Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning colleges, universities, campuses, research initiatives and funding, and the tri-council (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) agencies. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Higher Ed channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Social Issues and BioPharma.

Dates: 2025-11-30 to 2025-12-06

📋 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

• House of Commons Health Committee to Review Supplementary Estimates and Antimicrobial Resistance: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Health (HESA) will meet on December 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to study Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26 for Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research, as well as antimicrobial resistance. Key witnesses include Greg Orencsak (Health Canada), Nancy Hamzawi (PHAC), and Dr. Paul Hébert (CIHR).
• House of Commons Public Accounts Committee Briefing with Auditor General: The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PACP) will hold a briefing on December 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation and the Office of the Auditor General. Witnesses include Lesley Burns, Hon. Kevin Sorenson, and Andrew Hayes.
• Senate Social Affairs Committee to Examine National Strategy for Children and Youth: The Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will meet on December 10 at 4:15 p.m. to study Bill S-212, the national strategy for children and youth, and review components of Bill C-15, with witnesses from the Assembly of Seven Generations, Campaign 2000, Easter Seals, and Inclusion Canada.
• Senate Official Languages Committee Reviews Arts and Heritage in Minority Communities: The Senate Committee on Official Languages will meet December 8 at 5:00 p.m. to examine federal institutions’ arts, culture, and heritage responsibilities in official language minority communities, with witnesses from the Quebec Anglophone Heritage Network, Association of English-Language Publishers of Quebec, and others.
• House Committee on Science and Research Meeting Cancelled: The Science and Research Committee meeting scheduled for December 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. has been cancelled.

Canadian Federal Government News

Government Launches $357.7 Million Regional Defence Investment Initiative

The federal government announced a $357.7 million Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) to expand Canadian defence industrial capacity, targeting research and innovation, domestic supply chains, and critical resource stockpiles nationwide. Delivered through regional development agencies, including FedDev Ontario—which is contributing $94.7 million plus an additional $106 million from existing resources, nearly $200 million total—the RDII is intended to accelerate the integration of businesses into domestic and international defence supply chains. The initiative supports firms with dual-use products and those seeking to pivot toward defence sector activities. These early investments are positioned as foundational steps ahead of the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy and are aimed at supporting small- and medium-sized businesses and growing innovation capacity within the sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Publishes First National Standard on Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence

Accessibility Standards Canada announced the release of CAN-ASC-6.2, the first National Standard of Canada for accessible and equitable artificial intelligence systems. Developed by a technical committee primarily composed of people with disabilities and members of equity-deserving groups, the standard outlines requirements for designing AI systems that are accessible, fair, and inclusive throughout the AI lifecycle. The document incorporates feedback from a public review and aligns with international best practices, carrying the approval of the Standards Council of Canada. The standard provides guidance for organizations and developers on process integration, education, and ongoing evaluation of accessibility and equity in AI deployment.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Advances Amendments to Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and Reviews Student Aid Policy

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Rosemary Moodie, examined amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act within Bill C-15. Kimby Barton of the Public Health Agency of Canada described the modernization of biosecurity frameworks, including tiered security screening for high-risk facilities and increased penalties for unauthorized communication of sensitive information. The amendments address AI-enabled research and emergency preparedness, with ongoing consultations to mitigate financial burdens on smaller laboratories. The committee also heard from Employment and Social Development Canada on the National School Food Program and amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, which would deny assistance to students at private, for-profit institutions. The session covered funding allocation, accessibility for remote and Indigenous communities, and administrative mechanisms for program delivery.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

G7 Labour Ministers Launch AI Workforce Best Practices Compendium

The G7 Labour and Employment Ministers, meeting virtually on December 3, released a compendium of best practices for the adoption of artificial intelligence in the workforce, developed with input from G7 members, the OECD, and the ILO. The meeting, which coincided with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, focused on labour force participation, youth unemployment, and economic opportunity for persons with disabilities. The ministers reaffirmed commitments to the G7 Action Plan for human-centered AI and agreed to maintain the G7 Employment Working Group as a standing forum, meeting annually under the priorities of each G7 presidency. The compendium is intended to support the development of resilient workforces in the context of AI-driven labour market changes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Training Investment for Skilled Trades and Green Technology

The Government of Canada announced nearly $20 million in funding to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America and the Carpenters' Regional Council, supporting virtual reality training for over 4,000 industrial mechanic apprentices and journeypersons, and access to 10 training hubs for carpenters to work with emerging green technologies. These projects fall under the Union Training and Innovation Program—Sustainable Jobs stream, part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. The government’s 2025 budget proposes an additional $75 million over three years to expand union-based apprenticeship training in Red Seal trades, with the objective of supporting workforce development for major infrastructure projects.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Probes Funding and AI in Minority Language Arts and Publishing

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, chaired by Allister Surette, heard from representatives of the Regroupement des éditeurs franco-canadiens and the Association des groupes en arts visuels francophones regarding funding challenges, distribution networks, and the effect of digital platforms and AI on Francophone minority communities. Witnesses cited inflation, administrative burdens, and project-based funding as ongoing concerns. The committee discussed the potential for working groups to address AI and data collection issues, with additional consideration given to multicultural inclusivity in arts funding for English-speaking artists in Quebec.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Budget Implementation Act Review: Focus on Research, Tax Credits, and Labour

The Senate’s Standing Committee on National Finance reviewed Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, with departmental officials addressing questions on the carbon utilization and storage investment tax credit, clean electricity investment tax credit, enforcement resources for the Canada Labour Code, and the repeal of the digital services tax. The committee explored tax incentives for scientific research, youth employment programs, amendments related to charitable donations, and competitiveness of the SR&ED tax credit. The session also covered the disability supports deduction and the inclusion of biomass in tax credits, with a request for further details on interest payments related to refunds.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Minister Hajdu Chairs G7 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting

Minister Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, hosted the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting, engaging with leaders from the International Labour Organization, OECD, and industry and labour representatives. The agenda included youth employment, economic inclusion for persons with disabilities, and strategies for a future-ready workforce. Minister Hajdu announced the launch of the G7 best practices compendium for responsible AI, developed under Canada’s G7 presidency. The meeting concluded with G7 ministers reaffirming their commitment to international collaboration on labour market challenges.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Examines Food Insecurity and School Food Program

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry heard from the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security, University of Guelph, and Global Institute for Food Security. Sarah Stern reported that 10 million Canadians experience food insecurity, and Tamara Petresin described the Food Uniting Neighbours study. The committee discussed the National School Food Program, with witnesses noting the importance of engaging end users in policy development. Dr. Evan Fraser and Dr. Daniel Dutton linked food insecurity to broader social issues, including income and housing costs.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee on Human Rights Reviews Government Response to Anti-Semitism

The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights addressed government actions to combat anti-Semitism, with Canadian Heritage reporting over $7.7 million invested in Jewish-led organizations and an 82% increase in hate crimes against Jews from 2022 to 2023. Senators discussed education, law enforcement resources, online hate, and the intersectionality of hate crimes. Witnesses debated definitions and enforcement challenges related to anti-Semitism laws.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Surpasses University Healthcare Program Enrolment Targets

Nova Scotia reported that its universities exceeded the 97% healthcare program enrolment target, enrolling about 1,900 first-year students this fall, surpassing the goal of 1,800 seats across 35 programs at six universities.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Manitoba Expands Training for Rural Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists

Manitoba will double the number of provincial students training as combined laboratory and X-ray technologists at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, securing 10 seats for the upcoming intake starting January 2026 to address diagnostic staffing shortages in rural areas.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Appoints Advisory Body for Student Assessment Review

Ontario is establishing an expert advisory body to review student assessment approaches, focusing on EQAO testing, curriculum alignment, and supports for student achievement in reading, writing, and math.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Allocates $69 Million for Mental Health and Well-Being Grant

Alberta announced $69 million in funding over three years for the Mental Health and Well-Being Grant, supporting school boards in addressing mental health needs and classroom complexity with resources for staff training and in-school support.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Welcomes Marvell Technology’s $238M AI Infrastructure Expansion

Marvell Technology announced a $238 million five-year expansion in Ontario, including a new Toronto office, R&D operations in Ottawa and York Region, and a new optical lab, expected to create up to 350 jobs and bolster AI infrastructure development.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Lakehead University receives top honours in research and AI: Lakehead University was recognized for excellence in research and artificial intelligence.
• Lethbridge Polytechnic ranks among Canada’s top 10 research colleges: Research Infosource: Lethbridge Polytechnic placed in the nation’s top ten research colleges.
• Rocket Doctor Announces First in Canada Strategic Partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University to Support Clinical Education of Medical Learners on a Digital Health Platform: Toronto Metropolitan University partners with Rocket Doctor for clinical education using digital health.
• New 2026 L&D Report Shows AI Adoption Outpacing Workforce Readiness, Critical Thinking, Leadership, and Mentorship Needs: A new report finds AI adoption is outpacing workforce readiness.
• Education Department workers targeted in layoffs are returning to tackle civil rights backlog: Laid-off Education Department staff are being recalled to address civil rights case backlogs.
• Protest continues over Ford government suspension of immigrant skilled trades program: Protests persist in Ontario over the suspension of the immigrant skilled trades program.
• Opinion: Truth and reconciliation, 10 years later: Education got us into this mess. Will it get us out?: An opinion piece considers education's role in reconciliation a decade after the TRC.
• Ontario Names Advanced Wood Construction Working Group: Ontario forms a group to guide advanced wood construction action plans.

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