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

📋 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 to examine Canadian energy exports with industry witnesses: The House of Commons Natural Resources Committee will meet on April 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to study Canadian energy exports. Witnesses include Export Development Canada, LNG Canada, Advanced Biofuels Canada, and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
• Science and Research Committee to discuss Canada-China electric vehicle arrangement (April 20 & 23): On April 20 (3:30–5:30 p.m.) and April 23 (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.), the Science and Research Committee will hold hearings on the implications of the Canada-China Preliminary Joint Arrangement for Canada’s electric vehicle sector, with academic and industry witnesses scheduled across both sessions.
• Senate Energy Committee reviews Bill S-4, Energy Efficiency Act amendment: The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will discuss Bill S-4, an amendment to the Energy Efficiency Act, on April 21. Testimony will be provided by Efficiency Canada, Canadian Environmental Law Association, and The Atmospheric Fund.
• First Nations perspectives on Bill S-4 at Senate Energy Committee: On April 23, the Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources will continue considering Bill S-4, with the Assembly of First Nations supplying witnesses during the 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. session.

Federal Government News

Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project receives early federal decision from Impact Assessment Agency

On April 17, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) announced its early decision on the Flipi Gas-Fired Generation Project in Alberta. Following a review involving federal and provincial regulators, stakeholders, and Indigenous groups under the Impact Assessment Act, IAAC determined that the project's potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction would be either limited or addressed through existing legislative frameworks. These include the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and several Alberta acts such as the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Consequently, no further federal assessment will be required, and the proponent, TransAlta Corporation, will now pursue any outstanding federal and provincial permits and authorizations. The decision closes the federal impact assessment process for this project.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security launches Critical Infrastructure Resilience Initiative

On April 17, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security introduced the Critical Infrastructure Resilience and Escalated Threat Navigation (CIREN) initiative. CIREN is designed to support organizations in the energy, telecommunications, transportation, and water sectors by preparing for severe cyber threats. The program encourages entities to isolate critical systems, develop independent operational plans, and establish strategies for recovery following major cyber incidents. The Centre points to the increasing threat posed by both state-sponsored and non-state actors, leveraging technological advancements such as artificial intelligence to increase impact and speed of attacks. This initiative sets the expectation that critical infrastructure operators prepare for extensive disruptions, including readiness to function independently for up to three months.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Mangrove Lithium inaugurates North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refining facility with federal backing

Natural Resources Canada, represented by Minister Jill McKnight, announced support for Mangrove Lithium’s new facility in Delta, British Columbia on April 16. The facility marks the first commercial implementation of electrochemical lithium refining in North America, expected to process enough battery-grade lithium to supply approximately 25,000 electric vehicles annually. Mangrove Lithium received a conditional investment of up to $21.9 million through the Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration program. The development is a step toward strengthening Canada’s domestic battery supply chain and reducing reliance on foreign processing, as Canada holds an estimated 6.5 million tonnes of lithium resources and is the seventh-largest producer globally.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal impact assessment concludes for Mihta Askiy Data Center Project in Alberta

On April 17, the IAAC completed its federal review of the Mihta Askiy Data Center Project in Alberta. The Agency determined that any potential adverse effects under federal jurisdiction are limited or addressed by current laws, including the Migratory Birds Convention Act, Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act and multiple Alberta statutes. As a result, no further federal assessment is needed. Cree Ative Datacenter Corp GP will now move on to the necessary regulatory permissions at both federal and provincial levels.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Dabrusin to present Canadian clean growth, energy, and regulatory strategy at Petersberg Climate Dialogue and G7

Minister Julie Dabrusin is scheduled to attend the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin (April 21–22) and the G7 Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Paris (April 23–24). The agenda includes advancing decarbonization strategies, reinforcing Canada’s role in global clean energy supply, and outlining approaches to methane mitigation, grid modernization, and regulatory frameworks around clean growth. Meetings are also planned with Japan on environmental and climate impacts. Canada’s domestic regulatory and investment climate is being positioned as an advantage in the global clean technology and energy transition.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Electric Power Selling Price Index update for February 2026 released by Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada has published the Electric Power Selling Price Index for February 2026, using a 2014 base year. The latest dataset provides pricing trends for the sector, enabling market participants to compare recent movements against historical indexes for electric power rates in Canada.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Natural Resources Canada schedules remarks at Alberta Energy Storage Summit

On April 16, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will deliver remarks at the Energy Storage Alberta Summit. The agenda targets issues of electricity grid reliability, competitiveness, and the future role of energy storage technologies in supporting these outcomes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Upcoming mining announcement and recent critical minerals funding highlighted by Minister McKnight

Minister Jill McKnight, on behalf of Minister Tim Hodgson, is expected to mark the commissioning of Mangrove Lithium’s new refining facility on April 16 in Delta, BC. Media availability will address new federal critical minerals funding streams, as outlined during the 2026 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario introduces Peak Performance Program targeting summer peak electricity demand

Ontario launched the Peak Performance program on April 17, which incentivizes large commercial and institutional buildings to reduce HVAC use during high summer demand. Eligible sites can receive $20 per kilowatt for reductions, with the goal of cutting peak demand by up to 230 MW by 2027.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia funds clean-energy marine projects through COAST Innovation Challenge

Four companies—Ascent Systems Technologies, Cleohydron Innovation, Mostar Labs, and Voltai—each received $100,000 to support renewable energy and storage solutions for B.C.'s marine sector. The province aims to support maritime electrification, resilience, and local industry growth.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta proposes 120-day approval time frame for major project developments

Alberta introduced Bill 30, the Expedited 120-Day Approvals Act, on April 14 to accelerate approvals for priority infrastructure projects with capital investments over $250 million. Qualified projects must complete environmental and Indigenous consultation processes prior to designation.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Stronger air quality regulations take effect in Nova Scotia from June 1

Nova Scotia unveiled updated Air Quality Regulations, increasing the regulated pollutants from six to twenty-six. These rules tighten emission standards for industrial facilities, including power generation plants, under the provincial Environment Act.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Stephen MacDonald appointed Deputy Minister of Energy in Nova Scotia

On April 14, Stephen MacDonald was named Deputy Minister of Energy for Nova Scotia, following his tenure at EfficiencyOne. The leadership change is positioned to support implementation of provincial energy initiatives.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation underway on CNCS Safeguards and Nuclear Material Accountancy requirements

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is consulting on REGDOC-2.13.1, which covers safeguards for licensees and applicants handling nuclear materials or operating uranium and thorium mines. The review period is open until April 27, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• EU to Bet on Electrification to Avert Recurring Energy Crises: European Union shifts toward grid electrification strategies.
• Clean energy groups call for East-West grid connections, investments in renewables: Advocacy persists for nationwide grid interconnection in Canada.
• B.C. faces surge in electricity demand, looks to dust off big dam plans: Rising demand in British Columbia prompts reconsideration of hydro dam projects.
• Industrial carbon price eroding Canada’s competitiveness: oil and gas leaders: Industry leaders discuss the impact of carbon pricing on competitiveness.
• States Rush to Build Clean Energy Projects to Tap Expiring Incentives: U.S. states accelerate clean energy project timelines due to incentive timing.
• Takeaways from AP-Grist reporting on federal support for rural renewable energy: Synopsis of federal programs aiding rural renewable energy growth.
• Global energy crisis set to sharpen China’s clean-tech advantage: World market dynamics highlight increasing Chinese clean-tech influence.
• Understanding Energy: Storage | Shift - NB | On Demand | CBC Listen: Radio feature on developments in energy storage.
• Global Power Solutions Corp. Submits Expression of Interest for 15 MW Waste-to-Energy Project in Democratic Republic of Congo: Canadian firm targets international waste-to-energy development.

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