This Week in Oil & Gas — Ottawa (#15, 2026)
Federal government approves $4B Sunrise natural gas expansion in BC; Fuel excise tax suspended nationwide until Labour Day; Tribunal finds injury from dumped foreign oil tubular goods; Pipeline and LNG expansion discussed; New data on natural gas, petroleum, and price indexes released.
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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25
📋 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
- Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Apr. 28): The Committee will meet April 28 to review Bill S-4 (Energy Efficiency Act amendments), report on energy and environment issues, emissions reduction progress, and the 2026–2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy draft.
- Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Apr. 30): On April 30, the Committee will hold clause-by-clause consideration of Bill S-4, which proposes amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act.
Federal Government News
Government of Canada Approves $4 Billion Sunrise Expansion Program in British Columbia
Natural Resources Canada approved Enbridge’s $4-billion Sunrise Expansion, increasing British Columbia's natural gas transmission by 300 million cubic feet per day. Announced by Minister Tim Hodgson, the project aims to support domestic demand for heating and industry, as well as supply LNG export facilities such as Woodfibre LNG. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with peak activity adding as many as 2,500 jobs, including significant involvement from Indigenous communities. The expansion is expected to contribute over $3 billion to GDP and generate $700 million in federal and provincial taxes. This development is part of federal efforts to enhance energy security and trade diversification, particularly targeting Asian markets.
Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Temporarily Suspends Federal Fuel Excise Tax
Effective April 20, 2026, the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel is suspended nationwide until September 7, 2026. The government estimates this will reduce fuel prices at the pump by 10 cents per litre for gasoline and 4 cents for diesel. The measure is intended to reduce operating costs for businesses in transportation, food, agriculture, housing, and related sectors. The excise tax on aviation fuel is also suspended during this period. These reductions aim to bring immediate cost relief amid global supply uncertainty, with anticipated indirect effects on energy sector transportation costs and logistics operations.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Tribunal Finds Injury from Dumped Oil Country Tubular Goods—Anti-dumping Duties Ordered
The Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined that dumped oil country tubular goods from Mexico, the Philippines, Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States have injured the Canadian industry. Resulting anti-dumping duties will be applied and collected by the Canada Border Services Agency. The findings respond to complaints from Interpro Pipe & Steel Inc. and Welded Tube of Canada Corp. Reasons for the decision will be published May 6, 2026. The ruling may influence sourcing costs and planning for upstream and midstream oil and gas operators relying on tubular imports.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Minister Tim Hodgson Marks One Year of Nation Building, Announces New Approvals and Investment Initiatives
In a keynote speech in Toronto, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson reflected on a year of federal action to accelerate major energy and resource projects, citing the establishment of the Major Projects Office and a Canada-Alberta agreement on 'One Project, One Review.' Hodgson detailed federal approval for new uranium mines, further pipeline infrastructure expansion (including the Sunrise Expansion), and measures to facilitate export diversification toward Asian energy markets. The remarks included references to federal-provincial cooperation on carbon pricing, methane agreements, investment in critical minerals, and trade initiatives focused on reducing vulnerability to international supply chain disruptions.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Government Announces Direct Affordability Support—Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
The federal government introduced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, providing a one-time top-up to the GST credit in June 2026 and a 25% permanent increase in July. Over 12 million Canadians are expected to receive the benefit, with targeted amounts up to $1,890 this year for a family of four. These fiscal transfers are positioned as offsetting cost increases surpassing the general inflation rate. The initiative is presented in parallel with fuel tax relief as part of broader measures to bolster household and business financial conditions.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Minister Dabrusin Engages in International Environment and Energy Dialogues in Berlin and Paris
Minister Julie Dabrusin took part in the Petersberg Climate Dialogue (Berlin) and related G7 Environment Ministers' Meetings (Paris), where Canadian positions on emissions reduction, industrial carbon pricing, and the energy transition were conveyed to international counterparts. Discussions ranged from investment mobilization for nature and clean technologies to specific commitments under the Paris Agreement and Canada's partnership with countries such as Japan and the UK. Coordination around global market access and climate-related industrial policies may inform future government approaches affecting oil and gas project approvals and international trade.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Defence Investments in Saskatchewan Include Technology Funding and Support for Regional Firms
PrairiesCan announced more than $8.2 million in funding for three defense sector projects in Saskatchewan, supporting advanced manufacturing, testing facilities, and AI-enabled drone systems. Participating organizations include Parkland Welding & Machine Ltd., the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Digital Integration Centre. While primarily affecting the defense sector, these investments have downstream implications for local supply chains, engineering, and potential crossover with oilfield service technology and industrial fabrication.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Monthly Data Released on Natural Gas, Petroleum and Refined Product Supply
Statistics Canada published February 2026 data for natural gas transmission, storage, and distribution, and March 2026 data for production and inventories of refined petroleum products. Figures are available upon request and provide reference points for tracking midstream capacity, supply-demand balances, and inventory trends in liquid hydrocarbons.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca
Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indexes Rise Sharply in March
Statistics Canada reported the Industrial Product Price Index increased 2.4% month-over-month and 7.8% year-over-year in March 2026, while the Raw Materials Price Index rose by 12.0% month-over-month and 23.6% year-over-year. These price movements may affect cost structures for oil, gas, and petrochemical producers.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Monthly Energy Transportation and Storage Data Published for February 2026
February 2026 data on crude oil and petroleum product transportation and storage are now available. The data provide an updated perspective on flows and storage utilization across regions and modes, informing planning for pipeline operators and downstream refiners.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Business R&D Spending in Environmental and Clean Technology Reported for 2022 and 2023
Statistics Canada released new data on business R&D outlays for environmental and clean technology products for 2022 and 2023. The report supplies benchmarking for innovation and capital allocation in areas relevant to emissions management and technology adoption by oil and gas and related sectors.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Provincial Government News
Alberta Waives Tariff on Crude Exports to South Korea
Alberta reached an agreement with South Korea’s customs authority to eliminate a 3% tariff on Alberta crude, with diluted bitumen from Canada now qualifying as Canadian-origin. Export values to Korea could increase significantly, depending on refinery demand, with 2025 exports reaching almost $400 million.
Sources: www.alberta.ca
Alberta Signs Investment MOU with Hanwha Group Including Energy Projects
The Alberta government concluded a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Group, spanning investment and cooperation in energy, manufacturing, and defense. The deal is expected to open avenues for commercial partnerships and technology exchange in the province’s key industrial sectors.
Sources: www.alberta.ca
Alberta Launches $50 Million Future Fuels Challenge with Federal Fuel Tax Dollars
Emissions Reduction Alberta will administer a new $50-million fund from federal fuel taxes to support the development of low-emission fuel technologies, including refinery efficiency, biofuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture projects.
Sources: www.alberta.ca
Ontario Moves Legislation to Accelerate Permitting and Project Delivery
Ontario introduced the Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, proposing reductions in permitting requirements and regulatory reviews for business and infrastructure projects. The legislation aims to facilitate investment and accelerate project timelines, including those relevant to energy and resource development.
Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week
- Oilsands have strong growth potential, but pipeline constraints loom: Enverus: Analysis suggests pipeline capacity remains a challenge for Canadian oilsands expansion.
- National Bank CEO urges Quebec to tap reserves of energy and natural resources: The National Bank’s chief executive calls on Quebec to utilize its untapped energy resources.
- Enbridge’s pipeline expansion, Apple and Lululemon’s new CEOs and a rocky road ahead for USMCA talks: Must-read business and investing stories: Pipeline expansion features alongside broader business developments and trade agreement challenges.
- Five things to know about Nova Scotia’s plans to develop onshore natural gas: Details emerging plans for natural gas development in Nova Scotia.
- Danielle Smith: Nova Scotia could be a natural gas superpower, too: Alberta’s premier discusses Nova Scotia's potential in the natural gas sector.
- Video: Ukraine ready to restart oil flows via Druzhba pipeline, operator MOL says: Pipeline operator MOL updates on resumption of Ukrainian oil flows.
- Ontario advances national partnership and energy expansion strategy: Ontario announces new initiatives increasing national energy cooperation.