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: 2025-08-31 to 2025-09-06

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Minister Freeland Closes Made in Canada Ferries and Rail Summit in Hamilton

On September 2, 2025, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland concluded the Made in Canada: Ferries and Rail Summit, convening sector leaders and government officials in Hamilton, Ontario. The summit focused on increasing the use of domestic steel and aluminum in ferry and rail construction and reducing barriers to infrastructure projects across Canada. Discussions addressed targeted government support for industry and creating a robust domestic market, with officials noting the early effects of the One Canadian Economy Act, which has accelerated infrastructure development by reducing interprovincial trade barriers. The event gathered representatives from rail, marine, steel, and aluminum industries, as well as provincial and territorial partners. These discussions are positioned as steps toward expanding Canadian supply chains and supporting industrial resilience in the country’s transportation network.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region to Receive New Federal Funding for Tourism and Aluminum Sector

Between September 7 and 9, 2025, Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and to the Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will visit the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region to announce funding for various local organizations and businesses. Engagements include a meeting organized by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie Saguenay-Le Fjord with key players in the aluminum sector, followed by a media availability. Leitão will also announce funding for the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien. The planned investment aims to support regional economic development and reinforce connections within Quebec’s industrial and tourism sectors, particularly those aligned with hospitality, recreation, and business attraction.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Laurentides Treetop Walk Attraction Expands with Federal Assistance

The Government of Canada is providing $266,500 in repayable support to Sentier des cimes Laurentides to enhance its offerings as a regional tourism draw in Mont-Blanc, Quebec. Funds will go toward installing a giant slide—the longest in Canada—and adding illuminated paths along the pedestrian trail, targeting both extended visitation and off-season tourism. The site, operated by the Quebec branch of Erlebnis Akademie AG, has become popular since its 2022 opening and will further expand with support from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. Implementation of these upgrades is expected to attract diverse clientele and boost the region's profile as an adventure tourism destination.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Strong Pass Drives Summer Uptick in Parks and Museums Attendance

Canadian Heritage reported that the Canada Strong Pass, launched in June 2025, resulted in increased visits to national, provincial, and territorial museums, historic sites, and parks during the summer months. The pass, which offered free and discounted admission as well as reduced camping fees, also led to higher rail travel via VIA Rail Canada. Several jurisdictions matched benefits at their own cultural institutions, allowing children and youth free or discounted entry at participating museums. The initiative supported local communities and travel-related businesses nationwide before concluding in early September.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Monthly Services Trade Surplus Reaches $0.5 Billion in July

Statistics Canada data show that in July 2025, Canada's international trade in services posted a $0.5 billion surplus, reversing a $0.2 billion deficit from June. Exports of services rose by 2.6% to $18.7 billion, while imports fell by 1.3% to $18.2 billion. These figures suggest a favorable environment for travel and hospitality service providers engaged in international business, reflecting robust demand for Canadian services abroad and modest declines in incoming service purchases.

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

Federal Wayfinding Investment to Boost Cape Breton Regional Municipality Tourism

On September 5, 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced a non-repayable $400,000 contribution to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for a wayfinding enhancement project. Funding will support new signage, digital kiosks, landscaping, benches, and bike racks in key traffic areas. The project's intent is to guide visitors from arrival points to regional attractions, increasing exploration and prolonging visitor stays. Improved navigation infrastructure is anticipated to drive additional foot traffic to local businesses, supporting seasonal and year-round tourism in Nova Scotia.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

PacifiCan Expands Tariff Relief Initiative for BC Businesses

The Government of Canada, through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced the expansion of the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in British Columbia on September 5, 2025. The RTRI’s national investment commitment has been doubled to $1 billion over three years. The initiative provides targeted support to small- and medium-sized enterprises affected by tariff pressures, helping them improve productivity, optimize supply chains, and grow domestic and export markets. Program details and applications for BC businesses will be available online from September 15, 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Provides National Funding

Employment and Social Development Canada detailed the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), supporting programs such as Canada Summer Jobs and work placements for Canadians aged 15 to 30. The YESS offers wage subsidies, tailored training, mentorship, and work experience for youth—including several national projects targeting skill-building and employment for youth with disabilities. The government also highlighted its Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, Student Work Placement Program, and various other supports, aiming to broaden work-integrated learning and training opportunities across the country.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Notice of Assumption Reinsurance Agreement Filed by Travelers Insurance Company of Canada

The Canada Gazette published a notice on September 6, 2025, that Travelers Insurance Company of Canada (TICC) intends to apply to the Superintendent of Financial Institutions for approval to reinsure all risks associated with its surety and home warranty insurance business. The risks will be assumed by the Canadian branch of St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company. Policyholders have a 30-day window for inspection or to request documentation of the agreement, in compliance with the Insurance Companies Act.

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

StatsCan Reports Decline in Labour Productivity for Q2 2025

Labour productivity in Canadian businesses fell by 1.0% during the second quarter of 2025, following a near-flat first quarter and after a 1.2% gain in the final quarter of 2024. This marks the largest drop in productivity since late 2022. The change may affect cost structures and operational planning in the hospitality and retail sectors, where workforce efficiency plays a critical role.

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

Weekly Aircraft Movement Data Available for August Travel Trends

Statistics Canada released updated weekly aircraft itinerant movements for August 16–22, 2025. The dataset provides granular insight on air traffic volume, which can inform decision-making on seasonal demand and capacity in the travel and hospitality industry.

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

US Federal GR News

FDA Proposes Renewal of Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards

On September 5, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) submitted a proposal to renew the information collection for the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The MFRPS provides regulatory benchmarks for State, local, Tribal, and Territorial programs managing food safety, spanning regulatory foundations, inspections, compliance, and lab support. As of now, 42 State programs participate. The FDA estimates an annual recordkeeping burden of 40,698 hours for the 42 respondents, with updated participation reflecting a slight decrease in total burden due to fewer states enrolled.

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

White House Issues Executive Order on Wrongful Detention of U.S. Nationals

President Biden issued an executive order on September 5, 2025, intended to enhance protections for U.S. nationals detained abroad. The order empowers the Secretary of State to designate governments as “State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention,” subjecting them to sanctions, travel restrictions, and other penalties. Conditions for terminating such designations include the release of detainees or verifiable policy changes. The order applies both to formally recognized states and entities controlling territory.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

SBA Updates Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for Lenders and Intermediaries

On September 2, 2025, the Small Business Administration sought public comment on updated information collection requirements affecting over 3,500 SBA lenders, Certified Development Companies, and Microloan Intermediaries. These reporting obligations pertain to management, eligibility, credit administration, performance, and regulatory compliance reviews within the 7(a) and CDC programs. SBA-supervised lenders have additional obligations around financial condition and internal controls under 13 CFR 120.1050(b). For high-risk lenders or those under increased supervision, supplemental documentation requests and corrective action plans may be instituted.

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

FDA Seeks OMB Review for 2025 Food Safety and Nutrition Survey

The U.S. FDA has submitted its plan for the 2025 Food Safety and Nutrition Survey (FSANS) to the Office of Management and Budget for review. This newly consolidated survey will collect data on consumer knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety and nutrition, supporting policy development and the tracking of Healthy People initiatives. The sample includes 5,000 adults randomly selected from 25,000 households, utilizing both web and traditional mail channels, with associated total burden estimated at 1,707 hours.

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

NPS Maintains Reporting for Yellowstone Snow Coach and Snowmobile Operators

The National Park Service announced a proposed renewal of its information collection requirements for snow coach and snowmobile operators in Yellowstone National Park. Commercial operators must continue submitting the OSV Monthly Use Report (NPS Form 10-650), which documents compliance with emissions standards and usage limits under 36 CFR 7.13. The requirement covers reporting on transportation events and air/sound emissions and applies to 64 business respondents, with a total annual burden of 129 hours.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Alberta Officials Visit Kentucky to Explore Distillery Tourism Strategies

Alberta’s Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, is in Kentucky from September 2–8 to review tourism strategies behind the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and discuss branding initiatives for Alberta’s distilling sector.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Releases Comprehensive Jobs Strategy

On September 3, the Government of Alberta announced the Alberta Jobs Strategy, which consolidates nearly 50 programs to support workforce development through skills training, career awareness, and targeted employment supports.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Invests $2.7 Million in Recreation Facility Upgrades

Nova Scotia will provide $2.7 million to 32 community organizations for upgrades to recreation facilities, including parks, trails, and rinks, aiming to improve infrastructure for families and visitors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Hospitality industry concerned over possible BCGEU strike: Uncertainty looms as BC hospitality operators respond to potential union strike action.
• More tourism-reliant Kelowna business operators call for short-term rental changes: Kelowna businesses seek regulatory changes to address evolving pressures around short-term rentals.
• Couche-Tard eyes U.S. growth with Guy Fieri partnership, bargain meal bundles: Canadian retail chain partners with celebrity chef to drive U.S. market expansion.
• Restaurants Canada says supply of Temporary Foreign Works represents only a small but critical percentage of the total workforce: Industry association comments on the role of temporary foreign workers in Canadian hospitality.
• The ‘self-inflicted injury’ to U.S. tourism that’s making some Americans angry and disappointed: Article examines domestic frustrations over tourism challenges affecting the U.S.
• Kelowna businesses respond to shifting tourism conditions: Operators adapt to evolving rental regulations and visitor expectations.
• Canadian businesses assess impact of recent travel trends: Industry reacts to updated consumer spending patterns in seasonal hotspots.

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