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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 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

• Standing Committee on Science and Research to Hold Hearings on Canada-China EV Sector Arrangement: On April 27, the House Committee on Science and Research will hold hearings on the implications of the preliminary Canada–China EV sector arrangement, with witness sessions from 3:30–5:30 p.m.
• Science and Research Committee to Review Draft Reports and Research Funding Criteria: On April 30, the committee will meet to consider reports on antimicrobial resistance and AI, and receive drafting instructions for research funding criteria and Canada–China EV sector implications (11 a.m.–1 p.m.).
• Senate Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee to Discuss Energy Efficiency and Federal Sustainable Development: The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources will meet on April 28 to discuss Bill S-4 (amending the Energy Efficiency Act), endangered wildlife status, emissions reduction progress, and the 2026–2029 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
• Senate Committee Holds Clause-by-Clause Review of Bill S-4, Energy Efficiency Act Amendment: On April 30, the Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee will conduct a clause-by-clause review of Bill S-4, which amends the Energy Efficiency Act, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Federal Government News

Federal Government Approves $4B Sunrise Expansion Program for British Columbia

On April 24, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced the federal approval of the Sunrise Expansion Program, authorizing a $4-billion expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline in British Columbia. The program will add 300 million cubic feet per day of transportation capacity to B.C.’s gas transmission system, start construction in the summer, and serve industrial, residential, and commercial demand. The program aims to support the province’s energy supply as new LNG export infrastructure, including the Woodfibre LNG facility, comes online. The project is projected to add over $3 billion to Canada’s GDP, is expected to generate over $700 million in tax revenue, and will create 2,500 jobs at peak construction. Indigenous communities are included as project partners, and Enbridge has spent $52 million on Indigenous hiring and services so far.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Delivers Annual Energy and Resources Address to Empire Club

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson delivered a keynote at the Empire Club in Toronto on April 24, marking his first year in office with a review of policy and project implementation. He detailed the formation of the Major Projects Office, now overseeing 15 projects and six strategies representing $126 billion in investment, and highlighted the Canada–Alberta Memorandum of Understanding and successes with ‘One Project, One Review’. Recent approvals named include the Taylor to Gordondale pipeline and two uranium mines, and the new Sunrise Expansion pipeline. Hodgson also referenced the Prime Minister’s trade agreements, including access to Asian markets for LNG and new strategies in the forest and mining sectors. Upcoming goals cited include announcing and implementing strategies for electricity and nuclear energy, advancing more projects through to construction, and fulfilling steps in the Canada-Alberta MOU on pipelines, oil sands, and data centre infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Dabrusin Leads Canadian Delegation at Petersberg and G7 Environment Forums

From April 21–24, Minister Julie Dabrusin and Environment and Climate Change Canada officials participated in the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin and the G7 Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Paris. The agenda spanned emissions reduction, finance for nature conservation, trade, critical minerals cooperation, and energy transition in advance of COP31. Dabrusin co-chaired multilateral meetings on climate finance, discussed scaling private investment in environmental initiatives, and examined progress under the Paris Agreement. The G7 forum advanced agreements on water, ocean protection, and measures against IUU fishing, including collaboration with France and Japan. Throughout, Canada maintained focus on the domestic–global interface for environmental governance and economic competitiveness.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Suspends Fuel Excise Tax on Gasoline and Diesel Until September

On April 24, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced in Iqaluit the suspension of the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel, effective April 20 through September 7, 2026. The suspension is expected to reduce retail prices by 10 cents per litre for gasoline and 4 cents per litre for diesel. Federal tax relief has also been extended to aviation fuels. The measure is aimed at supporting lower operating costs for trucking, food, agriculture, and logistics industries, in addition to household relief. Alongside tax cuts, the government also launched the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, a GST credit-based payment launching in June and July for over 12 million Canadians. The policy is part of a broader affordability and energy security agenda.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases February 2026 Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution Data

Statistics Canada published updated data on natural gas supply, transmission, distribution, and storage for February 2026. The dataset provides industry with official figures on transportation capacity and utilization—relevant amid increased gas infrastructure activity and export market shifts.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Statistics Canada Publishes New Data on R&D Expenditures in Environmental and Clean Technology

Statistics Canada released business research and development expenditures data related to environmental and clean technology products for 2022 and 2023. The data encompasses spending levels and activities, supporting stakeholders' analysis of sectoral innovation and competitiveness.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Federal and Municipal Investments Back New Solar Generation in Fort Frances

On April 22, federal funding of $589,762 was announced for a rooftop solar energy system at the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre in Ontario, under the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The system aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions and cut electricity costs through on-site generation, with cost savings redirected towards local community programs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Invests Over $13 Million in Nunavut Energy and Infrastructure Initiatives

On April 22, Minister Rebecca Chartrand announced over $13 million in funding for four Nunavut projects. Recipients include environmental studies for the Kivalliq Hydro‑Fibre Link, funding towards business planning for a development hub in Iqaluit, and support for advanced Arctic hydrographic surveying. The Grays Bay Road and Port, previously referred to the Major Projects Office, will receive planning and data support. These initiatives tie into federal priorities for Arctic infrastructure and security.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Commits $23 Million for Siemens Canada R&D Centre

On April 21, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly—at HANNOVER MESSE—announced $23 million from the Strategic Response Fund toward Siemens' $70 million research and development centre for battery production. The site aims to accelerate battery innovation, support the automotive supply chain, maintain and increase high-skilled jobs, and strengthen electric vehicle technology ties between Canada and Germany. This investment is designed to advance Canada’s position in the North American battery ecosystem.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Supports Transit Modernization in Nova Scotia Rural Communities

On April 24, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Gregor Robertson announced a $148,000 investment for transit studies in rural Nova Scotia. Projects include modernizing Tidal Transit’s fleet for lower-emission vehicles, reviewing transit system efficiency in Inverness County, and researching zero-emission transit options in Mahone Bay.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Fast-Tracks Red Lake Transmission Line and Launches New Hydroelectricity Program

The Ontario government declared the Red Lake transmission line a priority project and designated Hydro One as the developer, expediting regulatory approvals for new grid infrastructure in the mining region. Ontario also launched the Northern Hydro Program to renew large hydroelectric contracts and started a major procurement for new hydro and storage.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario and Yukon Begin Partnership for Small Modular Reactor Deployment

Ontario and Yukon signed a partnership agreement to advance SMR deployment in the Yukon, with Ontario Power Generation and Yukon Energy collaborating on groundwork and sharing of nuclear expertise and regulatory best practices.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Releases Nuclear Energy Advisory Panel’s Report

Alberta published the Nuclear Energy Engagement and Advisory Panel’s report, summarizing province-wide feedback and offering recommendations on enabling a competitive nuclear energy industry, including regulatory coordination and Indigenous participation.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Launches $50 Million Program for Low-Emission Fuel Technologies

Emissions Reduction Alberta will manage the new Future Fuels Challenge, investing federal tax revenue into projects that reduce emissions and support innovation in Alberta's refining and biofuels sectors.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Upper Afton Wind Project Secures Environmental Assessment Approval in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia approved environmental assessment for the Upper Afton Wind Project, a Membertou Development Corp. and EverWind joint venture, set to begin construction in 2027 to produce energy for green hydrogen.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Import Quota Administration for EVs from China

Global Affairs Canada is accepting feedback through May 1 on proposed rules for allocating the import quota for electric vehicles from China.

Sources: international.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• The AI Power Surge: Why Energy Infrastructure Is Becoming the Next Critical Bottleneck: Overview of energy infrastructure limits impacting AI industry expansion.
• Hydro Ottawa powers customers’ net-zero transitions: Feature on decarbonization initiatives supported by Hydro Ottawa.
• UK Moves to Delink Power and Gas Prices in Bid to Cut Costs: The UK government's strategy to separate power prices from gas costs.
• The future of electricity is wind and solar, new report says. Canada is lagging behind: Report commentary on Canada's standing in wind and solar electricity deployment.
• Renewable energy met all new demand for electricity in 2025: report: Analysis of renewable energy covering all new electricity demand in 2025.
• Ontario advances national partnership and energy expansion strategy: Insight into Ontario's strategy for national grid and energy development.
• American Fusion Inc. (OTC: AMFN) Working Toward Scalable, High-Efficiency Energy Systems Designed to Meet Growing Demands of AI-Driven Workloads: Company update on scalable fusion energy systems for AI applications.
• New report from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners: Electrification could cut Europe’s fossil fuel imports 80% by 2050: Findings on Europe’s electrification potential and fossil fuel reduction.
• Challenge accepted: Schneider Electric helps industry turn toughest problems into competitive advantage: Industry analysis of Schneider Electric strategies.
• Danielle Smith: Nova Scotia could be a natural gas superpower, too: Opinion piece on Nova Scotia’s natural gas potential.

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