Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, event and sports venues, cruise lines, casinos, gambling, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV parks, and other travel and tourism professionals. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Competition Bureau Takes Legal Action Against Canada’s Wonderland for Online Drip Pricing

On May 5, the Competition Bureau announced it has filed an application with the Competition Tribunal against Canada’s Wonderland Company, alleging misleading online price advertising for park tickets and related items. The Bureau claims that Wonderland displays lower prices that exclude mandatory fixed processing fees ranging from $0.99 to $9.99, a practice known as drip pricing. The suit seeks to require Wonderland to cease the allegedly deceptive advertising, pay a penalty, and issue restitution to affected consumers who made purchases through its website. The case puts renewed scrutiny on digital pricing practices in the entertainment and recreation sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Chief Mountain Port of Entry to Open for Summer Season

The Canada Border Services Agency announced on May 7 that the Chief Mountain port of entry, located on Highway 6 at the Alberta-Waterton Lakes National Park boundary, will open for the summer season from May 15 to September 30, 2025. Last year, over 65,000 travellers passed through this seasonal border crossing. Hours of operation will shift during the season, beginning with 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and extending to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through the peak months. The opening is relevant for cross-border tourism and travel services, especially for operators serving the Alberta–Montana corridor.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Interim Order Issued for Pacific Pilotage Authority Region

The Minister of Transport enacted Interim Order No. 2 Respecting Area 2 of the Pacific Pilotage Authority Region, as published in the May 10 edition of the Canada Gazette, Part I. The order addresses urgent issues related to the provision of pilotage services, citing risks to safety, human health, or the environment. This regulatory action affects marine passenger services, including cruise and ferry operators in Pacific coastal waters, with immediate implications for compliance and operations under the Pilotage Act.

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

Monthly Trade Deficit in Services Narrows in March 2025

Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s international trade in services deficit narrowed from $0.6 billion in February to $0.4 billion in March 2025. Service imports declined 0.9% to $18.1 billion, while exports edged up 0.3% to $17.7 billion. This data is relevant for hospitality and travel businesses with international exposure, including digital booking platforms and travel agencies operating across borders.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

NFB Announces Robust Participation at Sommets du cinéma d’animation

The National Film Board of Canada announced on May 9 its significant involvement in the Sommets du cinéma d’animation, taking place May 26–31 at the Cinémathèque québécoise in Montreal. The NFB will present an Artist’s Talk, the closing film, and six short films in the Canadian Competition. The festival will also feature the world premiere of 'Le bruit des choses qui brûlent' and a special screening of 'L’affaire Bronswik.' The event is a focal point for industry professionals in entertainment, event hosting, and cultural tourism.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Media Accreditation Opens for G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Banff

The Department of Finance Canada announced on May 5 that media accreditation is open for the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, to be hosted in Banff from May 20–22.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Recognizes International Day of Plant Health

The CFIA announced activities marking International Day of Plant Health on May 12, focusing on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and plant health and the impact of invasive species on economic activities involving food production and recreation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Weekly Aircraft Movements Data Released for April 19–25, 2025

Statistics Canada released weekly data on aircraft itinerant movements for April 19–25, providing insight into trends relevant for airport hospitality and travel logistics.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Selects Caesars Entertainment to Continue Operating Windsor Casino

The Ontario government confirmed that Caesars Entertainment Windsor Limited will remain as the service provider for the Windsor casino, following a competitive procurement process. The agreement finalizes the OLG’s modernization initiative and impacts over 1,800 local jobs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Opens Applications for 2025–26 Sport Hosting Program

Ontario is accepting applications for the second intake of the Sport Hosting Program, which funds communities hosting national and international amateur sport events. The program has contributed approximately $185 million to the provincial economy since 2018.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Invests in Jays Care Foundation to Expand Baseball Programming

Ontario is providing $300,000 to Jays Care Foundation to expand baseball programs for children and youth, supporting initiatives such as Challenger Baseball and the Indigenous Rookie League.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Minister Cho to Hold Press Conference in Windsor on Tourism, Culture and Gaming

Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, will deliver remarks and hold a media availability in Windsor on May 9. Accredited media can register to attend.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Kevin Vuong Discusses Impact of Downtown Protests on Toronto Businesses

MP Kevin Vuong posted on May 6 about economic losses faced by local businesses in Toronto due to lawbreaking rallies affecting downtown foot traffic.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Randeep Sarai Highlights Canada Summer Jobs Bank for Youth Employment

On May 7, MP Randeep Sarai shared information about summer job opportunities for young Canadians through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Marie-France Lalonde Attends Heart of Orléans BIA & YMCA Ottawa Job Fair

MP Marie-France Lalonde attended the Heart of Orléans BIA and YMCA Ottawa job fair, noting strong attendance by employers and job seekers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator René Cormier Congratulates Baie-des-Chaleurs Region on Hosting 2029 Congrès mondial acadien

Senator René Cormier noted the economic and cultural potential of the Baie-des-Chaleurs region as host for the 2029 Congrès mondial acadien.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda Comments on Montreal’s Arts Scene

Senator Tony Loffreda attended a performance at Montreal’s Segal Centre and commented on the vitality of local arts and cultural engagement.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda Mentions Upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis

Senator Tony Loffreda referenced Canada’s upcoming G7 Summit in Alberta and discussed the role of policing agencies in event security.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda Participates in Montreal Diplomacy Cup

Senator Tony Loffreda took part in the Montreal Diplomacy Cup, an event promoting international relations through sport.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Canadian retailer Kotn makes a bold move into hospitality: Kotn expands its footprint with an entry into the hospitality sector.
• What’s new this month in travel, beauty, design and more: A roundup of new trends in travel and design.
• More warning signs emerge for US travel industry as summer nears: U.S. travel operators face mounting challenges heading into the peak season.
• Boundless Mountains and Seas, Embracing Humanities and Cultures | International Mountain Tourism Day 2025: Theme events for International Mountain Tourism Day 2025 launch in Spain.
• More warning signs emerge for US travel industry as summer nears: Additional coverage on uncertainties in the U.S. travel market.