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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Minister Hodgson to Announce Major Critical Minerals Initiatives at PDAC 2026

The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, is scheduled for a series of official activities at PDAC 2026 in Toronto, March 1–4. On March 2, Minister Hodgson will take part in the TSX North American Mining Market Open Ceremony and deliver keynote remarks at the Canadian Critical Minerals Forum, which is hosted by Invest in Canada and Natural Resources Canada in partnership with Global Affairs Canada. The day’s agenda also includes a digital core scanning announcement with Minister Evan Solomon and Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay, as well as a joint federal-provincial mineral resource development announcement with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Minister John Herron. On March 3, Hodgson is set to announce new investments in Canadian critical minerals at the Government of Canada Pavilion. Livestreams and further details are available on Canada.ca and TMXGroup platforms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Northwest Territories to Announce Steps for Regulatory Coordination of Resource Development

The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories will announce measures to improve regulatory coordination for natural resource development in the territory. On March 1, 2026, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand (Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CANNOR) and the Honourable Jay MacDonald (Environment and Climate Change/Justice, Northwest Territories) will detail the joint initiative at the Invest North of 60 Reception in Toronto. The announcement targets more coordinated processes to facilitate resource extraction and development projects in the North.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Annual Mineral Production Survey with 2025 Preliminary Estimates

Statistics Canada has published the results of the Annual Mineral Production Survey for the 2024 reference year, alongside preliminary figures for mineral production in 2025. The dataset provides up-to-date production levels for a broad range of minerals across the country and is available at statcan.gc.ca. Industry stakeholders can reference these figures for operational and market planning.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Non-Residential Capital and Repair Expenditures Data for 2024–2026 Released

Statistics Canada posted revised non-residential capital and repair spending data for 2024, preliminary results for 2025, and intentions for 2026. Combined business and government capital outlays are projected to rise 3.7%, reaching $401.2 billion in 2026. The dataset is available via the StatsCan Daily.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Refined Petroleum Products Data for January 2026 Published

Production and inventory data for refined petroleum products, from January 2026, can now be requested from Statistics Canada. The dataset captures the output and stock levels of refined petroleum products relevant to mining and resource operations and is available on demand.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Freight Rail Services Price Index for February 2026 Available

February 2026 data for the Freight Rail Services Price Index, with base year 2018=100, has been released by Statistics Canada. The index reflects changes in rail freight service costs, which can affect mineral transport expenses.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

B.C. Launches Provincewide Mining and Critical Minerals Testbed

British Columbia introduced a new mining and critical minerals testbed as part of its Integrated Marketplace program, enabling companies like EMP Metals and Saltworks Technologies to demonstrate lithium brine refinement technologies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Province Approves Copper Mountain Mine Expansion

B.C. approved Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits for the New Ingerbelle expansion at Copper Mountain, extending the mine’s life by around 12 years and supporting 800 positions.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia Premier Highlights Critical Minerals at PDAC

Premier Tim Houston is attending PDAC 2026 to engage with developers, investors, and federal officials on critical mineral prospectivity and announced the Goldboro gold project’s expected economic contributions.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Regulatory Changes Improve Natural-Resource Permitting in B.C.

Regulatory amendments have altered permitting requirements for natural-resource projects in British Columbia, targeting reduced project timelines for sectors including mining and site remediation.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Invests $950,000 in Waste Management Infrastructure Supporting Mining in Lynn Lake

The Manitoba government committed $950,000 under the Manitoba GRO program to expand the regional solid waste facility serving Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation, supporting infrastructure for mining projects in the region.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Lessons from Saskatchewan on how to build a top mining jurisdiction: Provincial strategies for advancing mining leadership.
• Ontario tops all Canadian jurisdictions in mine industry investment appeal: Ontario's recent ranking on mining investment highlights regulatory confidence.
• Pathway to unlocking Canada’s critical minerals advantage: Examination of Canada’s positioning in the global critical minerals economy.
• Proposed Ring of Fire mine in northern Ontario clears another regulatory hurdle: Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire project advances with new regulatory approval.
• Greater Sudbury providing an answer to Canada’s critical minerals future: Sudbury’s role in supplying critical minerals for industry demand.
• Future of Mining Challenge delivers water solutions: Mining innovation challenge addresses sector water use.
• Canada has the tools to turn mineral wealth into economic strength: Analysis of transforming Canada’s mineral resources into economic outcomes.
• Urgently needed: more mining workers: Coverage on the mining industry’s workforce needs.
• Province invests in $51 mining equipment manufacturing plant: Saskatchewan invests in new mining equipment manufacturing.

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