This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements, and other government-related news concerning power generation and transmission, wind and solar, utilities, midstream companies, batteries and energy storage, LNG, biofuels, as well as nuclear. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Natural Resources Committee Reviews Canadian Energy Exports and Critical Minerals: The House of Commons Natural Resources Committee will discuss Canadian energy export policy and hold an in camera session on development of critical minerals at its meeting on April 14 (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.).
• Environment Committee Considers 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: The Environment and Sustainable Development Committee is scheduled to review and discuss the effectiveness of the country's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan on April 14 (3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.), including drafting instructions for related reports.
• Transport Committee to Discuss Infrastructure Bank Loan to Mersey River Wind Project: On April 15 (4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.), the Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee will examine the Canada Infrastructure Bank's loan to the Mersey River wind project, with testimony from Minister Gregor Robertson and industry stakeholders.
• Senate Committee Reviews Bill S-4, Amending the Energy Efficiency Act: On April 14 (6:30 p.m.), the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will consider Bill S-4 and hear testimony from Minister Tim Hodgson and officials from Natural Resources Canada.
• Senate Committee Discusses Energy Efficiency and Federal Sustainable Development: The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources meets April 16 (8:00 a.m.) on matters including Bill S-4 and progress reports related to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

Federal Government News

Canada Invests Over $11 Million in Quebec Battery Innovation Projects

On April 8, 2026, Natural Resources Canada announced more than $11 million for three projects under its Energy Innovation Program aimed at battery industry acceleration in Quebec. Nano One Materials Corp. will receive $4.3 million to scale up lithium iron phosphate production, supplementing a previous $5-million grant. EcoPro Lithium Inc. is set to receive $6 million to scale the production of battery-grade lithium metal and ultra-thin lithium anode foil for use in next-generation batteries. NanoXplore will receive approximately $700,000 for prototyping high-power lithium-ion cells, adding to a prior $2.75-million grant. These funds are intended to expand domestic battery material manufacturing and strengthen the Canadian supply chain for batteries and critical minerals, particularly in Quebec, which accounts for nearly a quarter of the country's battery firms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Announces $10.6 Million for EV Charging Infrastructure Expansion

At the EV & Charging Expo in Toronto on April 8, Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, detailed $10.6 million in new federal funding supporting 14 EV charging projects throughout Canada. More than 1,600 new chargers will be installed, broadening network access in both large urban areas and smaller communities. Additionally, $1.1 million in new funding supports Plug’n Drive’s cross-country EV test drive tour, designed to engage residents with information and demonstrations related to EV ownership and charging. This measure aligns with federal transportation electrification priorities and seeks to position Canada prominently in the vehicle electrification and advanced battery supply sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Saskatchewan’s Nuclear Supply Chain Development

Prairies Economic Development Canada announced $625,100 for Saskatchewan’s nuclear supply chain on April 7. Funding will be channeled to the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers’ Association, the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, and Southeast Techhub Incorporated. The grant supports local businesses with supplier education, accreditation, and connections within the nuclear value chain as the province pursues opportunities in small modular reactors and related sectors. Saskatchewan’s provincial government is also contributing $286,000. These initiatives are intended to enhance regional capacity for nuclear research, manufacturing, and services.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Advances Investigation into Keyera’s Proposed Natural Gas Liquids Acquisition

On April 8, the Competition Bureau announced it has obtained a federal court order relating to the proposed acquisition of Plains All American Pipeline LP’s Canadian natural gas liquids business by Keyera Corp. The investigation is reviewing whether the transaction could lessen competition or create barriers for entrants and competitors in the Canadian oil and gas midstream sector, particularly around the Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta hub. The order compels Inter Pipeline Ltd. to provide relevant documents and information to assist the investigation. This step underscores continued regulatory oversight on significant infrastructure transactions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Outlines $11.7 Million in EV Charging and Awareness Projects

Natural Resources Canada detailed on April 8 a set of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and awareness projects valued at $11.7 million across Canada. Recipients include municipal, private, and non-profit entities, with major installations planned for the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (178 Level 2 and 84 Level 3 chargers), Société de gestion Cogir S.E.NC. in Quebec (981 Level 2 chargers), and Lakeland EV Charging in Ontario (26 Level 3 ports). The package includes education funding for Plug’n Drive’s EV outreach. Funding will facilitate new and rapid-charging infrastructure in urban and rural locations, and support further public education on EV technology.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Targets Green Jobs and Skills Training in Natural Resource Sectors

On April 7, Natural Resources Canada announced $30 million in funding for the Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs, creating 900 job placements over two years in energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences, and clean technology. Ten organizations are funded, including the Clean Nova Scotia Foundation ($5.6 million), Environmental Careers Organization of Canada ($5.04 million), and Electricity Human Resources Canada ($3.08 million). The goal is to create employment and skills training for youth in STEM and related fields, contributing to ongoing workforce development for the sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment in Energy-Efficient Community Retrofit in Tors Cove, NL

The Government of Canada is providing over $120,000 through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program for energy-efficiency renovations at Tors Cove Hall, Newfoundland and Labrador. Announced on April 7, planned upgrades include a new heating system, upgraded doors, lighting, and kitchen improvements. The renovation is intended to reduce both carbon output and operating expenses for the facility.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Funding Announced for Low-Carbon Chemical Production from CO2

On April 7, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced up to $1.24 million in funding for Anodyne Chemistries Inc., under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriScience Program. The project will develop and demonstrate a process converting CO2 and water into formic acid and hydrogen peroxide, offering reduced reliance on petrochemical feedstocks and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This technology aims to supply chemicals used for feed preservation, livestock health, and equipment sanitation in Canadian agriculture.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Secures 1,300 MW of New Power in Major Procurement Initiative

The Government of Ontario announced approval of 14 new electricity generation projects totaling over 1,300 MW, following its largest competitive procurement process. The projects deliver new generation capacity with a reported 73 percent lower cost than previous Feed-in-Tariff contracts.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Legislature Passes Powering the Economy Act

Nova Scotia concluded its legislative session with the passage of the Powering the Economy Act, establishing new frameworks for offshore wind, updating electricity sector regulations, and enabling regulation of subsurface energy sectors including geothermal, natural hydrogen, and carbon storage.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Approves Eigg Mountain Wind Energy Project

The Eigg Mountain wind project in Antigonish County received environmental assessment approval on April 9. The 154 MW facility is expected to supply power to roughly 49,280 homes and begin operations in 2028, subject to 57 environmental and health-related conditions.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Premier Engages Energy Sector in Calgary Meetings

Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia is in Calgary for meetings with energy companies and industry associations to promote development opportunities in the province’s natural gas and offshore wind resources.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Launched on Electric Vehicle Import Quota Allocation from China

Global Affairs Canada opened consultations on April 7 regarding the allocation and administration of import quotas for electric vehicles from China. Feedback will inform Canada’s long-term approach to EV import quota policy.

Sources: international.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario unveils plans for more power generation from renewable energy projects: Ontario introduces initiatives supporting additional renewable power generation.
• Premier Holt vows structural changes to address NB Power’s soaring electricity rates: Premier Holt of New Brunswick announces intentions to address electricity rate increases.
• Does the war in Iran signal a structural shift for energy markets?: Ongoing conflict in Iran examined for possible impacts on global energy markets.
• Sask. NDP releases plan for energy grid that would reverse government's doubling down on coal: Saskatchewan NDP outlines a proposal to reduce coal reliance in the provincial electricity grid.
• Energy Security in a Shifting World: Why New Supply Frontiers Matter: Analysis of supply diversification and security in the international energy sector.
• Kingdom Energy Storage Platform Backed by Stonepeak Executes First Project Financing Facility: Details on the Kingdom energy storage platform's initial project financing agreement.
• States are struggling to meet their clean energy goals. Data centers are to blame: US states highlight data center energy usage as a challenge to meeting renewable targets.
• A potential alternative to peak power plants | Information Morning - NS | CBC Listen: CBC reports on innovations in alternatives to traditional peak power generation in Nova Scotia.
• ECB's Elderson Presses Green-Transition Pitch After Energy Surge: Discussion of central banking perspectives on green transition following recent energy price volatility.

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