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: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Alberta and Canada sign co-operation agreement to accelerate major project assessments

The Governments of Canada and Alberta have formalized a co-operation agreement to accelerate major project assessments. The new process is designed to minimize duplication and deliver infrastructure projects more efficiently, with both governments now able to adopt flexible assessment methods on a case-by-case basis. The agreement places particular emphasis on regulatory certainty for investors, outlining practical procedures for major resource and transportation developments in Alberta. Building on a November 2025 Memorandum of Understanding, this federal-provincial collaboration aims to unlock natural resource production and improve timelines for approvals. The deal also maintains strong environmental standards and upholds Indigenous consultation. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and Alberta’s Environment and Protected Areas Minister announced the agreement on April 2.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal issues determination on Austrian oil and gas well casing

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined that dumping of certain oil and gas well casing from Austria has not caused injury to the domestic industry but presents a reasonable indication of threat. The inquiry, a preliminary stage under the Special Import Measures Act, was initiated after an investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency. The CBSA will continue its investigation, issuing a preliminary finding by May 1, 2026. This determination informs domestic manufacturers and importers regarding potential trade actions and tariff measures. The Tribunal operates independently, reporting through the Minister of Finance, and its mandate includes handling complaints on dumped imports, federal procurement, and customs disputes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada invests in tariff-affected Alberta businesses impacting mining supply chains

Prairies Economic Development Canada announced new investments totaling $7.46 million for five Edmonton-based projects under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). Among recipients, Cast Steel Products will leverage advanced manufacturing and AI tools to improve production efficiency and international sales of steel components used in mining. Apollo Machine & Welding Ltd. will integrate process sensors and machine learning, targeting reductions in production costs and growth in manufacturing capacity. Demir Engineering is set to expand its alloy product line for sectors including mining and energy. The Federal commitment is aimed at supporting SMEs affected by tariffs, strengthening supply chains, and promoting productivity gains within mining-adjacent sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada schedules battery innovation announcement, focusing on critical minerals

Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will announce new support for battery innovation and the strengthening of Canada's critical mineral and battery value chains. The announcement is scheduled for April 8 in Candiac, Quebec, with media availability planned. This event is expected to address developments relevant to the lithium, nickel, and cobalt supply chain and battery manufacturing ecosystem.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan releases Q4 Natural Resource Indicators: Real GDP slightly declines

Statistics Canada released its natural resource indicators for the fourth quarter of 2025, showing a 0.2% decline in real gross domestic product for the sector following 0.9% growth the previous quarter. The sector roughly mirrored the wider economy, which also slipped 0.2% after modest growth. These figures provide context for resource extraction, processing, and supply chain performance, including mining and energy operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment rental/leasing price index published for Q4

Statistics Canada has published the latest data for the Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing Services Price Index, based on 2020=100 for the fourth quarter 2025. This update offers insight into cost trends for rental and leasing of equipment used across mining, construction, and industrial operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta finalizes agreement reducing duplication in major project reviews

Alberta signed the Canada-Alberta Cooperation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment, enabling a single-review approach, increased reliance on Alberta’s regulatory system, and clearer timelines for resource projects.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

BC amends Environmental Assessment Act for improved dispute resolution and process predictability

British Columbia introduced amendments to its Environmental Assessment Act to enhance transparency and dispute resolution protocols, aiming for earlier issue identification and resolution in collaboration with First Nations.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC opens 2026 intake of Clean Industry Fund

British Columbia's Clean Industry Fund intake opens for 2026, with funding capped at $10 million per project in the emissions performance stream. The Fund supports industrial projects, including mining, in adopting cleaner technologies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta introduces new regulation for weed and pest management on oil and gas sites

The Oil and Gas Conservation Regulation gives Alberta Energy Regulator authority to enforce weed and pest control on oil and gas sites, with the Orphan Well Association responsible for sites lacking an owner.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

BC announces investment in skilled trades training

British Columbia is committing $241 million over three years to double skilled trades training funding, responding to increased demand as 40% of major federal government projects occur in the province.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• The Critical Materials Mining Projects That Check Every Box Right Now: Coverage of leading exploration and development in battery and critical minerals mining.
• Mining companies seek recruits at annual local job fair: Report on workforce trends and recruitment in Canadian mining.
• Eldorado Gold and Foran Mining Shareholder Votes: Summary of upcoming shareholder resolutions for industry consolidation.
• BHP’s new potash mine is a test case for Canada in how to build big: Analysis of project execution strategies for large-scale mining developments.
• Liberty Gold Announces Federal Notice of Intent for Black Pine Permitting: Update on permitting processes for gold exploration projects.
• GoldHaven Advances 2026 Drill Targeting at Magno: Status on drill permitting and exploration activities.
• Air Canada CEO to step down, Stellantis in talks to build Chinese EVs and BHP’s new potash mine: Business and industry updates with relevance to mining supply chains.
• Alberta business leaders call for regulatory overhaul for industrial projects: Discussion of industry perspectives on regulatory reform for major projects.

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