July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026

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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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Maritime Provinces Advance Electricity System Integration Through Memorandum of Understanding

On July 23 in Charlottetown, premiers from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance regional electricity planning and system integration, backed by Natural Resources Canada. The initiative intends to identify legislative, regulatory, and operational opportunities for greater regional co-operation, aiming to reduce costs, boost reliability, and attract capital investment across the Maritimes. The agreement comes as energy costs in the Atlantic provinces have outpaced growth in household income and GDP, while existing system constraints are limiting economic development. Federal participation aligns with Powering Canada Forward: Canada’s National Electricity Strategy. The anticipated outcomes include unlocking new renewable development, improving system flexibility, and reducing investment duplication, supporting energy security and competitiveness in Atlantic Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment in Prince Edward Island–New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion Project

Natural Resources Canada announced a $5.9 million investment for PEI Energy Corporation to advance the Prince Edward Island–New Brunswick Interconnection Expansion Project. The funds target engineering, marine surveys, environmental assessments, stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, regulatory work, and preliminary route and substation design, with construction scheduled to commence by 2028. PEI relies heavily on transmission connections with New Brunswick to supply its electricity needs. The expansion features two new 200-megawatt submarine cables and the modernization of substations in both provinces. This project was designated a priority at the June 2026 Energy and Mines Minister’s Meeting and aligns with the Transmission InterConnect Investment Strategy recently referred to the Major Projects Office. The investment is intended to improve regional reliability and facilitate meeting future demand in Atlantic Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Consultation on Draft Legislation for Multiple Tax Measures, Including Energy Reforms

The Department of Finance released draft legislative proposals for stakeholder consultation, targeting several tax measures affecting investment, productivity, and clean growth. Proposals include amendments to the Disability Tax Credit, confirming the taxable status of the Red Seal Completion Bonus, changes to the Investment Tax Credit for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) adding enhanced oil recovery eligibility at reduced credit rates, and reinstatement of accelerated capital cost allowance for eligible LNG equipment and facilities. Additional points address the taxable status of investment income of foreign affiliates, simplified transfer pricing documentation, hybrid mismatch arrangements in accordance with OECD/G20 recommendations, GST/HST reverse charge mechanism for telecom sector, and amendments for agricultural quotas and book rebates. Stakeholder feedback is due by September 4, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Construction Begins on Enbridge Sunrise Expansion Program in British Columbia

Enbridge’s $4-billion Sunrise Expansion Program in British Columbia commenced construction, following federal approval in April 2026. The project expands the Westcoast natural gas pipeline, adding 300 million cubic feet per day in transportation capacity to meet growing provincial and LNG export demand. The expansion is projected to generate 2,500 jobs—including for local Indigenous communities—a $3 billion boost to GDP, and $700 million in tax revenue. Thirty-eight Indigenous communities secured a 12.5 percent ownership stake supported by the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee. The project accentuates local supply chain involvement, using Canadian-made steel. It is positioned to reinforce Canada’s energy sovereignty, industrial capacity, and national supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Draft Agreement with Quebec Aims to Accelerate Major Project Reviews

Canada and Quebec announced a draft agreement to institute a "one project, one review" system for major infrastructure projects, seeking to minimize duplication and streamline assessment processes. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and Quebec's Ministry of the Environment released the agreement for public and Indigenous input until early August. The approach aims to maintain robust environmental protections, respect Indigenous rights, and boost economic predictability, while supporting growth in export capacity and creating thousands of high-paying jobs. The model follows impact assessment agreements concluded with other provinces.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedNor Investment to Advance Hydroelectric Project at Latchford Dam

FedNor allocated $90,360 for the Communities of the Montreal River Power Corp. toward a project to install a one-megawatt hydroelectric turbine at the Latchford Dam in Northern Ontario. Funding will support hiring a project coordinator to update feasibility studies and concept design, evaluate viability, and prepare regulatory submissions to the Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO). Participating communities include Temagami First Nation, Timiskaming First Nation, Coleman Township, and Town of Latchford. The effort targets clean electricity generation and sale to the provincial grid.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and Ten Mi’kmaw Communities Complete Net Metered Solar Project in Nova Scotia

Ten Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia completed a net metered solar initiative following a joint investment exceeding $4.8 million from the federal government and participating communities. Ulnooweg Development Group coordinated funding, with Bayside Renewables and Eskasoni Renewables installing solar systems. The project enables the communities to generate and supply their own electricity and pay only the net difference consumed from the grid, contributing to reduced energy costs and local employment in renewable construction.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and Provincial Investment Supports Energy Efficiency Upgrade for Marystown Community Hall

St. Gabriel’s Hall in Marystown, Newfoundland and Labrador, will receive accessibility and energy-efficiency upgrades from federal and provincial investments totaling $1.3 million. Planned renovations include a concrete access ramp, automated entrance doors, accessible dressing room, and improvements to foundation, windows, walls, and roof. The upgraded facility will host various community events in an energy-efficient environment.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand Broadens Trade and Energy Relations with Pakistan

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand concluded a diplomatic visit to Pakistan—the first by a Canadian foreign minister in nearly two decades—meeting government leaders to strengthen trade and bilateral relations. Key outcomes included furthering negotiations towards a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, a new protocol enabling Canadian canola seed imports, and encouragement for increased investment in Pakistan’s clean energy sector. Canadian developer JCM Power will start development of a 240 MW hybrid wind-solar project near Karachi. Minister Anand announced over $2.2 million for joint security projects, plus $45 million for development assistance, including climate resilience and health initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases May 2026 Natural Gas Transmission, Storage, and Distribution Data

Statistics Canada published new data for May 2026 covering natural gas supply, storage, and transmission activity. The data offer industry insight into current gas disposition and infrastructure utilization, supporting ongoing analysis for energy planning and operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

BC Hydro Advances First Utility-Scale Battery Storage Project on Vancouver Island

BC Hydro launched procurement for a 100 MW battery storage facility adjacent to the Vancouver Island Terminal Substation near Duncan, targeting service by 2030.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

FortisBC Moves Forward with $2 Billion Tilbury LNG Facility Expansion

Regulatory amendments allow FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG Facility Phase 1B expansion to proceed, supporting marine fuel switching and enabling Musqueam Indian Band equity participation.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Quebec Announces Review of Renewable Source Gas Regulation

The Quebec government will review the Regulation concerning renewable source gas, aiming to promote local production and minimize import reliance, with input from the Energy Board.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

BC Hydro to Deploy 3,500 Public Charging Ports by 2035

BC Hydro will triple its charging network, adding new high-capacity hubs across British Columbia under a $700-million investment.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia Funds Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Seafood and Aquaculture Companies

The province is distributing $2.22 million to 20 seafood and aquaculture companies through the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund for technology adoption and operational improvements.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Opens on Amendments to Electricity and Gas Inspection Regulations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is seeking input from service providers, manufacturers, and device owners for proposed changes to electricity and gas inspection rules until August 2, 2026.

Sources: gazette.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Maritime provinces sign energy deal in PEI, consider regional electricity operator: Analysis of Maritime energy co-operation MOU.
• N.B. Premier touts new collective approach for Maritime electric grid: Coverage of New Brunswick’s perspective on regional grid planning.
• BluWave-ai technology to regulate electric vehicle charging in Ontario: Look at EV charging regulation technology.
• Why a multibillion-dollar electricity infrastructure gap is threatening Ontario’s housing goals: Discussion on grid constraints impacting housing development.
• Largest US Grid Has Two-Month Deadline for Overhaul Amid AI Boom: FERC’s action on grid overhaul amid growth in AI demand.
• Maritime provinces to consider regional electricity operator: Update on regional operator discussions.
• Opinion: With his Iran war folly, Trump emerges an unlikely clean-energy champion: Commentary on US energy policy shifts.
• Building resilience against climate change — one community at a time: Article on community infrastructural responses.
• Trump administration admits grants for clean energy were canceled based on politics: Reporting on grant cancellation admissions.
• Statement on Progress in the Mining Sector: Nova Scotia’s focus on critical minerals sector.

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