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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Issues Statement on Global Energy Stability

On March 11, 2026, Natural Resources Canada released a statement on Canada's position as a major energy producer amid volatility triggered by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and military actions in the Middle East. The Minister indicated that Canada is actively fast-tracking projects through mechanisms such as the Major Projects Office, the Canada–Alberta MOU, and regulatory changes, aiming to support stable energy supply for Canadians and international allies. Efforts are underway to expand export capacity, improve domestic energy security, and participate in multilateral action on energy stability. Canadian industry is currently assessing the scale and pace of potential action, with more developments promised in the coming days. The statement referenced affordability concerns tied to energy price fluctuations and Canada's ongoing approach to global energy market stabilization.

Sources: www.canada.ca

IEA Member Countries Coordinate Unprecedented Oil Stock Release

On March 13, 2026, Natural Resources Canada announced that Canada, together with the International Energy Agency’s 32 member countries, will undertake the largest-ever coordinated release of oil stocks to address volatility in global energy markets driven by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Canada will contribute 23.6 million barrels, leveraging its role as the world’s fourth-largest oil supplier and the largest among IEA members. The move, supported by federal and provincial governments and industry, is intended to stabilize market supply and mitigate price pressures for Canadian consumers. Canadian natural gas exports are also set to expand in coming months to further support allied nations. The government outlined a 'Team Canada' approach focusing on energy security, affordability, and cooperation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Loan Guarantee Facilitates Indigenous Equity Stake in Major Transmission Project

On March 10, 2026, the Department of Finance Canada confirmed a federal loan guarantee under the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, enabling Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to purchase nearly 20% equity in the Chatham-to-Lakeshore transmission line operated by Hydro One. The transmission line, commissioned in December 2024, is a 49-kilometre, 230-kilovolt facility delivering 400 megawatts of clean energy to Southwestern Ontario and enhancing grid reliability. The loan guarantee is intended to lower borrowing costs and support long-term financial stability for Indigenous communities. The program targets greater Indigenous participation in large-scale projects, aligning with broader federal economic reconciliation objectives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Supports Green Shipping Corridor Expansion

On March 13, 2026, Transport Canada announced $6.4 million in funding to R.W. Tomlinson Ltd. for the Trap Rock Electrification of Extended Ship Loading System at Bruce Mines, Ontario, under the Green Shipping Corridor Program. The Ontario Trap Rock facility will replace diesel-powered haul trucks with an electric ship loading system, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the marine sector by up to 25% annually. The electrification is expected to expand annual aggregate shipments, enhance safety by reducing truck traffic on Highway 17, and support local employment. The facility plays a central role in Ontario’s and the Great Lakes’ construction material supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Impact Assessment Agency Completes Federal Review of Bécancour Port Terminal Expansion

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada finalized its section 16 early decision under the Impact Assessment Act on March 13, 2026, covering the Bécancour Port Terminal Expansion (B6 Wharf Project) in Quebec. The federal review concluded that potential adverse effects are limited or adequately addressed by existing federal and provincial regulations, including the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Canadian Navigable Waters Act, and Quebec's Environment Quality Act. As a result, no further federal assessment is required. The project proponent, Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour, must now secure remaining permits and authorizations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Modifies Order on Photovoltaic Imports from China

On March 13, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal completed an interim review of its anti-dumping and countervailing order regarding photovoltaic modules from China. The Tribunal amended the order to exclude flexible photovoltaic modules fixed to curved vehicle surfaces, with power output not exceeding 200W, from anti-dumping duties. This adjustment responds to importers seeking relief for specialized goods and maintains the Tribunal’s objective of providing guidance on trade and tariff matters. The Tribunal operates independently, reporting through the Minister of Finance.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Joint Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response Announced

On March 10, 2026, a joint initiative between Employment and Social Development Canada and the Ontario government introduced $228.8 million in funding over three years, aiming to assist workers in sectors affected by global tariffs, including softwood lumber, steel, and automotive. The Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, delivered through the Labour Market Development Agreement, will serve an estimated 27,000 Ontario workers through established training programs and Skills Advance Ontario. The initiative also targets workforce development in clean energy and natural resources sectors. Coordination with business and labour representatives and a focus on upskilling are central to the approach.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Allocates Funding to Industry LMI Projects

On March 9, 2026, Employment and Social Development Canada detailed up to $94.5 million in five-year funding for 14 organizations in support of foundational labour market information (LMI). Recipients include Electricity Human Resources Canada, which will produce industry-led LMI and occupational standards targeting workforce skills gaps, and Environmental Careers Organization of Canada, which will deliver data and certification to support renewable energy and bio-based industries. BuildForce Canada, Canada Green Building Council, and others will deliver sector-specific forecasts and training content to enable adaptation to changing industry requirements across key sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy Launches Funding for Green Training in Quebec

Employment and Social Development Canada announced funding under the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Sustainable Jobs stream as part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy on March 9, 2026. Quebec will receive $24.7 million over five years, supporting green training in 18 Red Seal trades crucial to emissions reduction. The funding is expected to benefit up to 3,750 apprentices and journeypersons, with activities coordinated through Quebec's public apprenticeship system. The UTIP SJS call for proposals closed in September 2024.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Joint Canada-Quebec Funding Agreement Supports Sustainable Trade Workforce

A bilateral agreement between Canada and Quebec was announced March 9, 2026, committing $24.7 million over five years for skills training in 18 Red Seal trades vital to reducing emissions and advancing carbon-neutral construction. The agreement, administered via Quebec’s Workforce Skills Development and Recognition Fund, forecasts support for up to 3,750 apprentices and journeypersons and targets trade workforce integration to strengthen the economic transition in Quebec and nationwide.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Electric Power Selling Price Index for January 2026

Statistics Canada published the Electric Power Selling Price Index (2014=100) for January 2026 on March 11. The index provides monthly tracked pricing data for the electric power sector, creating benchmarks for market participants and regulators.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Infrastructure Economic Account Updated for 2025 and 2024

Statistics Canada issued updated estimates for investment, stock, average age, and remaining useful life of Canadian infrastructure assets for 2025, as well as revisions for 2024, on March 13, 2026. The latest data from the Capital and Repair Expenditures Survey and new economic and environmental impact multipliers for 2022-2024 are included. These updates align with the fourth quarter release of the Income and Expenditure Accounts.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

BC Announces Clean-Energy Funding for Remote First Nations

Thirteen remote First Nations in British Columbia are receiving $6.6 million through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) Program to support clean-energy and energy-efficiency projects ranging from solar systems to community energy plans.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC Environmental Assessment Office Launches Consultation on Expedited Project Reviews

The BC Environmental Assessment Office is seeking feedback on a proposed process to expedite reviews of major infrastructure projects, targeting a reduction of assessment timelines by up to 60% compared to current processes.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Transport Canada Consultation: Zero Emission Vehicle Safety Standards Update

Transport Canada has announced a consultation regarding updates to CMVSS 305 for electric vehicle safety and the creation of a new standard harmonizing with UN GTR 13 for hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle safety.

Sources: N

What We're Reading This Week

• Electra and LG Energy Solution Update Multi-Year Cobalt Supply Agreement: Electra and LG Energy Solution modified their agreement for Canadian-sourced cobalt supply.
• Undoing renewables obstacles should be part of energy MOU talks: Pembina: Pembina advocates barrier removal for renewables in Alberta energy MOU discussions.
• Maritime Electric raises '112-megawatt problem,' as MLAs call for performance-based profits: PEI legislators address grid shortfalls and utility profit mechanisms.
• Trina Solar Chairman Calls for Tighter Rules on Energy Storage: Trina Solar’s chairman urges stronger regulation for energy storage solutions.
• Opinion: Canada must remember that the future is electricity, not fossil fuels: Industry opinion piece argues for prioritizing electricity sector in Canada’s transition.
• 'Very attractive project': Carney touts Bay Du Nord as key project in stabilizing global energy markets: Mark Carney describes Bay Du Nord as important for global energy stability.
• 🔮 The case for radical solar optimism: News outlet explores global expansion opportunities for solar power.

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