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.

Looking to elevate and streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach out at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support your success.

Start Date: 2025-05-25
End Date: 2025-05-31

Canadian Federal GR News

CRTC Provides Update on Broadcasting Modernization and Consultations

Joanne Levy, CRTC Commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, addressed the annual Western Association of Broadcasters conference, outlining key regulatory changes following the implementation of the modernized Broadcasting Act. The CRTC’s mandatory 5% revenue contribution for certain online streaming services is set to bring approximately $200 million annually into the Canadian broadcasting ecosystem. Recent public hearings addressed defining Canadian content for television and online services, with additional sessions scheduled for later in the year. An extensive review of the Independent Local News Fund will inform the allocation of new resources, particularly regarding eligibility for local news support. Parallel consultations focus on supporting local news produced by commercial radio, including a proposal from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters targeting stations outside major markets. Separate proceedings continue on easing the regulatory burden for Canadian radio stations and redrafting the definition of Canadian audio content, involving wide participation from official language minority communities. The forthcoming public hearing on audio content is planned for September, with the reply period on current consultations ending next week.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Day 2025 National Program and Artist Lineup Announced

Minister Steven Guilbeault has unveiled the details for the July 1, 2025 Canada Day celebrations, which feature daytime and evening programming from LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa and segments from Summerside, Yellowknife, and Vancouver. The events will be broadcast live on CBC, Radio-Canada, and affiliated streaming platforms. The national noon ceremony opens with performances by Amanda Marshall and others, while evening programming includes appearances by Sarah McLachlan, Blue Rodeo, and Roch Voisine. Canadians are invited to submit short videos expressing national pride, with selected entries featured in the evening show broadcast and a VIA Rail trip offered as a prize. Festivities also extend to Parliament Hill, Supreme Court of Canada, and Old Hull, offering activities and live screenings.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

NFB Announces Slate for Annecy International Animation Film Festival

The National Film Board of Canada will participate prominently at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival (June 8–14), with three official competition entries: 'The Girl Who Cried Pearls' (opening-night film), 'Bread Will Walk,' and 'Hairy Legs.' Each short addresses themes ranging from fairy tale to societal expectations, with projects involving recognized artists and notable voice talents. The NFB and Telefilm Canada are organizing networking sessions and a panel on investment in Canadian animation. In the special programming, works by Joanna Quinn and Andrea Dorfman will be screened, while Quinn herself is set to receive the Annecy Honorary Cristal and deliver a masterclass. The programming aims to position Canadian animation within international partnerships and markets.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Celebrates Asian Heritage Month

Minister Steven Guilbeault hosted the official federal event for Asian Heritage Month under the theme 'Unity in Diversity: The Impact of Asian Communities in Shaping Canadian Identity.' The event featured cultural performances and speeches, recognizing the role of Asian-Canadian communities in building the national identity. The government’s observance aimed to acknowledge achievements and contributions from within these communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Makes Donation to The King’s Trust Canada During Royal Visit

The Canadian government announced a $50,000 donation to The King’s Trust Canada to commemorate the first visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as Sovereign and Consort. The donation recognizes a tradition tied to royal tours and supports the trust’s work with partners, employers, and educational institutions to integrate over 100,000 young Canadians into the workforce.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Welcomes New Members, Covers Official Languages and Cultural Content Issues

The Senate of Canada introduced new senators Dawn Arnold and Farah Mohamed during its 3rd sitting on May 28. Several topics pertinent to arts and culture were raised, including official languages, the discoverability of French-language content, and interprovincial trade in cultural goods. The session saw discussions on cultural communities.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Launches Heritage Agreements Program with Municipal Sector

Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications launched a new Heritage Agreements Program, allowing for new agreements with municipalities to support the management and preservation of cultural heritage. Applications are open until July 11, 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Introduces Financial Aid Program for French Language Promotion

Quebec’s Ministry of the French Language has created a new financial aid program directed at projects supporting the promotion and vitality of the French language; applications are now open to eligible non-profit, educational, and municipal organizations year-round.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Opens French-Language Funding Applications

B.C. is offering $250,000 to support francophone non-profit organizations’ initiatives focused on linguistic vitality and community-based services; proposals from smaller communities can access up to $50,000, with the application deadline set for June 20, 2025.

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

Alberta Seeks Public Input on Provincial School Library Standards

Alberta launched a public engagement to develop provincewide standards for age-appropriate materials in K-12 school libraries, with new requirements to be implemented for the 2025–26 academic year.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Launches Campaign Promoting Domestic Tourism and Culture

Ontario announced the We Stand campaign to encourage domestic tourism and showcase local artists, performers, and culinary figures, backed by nearly $200 million in tourism sector investment and support for 350 cultural events.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Steven Guilbeault posted this week, referencing the government’s readiness to safeguard core national elements, including official and Indigenous languages and CBC/Radio-Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Patty Hajdu highlighted the 60th anniversary of Suomen Kielen Koulu, noting its contribution to preserving Finnish heritage in Thunder Bay.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Helena Jaczek recognized Asian Heritage Month via a post on May 30.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda announced on May 29 the reintroduction of his bill to designate March as Hellenic Heritage Month, which previously reached Senate committee stage before the prior Parliament dissolved.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Stan Kutcher posted on May 29 regarding the introduction of Bill S-210, establishing Ukrainian Heritage Month in the Senate.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• The NFB’s new strategy: milk the ‘Stream Canadian’ moment and reinvest in creativity: The Globe examines how the National Film Board is adjusting its approach to streaming and creative investment.