This Week in Oil & Gas — Ottawa (#7, 2026)
Federal Bill S-3 receives sector support; Senate discusses gas, fuel blending oversight; StatsCan releases new petroleum data; Canada blocks illegal hazardous exports; Advancements set for Northwest Territories regulation.
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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
Natural Gas Transmission, Storage, and Distribution Data Available for December 2025
Statistics Canada released updated data for December 2025 covering natural gas transmission, storage, and distribution. The dataset is accessible online and contains granular figures on volumes transmitted, received, and held in storage throughout the Canadian gas network. Industry participants may access the full dataset for quantitative insights on December’s market flows, storage levels, and facility-specific changes.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Statistics Canada Releases January Data on Refined Petroleum Product Production and Inventories
Statistics Canada announced the release of detailed January 2026 data on the production and inventories of refined petroleum products. Data is available by request and includes monthly production, transfer, and end-of-month holdings for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refinery outputs. The agency’s release supports market analysis on domestic demand and supply chain trends.
Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca
Canada Thwarts Illegal Export of Over One Million Kilograms of Hazardous Waste
Environment and Climate Change Canada reported the prevention of more than 1.2 million kilograms of hazardous waste from being unlawfully shipped overseas during Operation Demeter XI, conducted in fall 2025. The operation, the country’s largest to date under this international enforcement program, intercepted 59 containers carrying e-waste, used batteries, waste oil, PCBs, and other regulated materials. This joint effort with the Canada Border Services Agency is part of ongoing compliance measures with the Basel Convention. The crackdown signals continued vigilance on environmental compliance affecting waste streams relevant to oil and gas byproducts and hazardous materials.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Federal and Northwest Territories Governments to Announce Steps to Strengthen Regulatory Coordination
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories are scheduled to announce measures to increase regulatory coordination of natural resource development in the territory. The event, led by Minister Rebecca Chartrand and Minister Jay MacDonald, is set for March 1, 2026 in Toronto. This upcoming announcement pertains to regulatory processes for resource extraction and will likely have implications for oil and gas activity planning and approvals in the North.
Sources: www.canada.ca
Senate Passes Bill C-4 with Amendments Addressing Political Party Privacy Provisions
On February 26, 2026, the Senate concluded debate and passed Bill C-4, which included discussions on privacy protections related to political parties. Several Senators, including those sponsoring proposed amendments and sunset clauses, debated the scope of privacy provisions and specific requirements for transparency. The bill now includes amendments and moves to further Parliamentary process. The session also covered LNG import considerations, with Senators referencing energy issues during Question Period.
Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca
Provincial Government News
Nova Scotia Tables Powering the Economy Act for Offshore Wind and Resource Extraction Framework
On February 24, 2026, Premier Tim Houston introduced legislation creating financial and regulatory structures for offshore wind, onshore oil and gas, geothermal, hydrogen, and carbon storage projects. The Act repeals the previous Petroleum Resources Act and establishes new revenue and permitting rules, including fixed and percentage-based levies on offshore wind.
Sources: news.novascotia.ca
British Columbia Amends Natural Resource Permitting to Accelerate Development
B.C. announced four regulatory amendments impacting water sustainability and riparian areas that change requirements for certain industrial and restoration activities. The revisions will allow select construction and remediation at oil and gas sites to proceed more quickly, especially after wildfires or for lower-risk operations.
Sources: news.gov.bc.ca
Nova Scotia Budget Allocates Funds for Energy, Natural Resources and Market Diversification
The 2026-27 Nova Scotia budget includes new allocations for hydrogen, offshore wind, and gas research, with $25 million over multiple years for Dalhousie University’s Subsurface Energy Research and Development Investment Program supporting responsible natural gas exploration.
Sources: news.novascotia.ca
Alberta’s Budget 2026 Invests in Energy Infrastructure and Pipeline Planning
Alberta’s Budget 2026 includes $15 million for early-stage work on a proposed West Coast oil pipeline, plus funding for bitumen royalty system upgrades and engagement on nuclear energy regulation. The Petrochemicals Incentive Program will see an $87 million commitment, and system enhancements to support the Bitumen Royalty In Kind program.
Sources: www.alberta.ca
Alberta Outlines Spring 2026 Session Focused on Reducing Investment Barriers and Regulatory Requirements
The Alberta government is preparing legislation to reduce red tape, streamline approvals for major projects, and introduce a new framework for interprovincial trade. Further legislation is anticipated regarding oversight of immigration and more efficient project approval paths.
Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week
- New cross-border U.S. pipeline proposal could revive idle Keystone XL assets: analysts: Analysts weigh potential for repurposing Keystone XL assets under a new pipeline initiative.
- Under the radar, ahead of the curve: How AltaGas diversified energy exports to Asia years ago: AltaGas’ early move into Asian LNG and LPG markets draws renewed attention.
- Five things we learned from energy investor Les Stelmach: Investor commentary explores strategy and energy market trends.
- PHX Energy Announces a Special Dividend and Record Fourth Quarter and Annual Revenue Supported by Strong RSS Activity: PHX Energy releases dividends and earnings tied to drilling activity.
- Dalhousie University puts out call for interest in natural gas development in Nova Scotia: Dalhousie seeks industry partners for expanded gas sector research.
- Data-informed decision-making enhancing project confidence: The use of analytics in energy project management expands across North American firms.
- Opinion: Danielle Smith’s referendum plans show the folly of Carney giving further concessions on energy policy: Commentary on proposed referenda and implications for policy flexibility.