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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Government Surpasses Emissions Reduction Target in Federal Operations

On February 23, Minister Shafqat Ali announced that Government of Canada emissions from real property operations and conventional fleets have decreased by 42.5% as of March 31, 2025, surpassing the 2025 target of 40% below 2005–06 levels. As part of the Greening Government Strategy, 25 new projects have been approved for funding under the Greening Government Fund. These initiatives include testing new low-carbon fuels for government fleets, recycling and reusing textiles, and installing heat pumps that reclaim waste energy from scientific equipment. Since 2019, the fund has provided over $80 million for 130-plus emission reduction projects within government operations. The new projects aim to position government facilities and fleets for progress toward the 2050 net-zero target.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Germany Announce Expanded Industrial Cooperation in Auto and Battery Supply Chains

On February 24, Minister Mélanie Joly signed a joint declaration with Germany's Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, in Berlin to deepen bilateral cooperation in critical industries such as automotive manufacturing and battery supply chains. The declaration creates frameworks to boost bilateral trade and exports of both hydrogen-powered vehicles and electric vehicles, expanding access for Canadian and German firms to each other's automotive sectors. It also commits to closer collaboration on critical minerals and clean energy transition. The agreement supports further investments under Canada’s automotive strategy, which focuses on next-generation vehicles and related technology supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Reviews Bill S-3 to Modernize Electricity and Fuels Metrology

On February 25, the Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy discussed Bill S-3, aimed at updating the Weights and Measures Act and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act. Canadian Fuels Association representatives Lisa Stilborn and Devin O’Grady expressed support for provisions that introduce flexible, modern inspection regimes and remote sampling, noting the implications for evolving fuel blends and biofuels. They cited opportunities for regulatory cost savings and addressed concerns about consumer confidence in blend accuracy. The Sub-metering Council of Ontario, represented by Christopher Holz and Jordan Hamilton, also endorsed the bill, citing expected impacts on the modernization of sub-metering and consumer conservation efforts. Issues considered by the committee included regulatory harmonization and the need to address data privacy concerns and new technology adoption.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Natural Resources Canada Allocates $2.8 Million to Atlantic Canada Forestry and Bioenergy Projects

Minister Tim Hodgson announced, on February 25, $2.8 million in funding for seven projects across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia through federal programs supporting mass timber, bioenergy, and Indigenous-led forestry initiatives. Notably, Vyterra Renewables Nova Scotia Ltd. received $1.75 million to advance a greenfield low-carbon fuel oil facility capable of converting 140,000 tonnes of forest and mill residues into 40 million litres per year of carbon-reduced fuel oil. Additional funding was allocated to the University of New Brunswick for advanced timber housing innovations and a range of Indigenous forestry and forest management planning initiatives. The combined suite of projects supports resource diversification, increased clean fuel production, and the development of export markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Finance Canada Launches Consultation on Automotive Tariff Remission Framework

On February 27, Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the opening of consultations on possible changes to Canada’s automotive tariff remission policy, targeting surtaxes on passenger vehicles manufactured in the U.S. The review forms part of a broader strategy announced February 5 to advance Canadian objectives in auto investment, workforce retention, and supply chain resilience. Stakeholders, including assemblers, parts producers, importers, and unions, are invited to submit feedback by April 13 on proposals that could affect investment incentives and the alignment of trade and industrial policies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Considers Major Transportation Infrastructure and High-Speed Rail

On February 24, the Senate National Finance Committee reviewed Bill C-15, with testimony from Alto executives regarding the $60–90 billion Toronto–Quebec City high-speed rail initiative. Alto described ongoing public and Indigenous engagement, phased construction starting with the Montreal–Ottawa segment, and the need for a clear regulatory mandate to contain inflation and expropriation risk. The committee also covered workforce development, economic modeling, and voluntary agreements for land access. Comparisons were made to HS2 (UK) and California high-speed rail projects, with calls for further project documentation and regulatory clarity.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Sitting: Bill C-4 Debates Privacy in Political Party Rules, LNG Imports

During the February 26 Senate sitting, members debated Bill C-4, focusing on privacy requirements for federal political parties. Some senators proposed amendments (including a sunset clause) in response to concerns about privacy standards and jurisdiction. The chamber also considered topics relevant to the energy industry, including questions regarding LNG imports, and passed Bill C-4 with amendments. Senator Iris Petten tabled the 2026–27 Main Estimates, which have implications for public expenditure in energy infrastructure. The session also addressed agricultural and critical minerals issues before adjourning until March 9.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Minister Hodgson to Announce Critical Minerals Investments at PDAC

Minister Tim Hodgson will participate in several events at the PDAC 2026 Convention in Toronto from March 1–4, including the TSX Market Open and the Canadian Critical Minerals Forum. Hodgson is expected to make a significant announcement on critical minerals, join a signing ceremony, and present an innovation on digital core scanning with Minister Evan Solomon. An announcement with Premier Susan Holt and Minister John Herron of New Brunswick regarding mineral resource development is also scheduled. Government Pavilion activities on March 3 will focus on new federal investments in the critical minerals sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Reports Upward Trend in Non-Residential Capital Expenditures

Statistics Canada’s February 25 dataset shows total capital expenditures for non-residential assets by businesses and government are anticipated to rise by 3.7% to $401.2 billion in 2026, according to preliminary and intentions data. Figures reflect ongoing investment across infrastructure, utilities, and power generation assets.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Natural Gas Transmission, Storage, and Distribution Data – December

Statistics Canada released monthly data on natural gas transmission, storage, and distribution for December 2025, providing updated figures for tracking sector activity and supply.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Introduces Powering the Economy Act for Clean Energy, Offshore Wind Revenue

Nova Scotia’s Powering the Economy Act establishes a revenue framework for offshore wind and new rules for emerging subsurface energy projects, including geothermal and natural hydrogen.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Quebec Releases February 18, 2026 Carbon Market Auction Results

Québec and California’s joint auction generated CA$295 million for GHG emissions units, funding the Electrification and Climate Change Fund and other transition projects.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Backs $250 Million Bruce Power Medical Isotope Expansion with Indigenous Partnership

Ontario grants a loan guarantee through the IOFP to support Bruce Power’s $250 million isotope expansion, reinforcing Indigenous economic participation and strengthening supply in global medical markets.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Launches Critical Minerals Testbed to Accelerate Mining Tech Adoption

British Columbia introduces a provincewide mining and critical minerals testbed under the Integrated Marketplace, beginning with a lithium brine to battery chemical demonstration plant.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Budget 2026 Funds Energy, Infrastructure, and Skills Training Expansion

Alberta's 2026 budget earmarks new capital for oil pipeline planning, greenlights support for nuclear roadmap development, and invests in road and workforce expansion.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

What We're Reading This Week

• SaskPower planning to spend billions to expand, strengthen electrical grid: SaskPower outlines major multi-year grid upgrades for reliability and future growth.
• How Canadian AI can boost energy sovereignty by unlocking the potential in renewables: Analysis of AI’s role in energy security and renewable integration in Canada.
• Vertical integration key to North America’s lithium supply chain: Media considers the impact of vertical integration strategies in lithium for EVs.
• Engie Tries to Catch Peers With $14 Billion UK Power Grid Bet: Review of Engie’s major capital commitment in the UK power grid market.
• Indigenous-led clean energy projects could help clean up Canada's grid, say advocates: Advocates outline the market outlook for Indigenous ownership in Canadian clean energy.
• Enel Jumps on €53 Billion Investment Plan for Europe and US: Report on Enel’s renewed investment focus on renewables across Europe and the U.S.
• R.Power Bets on Battery Storage Boom as Poland Plots Coal Exit: The Financial Post examines battery storage markets amid Polish coal phase-out policies.
• Hillcrest Energy Technologies to Present at the Clean Energy & Renewables Virtual Investor Conference March 5th: Hillcrest Energy announces a presentation focused on renewables for investors.
• Five things we learned from energy investor Les Stelmach: Key investor perspectives on power sector strategies.
• Opinion: Danielle Smith’s referendum plans show the folly of Carney giving further concessions on energy policy: Op-ed discusses political strategies on energy policy trade-offs.

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