This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning oil and gas production, wells, drilling, petroleum and fuels refining, pipelines, LNG, hydrocarbons, and all Landman fans. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Canada allocates $28.9 million to clean energy innovation and CCUS research

On March 27, 2026, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson announced $28.9 million in federal funding for 12 projects through Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program, supporting early-stage development and deployment of clean energy technologies. Among the recipients are Carbon Alpha Corp. ($10 million) for a seismic survey design project in Saskatchewan related to carbon capture and storage, and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre ($4.92 million) for CO₂ plume analysis via a new test well. Other funded projects address renewable energy demonstration, smart grid regulatory innovation, and the integration of distributed energy resources. The funding aims to advance CCUS, renewable energy applications, and regulatory innovation for electricity grids.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal government supports CCUS, renewable energy, and smart grids through new investments

Minister Tim Hodgson announced in Markham that $28.9 million will be provided for 12 projects aimed at accelerating clean energy technology commercialization in Canada. $16.9 million targets five CCUS research, development, and demonstration projects, $9.2 million funds three renewable energy projects, and $2.8 million supports four smart grid regulatory innovation and capacity-building efforts. The investments are designed to bring more clean energy to Canadian markets, back industrial decarbonization efforts, and enhance grid resilience for growing electricity demand.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson details Canada's energy strategy and energy security priorities at CERAWeek

At the opening of Canada House during CERAWeek 2026 in Houston, Minister Tim Hodgson stated that Canada will strengthen its dual position as a clean and conventional energy superpower. Hodgson highlighted the nation’s 10% share of global oil reserves, majority of which are in Alberta’s oil sands, offshore oil developments such as Bay du Nord, and extensive natural gas assets. The Minister announced referral of major LNG projects, including Phase 2 of LNG Canada and Ksi Lisims LNG, to the Major Projects Office, as well as continued optimization of the TMX pipeline. The speech reaffirmed Canada’s target of reaching almost 50 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in LNG supply by decade’s end.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada underlines global energy leadership and cross-border cooperation at CERAWeek

During CERAWeek 2026 in Houston, Minister Hodgson met with US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, discussing energy security, affordability, and joint opportunities in oil, gas, and nuclear. The meetings focused on deepening US-Canada energy ties, advancing critical minerals trade, and collaborative priorities. The Minister also toured the Freeport Marine Terminal, emphasizing the role of Enbridge pipelines in connecting Western Canadian crude to global markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Ottawa and Alberta agree on made-in-Alberta methane-emissions reduction plan

The federal and Alberta governments reached an agreement-in-principle permitting Alberta to continue regulating methane emissions via its current system while working toward a 75% reduction from 2014 levels by 2035. The deal aims to avoid regulatory duplication and associated costs. Alberta’s approach, recognized for reducing emissions over 50% since 2014, will rely on outcome-based equivalency under the federal Environmental Protection Act, accompanied by targeted regulatory updates and independent third-party assessment.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

Budget Implementation Act 2025 receives Royal Assent, enacting wide-ranging economic and energy measures

Bill C-15 received Royal Assent on March 27, 2026, implementing measures from Budget 2025. The legislation includes support for federal Clean Electricity and Clean Economy investment tax credits, enhancements to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development program, and a new Productivity Super-Deduction for capital investment. Strategic funds are pledged for critical minerals supply chains via the First and Last Mile Fund, public safety, and defense spending. The government also outlined initiatives for project infrastructure and a response to US trade disruptions, with measures to strengthen export corridors and supply chain resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand discusses energy sanctions with EU at G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

On March 27, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, where they addressed the need to tighten energy-related sanctions on Russia while ensuring global crude supply remains stable. Discussions referenced sustained pressure on Russia and ongoing cooperation between Canada and the European Union in energy security matters tied to geopolitical risks and market volatility.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Natural gas supply and disposition figures for January 2026 released

Statistics Canada published data on natural gas transmission, storage, and distribution for January 2026. The dataset provides updated information on sector flows and infrastructure utilization, supporting industry assessment of demand, capacity, and storage levels.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta announces 120-day major project approval timeline

The Alberta government intends to introduce legislation establishing a 120-day timeline for major project approvals, aiming to support ambitions to double oil and gas production by 2035 while maintaining Indigenous consultation and environmental protections.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta, Ottawa formalize made-in-Alberta methane regulation

Alberta and the Government of Canada agreed to allow Alberta to regulate methane emissions under its own framework, with a 75% reduction target from 2014 levels by 2035. The equivalency agreement is slated for public comment and finalization by year-end.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Geological Survey identifies major lithium resources

A new survey estimates Alberta contains 82.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, potentially ranking it third globally. Provincial efforts are underway to support critical minerals development and attract investment.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia and Ottawa agree to joint environmental project review model

On March 27, Nova Scotia and Canada signed an agreement for a co-ordinated review model for projects requiring both federal and provincial approvals, aimed at clarifying process and reducing regulatory overlap for infrastructure and resource developments, including transmission lines and offshore wind.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

B.C. announces support for hydrogen and helium manufacturing expansion

The B.C. government will provide up to $400,000 to Quantum Technology Corp. in Squamish for manufacturing expansion, targeting growth in advanced helium and hydrogen gas technologies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada is pitching its energy ambitions in Texas — can the oil and gas industry be convinced?: Analysis of Canadian officials’ efforts to attract industry investment at CERAWeek.
• LNG Canada to take lead role on potential Coastal GasLink expansion: LNG Canada may oversee expansion plans linked to the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
• Price surge for Alberta crude from Trans Mountain expansion highlights need for new pipelines, think tank says: Alberta crude price gains after Trans Mountain expansion spark infrastructure debate.
• Ottawa allocates $29-million from Energy Innovation Program for carbon capture, clean tech projects: Report on federal funding for CCUS and clean technology projects.
• Iran war risks long-term shortages, price shocks for global energy and fertilizer markets: Geopolitical conflict in Iran raises concerns over prolonged energy market disruptions.
• ANALYSIS | How the energy crisis could get worse quickly | CBC News: Examination of potential developments that could accelerate the global energy crisis.
• Opinion: Iran oil shock is Canada’s golden opportunity in USMCA talks: Perspective on how recent oil price spikes may factor into North American trade negotiations.
• Posthaste: Middle East oil faces $25-billion repair bill — and that's not the worst of it: Reporting on expected repair costs for Middle Eastern oil producers amid current instability.
• Geotab’s 2025 Sustainability and Impact Report Shows Fleets Cutting Fuel Waste, Reducing Idling by up to 30%, and Electrifying as Energy Costs Rise: Fleet operations adapt in response to higher energy costs.
• Ottawa and Alberta agree on methane-emissions reduction plan: Details on the recently concluded federal-provincial methane agreement.

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