QSA's Week in Hospitality (#21, 2025)
Federal action on labour mobility and credential recognition; CFIA enforces Avian Influenza controls; revised accessible employment standard issued; travel data shows visitor and domestic gains; Canada Day programming revealed; US tax bill draws major hospitality endorsements.
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: 2025-05-25
End Date: 2025-05-31
Canadian Federal GR News
Labour Market Ministers Advance Canada-Wide Credential Recognition Plan
The Forum of Labour Market Ministers (FLMM), co-chaired by federal minister Patty Hajdu and Nova Scotia minister Nolan Young, met virtually to address ongoing challenges related to labour mobility within Canada. Recent efforts have included accelerated legislative measures in several provinces, new initiatives targeting administrative burden reduction, and plans to present a Canada-wide credential recognition framework by June 1, 2025. The ministers’ agreement supports faster onboarding for skilled labour in the hospitality and tourism sectors, as well as streamlined occupational health and safety training across jurisdictions. Information sharing between governments was reaffirmed, and further discussions are scheduled to address Labour Market Transfer Agreements (LMTAs), with provincial ministers pressing for increased funding.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
CFIA Acts on HPAI Infected Ostrich Farm in British Columbia
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) detailed its ongoing response to a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak at Universal Ostrich Farm in British Columbia. The outbreak involves the novel D1.3 genotype, which has been linked to recent human infections in North America. The farm owners have been cited for failing to report cases and for non-compliance with quarantine and biosecurity measures. Legal proceedings resulted in the dismissal of judicial review applications and removal of an earlier injunction halting the disposal order.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
StatsCan Travel Survey Reports Gains in Domestic and US Trips
According to the National Travel Survey, Canadian residents made 80.3 million trips domestically and abroad in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing a 7.7% year-over-year increase. Of these, 88.4% were domestic trips while 8.2% were to the United States. This upward movement in travel volumes follows three consecutive quarters of growth and can inform projections for domestic demand in various hospitality sectors.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
US and Overseas Tourism to Canada Expands in Q4 2024
The Visitor Travel Survey notes that from October to December 2024, 6.1 million trips were made to Canada by non-residents, a year-over-year growth of 8.2%. US visitors accounted for 80% of non-resident arrivals during this period. The results contribute to a broader return of international tourism, supporting booking volumes and inbound revenues for Canadian hospitality operations.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Food Services and Drinking Places Sales Increase in March 2025
National data from Statistics Canada indicates a 1.8% increase in total sales for the food services and drinking places subsector, reaching $8.4 billion in March 2025. This gain follows a steady trend and is relevant for revenue tracking within foodservice establishments and franchise operators.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Canada Day 2025 Programming Announced by Canadian Heritage
Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault unveiled the official Canada Day 2025 program, including noon and evening ceremonies in Ottawa, national broadcasting partnerships, and a series of live events in major cities. Scheduled activities are set to increase demand for group travel, event planning, and accommodation services across the country, with key performances drawing large crowds to Ottawa and regional hubs.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Call for Proposals: Youth Accessibility Projects in Community Organizations
Minister Patty Hajdu has launched the youth innovation component under the Enabling Accessibility Fund, encouraging youth aged 15 to 30 to become accessibility leaders in partnership with local organizations. Projects of up to $12,000 are available for construction, renovation, or retrofit efforts designed to improve access. Application windows are open until November 3, 2025, supporting facility upgrades applicable to the hospitality and events sector.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canadian Provincial GR News
Ontario Launches ‘We Stand’ Campaign to Spur Domestic Tourism
Ontario’s government has introduced a multi-channel marketing campaign promoting local travel to support tourism businesses facing ongoing tariff impacts.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
Manitoba Hosts Rendez-vous Canada 2025
Winnipeg welcomed 1,500 global delegates for Rendez-vous Canada 2025, projected to generate $4.6 million for the regional economy and showcase Manitoba tourism destinations.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca
Montréal Named Top North American Business Tourism Destination for Ninth Year
Montréal retained its position as North America’s leading city for international association events, surpassing Toronto, Washington, DC, and other major metros according to the 2024 ICCA rankings.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Nova Scotia Launches Consultation on Alcohol Retail and Consumption
Nova Scotia will survey residents and stakeholders on changes to alcohol sales and consumption, seeking industry and public input through June 30, 2025.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
On May 30, MP Blake Richards used social media to question the reduced status and federal ministerial attention at Canada’s largest travel and tourism marketplace, referencing $90 million in sales and international buyer attendance.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Rechie Valdez reported a meeting with Marsha Walden and Caroline Séguin from Destination Canada, noting government efforts to incorporate tourism in national economic goals.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Rechie Valdez discussed approaches for boosting year-round tourism in Banff with Mayor Corrie DiManno, highlighting ongoing collaboration between municipal and federal officials.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland posted about progress at the Committee on Internal Trade, noting developments on credential recognition and the easing of trade in goods and services.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- N.S. commits to fix for municipalities waiting on marketing levies from booking platforms: Nova Scotia addresses delayed tourism marketing levies owed by digital booking platforms.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake drops ‘wine country’ from official tourism strategy — and some are seeing red: The region shifts its tourism strategy focus, causing local debate.
- Halifax creating enforcement team for short-term rentals like Airbnbs: Halifax announces specialized enforcement for short-term rentals.
- BC Real Estate Association Calls for New Short-Term Rental Exemptions Amidst Tariff Challenges and Expected High Tourism Demand: BC’s real estate sector requests short-term rental exemptions as tourism demand rises.
