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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Canada to Release 23.6 Million Barrels in IEA-Coordinated Oil Reserve Action

On March 13, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Timothy Hodgson confirmed Canada’s participation in the International Energy Agency’s largest-ever coordinated release of oil stocks following disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Canada, as the IEA’s largest oil exporter, will release 23.6 million barrels, coordinated between federal and provincial governments. The measure aims to support market stability and energy affordability, with a specific focus on alleviating gasoline price spikes. Canadian natural gas exports are also set to expand in coming months, in coordination with international partners and domestic producers. The federal government noted its ongoing, collaborative efforts with provinces and industry representatives to ensure supply stability, positioning Canada as a key contributor to allied energy requirements during the volatile period.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CITT Finds Reasonable Indication of Injury in Anti-Dumping Probe of Forged Grinding Media from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal, reporting to Parliament via the Minister of Finance, issued a preliminary finding March 11 that imports of forged grinding media from China, subject to dumping and subsidizing allegations, have caused injury to domestic producers. The Tribunal's inquiry, part of case PI-2025-008 under the Special Import Measures Act, follows investigations initiated by the Canada Border Services Agency. The CBSA is expected to render preliminary determinations by April 10. The CITT’s finding paves the way for potential application of provisional duties or tariffs pending the outcome of the full investigation. The Tribunal’s mandate covers issues relating to dumped and subsidized imports, customs appeals, and tendering complaints.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Invests $6.4 Million in Electrification at Ontario Trap Rock Facility

On March 13, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon announced a $6.4 million investment at R.W. Tomlinson Ltd.’s Ontario Trap Rock facility through the Green Shipping Corridor Program. The funding will enable the facility to implement an electric-powered ship loading system, replacing diesel haul trucks transporting aggregates to dockside in Bruce Mines, Ontario. The modernization is designed to reduce emissions from the marine sector and improve construction material supply chain efficiency throughout the Great Lakes. The facility is a critical supplier of construction aggregates, presently employing 50 workers with significant remaining reserves. Tomlinson intends to expand the dock and increase shipments up to 25% annually, with anticipated benefits for local employment, safety, and reduced truck traffic.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Probes Progress on 2030 Emissions Plan and Industrial Carbon Pricing

The Senate Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, chaired by Joan Kingston, held its 25th meeting on March 12 to review Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan. Environment and Climate Change Canada officials Alison McDermott and Judy Meltzer testified on declining national emissions against a backdrop of economic growth. The hearing covered industrial carbon pricing, provincial agreements on methane, and the integration of climate considerations in infrastructure, with additional discussion of carbon sequestration with Agriculture Canada and AI’s role in emission reduction for transport. Expert witnesses, including Rick Smith and Dr. Damon Matthews, reviewed policy efficacy, leading indicators in energy investment, and the necessity for national carbon price harmonization. Nuclear energy, land protection, and decarbonization challenges across various sectors were also discussed, with attention to the distribution of policy levers between federal and provincial governments.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Banking Committee Assesses SME Access to Capital and Implications for Mining Exploration

The Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy met March 12 to examine financing conditions for small and medium enterprises, including early-stage resource exploration firms. Andrew Creech of the TSX Venture Exchange recommended a permanent Mineral Exploration Tax Credit and expanded flow-through shares to support capital formation. Richard Carleton of the Canadian Securities Exchange discussed challenges in the pipeline from angel and venture capital to public markets, declining IPO volumes, and regulatory obstacles restricting retail investor access. Senators and witnesses debated tax reforms, harmonization of securities regulations, and modernization of market infrastructure. The session called for further analysis on policy tools to improve SME access to public and private capital.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Addresses Canada’s Role in Global Energy Market Stability

A March 11 statement from the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources responded to ongoing volatility in global energy markets, driven by instability in the Middle East and disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. The Government of Canada outlined efforts using the Major Projects Office, regulatory streamlining, and financial tools to accelerate project development and increase export capacity. Engagements with Canadian industry are underway to determine opportunities for expanded production. The ministry commented on affordability concerns for domestic consumers and reiterated support for multilateral action via Canada’s standing in international alliances.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Significant Federal Investment in Sectoral Workforce Data for Mining and Resource Sectors

On March 9, the Minister of Jobs and Families, Patty Hajdu, detailed a $94.5 million commitment over five years through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to enhance labour market information in key sectors, including mining, energy, construction, forestry, and agriculture. Fourteen organizations will be developing data products, employer toolkits, and forecast reports to improve workforce coordination and address skills shortages. The aim is to strengthen sector readiness amid ongoing changes in the global and domestic labour market.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy Includes Green Skills for Mining-Related Trades

The federal government announced updates to the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, effective from March 9, focused on supporting skilled trades training relevant to resource and emission-reduction work. Under the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Sustainable Jobs stream, up to $24.7 million will be allocated over five years for green training initiatives in Red Seal trades within Quebec and across Canada. This program, expected to reach 3,750 apprentices and journeypersons in Quebec, will cover trades pertinent to sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and construction.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Infrastructure Economic Account and Environmental Industry Data

On March 13, Statistics Canada issued its annual Infrastructure Economic Account, updating 2025 estimates for investment, remaining service life, and environmental impacts across the public and private sectors. The release incorporates revised inputs from the Capital and Repair Expenditures Survey and 2022 supply and use multipliers. Complementary data include the Annual Survey of Environmental Goods and Services, providing updated production figures for environmental products by industry, and an interactive dashboard covering first-quarter 2026 business conditions in rural and small-town Canada, relevant to mining and supply chain operators.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

B.C. and Simpcw First Nation Launch Negotiations for Consent Agreement on Yellowhead Copper Mine

The Environmental Assessment Office and Simpcw First Nation began formal negotiations for a co-ordinated decision-making agreement on the Yellowhead Copper mine, with potential impacts on regulatory clarity for the proposed project near Vavenby in Thompson-Nicola.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Mine Rescue Joins Ontario Corps to Support Provincial Emergency Response

Ontario added Ontario Mine Rescue (OMR) to the Ontario Corps partnership on March 13, expanding emergency response capacity for mining-related and other provincial emergencies by leveraging OMR’s specialized personnel and equipment.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Environmental Assessment Office Seeks Input on Expedited Assessment Process

The Environmental Assessment Office in British Columbia opened consultations on a proposed expedited assessment process for major infrastructure projects, which could reduce review times to 20 months. Feedback is being collected from stakeholders, including First Nations, industry, and the public.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Mining Investment Surges as Global Conflicts Induce Further Gold Price Rally and Exploration: The article covers recent gold price movements and new exploration activity.
• Canada Nickel gives progress update to Timmins business community: Canada Nickel Company discussed project timelines and milestones in Northern Ontario.
• NevGold Mobilizes Drill To Test Historical Leach Pads To Advance The Near-Term Antimony Production Scenario at Limo Butte: Coverage of NevGold’s latest drilling and extraction efforts in Nevada.
• Domestic Metals Completes Surface IP Geophysical Survey at Smart Creek and Announces Amendment to Warrant Terms of Unit Private Placement: Summary of Domestic Metals’ exploration progress and financing update.
• Newcore Gold Increases Drill Program to 60,000 Metres at the Enchi Gold Project, Ghana: Details on Newcore Gold’s expansion of drilling activity in Ghana.
• The Gold Mining Scene Continues to Shine Amid Conflict-Driven Price Surge: Analysis of gold sector trends amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
• First Atlantic Closes No-Warrant Non-Brokered Private Placement Financing to Advance Pipestone XL Atlantic Canada Nickel-Cobalt Alloy (Awaruite) Project: Update on project funding for nickel-cobalt development in Atlantic Canada.
• Eldorado Gold CEO, board chair announce retirements in middle of $3.8-billion Foran Mining takeover: Story tracks major leadership changes at Eldorado Gold during a key transaction.
• Mining Inspectorate Recommends Mining Lease Approval for Leading Edge Materials' Norra Karr Heavy Rare Earth Elements Project—Submits to the Swedish Government for a Final Decision: The mining inspectorate’s lease recommendation moves a rare earths project to the next regulatory stage.

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