Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest 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: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canadian Government Invests in French Language Projects

The Government of Canada announced an investment of over $8.5 million to support French language initiatives. This funding, unveiled by Yasir Naqvi on behalf of Minister Rachel Bendayan, will aid five organizations in bolstering French language education and supporting minority-language postsecondary education. Key allocations include $3.64 million for Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada and $2.77 million for French for the Future. These investments aim to enhance the vitality of official-language minority communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Alberta's Performing Arts

Prairies Economic Development Canada, led by Minister Terry Duguid, is investing over $8.3 million in non-repayable funding for 13 performing arts organizations in Alberta. The initiative aims to diversify revenue streams and engage audiences through innovative digital tools and strategies. Notable beneficiaries include Ballet Edmonton Society and the Edmonton Opera Association. This investment supports economic resiliency and innovation in the arts sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Mi'kmaw Language Revitalization Strategy Launched

Nova Scotia has launched the Mi’kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy, a collaborative effort with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey. Announced by Minister Leah Martin, this initiative will receive $1.3 million annually to promote the Mi’kmaw language. The strategy focuses on expanding language programs and resources, particularly for children and youth, to ensure the language's sustainability and growth throughout the province.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Major Investment in Indigenous Cultural Centre in Nova Scotia

The Government of Canada is providing $1.8 million for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre in Nova Scotia. Tim Louis, representing Minister Pascale St-Onge, announced the funding to support the centre's development as a hub for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This investment will cover the design phase of exhibit spaces and the acquisition of specialized equipment, fostering cultural preservation and education.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CRTC Announces Fee Adjustments for Film Production

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has revised fees for services provided by the Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office. Effective March 31, 2025, fees for Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit applications have been adjusted to 0.15% of eligible production costs. The changes aim to reflect inflationary adjustments and support the film production industry.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Government of Canada Bolsters Support for Language Minorities

Employment and Social Development Canada announced amendments to agreements with organizations under the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities, with funding increasing by $20.5 million over five years.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Heritage Invests in Atlantic Canada's Creative Sector

Canadian Heritage is investing $161,000 in five creative industry companies in Atlantic Canada to enhance export development, including $52,000 for Thief & Bandit Apparel and Accessories.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New Brunswick Invests in Community Infrastructure

The Government of Canada is investing $2 million in Edmundston’s Centre Maillet for infrastructure improvements, part of a broader $47.2 million commitment to community infrastructure nationwide.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Heritage Supports Cultural Infrastructure in Edmonton

A $1 million investment has been announced for Edmonton's Harcourt House Artist Run Centre, enabling its purchase and securing long-term stability for local artists.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Investments in Creative Companies in Atlantic Canada

Five Atlantic Canadian creative companies are receiving funding through the Creative Export Canada program to increase their international market presence.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CRTC Notices of Consultation Announced

The CRTC has posted new notices of consultation, including a deadline for filing interventions related to broadcasting undertakings across Canada, set for March 18, 2025.

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

Provincial Announcements

Saskatchewan Supports Arts Through Artsvest Program

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $100,000 for artsvest Saskatchewan, fostering private sector investment in arts organizations through sponsorships and training.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta Enhances French-Language Services

Alberta's proposed Budget 2025 includes over $4 million to enhance French-language services, supporting the province's growing Francophone community.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Francophonie Month Celebrated in Alberta

Ministers Fir and Glubish recognize Francophonie Month, celebrating the contributions of French-speaking Albertans and promoting linguistic diversity.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Saskatchewan Celebrates Rendez Vous De La Francophonie

Saskatchewan marks March as Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, promoting French culture and language through various community events.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Mi’kmaw Language Strategy Launched in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia launches the Mi’kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy, focusing on language preservation and cultural identity.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

New Brunswick Celebrates Francophonie Month

Minister Robert Gauvin issues a statement celebrating Francophonie Month, highlighting the cultural and economic benefits of French language promotion.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith on Canadian Identity

MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith emphasizes the importance of promoting and protecting Canadian identity through support for artists.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Salma Zahid on CBC/Radio-Canada's Role

MP Salma Zahid highlights CBC/Radio-Canada's pivotal role in adapting to evolving technology, needs, and consumer habits in Canadian culture.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Taleeb Noormohamed Defends CBC

MP Taleeb Noormohamed calls for support to protect the CBC, emphasizing its importance for Canadian connectivity and culture.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Randy Boissonnault on Alberta Arts Funding

MP Randy Boissonnault announces over $8.3 million in funding for Alberta arts organizations to enhance creativity and community engagement.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator René Cormier on Francophone Rights

Senator René Cormier discusses the Supreme Court's reaffirmation of language rights, celebrating Francophonie Month and language evolution.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC Radio: Exploring practical applications in arts and humanities education amidst declining enrolment.
• National Post: Media industry executives emphasize the role of media in Canadian unity.
• The Globe and Mail: Government's increased investment in minority language communities.
• CTV News: Opening of a state-of-the-art film studio on Wahnapitae First Nation.
• Global News: Discussion on updating the definition of Canadian content.