update on court action affecting a major magnesium development in BC.
• Idaho Aligns State Permitting with FAST-41, Streamlining Permitting at Liberty Gold’s Black Pine Project: Update on permitting reforms in U.S. mining jurisdiction.
• Advances in Domestic Heavy Rare Earth Minerals Production Essential for North American Defense Stockpiles: Reporting on rare earth mineral production and strategic materials outlook.
• The $30B Catalyst Reshaping America’s Mineral Supply: Coverage of capital investment driving changes in the American minerals sector.
• Freeport seeks permit for US$7.5 billion mine expansion: Examination of large-scale mine permitting and development.
• Vatican launches campaign to encourage divestment from mining industries: International institution positions on mining sector investment.
• As workforce grows at Giant Mine cleanup project, local hiring is not keeping pace: Developments related to remediation projects and regional workforce participation.
• Fast track of mining, energy projects must include plans to protect women, says adviser: Considerations raised during project acceleration policy debates.
• Power Metal: The Race for the Resources that Will Shape the Future: Discussion on the role of metals in technological and industrial development.

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