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: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 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

• Public Safety and National Security reviews Bill C-8, cyber security amendments: The Public Safety and National Security Committee will conduct clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-8, addressing cyber security and telecommunication amendments, on February 10 at 3:30 p.m. Key witnesses include Stephen Bolton (CSE) and Andre Arbour (Industry).
• Senate Banking Committee to review Bill S-3 and access to capital for SMEs: The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy meets February 12 at 10:30 a.m. to review Bill S-3 and discuss SME access to credit. Witnesses include Daniel Wilson and Bryce Tingle from the University of Calgary.
• Senate Banking Committee examines budget provisions and Bill S-3: On February 11 at 4:15 p.m., the Senate Banking Committee reviews elements of Bill C-15 and Bill S-3. Witnesses from Canadian Fuels Association and Sub-metering Council of Ontario will participate.
• Senate Energy Committee considers climate change and oil and gas industry report: The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources meets February 10 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a draft report on climate change and Canada’s oil and gas industry.

Federal Government News

Government unveils automotive and electricity strategies to support EV transition and domestic manufacturing

The federal government released a comprehensive automotive strategy, allocating $3 billion from the Strategic Response Fund and up to $100 million from the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Measures aim to foster growth and diversification in Canada’s auto manufacturing sector, with incentives for clean technology and EV production. New greenhouse gas emission standards for model years 2027–32 are set to replace the previous EV sales mandates, targeting 75% EV sales by 2035 and 90% by 2040. These standards will allow manufacturers to select technologies to meet requirements, and the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard will be repealed. A five-year, $2.3 billion EV Affordability Program introduces purchase and lease incentives and removes price caps for Canadian-made EVs and PHEVs. Infrastructure investments include $1.5 billion for charging and hydrogen refuelling networks. Counter-tariffs on US auto imports are maintained and new international partnerships—including memoranda of understanding with Korea and China—are in place to diversify supply chains and attract joint venture investments. Workforce measures provide $570 million for employment assistance and reskilling supports targeting up to 66,000 workers.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Canada launches sixth green bond issuance

The Department of Finance announced the sixth issuance of Canadian-dollar-denominated green bonds, with this round featuring a new 10-year maturity. Previous issuances, including a $1 billion 30-year bond and a $1.5 billion re-opening of the 7-year bond in 2025, saw robust demand. The program enables investments in clean growth, renewable energy, climate action, and environmental protection, with funds used to mobilize capital for green infrastructure and nature conservation projects. The government confirmed its commitment to regular green bond offerings, leveraging investor interest in green investment opportunities backed by Canada’s AAA credit rating.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiates expiry review of photovoltaic modules and laminates imports from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated an expiry review regarding anti-dumping and subsidy orders on photovoltaic modules and laminates from China. The review will determine the likelihood of continued or resumed dumping or subsidizing should the orders expire. The Canada Border Services Agency will report on this by July 2, 2026, and the Tribunal will decide on the risk of injury to the domestic industry by December 9, 2026. Interested parties may participate by submitting Form I—Notice of Participation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada invests in river-current energy technology demonstration

Natural Resources Canada allocated $4 million to ORPC Canada for demonstrating the RivGen Power System in the St. Lawrence River beginning in 2026. The project will run through 2029, testing real-world deployment conditions and integration. The initiative targets urban and remote communities, aiming to deliver reliable, clean electricity that leverages local resources.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee examines modernization of Canada’s trade measurement laws

At the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, Bill S-3—which updates the Weights and Measures Act and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act—was discussed by Senator Toni Varone and stakeholders. The bill introduces digital technologies for certification, lengthens statutory review cycles to 10 years, and provides flexibility for proactive regulatory updates. Discussions covered stakeholder consultations, regulatory enforcement, accuracy, virtual inspections, global harmonization, and preparedness for regulatory changes among utilities and manufacturers. Cybersecurity concerns for digital measurement instruments were raised, and Measurement Canada's staffing and budget requirements for supporting grid modernization were outlined.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate debates energy transition, offshore wind, and Indigenous-led impact assessments

The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources discussed Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry. Sierra Club Canada, represented by Gretchen Fitzgerald and Shauna Kelly, favored offshore wind development for economic and energy benefits. Challenges remain around renewable reliability and integration. The committee also heard from Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc. (Derek Simon, Dean Vicaire), who described their legal challenge of the Bay du Nord project, advocating for Indigenous-led impact assessments and improved consultation processes.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal investment supports workforce training in climate and low-carbon economy

The Government of Canada committed nearly $10 million to the BC Construction Industry Skills Improvement Council (SkillPlan), with funding supporting the national energy assessment training program for the Red Seal insulator trade. The initiative is part of the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Sustainable Jobs stream, aligned with broader government investments including a proposed $75 million expansion for apprenticeship training announced in Budget 2025.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee reviews high-speed rail project and Competition Act amendments

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance reviewed Bill C-15, covering the Quebec City–Toronto high-speed rail project and related provisions. The project, led by VIA Rail, is backed by a $90 billion budget. Process and transparency measures were discussed, including fair land acquisition and corporate accountability. Competition Act amendments addressed anti-greenwashing claims, updating substantiation requirements and complaint processes.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

StatsCan releases energy use and GHG intensity data for Canadian economy

Statistics Canada published data for 2022 showing the national direct plus indirect intensity of energy use at 3.75 gigajoules per thousand current dollars of output. The corresponding intensity of greenhouse gas emissions was 0.26 tonnes of CO2 equivalents per thousand current dollars of output.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Natural Gas Financial Survey for 2024 now available

Statistics Canada’s 2024 Natural Gas Financial Survey was released, providing updated figures on the financial position of Canadian companies engaged in natural gas transportation and distribution.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Minister Chartrand announces funding to advance mineral exploration and battery storage in Yukon

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency will provide nearly $200,000 to two Yukon businesses. Capital Exploration Ltd. is set to acquire new geophysical survey equipment, bolstering local mineral exploration capacity, while Solvest Inc. will develop and field test a modular battery energy storage system. Both projects seek to enhance energy reliability and reduce dependency on diesel.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario completes Darlington nuclear project ahead of schedule and under budget

Ontario’s Darlington Unit 4 nuclear refurbishment finished four months early and $150 million under budget. The reactor will enter power testing February 12 and reach full capacity soon after, supporting 14,200 jobs and generating enough power for 3.5 million homes.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario opens applications for commercial geologic carbon storage projects

Ontario began accepting proposals for commercial-scale geologic carbon storage, targeting five to seven million tonnes of emissions reductions annually. The regulatory framework provides clarity for project management and environmental protections.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia and Massachusetts sign offshore wind agreement

Premier Tim Houston and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed an agreement committing Nova Scotia to supply clean offshore wind energy to Massachusetts, solidifying market opportunities for upcoming Canadian offshore wind projects.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia government opposes residential electricity rate increase

Nova Scotia rejects Nova Scotia Power’s proposed residential electricity rate increase. The government urges the provincial energy board to maintain rates and questions utility performance, asset valuation, and hiring plans.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta supports scrapping federal EV mandate

Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the removal of the federal EV mandate, citing registration figures and supply limitations for Alberta. The province supports incentives over mandates and will monitor the new emissions standards.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Feedback sought on Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada invited comments on the Salt Springs Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project until February 9, 2026.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Public invited to comment on Marshdale Natural Gas Power Generation Facility

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is accepting input on the Marshdale Natural Gas Power Generation Facility Project proposal until February 9, 2026.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Consultation on Environmental Emergency Regulations, 2019

Environment and Climate Change Canada is soliciting stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness and implementation challenges of the Environmental Emergency Regulations, 2019 until February 13, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation on lithium-ion battery safety requirements

Health Canada requests input on proposed mandatory requirements for lithium-ion batteries and consumer products containing them under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act until February 14, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Comments invited on New Nuclear at Wesleyville Project

Feedback for the New Nuclear at Wesleyville Project is open until February 11, 2026. Funding is available for those participating in the impact assessment process.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• China to Boost Batteries Sector with New Grid Backup Policy: China releases new grid backup policy to stimulate the domestic battery sector.
• UK Looks at Subsidizing Small Modular Reactors to Power AI Boom: UK considers subsidies for small modular reactors to support AI and data center power needs.
• Global News at 5:30 and 6:30: Quebec auditor general investigates electric battery industry subsidies.
• From Alberta's oilfields to geothermal drilling in Scarborough: Energy sector shifts in Alberta expand opportunities for geothermal drilling in Ontario.
• Texas Grid Shows How Batteries Can Help Avoid Winter Blackouts: Texas grid utilizes battery storage to reduce risk during winter peak demand.
• Will soaring electricity rates kill Ontario’s nuclear expansion?: Analysis of electricity rates and their effect on Ontario's nuclear expansion plans.
• Energy Vault announces 100 MW / 870 MWh Long-Term Energy Service Agreement in Australia: Energy Vault secures energy storage service agreement in Australia.
• What international law says about striking energy facilities in war: Legal perspectives on targeting energy infrastructure during conflicts.
• Carney government to replace EV sales targets with rebates, incentives and new fuel efficiency standards: Federal government shifts EV policy from sales targets to incentives and new standards.

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