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.

Start Date: 2025-03-30
End Date: 2025-04-05

Top Headlines

Main Stories

World Premiere of 'Nechako' at DOXA Festival

The National Film Board of Canada announced the world premiere of 'Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again,' a feature documentary by Stellat’en First Nation filmmaker Lyana Patrick. The film debuts at Vancouver's DOXA Documentary Film Festival on May 3. It documents the decades-long efforts of the Stellat’en and Saik’uz Nations to restore the Nechako River after it was heavily impacted by the construction of the Kenney Dam in the 1950s.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Virginia Tangvald's Documentary 'Ghosts of the Sea' Set for Quebec Release

Virginia Tangvald's 'Ghosts of the Sea,' a family investigation documentary, will open in Quebec theatres on May 9 following its festival circuit. This Canada-France co-production, featuring the filmmaker’s personal exploration of her family's history, has already garnered accolades, including the TV5 Audience Award at the Festival du nouveau cinéma.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Language Report from 2021 Census

Statistics Canada released a report from the 2021 Census indicating that 243,155 Canadians can converse in an Indigenous language. This data reveals the varied vitality of over 70 distinct Indigenous languages, offering insights into language acquisition and usage patterns.

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

CRTC Public Proceedings and Hearings Notice

The CRTC issued a notice for interested parties regarding public proceedings and hearings. Documents related to these proceedings are available on the Commission's website, offering stakeholders a chance to review and participate.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario's Investment in Shaw Festival

The Ontario government is investing $35 million to rebuild the Shaw Festival's Royal George Theatre, aiming to elevate Niagara-on-the-Lake as a cultural destination.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

National Indigenous Languages Day Celebrated

Senator René Cormier marked National Indigenous Languages Day, emphasizing the importance of supporting Indigenous language revitalization and celebrating cultural heritage.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Modernization of Museum Funding

MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay tweeted about the need to modernize museum laws and funding, advocating for the enhancement of Quebec's cultural pride.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

CBC Strengthening and Funding Increase

MP Salma Zahid shared plans for strengthening CBC’s governance and local news, proposing a $150 million initial funding increase for sustained support.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Cultural Exemption in Trade

MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay emphasized the importance of the cultural exemption principle in international trade, allowing states to support their cultural sectors.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Indigenous Language Vitality and Use

Senator Yvonne Boyer highlighted the celebration of over 70 Indigenous languages across Canada on Indigenous Languages Day, reflecting on her personal use of Michif.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Support for Artistic Work Conditions

Senator René Cormier met with the Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions to discuss socioeconomic conditions for artists, exploring federal support avenues.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Jonathan Wilkinson Welcomes Iranian Cinema Icon

MP Jonathan Wilkinson welcomed Rakhshan Banietemad, the First Lady of Iranian cinema, to North Vancouver-Capilano, praising her impact on Canadian arts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Language Revitalization Program Highlighted

MP Patty Hajdu commended the Matawa Waka Tere program for Indigenous language revitalization, supported by Liberal initiatives to strengthen cultural heritage.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC: Preserving culture through food is explored in a film about a Palestinian grain miller.
• Globe and Mail: Efforts to preserve the Nuxalk nation’s stories and treasures.
• CBC: The Nteimun Music Festival focuses on keeping Innu culture and language alive.
• The Star: National Canadian Film Day celebrates Canadian culture.
• Financial Post: The significance of National Canadian Film Day in promoting culture.
• CBC: A networking event supports local ethnic media.