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: 2025-08-17 to 2025-08-23

📋 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

Government of Canada Recognizes Red River Métis Business Directory for Procurement Opportunities

The Government of Canada has granted official recognition to the Red River Métis Business Directory, a move announced by Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand on August 20 in Winnipeg. With over 850 businesses now listed, firms in the directory are eligible to compete for set-aside federal contracts under the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business. This expands direct federal market access for Red River Métis-owned businesses, notably in sectors such as defence and northern infrastructure. The eligibility applies to procurement opportunities where federal departments are required to allocate a portion of contracts to Indigenous suppliers. The recognition streamlines verification of Red River Métis identity for procurement purposes and is part of efforts to advance self-determined criteria for Indigenous business certification.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Boosts Montréal M.A.D. Festival and Tourism Development in Quebec

The Montréal-based M.A.D. Festival has secured a non-repayable contribution of $442,098 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), as announced August 21 by MP Marie-Gabrielle Ménard on behalf of Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly. The funding, under the Quebec Economic Development Program, will support an international marketing campaign and new product development for the festival, which attracts thousands of participants each year in fashion, design, and performing arts. Organizers will use the funds to expand activities and draw more international visitors over 2025-2026. CED's stated objective is to promote economic diversification and help Quebec's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—accounting for 99.7% of the province's businesses—capture new growth opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and British Columbia Extend Food Export Program for Producers

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in partnership with British Columbia, announced new support to aid food and beverage producers in expanding export markets under the B.C. Agriculture and Food Export Program. According to the August 22 update, recent recipients include PACRIM Distributors—who partnered with Costco Japan to showcase B.C. craft beer—and Padmashri Naturals, which promoted wellness supplements in Singapore and Thailand. Applications remain open until September 5, with project funding provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion program running to 2028. Reported outcomes from earlier intakes include new retail agreements and increased international sales for B.C. beverage and food businesses.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases June 2025 Travel Data: Record US Visitor Volume

StatsCan's June 2025 travel report shows that for the first time since June 2006—excluding the COVID pandemic's impacts in August and September 2021—US resident trips to Canada surpassed travel by Canadian residents to the US. The data do not disaggregate by travel purpose or destination, but the shift signals a reversal of typical cross-border visitation trends in the peak summer period. These metrics may affect hospitality and accommodation volumes, particularly near land borders and major destinations.

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

Motion Picture Theatre Sector Sees Revenue Increase, Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

StatsCan data for 2024 show that operating revenue in the Canadian motion picture theatre industry climbed 12% from 2022 to $1.6 billion, reflecting a full resumption of operations following pandemic restrictions. Despite this growth, revenues remain 13.1% below the 2018 record of $1.9 billion. The sector continues to recover, although box office revenues have not returned to prior highs, with implications for related businesses and hospitality venues dependent on cinema traffic.

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

New Commercial Rents Data Released for Q2 2025

The Commercial Rents Services Price Index update for the second quarter of 2025 has been published by Statistics Canada. These figures offer new data points relevant for hospitality and retail property operators and may inform rental negotiations and revenue forecasting for accommodation and food service establishments in key Canadian markets.

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

Retail Sales Up in June, Food and Beverage Subsector Leads Growth

Canadian retail sales rose by 1.5% to $70.2 billion in June 2025, according to the latest StatsCan release. All nine subsectors posted gains, with food and beverage retailers accounting for the largest segment of the increase. Upward movement in consumer spending patterns could impact supply chain and inventory planning for restaurants, grocery, and specialty food retailers.

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

Quarterly Statistics Show Slight Decline in Air Carrier Revenue

StatsCan's report on Canadian civil aviation for Q1 2025 indicates that operating revenue for the 24 largest air carriers reached $8.3 billion, a decrease of 0.5% compared with the same period in 2024. The report covers major passenger airlines and may signal trends relevant to airport hospitality services and tourism arrivals.

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

Government Launches Probe Into Unpaid Work in Airline Sector

On August 19, Employment and Social Development Canada started consultations targeting the prevalence of unpaid work for federally regulated flight attendants. The engagement, announced by Minister Patty Hajdu, will consider compliance with Canada Labour Code requirements and collect stakeholder feedback, with results to be published in a future report. The review could have consequences for airline HR practices and worker scheduling.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investments Support Infrastructure and Recreation in Nova Scotia

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada confirmed an allocation of $63.2 million to Nova Scotia in 2025 through the Canada Community-Building Fund. Projects include both essential infrastructure and new recreational facilities, such as the Halifax Central Common Pool. The investments aim to enable communities to manage growth and support a wider range of hospitality, accommodation, and leisure services.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

PacifiCan to Announce Innovation Funding in Coquitlam

Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) scheduled an August 25 announcement regarding new funding commitments for sustainable technology adoption and business growth in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Minister Gregor Robertson will headline the event, with remarks also from MP Zoe Royer. The investments will focus on supporting technology-driven enterprises in the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

SBA Proposes Changes to Small Business Size Standards Across Key Sectors

The U.S. Small Business Administration published a proposed rule on August 22 to revise monetary-based small business size definitions for 263 industries, including accommodation and food services, retail trade, and entertainment. The proposal would increase receipts-based thresholds for 259 industries and asset limits for four others, with some exceptions consolidated or eliminated. The SBA methodology, last revised in September 2024, analyzes industry structure, federal contracting data, and economic factors to inform changes. Comments are open until October 21, 2025, through regulations.gov (RIN 3245-AI12). The rule is part of SBA's five-year review mandated by the Small Business Jobs Act.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

White House and EU Announce Framework on Reciprocal Trade

On August 21, the United States and European Union revealed a joint framework to strengthen trade, with provisions for tariff reductions on U.S. industrial exports, expanded EU access for American agricultural products, and reciprocal tariff adjustments on automotive and aerospace goods. The arrangement includes mutual recognition of regulatory standards, specific partnerships on cybersecurity, labor rights, digital trade, and increased EU procurement of U.S. energy, AI chips, and defense equipment. The agreement will require documentation and internal procedural steps in both jurisdictions prior to implementation.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

USDA and FDA Seek Comments on Export Certification Measures

The Food and Drug Administration has called for comments (due September 22) on proposals for establishing and maintaining export lists for U.S. food businesses seeking international market access. The program aims to identify establishments in 'good regulatory standing' whose products comply with FDA requirements and meet importing country certifications. Policies affecting exporters of milk, seafood, infant formula, and other foods are described, with country- and product-specific lists coordinated by FDA's Export Listing Module. The comment docket is FDA-2025-N-0183 at reginfo.gov.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Transportation Terminates Consumer Hotline Rulemaking After Legal Change

The U.S. Department of Transportation has ended its rulemaking that would have mandated airlines to post a DOT consumer complaints hotline, following statutory changes in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The withdrawal, effective August 19, reflects the elimination of the legal requirement for a federal hotline number. Current DOT rules will continue to govern airlines' obligations to provide consumer contact information through online and ticketing channels.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

SBA Schedules Tribal Consultation on Capital, Procurement, and Nonmanufacturer Rule

The US Small Business Administration will host a tribal consultation on September 17, 2025, in Wayland, Michigan, to gather feedback from tribal leaders on SBA program access, federal procurement opportunities, and regulatory barriers. Topics include eligibility under 7(a), 504-loan, and microloan programs, issues around the Nonmanufacturer Rule in supply contracting, and best practices for marketing tribally-owned entity capabilities. Pre-registration is required by September 12.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Adds Accessibility Criteria to Leisure, Tourism, and Culture Funding

The Office for Persons with Disabilities of Quebec reports that new accessibility requirements have been incorporated into several financial aid programs supporting leisure, tourism, and culture as of August 22.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

B.C. Government Extends Trade Support for Food and Beverage Exporters

British Columbia’s latest round of the Agriculture and Food Export Program is open until September 5, with recent projects enabling local firms to secure new partnerships in Japan, Costa Rica, Singapore, and Thailand.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Montréal Selected to Host 2028 World Congress of Nephrology

Palais des congrès de Montréal, with support from Destination Canada, will host the World Congress of Nephrology in 2028, an event projected to generate $14 million in economic activity and over 12,000 overnight stays.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Opens New Housing for Healthcare Workers in Lunenburg

Thirteen rental units have become available at the former Wheelhouse Motel in Lunenburg for healthcare workers and residents, through a $4.1 million provincial investment focused on improving healthcare workforce housing.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Photo Event Marks Opening of Lunenburg Housing Project

Officials welcomed new residents to the former Wheelhouse Motel, now converted to worker housing, during an event on August 18 attended by MLA Susan Corkum-Greek and local government representatives.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Active Consultation: CFIA 2026–2028 Accessibility Plan

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking stakeholder input until August 30 regarding its revised accessibility plan for programs, services, and operations, intended for implementation between 2026 and 2028.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

CFIA Consultation on Common Names for Milk Ingredients

Feedback is being accepted until August 25 on proposed changes to the classification and labeling of "milk ingredients" and "modified milk ingredients" in food products under Canadian Food Inspection Agency rules.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: N

What We're Reading This Week

• World's Climate Change Crisis Has Tourists Seeking 'Coolcations': International demand rises for travel destinations with cooler temperatures.
• Tariff costs manageable for BRP, but weighing on consumer demand, CEO says: BRP CEO discusses how tariffs are affecting consumer demand, especially in the powersport and recreation sectors.
• Opinion: Air Canada, the airline oligopoly and the abused consumer: A commentary on airline competition and passenger experience in Canada.
• Booking.com parent in US$9.5 million ‘junk fee’ settlement with Texas: The parent company of Booking.com settles with Texas over fee disclosures, potentially affecting OTA practices.
• Take the guesswork out of shopping with food subscription boxes: Jasmine Mangalaseril: Column explores how food subscription boxes are reshaping purchasing habits for Canadian consumers.
• RRC adapting to changing industries by offering new programs: Red River College expands its programming to address evolving sector needs, including hospitality.
• Business Brief: Checking our flight status: Round-up of recent issues for business travelers and Canadian carriers.

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