Good morning! This is 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: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

NFB Showcases Four Indigenous Films at imagineNATIVE’s 25th Anniversary

The National Film Board of Canada will present four works at the 25th imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival in Toronto, with in-person screenings scheduled for June 3–8 and online programming from June 9–15. The NFB’s selections include documentaries by Kim O’Bomsawin and Sinakson Trevor Solway, as well as shorts by Amanda Strong and Alanis Obomsawin. The films explore themes of Indigenous youth, masculinity, and cultural storytelling, with several filmmakers attending in person. Alanis Obomsawin will also join a women’s roundtable as part of the festival’s industry days. The films will be available both in-person and online, expanding access to audiences nationwide.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

NFB Animation Featured at Sommets du cinéma d’animation in Montreal

From May 26 to 31, the National Film Board of Canada will have a prominent presence at the Sommets du cinéma d’animation at the Cinémathèque québécoise in Montreal. NFB productions are included in the Canadian Competition, with six short films such as 'Hypersensible' by Martine Frossard and 'Inkwo for When the Starving Return' by Amanda Strong. Events include an Artist’s Talk by Eloi Champagne, NFB Technical Director, a special screening of the award-winning 'L’affaire Bronswik', and the closing film 'Pourquoi l’écran d’épingles?'. Several NFB shorts will also be shown in free outdoor screenings, and the festival will feature world premieres and works recently screened at Cannes.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Ministers Issue Statement on Red Dress Day 2025

On May 5, Ministers Gary Anandasangaree, Patty Hajdu, and Steven Guilbeault released a joint statement for Red Dress Day, commemorating missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The statement referenced ongoing federal programs such as the National Action Plan, the Federal Pathway, and recent pilot projects, including the Red Dress Alert in Manitoba and the Inuvialuit Family Wellness Centre. The government’s approach involves partnerships with Indigenous organizations and annual reporting on progress. The message coincides with continued cultural and arts initiatives addressing the legacy and visibility of Indigenous women and communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases New Infographics on Inuktut Knowledge in Nunavut

Statistics Canada published two new infographics detailing knowledge and use of Inuktut in Nunavut. Drawing from the 2021 Census and the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Survey, these visual reports supplement the previously released 'Languages in Nunavut, 2021' document. The infographics provide updated data on linguistic trends relevant to language education, cultural preservation, and public policy within the territory.

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

Media Accreditation Opens for G7 Finance Ministers Meeting in Banff

The Department of Finance announced that media accreditation is now available for the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, scheduled for May 20–22 in Banff, Alberta. Journalists representing bona fide organizations are required to apply by May 9, submitting all necessary documentation. The advisory notes that accredited media may not have access to all events. Coverage at the G7 meeting could intersect with reporting on cultural and creative sector policy discussions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario’s Minister Cho to Hold Press Conference on Tourism, Culture and Gaming

Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, is scheduled to make remarks and hold a media availability in Windsor on May 9, with in-person attendance open to accredited media.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada Addresses Quebec Film Industry Support

MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada acknowledged Montreal’s support for the Quebec film sector and recognized the provincial government and partners for responding to concerns over U.S. policy threats.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Patty Hajdu Attends Magnus Theatre Fundraising Campaign Launch in Thunder Bay

MP Patty Hajdu participated in the launch of Magnus Theatre’s 'Next Stage: Curtain Call' campaign, an initiative related to cultural restoration in Thunder Bay.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Mary Ng Marks Asian Heritage Month and Representation in Culture

MP Mary Ng shared a message on Asian Heritage Month, with a focus on cultural celebration and visibility for future generations.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda Praises Montreal’s Segal Centre Theatre Production

Senator Tony Loffreda publicly supported the Segal Centre’s latest production in Montreal, noting his ongoing backing for local arts institutions.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Leo Housakos Comments on Bill C-11 and Streaming Industry Retaliation

Senator Leo Housakos referenced previous warnings about foreign industry retaliation related to Bill C-11 provisions on streaming contributions.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda Questions Veterans Affairs on Military History Promotion

Senator Tony Loffreda marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and questioned Veterans Affairs officials about efforts to promote Canada’s military and peacekeeping history.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Legislation introduced in New Brunswick aims to protect artists: New Brunswick tables a bill intended to strengthen protections for artists in the province.
• Celebrating cultural pride for Asian Heritage Month: CBC Radio explores stories of cultural pride during Asian Heritage Month.
• Music commentator on challenges facing entertainment industry: A segment discusses current pressures on Canada's entertainment sector.
• Entrepreneurs working to find funds to restore historic theatres across the Prairies: Restoration efforts underway for historic cinemas in Western Canada.
• Asian Heritage Month: Celebrating culture and legacy: CTV spotlights Asian Canadian cultural contributions in Manitoba.
• ByTowne Cinema, Ottawa Mosque could be designated heritage buildings in Ottawa: Ottawa considers heritage status for ByTowne Cinema and a local mosque.
• Entrepreneurs looking for money to restore historic theatres working across the Prairies: CBC covers ongoing funding searches for Prairie theatre restoration.
• Entrepreneurs working to find funds to restore historic theatres across the Prairies: The Star reports on the challenge of financing historic theatre renovations in Alberta.