October 04, 2026 to October 10, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Productivity Mega Deduction Enacted, Immediate Expensing Extended to Mining and Energy Assets

On October 9 in Beaupré, Quebec, Minister Joël Lightbound promoted the federal Productivity Mega Deduction, a significant reform to Canada's business tax system. The deduction now allows businesses to immediately expense a broad array of capital investments, expanding eligibility from approximately 15% to over 65% of assets, including mining properties, oil and gas pipelines, and research and development expenditures. The measure is now permanent, providing businesses with long-term certainty over large capital allocations. Federal government projections indicate this will lower the marginal effective tax rate on new business investment from about 13% to 6.4%, below U.S. rates. Officials say these tax advantages are intended to foster domestic investment, affecting asset classes relevant to mining, infrastructure, and resource sector operations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Formalize 'One Project, One Review' Impact Assessment Process

On September 8, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador finalized a cooperation agreement to simplify environmental and impact assessments for projects subject to both federal and provincial review. The agreement outlines a 'one project, one review' framework, permitting authorities to select the most suitable assessment process case-by-case. It includes mechanisms for information sharing, coordinated communication, and upholds statutory duties for Indigenous consultation. The approach seeks to minimize regulatory duplication, with the aim of faster infrastructure and resource project delivery within the province. Similar arrangements are already in place with several other jurisdictions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Continues Anti-Dumping Measures on Oil Country Tubular Goods

Following expiry review RR-2025-006, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal on October 7 ruled to continue anti-dumping duties on oil country tubular goods from Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, South Korea (excluding Hyundai Steel Company), Thailand, Türkiye (excluding Borusan Mannesmann Boru Sanayi ve Ticaret), and Vietnam. The Tribunal withdrew its order with respect to Ukraine, concluding the risk of injury was no longer present for Ukrainian imports. Anti-dumping duties remain in place for the cited jurisdictions, and Canada Border Services Agency will enforce these measures. The Tribunal's decision maintains long-standing trade protections for domestic manufacturers and importers of these energy-related inputs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Data: Critical Minerals Reached $26.3B Contribution in 2024

Statistics Canada's October 8 release sets the economic impact of Canadian critical mineral production at $26.3 billion for 2024, equating to roughly 0.9% of national GDP. The critical mineral segment accounted for 33.4% of the overall mining and mineral sector, as defined by the Natural Resources Satellite Accounts. This data is made available amidst continued industry and policy focus on critical minerals for supply chain strategic planning and investment.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Sector-based Producer Price Indexes Introduced, Covering Mining Inputs and Commodities

On October 9, Statistics Canada released the inaugural Sector-based Producer Price Indexes, capturing price trends for energy, non-energy, goods, and services sectors. Developed with Bank of Canada methodology, the indexes will support analysis of inflation and producer pricing, with direct application to mining, oil, and industrial commodity stakeholders. Coverage includes insights into firms’ price-setting behaviour relevant to resource extraction and mineral processing.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Government Publishes 'What We Heard' Reports on Forced Labour Ban Consultations

On October 8, the Government of Canada released summary reports from consultations on forced labour in supply chains and import bans, associated with Bill C-35. Inputs were collected from labour associations, industry groups, civil society, and businesses. Stakeholders supported stronger enforcement, alignment with international partners, and transparent, risk-based regulation. Feedback on prospective due diligence and civil liability measures was mixed, with some support for requiring entities to mitigate forced labour risks and disclose compliance. The reports will inform future regulatory action on import controls affecting mining supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Court Rules Federal Impact Assessment Act Unconstitutional

On October 9, the Alberta Court of Appeal found that the federal Impact Assessment Act remained unconstitutional despite recent amendments, according to Premier Danielle Smith and Minister Mickey Amery.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Awards $1.5 Million in Funding for Mineral Exploration and Education

Nova Scotia announced support for 17 mineral exploration, research, and education projects in 2026-27, including lithium and antimony initiatives and earth science educational programs, totaling $1.5 million in investment.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Steel Producer Fined Following Workplace Fatality

Algoma Steel Inc. was fined $200,000 after a contracted worker was fatally injured in a nitrogen-purged pipeline at the Sault Ste. Marie plant; the Ministry of Labour found safety measures for confined spaces were not in place.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Oil and Gas Service Firm Fined for Workplace Injury Incident

Artis Exploration Ltd. received a $114,000 fine related to a 2024 workplace injury at an oil battery site; charges for another firm involved are pending a November court hearing.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Opens on Proposed Policy Pertaining to Species at Risk Act Agreements and Permits

Environment and Climate Change Canada launched a consultation on October 5 concerning the Policy on Agreements and Permits under Sections 73 and 74 of the Species at Risk Act; the window is open until November 17.

Sources: species-registry.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Eldorado Gold’s Skouries Mine receives EU Strategic Project designation: The project in Greece gains status under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
• Provinces urge expansion of federal mining credits: Several provinces are lobbying Ottawa for broader investment tax incentives in the resource sector.
• Proposed Whitehorse framework may double area for mineral exploration: The policy could unlock significant new land for northern industry activity.
• N.W.T. makes first national drill core data deposit: The territory leads contributions to a national geological data library.
• Jason Rasevych on critical minerals investing in Canada: Sector insights discussed on CBC Radio's Superior Morning.
• Greenland Mines expands critical-minerals platform: Company acquires greater stake in AnorTech, broadening critical minerals reach.
• Xali Gold advances exploration permitting in Peru: Public workshop completed for the Pico Machay project.
• Greenland Mines President joins global leaders at Arctic Circle Assembly: Invitation to mining policy roundtable in Iceland.
• Terra Clean Energy acquires drilling services for Utah uranium project: 10,000-foot core program set for Marysvale site.

.