Statistics Canada’s first planting intentions report for 2026 shows Canadian farmers planning to increase canola, barley, soybeans, and corn acreage, while reducing wheat and most pulse crops. Canola area is forecast to rise to 21.8 million acres, with analysts expecting even higher levels following China’s tariff changes, while wheat area is projected to decline slightly to 26.7 million acres. Barley and soybean plantings are also expected to grow, while lentils, peas, and oats are forecast to see reduced acreage. The early survey results may be revised as additional planting data becomes available later in the year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City reported a record February for Canadian grain shipments, moving 2.232 million metric tonnes and 23,088 carloads, surpassing the previous February record set in 2021. The performance follows another record month in January 2026 and reflects strong demand for Canadian grain exports and ongoing investments in the grain supply chain. During the first 30 weeks of the 2025–2026 crop year, CPKC transported more than 17.1 million tonnes of grain and grain products, marking the highest totals since the 2020–2021 crop year.

A legal challenge involving the Metlakatla First Nation and the Prince Rupert Port Authority could have broader implications for future energy export projects in British Columbia. The dispute centres on the REEF propane export terminal, a $1.35-billion project by AltaGas and Royal Vopak that is about 70% complete and expected to significantly expand Canada’s propane and butane export capacity. The First Nation alleges the port authority failed to disclose a 2015 agreement granting exclusive propane export rights to Vopak, which it says harmed its economic interests. While the current phase of the project is unlikely to be halted, legal experts say the case could reshape how Indigenous consultations and commercial agreements are handled for future projects at the Port of Prince Rupert.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. has postponed its planned $8.25-billion expansion of the Jackpine oil sands mine in Alberta, citing uncertainty around federal and provincial policies on carbon pricing and methane regulations. The project was expected to increase bitumen production by about 150,000 barrels per day, but the company says it will wait for clearer regulatory direction before proceeding. Executives also argued that oil sands projects using carbon-capture technologies should not face carbon compliance costs. The decision comes as governments work toward finalizing new emissions and carbon-pricing rules tied to a broader energy agreement aimed at supporting future oil and gas development.

Pembina Pipeline Corporation has approved approximately C$425 million (US$315 million) in new pipeline expansions in western Canada to support growing energy production in northeast British Columbia and Alberta. The projects include a 95-km Birch-to-Taylor pipeline that will add about 120,000 barrels per day of propane-plus and condensate capacity, expected to begin service in late 2027. Additional upgrades under the Taylor-to-Gordondale Expansion are also planned, with completion targeted for early 2027 pending approvals. Pembina also confirmed that its 1.5 million tonnes per year share of capacity at the Cedar LNG project has been fully contracted through long-term agreements with PETRONAS and Ovintiv.

Tourmaline Oil Corp., Canada’s largest natural gas producer, has reduced its 2026 capital spending plan by $400 million to $2.55 billion, citing volatile market conditions and weak Western Canadian gas prices. The company said an unusually warm winter and outages at LNG Canada contributed to softer prices and signalled that further spending reductions could occur if conditions persist. Tourmaline will also use proceeds from the sale of Peace River assets to Canadian Natural Resources to reduce debt and support development of its Montney gas operations in northeast British Columbia.

The federal government has released details of new agreements with the Musqueam Indian Band recognizing Aboriginal rights and title within their traditional territory across much of Metro Vancouver. The agreements establish a framework for future negotiations on how those rights and titles may be applied, but do not affect privately owned land or constitute a treaty or land claim. They also include marine management and fisheries cooperation measures aimed at strengthening environmental protection, emergency response, and stewardship of the Fraser River and surrounding waters, while supporting broader nation-to-nation engagement between the Musqueam and the federal government.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced several senior leadership changes across the federal public service, affecting key departments including Foreign Affairs, Transport, International Trade, and Immigration. Among the appointments, Michael Vandergrift will become Deputy Minister of Transport, while Arun Thangaraj moves to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Kevin Brosseau has been named Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard while also serving as Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence. The changes are intended to strengthen the delivery of government priorities and position Canada to respond to evolving global challenges.

The Government of Canada has launched calls for proposals under the $5-billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund and the $1-billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund to strengthen transportation networks, expand supply chain capacity, and support trade diversification beyond the United States. The Trade Diversification Corridors Fund will support projects that relieve congestion, improve intermodal connectivity, and increase capacity for bulk commodity exports, while the Arctic Infrastructure Fund will finance transportation infrastructure in northern regions to enhance defence readiness, community connectivity, and economic development.

The First Nations Major Projects Coalition says increased Indigenous ownership in major resource and infrastructure projects could help speed up permitting in Canada while improving economic outcomes for First Nations. The organization, which represents 186 First Nations, supports communities in participating as equity partners in developments such as mining, energy, and transmission projects. By moving from consultation toward direct ownership, Indigenous communities gain long-term revenue and stronger involvement in project decisions, which advocates say can reduce opposition and regulatory delays.

A US federal judge has ruled that businesses must receive refunds for tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) after the US Supreme Court struck down the levies last month. The Court of International Trade directed Customs and Border Protection to return duties collected from affected importers, potentially covering billions of dollars paid by companies across the country. While the refund process remains unclear, the ruling is a setback for the Trump administration, which had collected about $130 billion through the tariffs and is now considering introducing a new global tariff of around 15% to replace them.

The US government is considering changes to a vessel speed rule designed to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, which currently limits ships over 65 feet to 10 knots in certain areas along the East Coast. The National Marine Fisheries Service says the move aims to reduce regulatory burdens and potentially replace the rule with alternative management areas and new collision-avoidance technologies. Environmental groups warn that weakening the speed limit could increase deadly ship strikes and threaten the species’ survival, as only about 200–250 mature whales remain. Public comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until June 2.

A US federal court has dismissed a lawsuit by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) alleging that the Virginia Ports Authority violated labor agreements by installing automated rail-mounted gantry cranes without notifying the union. The court ruled that while the union may have shown a potential contract breach, the master labor contract is held with Virginia International Terminals, the entity that operates the port and employs longshore workers, which was not named in the lawsuit. The dispute centres on automation rules under the ILA’s master contract requiring union consultation before new technology is introduced at East and Gulf Coast ports.

US President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security and plans to nominate Markwayne Mullin as her replacement. During Noem’s tenure, the department oversaw major maritime initiatives, including a $25-billion funding package to modernize the US Coast Guard, expand the nation’s icebreaker fleet, and strengthen Arctic operations. Her time in office also included controversial shipbuilding decisions affecting Coast Guard cutter programs and an aggressive maritime enforcement campaign targeting Venezuelan oil shipments and drug trafficking networks. The leadership change comes as the Coast Guard faces growing responsibilities tied to Arctic security, sanctions enforcement, and global maritime tensions.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are driving sharp increases in fertilizer and fuel prices just as farmers prepare for spring planting. Disruptions to shipping and production, including the shutdown of a major urea plant in Qatar, have tightened global supplies, with fertilizer prices already jumping significantly in key import markets. Farmers worldwide, including in Canada, are facing higher input costs and growing uncertainty, which could lead some to reduce fertilizer use or shift crop choices if the supply disruptions persist.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping across the Arabian Gulf, leaving more than 270,000 containers, worth an estimated $10 billion, stranded as major ocean carriers suspend bookings to regional ports. Companies including Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, COSCO, and MSC have halted or restricted cargo movements to several Gulf countries, with dozens of vessels sheltering or delaying operations near the Strait of Hormuz. The disruptions are also affecting cargo at origin ports, where shipments bound for the region cannot be dispatched, while emergency surcharges, diversion costs, and handling fees are expected to significantly increase logistics expenses for shippers.

US President Donald Trump is set to review policy options to stabilise energy prices as the Middle East conflict disrupts oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. One proposal under consideration would see the US government help tankers obtain war-risk insurance, as rising premiums and security risks have discouraged vessels from transiting the region. With crude prices climbing and shipments affected, officials are also discussing other measures, including the potential use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, as Washington seeks to limit the economic impact of the escalating conflict.

The maritime conflict in the Middle East has intensified as attacks on commercial vessels spread beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the upper Arabian Gulf and nearby waters. A tanker off Kuwait was damaged by an explosion and began leaking oil, while a containership near Oman was struck by a projectile, highlighting the widening geographic scope of the conflict. With at least ten ships targeted so far, tanker movements have largely stalled, and freight rates have surged, while Qatar’s force majeure on LNG exports threatens up to 20% of global supply. Insurance premiums for ships transiting the region have soared, and many carriers are diverting around the Cape of Good Hope, raising delays and disruption across global shipping networks.

G2 Ocean has officially named and welcomed its new 82,300-dwt multipurpose vessel Star Norge at a ceremony at the Huangpu Wenchong shipyard in China. The vessel is the first in a series of newbuilds planned as part of the company’s fleet renewal programme, aimed at strengthening operational capabilities and improving flexibility for customers. Star Norge has a beam of 36 metres and a gross tonnage of 53,075, marking a significant step in modernizing G2 Ocean’s fleet.