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.

Dates: 2025-06-15 to 2025-06-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Strong Pass Launches to Enhance Domestic Tourism Access

Starting June 20, the Canada Strong Pass will provide various benefits for domestic travel, with the initiative running through September 2, 2025. Families and travellers will receive free admission to all Parks Canada-administered sites and a 25% discount on camping fees. The Pass offers free museum access for children under 18, reduced rates for young adults aged 18–24, free VIA Rail travel for children with an adult ticket, and discounts at select museums nation-wide. The federal program aims to increase visitation to cultural and natural attractions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Technical Briefing Announced for Canada Day 2025 Festivities

Canadian Heritage announced a technical briefing for media in advance of Canada Day 2025 celebrations, detailing logistics for coverage of events in Ottawa, Gatineau, and other sites. Access and accreditation protocols for the media were set out, with clear instructions on participation for both accredited and non-accredited press members.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Workforce Demographics for Travel and Accommodation Industries

A new Statistics Canada study provides workforce data for travel arrangement, reservation, and accommodation services from 2017 to 2023. The findings indicate a workforce with significant gender and part-time position disparities, noting a pronounced presence of women and substantial levels of part-time work. The report also details age distribution differences among industry segments.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Tourism Grows by 12%, Outpacing National Average

The Government of Alberta reports tourism expenditures reached $14.4 billion in 2024—up 12% year-over-year—with notable gains in accommodation, recreation, and food service categories.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Niagara Hospitality Sector Receives Skills Training Investments

Ontario is investing $989,375 in training for 500 hospitality workers through Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Relay Villages Program Expands

Quebec's Ministry of Transport announced the recent accreditation of Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie as a relay village, adding to nearly 50 communities offering road travelers key amenities and services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Lighthouse Project Funds Food Literacy and Wellness Initiatives

Three organizations, including Upward Mobility Kitchens East Inc., received a combined $1.05 million to deliver projects supporting food education and active lifestyles, with partnerships targeting youth and rural communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

CBSA Accessibility Consultation Opens for Traveler Feedback

The Canada Border Services Agency launched an external questionnaire on June 16, collecting input from Canadians and travelers on accessibility at border service locations, open until July 13, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Rechie Valdez stated on Twitter that recent federal-provincial tourism discussions focused on economic growth, the Canada Strong Pass, emergency management, transportation, and attraction management.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Rechie Valdez noted that she, alongside MP Nellie, co-chaired a meeting with tourism ministers from each province and territory.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Jenna Sudds highlighted the Canada Strong Pass’s features, including free admission to national parks, discounts on camping, museum entry, and VIA Rail travel for children and youth.

Sources: Social Media: x.com