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: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Natural Resources Committee Scheduled to Discuss Canadian Energy Exports and Critical Minerals: On April 14, 2026, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources convenes to hear from Enserva, Indian Resource Council Inc., and Canada Energy Regulator officials on energy exports, and will move in camera for consideration of a draft report on development of critical minerals in Canada.
• Environment and Sustainable Development Committee to Review 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan Effectiveness: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development meets in camera on April 14, 2026, to consider draft reports concerning Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and instructions for a report on extreme weather events.
• Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry to Study Wildfire and Food Security Issues: The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will meet April 14, 2026, to examine food security and the effects of wildfires on forestry, agriculture, rural and Indigenous communities, with witnesses from Yukon and Tr'ondek Hwech'in First Nation.

Federal Government News

Over $11 Million in Federal Funding Supports Battery Material Innovations in Quebec

On April 8, 2026, Natural Resources Canada announced more than $11 million in funding for three projects under the Energy Innovation Program’s Battery Industry Acceleration Call. The investments were disclosed in Candiac, Quebec, by Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay and MP Jacques Ramsay. Nano One Materials Corp. will receive $4.3 million to enhance production of lithium iron phosphate, building on previous federal support at its Candiac facility. EcoPro Lithium Inc. is being awarded $6 million to scale up production of battery-grade lithium metal and ultra-thin anode foil, while NanoXplore is allocated nearly $700,000 for ultra-high-power lithium-ion cell prototyping. These projects aim to reinforce Quebec's position in the battery and critical minerals value chain, with particular emphasis on material sourcing, energy storage applications, and onshore manufacturing. All three ventures are expected to boost domestic battery technology competitiveness and reduce foreign supply chain dependencies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Growth Fund Backs Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawinie Mine Construction

On April 9, 2026, Minister François-Philippe Champagne welcomed the Canada Growth Fund’s commitment to invest US$82 million (C$113 million) into Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG), part of a US$297 million financing package including Eni S.p.A., Investissement Québec, and public equity. This financing will support construction of the Matawinie Mine and expansion of NMG’s Bécancour refining facility in Québec. The Matawinie Mine is positioned to be one of the largest graphite mining operations in North America, targeting supply for clean technologies and advanced manufacturing. The investment is projected to create 120 full-time jobs immediately, with 180 more expected by 2030. It also enables Canada to retain intellectual property and enhance technology in natural graphite processing. The Growth Fund’s previous investment in 2024, in partnership with the Quebec government, underscores sustained federal interest in critical minerals supply chains central to the electric vehicle sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Secures Court Order for Keyera-Plains Acquisition Investigation

On April 8, 2026, the Competition Bureau obtained a Federal Court order allowing it to collect additional records related to Keyera Corp.'s proposed acquisition of the Canadian natural gas liquids assets of Plains All American Pipeline LP. The Bureau is investigating potential competitive effects, specifically whether the transaction would significantly reduce competition or raise barriers for competitors within the energy infrastructure sector. The order compels Inter Pipeline Ltd. to supply documents relevant to the inquiry. Both Keyera and Plains operate substantial infrastructure for the transportation, fractionation, and marketing of natural gas liquids in Alberta, with strategic positions in Fort Saskatchewan. The proceedings reflect the Bureau’s active oversight of consolidation in the midstream oil and gas industry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and Saskatchewan Partners Drive Nuclear Supply Chain Readiness

On April 7, 2026, PrairiesCan and the Government of Saskatchewan announced a combined $911,100 in funding, including $625,100 from the federal government, to advance nuclear supply chain development in Saskatchewan. Support targets the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers’ Association (SIMSA), the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), and Southeast Techhub Incorporated. The program is structured to help local businesses engage in the nuclear value chain, particularly for emerging small modular reactor (SMR) opportunities. Initiatives include technical education for companies, enhanced industry-networking platforms, and micro-credentials for meeting industry standards. The announcement is situated in Saskatoon and considers Saskatchewan’s unique position as a global uranium supplier. Provincial contributions come through the Crown Investments Corporation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada Unveils $30 Million Youth Employment Initiative in Resource Sectors

On April 7, 2026, Ministers Tim Hodgson and Patty Hajdu announced $30 million over two years to support 900 new jobs and training placements for youth in the natural resource sectors, including mining. The investment is delivered through the Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs and is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. Funding supports hands-on opportunities for those aged 15 to 30, with positions up to one year in duration. Since 2017, over 6,000 jobs have been generated under the program. Approximately 80 percent of past participants secured full-time roles, indicating continued sectoral demand for skills development in fields such as geology, earth science, engineering, and mineral processing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Science and Technology Internship Program Recipients Detailed for Mineral Sector Skills Training

A backgrounder released April 7, 2026, outlined the organizations receiving part of the $30 million STIP – Green Jobs funding. Of particular relevance to mining, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (Kanata, ON) is awarded $2.36 million, and the Institut de développement durable des Premières Nations du Québec et du Labrador (Wendake, QC) receives $700,000. The allocations are designed to develop employment and technical competencies among youth in STEM and related areas, supporting capacity-building for a new generation entering minerals, energy, and geological fields.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Environmental Chemical Data from Canadian Health Measures Survey

Statistics Canada’s April 10, 2026, publication of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) laboratory data (2022–2024) presents blood and urine concentrations of metals, trace elements, and other chemicals across a national sample aged 3–79. The data set includes environmental measurements relevant for exposure monitoring, such as levels of metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals in the Canadian population. While broad in scope, select findings could inform ongoing risk assessments connected to mineral industry activity or occupational health.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Manitoba Directs $2.5 Million to Mineral Development Fund for Critical Mineral Opportunities

On April 10, 2026, Manitoba announced an additional $2.5 million for the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, aiming to spur early-stage exploration and advance the province’s Securing Our Critical Mineral Future strategy.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Grants Industrial Approval for Touquoy Gold Mine Stockpiled Ore Processing

Nova Scotia's Ministry issued approval on April 10, 2026, for Atlantic Mining to process three million tonnes of previously mined stockpiled ore at the Touquoy gold mine over 10–14 months, with no new extraction authorized and ongoing reclamation obligations.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Comments on Economic Impact of Touquoy Gold Mine Approval

A ministerial statement released April 10 projects 197 jobs and $151 million in economic activity from the approved processing of ore at the Touquoy mine; environmental terms and a $79.9 million reclamation bond remain in place.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Premier Advances Provincial Energy Development Talks in Calgary

From April 7–10, Premier Tim Houston engaged with energy sector leaders in Calgary, discussing both oil and gas and renewables, with focus on provincial natural resource assets and regulatory coordination.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

British Columbia Supports Pilot Technology Projects in Mining and Critical Minerals

On April 7, 2026, British Columbia announced nearly $3.5 million through Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace for 14 company-led pilots in sectors including mining and critical minerals, aimed at advancing commercial adoption of new technologies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: REGDOC-2.13.1 Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy Open Until April 27

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is accepting comments on REGDOC-2.13.1, which details requirements and guidance for safeguards programs for licensees handling nuclear material, including uranium and thorium mining.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Shareholders vote to approve Eldorado Gold deal to acquire Foran Mining: Reporting on approval of the anticipated merger between Eldorado Gold and Foran Mining.
• Eldorado Gold wins investor support to buy copper-focused Foran: Investors back Eldorado Gold's acquisition bid for copper-focused Foran.
• 'Definite demand' for mining engineers as Saint Mary's prepares to launch program: New program will address industry demand for mining engineers.
• N.S. gold mine gets industrial approval to process stockpiled ore: Atlantic Mining Nova Scotia receives approval to process ore at the Touquoy site.
• How northern Ontario researchers are using bacteria-powered tech to extract critical minerals from mine waste: Research underway on new mine waste processing technologies.
• QGold Resources Announces Maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Quartz Mountain Gold Project, Positioning the Company as a Premier Gold Development Asset in the United States: QGold releases PEA for its U.S. project.
• Xali Gold Adds Permitting Expert to Development and Operations Team at Pico Machay Gold Project in Peru: Xali Gold strengthens project team for Peru development.
• Gold: Shareholders vote to approve Eldorado Gold deal to acquire Foran Mining: CTV covers shareholder approval for the Eldorado-Foran transaction.
• 'Definite demand' for mining engineers as SMU prepares to launch program: Saint Mary’s University set to launch new mining engineering program.
• Canada, other G7 nations launch sustainable mining alliance at COP15 Nature meeting: G7 nations agree to new mining sustainability alliance.

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