QSA's Week in Hospitality & Retail (#31, 2025)
Ministers meet on sport, activity, recreation; New immersive tourism at Forillon National Park; Canadian international trade in services deficit narrows; White House establishes Olympics task force; Major US tax bill impacts business.
Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning retailers, 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.
Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture.
Dates: 2025-08-03 to 2025-08-09
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Canadian Federal GR News
Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers Convene on Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation in St. John’s
On August 8, 2025, Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), and Fred Hutton, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, held a press conference following a meeting between federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for sport, physical activity, and recreation. The session summarized collaborative outcomes, with a media availability provided for the industry and general public. Instructions for virtual and in-person attendance were issued for stakeholders and journalists. The event saw continued federal coordination with regional governments on promoting recreation infrastructure and programming. Details regarding any policy changes or funding arrangements would be communicated to registrants following the press conference.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
New Immersive Tourism Experience Opens in Forillon National Park
The Nation Micmac de Gespeg and Parks Canada announced the inauguration of Um'tgi Wapg – Land of the Dawn, a new immersive tourism offering at Forillon National Park, Gaspé, Quebec, on August 8, 2025. The site features traditional wigwam-inspired accommodations and Mi'gmaq cultural programming, with educational activities such as workshops on dream catchers and interpretive experiences. Reservations will be available to the public beginning in summer 2026. The project forms part of the Reconciliation and Recognition of Rights Agreement with respect to Forillon National Park and will create jobs for community members. The initiative is positioned as an economic driver supporting Indigenous tourism and local growth in Gaspésie.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada’s International Trade in Services Sees Narrower Deficit in June
According to Statistics Canada, the country’s monthly international trade in services deficit decreased from $0.9 billion in May to $0.7 billion in June 2025. Imports of services fell slightly by 0.2% to $18.7 billion, while exports of services increased by 1.0% to $18.0 billion for the month. The updated figures reflect a shift in the balance of service-related trade activity, which includes spending around hospitality, travel, and related sectors. Export growth in services may signal stable or increasing demand for Canadian expertise abroad, while lower imports could indicate moderated outbound travel or reduced procurement of international services.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Monthly Average Retail Prices for Selected Products Now Available for June 2025
Statistics Canada has released data on monthly average retail prices for selected products for June 2025. These price series, updated regularly, are monitored by retail and accommodation operators to assess consumer pricing trends. The June figures provide an updated benchmark as businesses evaluate competitive positions and cost structures for the high season.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Retail Commodity Survey Reports Sales Growth in May 2025
The Retail Commodity Survey from Statistics Canada showed retail sales reaching $76.5 billion in May 2025, representing a 4.4% increase compared to May 2024. Gains were reported in 16 of 18 commodity classes, underpinning broad-based demand across the retail sector. Businesses in accommodation, foodservices, and related lines may see positive spillover from increased discretionary spending, as reflected in these figures.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Employment Declines in July While Unemployment Rate Holds Steady
The July 2025 Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada reported a decline in national employment by 41,000 positions, or -0.2%. The employment rate fell to 60.7%, down by 0.2 percentage points, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.9%. These labour indicators may have implications for the hospitality industry’s workforce planning, with underlying trends affecting recruitment and operating capacity heading into the late summer.
Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca
Government of Canada Launches Consultation on the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act
On August 7, 2025, the federal government began consultations with industry and labour on the development of regulations for the new Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. The legislation intends to reduce federal obstacles for interprovincial trade and workforce mobility, aligning federal requirements with comparable provincial and territorial standards. Regional and national consultations will inform the drafting of regulations, which are scheduled for publication in fall 2025.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Minister Sidhu Meets with Australia’s Trade and Tourism Minister on Expanding Bilateral Ties
On August 7, 2025, Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met with Don Farrell, Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism. Discussions focused on deepening trade and investment ties, enhancing cooperation within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and strengthening economic engagement. Talks included references to trade missions and ongoing collaboration to maximize commercial opportunities for both countries, with direct connections to Canadian tourism and hospitality operators with business interests in Australia.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Minister MacDonald Completes Indo-Pacific Agriculture Trade Mission
On August 8, 2025, Minister of Agriculture Heath MacDonald concluded a seven-day trade mission to Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Accompanied by Canadian agricultural industry groups, the delegation met with senior officials and importers to pursue expanded trade in food and beverages, research cooperation, and technical partnerships. The tour included meetings with ASEAN representatives and attendance at the World Food Expo in the Philippines, exposing Canadian exporters to new opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region’s rapidly growing food and hospitality markets.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Vancouver’s Ruby Slippers Production Society Receives Federal Funding to Develop Artistic Talent
Vancouver’s Ruby Slippers Production Society will receive a $95,000 investment through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program, as announced on August 7, 2025, by Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. Funding is allocated to the Advance Theatre Pipeline Development Process, a year-long initiative supporting leadership and skills development for theatre artists from underrepresented backgrounds. The program includes mentorship, workshops, and community engagement culminating in new professional productions. This measure supports both the arts and performing venues that form part of the hospitality ecosystem.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
New Horizons for Seniors Program Supports Community Projects Across Canada
Employment and Social Development Canada issued details on the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) on August 6, 2025. The NHSP funds projects aiming to strengthen seniors’ inclusion through volunteerism, mentoring, awareness initiatives, and capital assistance for community programs. Over 43,000 projects have been funded since 2004, totalling more than $970 million. The 2025–2026 call for proposals is open, with grants up to $25,000 for community-based projects targeting healthy aging, prevention of senior abuse, diversity and inclusion, and financial security for seniors. Recent funding includes $60.3 million approved for 2,905 projects.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
US Federal GR News
White House Executive Order Establishes 2028 Summer Olympics Task Force
On August 5, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order creating a White House Task Force for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The Task Force will coordinate security, transportation, and entry processes among federal, state, and local agencies for the Games, with specific measures to manage visa and credentialing pathways for foreign athletes and journalists.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Drives U.S. Business Competitiveness Through Major Tax Reform
The White House published an article on August 6, 2025, detailing impacts of President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ a sweeping tax reform package that reinstates full expensing for domestic factories, R&D, and capital investments. Companies such as AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, United Rentals, PACCAR, and Disney reported higher cash flows and expanded investment plans.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
Presidential Message Marks National Shooting Sports Month
On August 4, 2025, the White House released President Trump’s message on National Shooting Sports Month, referencing the importance of hunting, fishing, and marksmanship to American cultural heritage and recreation. The message reiterates a federal stance in support of shooting sports activities and firearm traditions. Outdoor and recreation-focused venues, such as resorts and camps, may notice continuing engagement with these activities over the coming month.
Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov
Canadian Provincial GR News
Ontario Invests $28 Million to Support Non-Profit Programs
Ontario is providing more than $28 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support 300 non-profit organizations, including community recreation and active living programs across the province.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca
Saskatchewan Announces Events and Programming in Provincial Parks
Saskatchewan is offering a lineup of camping, hiking, and cultural events at its provincial parks from August 6 to August 20, with activities accessible to park visitors holding valid entry permits.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca
Saskatchewan Reports Tree Planting at Narrow Hills Provincial Park for Post-Wildfire Recovery
A total of 73,080 trees have been planted in Narrow Hills Provincial Park, Saskatchewan, to support forest renewal following recent wildfires, with further recovery work planned to allow campgrounds to reopen in spring 2026.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca
British Columbia Receives Community Input on Provincial Museum for South Asian Heritage
Over 16,000 British Columbians of South Asian heritage contributed input to the province’s vision for a new museum celebrating South Asian histories, traditions, and cultures.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Saskatchewan Prepares for 2025-26 Hunting Season
Saskatchewan has opened licence sales for the 2025-26 hunting season and released updated regulations for hunters, with information available through the province’s official channels.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca
Government Consultations
What We're Reading This Week
- Vacation hotels: Airbnb dips as slower growth outlook renews fears of travel demand slowdown: Airbnb faces stock declines amid concerns over slowing travel demand.
- Hotel travel: Marriott cuts 2025 revenue forecast on soft travel demand: Marriott revises its revenue forecast downward for 2025 due to weaker-than-expected travel demand.
- Target Hospitality (TH) Q2 Revenue Up 9%: Target Hospitality reports second quarter revenue growth.
- Apple Hospitality REIT Reports Results of Operations for Second Quarter 2025: Apple Hospitality REIT releases Q2 financials.
- Yachting: Five years of sustainable innovation at Yacht Club de Monaco, Rendezvous set for September 21-22: Yacht Club de Monaco plans a sustainability-focused event in September.
- From Dream to Destination: The Martial Arts History Museum's Journey: An overview of the development of the Martial Arts History Museum.
