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.

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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 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

• Senate ENEV Committee to Examine Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Industry with Unifor Local 2121: On February 12, 2026, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will hold a meeting on Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry, with witnesses including Robert Coady, President of Unifor Local 2121, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada officials.
• Senate ENEV Committee to Review Draft Report on Climate Change and Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry: Scheduled for February 10, 2026, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will meet in camera to consider a draft report on climate change as it pertains to Canada’s oil and gas industry.

Federal Government News

CBSA Opens Investigation into Dumping of Oil and Gas Well Casing from Austria

On February 2, 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping of certain oil and gas well casing originating in or exported from Austria, following a complaint by Tenaris Canada. The complaint cites concerns over lost sales and price undercutting affecting Canadian producers. This investigation, launched under the Special Import Measures Act, aims to determine whether Austrian imports are sold in Canada at unfair prices that injure domestic production. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) simultaneously began a preliminary inquiry, with a decision expected by April 3, 2026. If injury is found, the CBSA will announce a preliminary determination by May 4, 2026. The outcome could affect procurement strategies and supply chains in Canadian energy and resource development, where oil and gas well casing is in demand.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Launches Preliminary Injury Inquiry on Austrian Well Casing Imports

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) initiated a preliminary injury inquiry on February 3, 2026, into the dumping allegations related to oil and gas well casing imported from Austria. Tenaris Canada, based in Regina, Saskatchewan, claimed material injury due to unfair pricing. The process operates under the Special Import Measures Act in tandem with the ongoing CBSA investigation. The Tribunal’s role is to determine, by April 2, 2026, if there is a reasonable indication of injury or threat thereof due to alleged dumping. If such an indication is confirmed, the CBSA will conduct further investigations, and the Tribunal may advance to a final injury inquiry. Stakeholders wishing to participate must file a Notice of Participation (Form I).

Sources: www.canada.ca

CNSC Announces Second Part of Rook I Uranium Mine and Mill Project Public Hearing in Saskatchewan

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold the second phase of the public hearing for NexGen Energy Limited's proposed Rook I uranium mine and mill project from February 9 to 12, 2026, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The hearing will feature interventions from Indigenous Nations, communities, and interested parties, both in person and virtually. The outcomes of this hearing may influence regulatory approvals and set engagement precedents for uranium project proponents operating in northern Saskatchewan.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CanNor Allocates $200,000 to Yukon Businesses for Mineral Exploration and Energy Technology

On February 4, 2026, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, announced nearly $200,000 in funding through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) for two Yukon businesses. Capital Exploration Ltd. will receive up to $99,999 to purchase aeromagnetic geophysical survey equipment, strengthening local capacity for mineral exploration and resource management. Solvest Inc. will also receive up to $99,999 for the development and field testing of a modular battery energy storage system (the PowerPod), aimed at reducing diesel dependency and enhancing energy reliability in remote areas. These investments aim to build local expertise in resource extraction and support innovation in northern Canada's mining sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Expands Support for Skilled Trades Apprentices and Training Equipment

The federal government, through Employment and Social Development Canada, has expanded the Union Training and Innovation Program and the Investments in Training Equipment stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. Announced on February 6, 2026, the updates will increase flexibility for unions and training providers, covering shipping and installation costs and enabling federal contributions up to 70% for organizations in remote or infrastructure-limited areas. Eligible parties can apply for funding online, by mail, or email. Budget 2025 introduces a proposed $75-million expansion over three years for union-based training in Red Seal trades, in support of major infrastructure and resource sector workforce requirements.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly Presents Canada’s New Automotive Strategy with Implications for Critical Minerals

On February 6, 2026, Minister Mélanie Joly detailed a national Auto Strategy in Guelph, Ontario, featuring a $3 billion allocation from the Strategic Response Fund and up to $100 million from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative targeting adaptation, growth, and diversification for Canada’s auto sector. The plan aims to expand EV and clean technology investment, introduce new greenhouse gas emission standards for 2027–32, and establish an EV Affordability Program offering up to $5,000 in purchase/lease incentives for battery electric vehicles. To enhance competitiveness and supply chain resilience, the government will maintain counter-tariffs on US auto imports and pursue industrial partnerships, particularly with Korea and China. Strategic investment in critical minerals for batteries and advanced manufacturing is a notable component, with workforce alliances and re-skilling funds for up to 66,000 workers included.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian System of Environmental–Economic Accounts Reports 2022 Emissions and Energy Intensity

According to Statistics Canada’s release on February 5, 2026, the average direct plus indirect energy use intensity for the Canadian economy in 2022 was 3.75 gigajoules of energy per thousand current dollars of output. The corresponding greenhouse gas emissions intensity was 0.26 tonnes of CO2 equivalents per thousand current dollars, offering industry-level insights into energy and emissions efficiency metrics relevant for reporting and compliance frameworks.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases Machinery and Equipment Price Index for November 2025

Statistics Canada’s November 2025 Machinery and Equipment Price Index is now available as of February 5, 2026. The index provides updated pricing data for capital equipment used in the mining and resource sectors, informing budgeting and procurement decisions.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

ESDC Announces Upcoming Funding in Support of Skilled Trades Training

On February 5, 2026, the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), scheduled a funding announcement in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, for the Union Training and Innovation Program, targeting enhanced skill development and certification for the Canadian workforce. The initiative delineates resources to increase productivity and address skills gaps in sectors, including mining and resource extraction.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada Announces Event on Made-in-Canada Energy Innovation

On February 3, 2026, Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, scheduled a funding announcement and closing remarks at the ÉnergiQ Conference in Montreal. The briefing is expected to cover support measures for Canadian energy innovation, a subject pertinent to energy-intensive industries such as mining.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate ENEV Committee Debates Newfoundland Offshore Oil Transition and Indigenous Consultation

At its February 5, 2026 meeting, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources examined Newfoundland and Labrador's offshore petroleum sector. Sierra Club Canada, represented by Gretchen Fitzgerald and Shauna Kelly, raised points about fossil fuel risks and called for renewable energy expansion without subsidies to oil companies. Senators debated feasibility and market readiness for transitions, including offshore wind and hydrogen. Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc., through Derek Simon and Dean Vicaire, described a legal challenge regarding the Bay du Nord project, focusing on Indigenous consultation processes and advocacy for Indigenous-led impact assessments. The meeting set out a range of stakeholder positions on energy transition, industry risk, and Indigenous engagement practices.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Opens Applications for Commercial Carbon Storage Projects

Ontario is now accepting applications for commercial-scale geologic carbon storage projects following the development of a provincial regulatory framework. This step is expected to support emissions reductions for energy-intensive sectors and provide new economic opportunities.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Court Issues $120,000 Fine to Glencore Canada for Mining Workplace Safety Violation

On February 3, 2026, Glencore Canada Corporation was fined $120,000 after a worker sustained critical injuries at their Nickel Rim South Mine. The incident, traced to unaddressed equipment safety failures, led to the conviction under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Steel Shipped for New Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaker Construction

Algoma Steel initiated the first shipment of made-in-Ontario steel to Davie in Quebec for the Polar Max icebreaking vessel. The move supports domestic supply chains and Ontario’s role in Canada's steel and shipbuilding industries.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Engages Indigenous Leaders on Churchill Plus Project in Thompson

Premier Wab Kinew and federal and provincial officials met with First Nations and Métis leaders to discuss the Manitoba Crown Indigenous Corporation and the Churchill Plus development, emphasizing economic partnerships and community engagement as the project advances.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Labour Force Survey Cites Construction Job Growth

B.C. reported an increase of 3,500 jobs in January 2026, including 13,000 new construction jobs over the past year. Recent provincial mine expansions were mentioned as part of ongoing major-project investment strategies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• How a new, more sustainable lithium mining process could kick off the industry in Western Canada: The article discusses the development of new lithium extraction technologies aimed at launching significant lithium mining activity in Alberta.
• Eldorado Gold to acquire Foran Mining for $3.8 billion: Coverage of Eldorado Gold’s planned acquisition, potentially reshaping the Canadian gold and base metals landscape.
• Eldorado Gold and Foran Mining shares tumble after companies announce $3.8-billion acquisition: Investor reaction to the acquisition announcement and its implications for market dynamics.
• Supply Chain Safety: Western Powers Race for Domestic Mineral Sovereignty: Exploration of Western efforts to secure mineral supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainty.
• Saga Metals Acknowledges U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve "Project Vault" and Highlights Titanium's Strategic Importance to North American Defense Supply Chains: Industry discussion of new U.S. strategic stockpiling initiatives and implications for critical mineral production.
• Business Brief: Mined, all mined: A round-up on current trends, deals, and developments in the global mining sector.
• Newcore Gold Commissions Pre-Feasibility Study for its Enchi Gold Project, Ghana: Details on Newcore Gold’s latest project phase and exploration strategy.
• DPM Metals Extends Chelopech Mine Life to Ten Years; Provides Updated Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimate and Life of Mine Plan: Update on life-of-mine planning at the Chelopech underground mine.
• From Alberta's oilfields to geothermal drilling in Scarborough: How the changing energy sector is fuelling a better life for workers: Look at workforce mobility as oilfield workers shift into new energy areas.
• How a new, more sustainable lithium mining process could kick off the industry in Western Canada: Coverage of Alberta’s prospects for rapid growth in lithium mining following process innovations.

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