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: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 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

• House Committee on Natural Resources to Review Canadian Energy Exports: On April 21, the House Committee on Natural Resources will hear from Export Development Canada, LNG Canada, Advanced Biofuels Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association, and FPInnovations on Canadian energy exports from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Transport Committee Addresses Ports Modernization and Human Resource Challenges: Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee meets April 20 to discuss modernizing Quebec and Canada’s ports, featuring witnesses from BC Marine Terminal Operators Association and Canada Steamship Lines, and will also review human resource challenges at NAV CANADA and the Canada Border Services Agency.
• International Trade Committee Schedules Session on Free Trade within Canada: International Trade Committee convenes April 23 for a session on domestic free trade, with testimony from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Maple Leaf Foods, Canadian Construction Association, and Canada West Foundation.
• Senate Committee to Examine Bill S-4, Amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act (April 21): Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee meets April 21 to consider Bill S-4, hearing from Efficiency Canada, Canadian Environmental Law Association, and The Atmospheric Fund.
• Senate Committee Schedules Further Review of Bill S-4 (April 23): On April 23, the committee will continue Bill S-4 hearings, with the Assembly of First Nations and additional witnesses providing input on legislative amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act.

Federal Government News

Federal Government to Temporarily Suspend Fuel Excise Tax on Gasoline, Diesel, and Aviation Fuels

The Department of Finance Canada announced plans to amend the Excise Tax Act, temporarily setting federal excise tax rates at 0 cents per litre for gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels from April 20, 2026, through September 7, 2026. The measure is in response to elevated fuel prices tied to disruptions in global oil supply stemming from ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Heating oil, natural gas, and propane remain outside the scope of this tax. The suspension is expected to offer over $2.4 billion in tax relief for manufacturers, importers, and wholesalers throughout the fuel supply chain, which may flow through to downstream market participants. Full excise rates are scheduled to resume on September 8, 2026. Details on affected fuels, timing, and the legislative proposal are provided by the Department of Finance.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Finalizes Early Decision on Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project in Alberta

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) issued an early decision regarding the Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project in Alberta on April 17, 2026. Following a review process under section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act, IAAC determined that potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction are limited or adequately regulated by federal and provincial frameworks. Relevant regulatory instruments considered include the Migratory Birds Convention Act, Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, and the Historical Resources Act. Consequently, no further federal impact assessment is required for the project, and TransAlta Corporation must now secure any subsequent federal and provincial permits. The decision and rationales are detailed in IAAC's Notice of Early Decision.

Sources: www.canada.ca

PS Corey Hogan to Address Energy Storage Alberta Summit

Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, is scheduled to speak at the Energy Storage Alberta Summit in Calgary on April 16, 2026. The address will cover initiatives relevant to strengthening electricity reliability and enhancing competitiveness. The session is open to accredited media, with registration required through the Alberta Renewables Association.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases National Input-Output Tables for 2024

Statistics Canada published the national input-output tables for 2024, with revised data for 2022 and 2023. The tables provide an overview of inter-industry transactions and sectoral interdependencies that inform economic analysis for oil, gas, and related supply chain participants.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Employment Data by Industry in Rural Canada for March 2026 Period Released

Updated employment metrics for rural Canada by industry, as of March 2026, are available through a new interactive dashboard. The resource offers sector-specific insights relevant to upstream and midstream oil and gas operations situated in rural regions.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Tables Expedited Approvals Act for Major Projects

The Alberta government announced legislation establishing a 120-day timeline for regulatory approvals of qualified major projects, including oil and gas infrastructure meeting capital investment thresholds and other criteria.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

BC Provides Funding to Marine Clean-Energy Ventures

Four companies in British Columbia each received $100,000 through the COAST Innovation Challenge to support maritime renewable energy and remote operations, as part of the province’s Look West economic strategy.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba and Ottawa Advance Churchill Plus Project Streamlining

Premier Wab Kinew and Prime Minister Mark Carney met to reinforce a federal-provincial agreement aimed at authorizing major infrastructure and energy corridor projects under a single review process.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia Adopts Stronger Air Quality Regulations

Nova Scotia’s Department of Environment and Climate Change will impose stricter limits on 26 regulated air pollutants from June 1, updating requirements for power stations and extractive industries.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

BC Convenes Task Force on Iran War Supply Chain Impacts

British Columbia launched an internal task force to monitor and plan for potential supply chain disruptions that could affect local energy and industrial sectors as a result of the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Industrial carbon price eroding Canada’s competitiveness: oil and gas leaders: Industry concerns about competitiveness linked to carbon pricing.
• Canadian energy leaders, investors meet for CAPP Energy Symposium amid Mideast war, pipeline push: Pipeline development and geopolitical risk at forefront at national industry gathering.
• Canadian oil and gas losing competitive edge due to industrial carbon price: industry leaders: Oil and gas firms comment on headwinds created by the current carbon price regime.
• Oil & Gas Virtual Investor Conference: Presentations Now Available for Online Viewing: Company updates and investor presentations from energy sector virtual forum.
• RBC, Scotiabank scrap emissions targets for oil and gas lending: Major Canadian banks adjust lending criteria regarding oil and gas emissions reductions.
• Confidence waning among energy industry that new oil pipeline will be fast-tracked, survey finds: Industry survey reports declining optimism for expedited pipeline approvals.
• Canada well-positioned for energy exports amid Iran turmoil, Scotiabank CEO says: Commentary on Canada’s export prospects as global energy markets respond to Middle East events.
• Danantara to Step Up Middle East, Energy Security Investments: International firm signals fresh investment focus on Middle East and energy security.
• There's a silver lining in the Iran war ceasefire for Canada's oil and gas industry: Analysis of positive outcomes for the sector following developments in the Iran conflict.
• Opinion: When an oil shock is renewable energy’s best friend: Perspective piece on oil price shocks and renewable energy sector opportunities.

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