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.

Dates: 2025-06-15 to 2025-06-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Minister Guilbeault Outlines Canada's Position on Cultural Sovereignty at UNESCO

At UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Minister Steven Guilbeault marked the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. In his remarks, Guilbeault reaffirmed Canada's intention to defend the right of states to safeguard national culture, especially as artificial intelligence and digital platforms transform the sector. Canada has coordinated with Quebec and international partners to present recommendations for shielding cultural diversity in the digital age, following a February 2025 submission to UNESCO. Canada now supports updated operational guidelines and discussions on an additional protocol to adapt the Convention for emerging digital issues.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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CRTC Modernizes Radio and News Regulations Following Engagement with Broadcasters

CRTC Commissioner Nirmala Naidoo addressed the National Campus and Community Radio Association conference, detailing efforts to modernize broadcasting frameworks after the Online Streaming Act amended the Broadcasting Act. The CRTC is actively considering measures to reduce regulatory obligations for radio stations and has initiated a comprehensive review of Canadian content definitions for audio services. This process has included stakeholder input from French-speaking, Indigenous, and minority-language communities. The updated definitions aim to support the creation and discoverability of Canadian and Indigenous audio content across platforms. Additionally, the CRTC is moving forward with funding models for local journalism, including the allocation of $100 million annually from Google to support Canadian news organizations under the Online News Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Reviews Translation Bureau Progress and Personnel Matters

On June 19, the Senate Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, chaired by Senator Lucie Moncion, received the Translation Bureau's annual report. The bureau translated 350 million words and provided 37,000 hours of interpretation in 2024-25. New university programs and a scholarship initiative are underway to address interpreter shortages, resulting in a 60% reduction in health incidents among interpreters. The committee examined the usage of AI in translation, data security measures, and the legal rights to translated materials. Concerns over Indigenous language services were discussed, and the bureau committed to further engagement.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Marks Milestones and Discusses Heritage Issues in June 19 Sitting

Senator Leo Housakos led tributes for retiring Senator Judith Seidman, citing her advocacy for minority language rights and public health research. The session included commemorations for the Korean War's 75th anniversary and the Air India Flight 182 bombing. Parliamentary discussions addressed Canadian security, Inuit health benefits, the effect of Bill C-5 on Indigenous rights, and procurement practices. Gender-based discrimination within the Indian Act was targeted by Bill S-2; perspectives differed regarding the best approach to Indian registration reforms. Senator Mary Jane McCallum introduced new legislative efforts focused on First Nations law enforcement and heritage.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

National Film Board Launches Feature Documentary on Gen Y and Z

The National Film Board will debut 'Living Together', a documentary by Halima Elkhatabi, on its streaming platforms starting July 1. The film captures the experiences of young people navigating communal living in Montreal amid the current housing crisis. After premiering at TIFF and screening at several festivals in Canada and abroad, the film offers interviews and stories set in 15 Montreal apartments, highlighting generational views on identity and housing. The documentary will be accessible nationwide, extending NFB's support for Canadian filmmakers and topical cultural stories.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

NFB Premieres Short Films Honouring 2025 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award Laureates

Seven new National Film Board short films, first screened following the 2025 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, are now available on NFB streaming services as well as CBC Gem and ICI TOU.TV. This year's features include cinematic portraits of music producer Bob Ezrin, actor Graham Greene, composer Denis Gougeon, and Indigenous artist Jeremy Dutcher. Further films recognize the contributions of Sandra Laronde and Mad Disability advocate April Hubbard. The NFB’s collection now totals 125 works produced in a 17-year partnership with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Funds New Boat School at Halifax's Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

More than $6.5 million in combined federal and private funding has been allocated to the creation of the Boat School at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax. The new facility, part of the Nova Scotia Museum system, will expand boatbuilding and sail training workshops for youth, including those from Mi’kmaw, African Nova Scotian, immigrant, refugee, and young women’s communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Intellectual Property Office Annual Report: Trademark Examination Capacity Doubled

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office released its 2023-24 annual report, detailing operational expansions including a doubling of trademark examination capacity to address application backlogs. The agency emphasized education outreach for underrepresented groups and expanded international collaborations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Indigenous Peoples Day Statement by Federal Cultural and Indigenous Ministers

On June 21, Ministers Guilbeault, Alty, Gull-Masty, and Chartrand released a statement recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day. The message notes the importance of Indigenous leadership, knowledge, languages, and economic participation in Canada. The federal government reiterated its commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities, referencing the significance of cultural events and urging Canadians to participate in Indigenous-led festivities and learning opportunities across the country.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Reaffirms Leadership on Cultural Diversity at UNESCO Anniversary

At UNESCO’s Paris conference, Minister Mathieu Lacombe restated Quebec’s role in the 2005 Convention, advocating for updated legal tools to address digital and AI-driven challenges for cultural diversity.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Invests $55.8 Million in Teacher Training to Support French and Remote Education

Ontario announced $55.8 million to train 2,600 new teachers, focusing on English and French-language programs and targeting Northern, rural, Indigenous, and remote communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Allocates $900,000 to Filipino Community Hubs and Care Facilities

Manitoba will provide $900,000 to support the creation of a Filipino business, cultural, and care sector zone, including the development of a personal care home and child-care centre in partnership with local organizations.

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

Ontario Funds New MIFO Francophone Recreation Centre in Ottawa

Ontario dedicated $15.7 million toward constructing an expanded, eco-friendly Mouvement d'implication francophone d'Orléans (MIFO) community centre, increasing annual capacity and year-round cultural programming for the Franco-Ontarian community.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Colleges Broaden Arts and Media Career Pathways

Alberta will expand and enhance collegiate schools, including dedicated programs in digital arts and media, through a $27.5 million investment supporting new and existing facilities and specialized training spaces.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Steven Guilbeault posted about Canada's early steps to secure fair digital compensation for artists and media, referencing collaborative efforts for ongoing innovation in Canadian content.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Marie-France Lalonde celebrated community engagement with displays of art, food, and performances, referencing recent local festivals.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Sameer Zuberi highlighted participation by youth in the annual performance of the Kalaineri Kalvi Kazhagam Tamil school, noting a vibrant display of music, dance, and theatre.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Kim Pate shared news that the Basic Income for the Arts initiative will be extended until February 2026.

Sources: Social Media: x.com