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.

Want to track other GR news in industries related to Arts & Culture? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Hospitality & Retail.

Dates: 2025-12-07 to 2025-12-13

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Senate Official Languages Committee, Meeting No. 10, Dec 8: Strengthening Arts and Heritage in Language Minority Communities: The Senate Standing Committee on Official Languages convened December 8, 2025, focusing on federal responsibilities in arts, culture, and heritage for official language minority communities. Witnesses included representatives from the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network, Association of English-Language Publishers of Quebec, and Quebec English-Language Production Council for the first panel, and Association des théâtres francophones du Canada for the second panel.

Canadian Federal Government News

Ottawa Designates 733 Additional Bilingual Federal Offices and Tables Draft Regulations on Language Minority Support

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat announced on December 9, 2025, the designation of 733 new bilingual federal offices nationwide, increasing the proportion of bilingual service points from 34% to 40% among approximately 10,000 federal locations. Over 500 of these offices are located outside urban centres and have linguistic designations connected to the presence of minority language schools. Draft regulations under Part VII of the Official Languages Act were also tabled, outlining requirements for federal institutions to analyze opportunities to support minority language communities and to assess potential negative impacts of new policies, programs, or initiatives. These regulations prescribe a consistent approach for federal institutions in conducting consultations and for demonstrating that official languages clauses are included in intergovernmental agreements. Stakeholder feedback from recent consultations formed part of these proposed measures. The Treasury Board tabled its annual report on official languages, identifying areas requiring improvement and reaffirming a commitment to monitoring and supporting federal institutions in meeting their obligations for service parity in English and French.

Sources: www.canada.ca

National Film Board of Canada Joins International Federation of Film Archives

On December 10, 2025, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) became an associate member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), strengthening Canada’s position in global film heritage preservation. FIAF, established in 1938, comprises leading non-profit archives globally, supporting collaboration in conservation and digitization. The NFB’s inclusion brings its archive of over 14,000 Canadian animated, documentary, and interactive productions into the FIAF network. The Board’s expertise in restoration and digitization has previously received international recognition, including a FOCAL International Award. The NFB is Canada’s third FIAF member, alongside the TIFF Film Reference Library and Cinémathèque québécoise.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding for Live Music Experiences in Greater Victoria

Canadian Heritage announced a multi-year investment of $330,000 to the Victoria Jazz Society on December 8, 2025. The funds, from the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, will support annual programming for the Victoria Jazz Society from 2026 through 2029, including the TD Victoria International JazzFest and the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival. Year-round concerts and outreach activities will facilitate opportunities for audiences to engage with established and emerging Canadian, Indigenous, and Francophone artists. The 42nd JazzFest will run June 19–28, 2026, and the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival will follow August 28–30, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Nova Scotia Organizations Set To Expand With Federal Support

On December 12, 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced forthcoming support for three organizations in Southwest Nova Scotia at Th’YARC Playhouse and Arts Centre. The announcement will focus on opportunities for expansion within the performing and visual arts, aligning with regional economic and cultural development initiatives. The details of specific awards will be made public at an event scheduled for December 15, 2025.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada and Eight Mi’gmaq First Nations Sign Rights Implementation Agreement for Cultural Heritage Sites

Eight Mi’gmaq First Nations in New Brunswick and Parks Canada formalized a Rights Implementation Agreement on December 10, 2025, covering cultural and natural heritage sites within the province. The agreement creates a shared governance structure encompassing stewardship planning, restoration, harvesting, and promotion of Mi’gmaq language and knowledge. Economic development opportunities and protocols for sacred sites form part of the framework. Commitments are symbolized in a Wampum Belt and reflect collaborative management of sites such as Kouchibouguac National Park and Fundy National Park.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Co-Management Arrangement Signed for Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia Between Mi’kmaq and Government of Canada

Parks Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs announced the signing of the Toqi'maliaptmu'k Arrangement on December 10, 2025. This agreement introduces co-management protocols for Parks Canada-administered sites in Nova Scotia, with both parties making stewardship decisions through their respective governance processes. The arrangement aims to further collaboration on management of natural and cultural resources at historic and heritage sites in the province.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Quebec Adopts Bill No. 109 on Discoverability of Francophone Digital Cultural Content

Quebec’s National Assembly adopted Bill No. 109, establishing a legal framework for the discoverability and access to original French-language cultural content on digital platforms and devices. The law also authorizes future regulations targeting music and audiovisual streaming services and connected devices.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Modernizes SODEC Financial Services, Recognizes Digital Creativity

Quebec passed Bill No. 108, enhancing SODEC’s financial tools through private placement mechanisms and continuous financial services. The law also formally acknowledges digital creativity as part of SODEC’s mandate, responding to recommendations in recent sector reports.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Expands French-Language Government Services Across Six Designated Areas

Ontario will require provincial agencies in six additional regions to deliver services in French, covering 6,300 square kilometres, following updates to the French Language Services Act and recent public consultations.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Allocates $950,000 to Modernize Chaudière-Appalaches Performance Hall

A $950,000 provincial grant was announced for the Louis-Jacques-Casault Secondary School’s Edwin-Bélanger performance hall project in Montmagny, supporting development of local cultural infrastructure.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

New Brunswick Releases Strategy for Retention and Recruitment in Education System

New Brunswick introduced a strategy to retain and recruit teachers and allied health professionals in its education system, with sector-specific action plans prepared for both anglophone and francophone communities.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Quebec targets streaming giants with new bill on French-language content: Quebec passes legislation targeting the regulation of French-language requirements for online streaming platforms.
• French-language content law could affect Quebecers’ access to Spotify, Netflix: industry groups: Industry groups discuss potential impacts of Quebec’s French-language content law on digital streaming service availability.
• Despite economic headwinds, Canadians are splurging on entertainment: Spending data shows continued growth in entertainment, concerts, and live events despite economic challenges.
• National Arts Centre promotes communications exec Annabelle Cloutier to CEO, president: Annabelle Cloutier appointed CEO and president of Canada’s National Arts Centre.
• UNESCO gives a shout-out to Switzerland’s yodeling by adding it to list of cultural heritage: UNESCO recognizes Switzerland’s yodeling as cultural heritage.
• Can one be both a good mother and a good artist?: Commentary explores the intersection of parenthood and artistic careers.
• Video: Nonna was right! Italian cuisine wins a place on UNESCO heritage list: Italian cuisine added to UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.

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