Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news for professionals in the performing arts, museums, theatre-operators, event-spaces, Canadian and Francophone trad media and social media publishers, and broadcasters.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-16
End Date: 2025-03-22

Top Headlines

Main Stories

PrairiesCan Invests $9.5 Million in Performing Arts

The Honourable Terry Duguid announced that PrairiesCan is investing over $9.5 million in 13 projects across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This funding aims to support the long-term sustainability and innovation of performing arts organizations, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Regina Symphony Orchestra, by enhancing audience engagement and diversifying revenue streams.

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

National Film Board at Festival du film de l’Outaouais

The National Film Board of Canada announced that six of its films were selected for the Festival du film de l’Outaouais. The NFB will also participate in industry workshops, providing an opportunity to engage with emerging talent. This year, the festival will run from April 3 to 11 in Gatineau, showcasing films like 'In the Shallows' and 'Les enfants du large.'

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Returns Religious Reliquaries to Italy

Canada officially returned three religious reliquaries to Italy as part of its efforts to combat cultural property crimes. Following a Federal Court order, these items, intercepted by the Canada Border Services Agency, were returned to Italy. This act demonstrates Canada's commitment to the 1970 UNESCO Convention and its international responsibilities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Celebration of International Day of La Francophonie

On March 20, Canadian Heritage and Global Affairs Canada celebrated the International Day of La Francophonie. The federal investment of $1.4 billion under the Protocol for Agreements for Minority-Language Education was highlighted, aiming to strengthen French-language education in Canada. This event also marked Nova Scotia's membership in the OIF as an observer.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Francophone Minority Population Data Released

Three new data tables from the Survey on the Official Language Minority Population were released, providing insights into the demographics and challenges faced by these communities.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Film Industry Revenue Decline

StatsCan reported a decline in the film, television, and video production industry, with operating revenue falling to $10.4 billion in 2023, marking the first decline since 2013.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Acadian Cultural Investment in PEI

A federal investment of $284,200 was announced for Village musical acadien in Prince Edward Island to enhance visitor experiences and celebrate Acadian heritage.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Restoration of Saint-Boniface Museum

The federal government invested $1 million to restore Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum in Winnipeg, aiming to preserve its architectural heritage and structural integrity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CRTC Reviews Spectrum Access for Indigenous Areas

Claire Anderson of the CRTC announced the development of a new licensing framework for unused spectrum in rural, remote, and Indigenous areas. This initiative aims to improve connectivity and competition by allowing Indigenous-led companies better access to spectrum. The CRTC is also working on regulatory measures to ease access to telecommunications infrastructure, which could enhance the deployment of networks by smaller competitors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Nova Scotia Invests in Soundstage for Film Industry

The Nova Scotia government invested $8 million in a soundstage to support the province's growing film industry, enhancing production capacity and creating year-round opportunities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta's $5B Investment in Northern Communities

Alberta announced a $4.9 billion investment to strengthen its northern communities, focusing on economic development, education, and healthcare infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba's Bilingual Municipalities Funding Agreement

Manitoba signed a $885,000 multi-year funding agreement with the Association of Bilingual Municipalities to enhance French-language services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Celebrates Francophonie Day

Ontario marked International Francophonie Day with a statement highlighting the contributions of the province's Francophone community to economic vitality and cultural diversity.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Supports Vibrant Communities

Alberta allocated $85 million in grants through CFEP and CIP to support community infrastructure and cultural programs across the province.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Martin Champoux on Cultural Investment

MP Martin Champoux expressed concerns about cultural funding, emphasizing the importance of supporting local artists instead of large American companies.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Terry Duguid Highlights Arts Funding

MP Terry Duguid announced $9.5 million in federal funding for performing arts organizations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, citing economic benefits.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Dan Vandal on Prairie Arts Funding

MP Dan Vandal noted $9.5 million funding for Manitoba and Saskatchewan's arts communities, including $650,000 for Le Cercle Molière.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Jagmeet Singh Celebrates Francophonie

MP Jagmeet Singh expressed his love for the French language and culture, emphasizing the importance of protecting Francophone rights on Francophonie Day.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Rachel Bendayan on Francophone Investment

MP Rachel Bendayan announced an investment of $9.3 million to support Francophone minority communities on International Day of La Francophonie.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• B.C.’s Forests Ministry told to protect cultural sites, First Nation’s water source: Discusses provincial commitments to protect First Nations' cultural sites.
• Canada strong applies to our literature, too. Let’s ditch American authors in our high schools reading lists: Examines a proposal to prioritize Canadian literature in schools.
• Koceila Chougar: The Artist Redefining Art as a High-Value Investment: Explores the growing trend of art as an investment.
• Mark Carney’s ditching of a ‘Heritage’ position in cabinet is overdue – and bodes well for living Canadian culture: Opinion piece on changes in Canadian cultural policy.
• EU debates ways to keep Radio Free Europe afloat after Trump orders staff cuts at US-funded media: Discusses European efforts to support media freedom.