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: 2025-09-14 to 2025-09-20

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• Canadian Heritage Committee: Mandate and Priorities of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture (September 24): On September 24, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage will hold a televised session reviewing the mandate and priorities of Minister Steven Guilbault, with senior officials from Canadian Heritage and Parks Canada slated to appear from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Human Resources Committee: Workers in the Seasonal Industry and Employment Insurance Program (September 23): The Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee will meet in camera on September 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to discuss workers in the seasonal industry and the Employment Insurance Program.

Canadian Federal GR News

Minister Guilbault Highlights Federal Support for TIFF and Canada's Film Industry

The Honourable Steven Guilbault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, announced federal support for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) during the event's 50th edition in Toronto. The Government of Canada previously committed $23 million over multiple years through Budget 2024 for TIFF initiatives, including the launch of TIFF: The Market for industry professionals, set for September 2026. This investment is intended to expand industry programming and promote the Canadian screen sector, a recognized economic driver that also supports tourism and the wider hospitality sector. Minister Guilbault met with Canadian film industry officials and visited various TIFF venues, highlighting the festival's impact on the arts, culture, and tourism sectors across Canada. TIFF has served as a platform for domestic and international cinema, contributing to local economic activity through hotel stays, dining, and related hospitality services. The commitment reflects ongoing federal recognition of the festival's role in stimulating industry growth, including indirect benefits for accommodation providers and event venues.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Addresses Recent Action Against Hospitality Sector Practices

Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition, delivered an opening statement to the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology on September 17, 2025. He provided details on recent Competition Bureau enforcement involving investigations and legal proceedings across various sectors, including travel, hospitality, and food service. Actions in the past year include proceedings against DoorDash and Canada's Wonderland over alleged misleading prices, and a broader market study into airline competition published in June 2025. The Bureau has reviewed potential abuses in the online advertising market and anti-competitive practices within grocery retail, including property control probes. The Commissioner noted legislative amendments have equipped the Bureau with expanded enforcement powers, particularly on merger review and emerging forms of market abuse. There was also mention of continuing consultations and the recent launch of a market study into SME lending, which relates to hospitality startups and small operators. The Bureau's enforcement approach is now shaped by updated Competition Act provisions, impacting pricing, promotional practices, and possible regulatory compliance issues relevant to the hospitality and retail sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Probe Advances on Unpaid Work in Airline Sector

Employment and Social Development Canada has advanced its probe into unpaid work in the airline sector, as announced by the Honourable Patty Hajdu. The update details that representatives from both employer and employee groups are now actively engaged, with the Government emphasizing Canada Labour Code provisions ensuring federally regulated employees are paid at or above minimum wage. Allegations center on flight attendants and other airline support staff not being compensated for all worked hours. The ongoing probe focuses on compliance with labour standards and is being monitored by the government, with potential implications for travel and hospitality operators that partner with airlines or offer services dependent on aviation industry labour relations. The government indicated its intent to take further steps based on findings from this engagement process.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Regional Tariff Response Initiative Launched for Prairie Businesses

Prairies Economic Development Canada has opened applications for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), available to businesses and organizations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. RTRI provides funding to support productivity enhancements, supply chain strengthening, market diversification, and domestic trade. Eligible expenses include labour, materials, infrastructure, training, and business networking. Priority access may be extended to sectors facing especially high tariff impacts or contributing significant economic benefit, which could involve hospitality, accommodation, or food service operators coping with supply disruptions or costs resulting from global trade shifts. Projects must be concluded by March 31, 2028, and funding can be retroactively applied to eligible costs incurred since March 21, 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal and Yukon Governments Invest in Water and Recreation Infrastructure

The governments of Canada and Yukon have allocated over $25.6 million to improve water, road, utility, and recreation infrastructure in communities including Faro, Watson Lake, Haines Junction, and Burwash Landing. Upgrades include water and sewer system enhancements as well as the establishment of a new boat launch to increase lake access for Kluane First Nation and visitors. The investment is positioned to improve recreational opportunities, community health, and connectivity—factors directly relevant to rural accommodation providers, campgrounds, and local tourism development in the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Reports Decrease in Canadian Retail Sales, Led by Food and Beverage Sector

Statistics Canada data for July 2025 show a 0.8% decrease in retail sales, totaling $69.6 billion for the month. Declines affected eight of nine tracked subsectors, with the largest reduction in food and beverage retailers. These figures could influence revenue projections for hospitality operators involved in food sales, as well as restaurants and retail-based tourism venues. The report provides a month-over-month indicator of consumer spending patterns, valuable for market analysis and operational planning.

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

Business Conditions Dashboard for Rural and Small Town Canada Updated

Statistics Canada has released an update to its 'Business Conditions in Rural and Small Town Canada' interactive dashboard for Q3 2025. The dashboard provides new data and analysis relevant to rural hospitality providers, campgrounds, local event venues, and smaller travel service businesses. Operators can access current trends affecting rural commerce, market dynamics, and pressures unique to non-urban regions.

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

Joint Statement Issued on Equal Pay and Unpaid Airline Sector Work

On International Equal Pay Day, Ministers Patty Hajdu, Rechie Valdez, and John Zerucelli released a joint statement referencing ongoing pay equity initiatives in federally regulated sectors. The statement also references the current probe into alleged unpaid work in the airline sector, reiterating the requirement that all workers be compensated in compliance with the Canada Labour Code and the Pay Equity Act. Resources such as Equi’Vision and other federal pay transparency tools remain active, affecting sectors including hospitality and travel where federal regulation applies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

White House Introduces Gold Card Visa Program for High-Value Investors

President Donald J. Trump, through executive order, has initiated the Gold Card visa program, providing expedited immigrant visas for individuals or corporate nominees who contribute $1 million or $2 million, respectively, to the U.S. Treasury. The program is administered by the Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security. The funds are earmarked to promote American commerce and industry, with criteria focused on evidence of exceptional business ability and national benefit. Application procedures, administrative fees, and possible category expansions are being established. The White House frames this measure as realigning immigration policy to national interests and generating revenue through increased foreign investment. The program may affect high-end hospitality and resort operators seeking to attract international guests and investors.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Proclamation Restricts Entry of Certain H-1B Nonimmigrant Workers

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation imposing restrictions on the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers for a period of 12 months. The new policy requires a $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions and targets program abuse, with exceptions provided for national interest cases. Departments of Homeland Security, State, and Labor are tasked with enforcement, including review of prevailing wage levels, compliance checks, and audit procedures. The restriction is positioned as a response to concerns regarding displacement of domestic workers and wage suppression, issues noted most acutely in STEM and IT sectors but with indirect effects across industries employing H-1B personnel, including hospitality technology and management.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

USDA Issues Updated Guidance for Food Safety Inspection Applications

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has published an updated 'FSIS Guideline for Applying for USDA FSIS Inspection.' The guidance, which is now available for comment until November 14, 2025, aims to clarify application procedures for businesses, particularly small and very small establishments involved in meat, poultry, or egg processing. The document includes explanations of eligibility, exemption categories, and resource access, referencing existing requirements under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, and Egg Products Inspection Act. This move may have implications for food service providers, caterers, and hospitality operators sourcing products from inspected facilities.

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

Agency Information Collection on Patient Safety Culture in US Hospitals

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced a request for public comment on the continuation of its 'Surveys on Patient Safety Culture Hospital Database.' The survey aggregates data from hospitals nationwide and focuses on staff perspectives regarding patient safety and error reporting. Insights from this collection are made publicly available and may inform standards or expectations relevant to hospitality-connected medical or wellness facilities, or guest services operating within major resort medical wings.

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

HHS Opens Comment Period on Application for Federal Assistance Form

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking comments on the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) form, used by organizations to apply for federal grants and support. The notice, published on September 17, 2025, invites organizations—including those in hospitality and recreation seeking federal grants—to submit input on the collection's burden and process. The public comment window remains open until October 17, 2025.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Announces $60 Million to Expand and Upgrade Over 1,000 Campsites

Ontario is investing nearly $60 million to add 300 new campsites and upgrade 800 campsites with electrical service at provincial parks, addressing increased demand and supporting local tourism and hospitality businesses.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Commits $10 Million to South Bowmanville Recreation Centre

The Ontario government will provide $10 million towards the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre project, aiming to create a multi-sport facility and support economic growth and sport tourism in Clarington.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Issues New Mandate Letters for Economic Growth and Tourism

Premier Danielle Smith has issued mandate letters directing Alberta ministers to expand airport capacity, promote all-season tourism, grow cultural sectors, and support trade, with a focus on increasing visitor spending and industry investment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Combines Digital Service Branches to Form Connected Services BC

British Columbia is reorganizing digital service delivery, combining technology and information management units into Connected Services BC, aiming to simplify government services for both people and businesses.

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

Quebec Releases Report on Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

The Office des personnes handicapées du Québec has published a report outlining public sector compliance with accessibility action plans from 2020 to 2024, including developments impacting service standards in hospitality.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Canadian business travel to the U.S. remained resilient in the first half of the year: Canadian companies maintained robust U.S. business travel levels so far in 2025.
• Olia, Mimi and Va Caffè restaurants longlisted for international design award: Three Canadian restaurants are in contention for a global design recognition.
• Red Sea Global Unveils Shura Island: A New Era of Luxury Tourism Begins This September: Saudi developments bring new high-end hospitality competitors to the international market.
• At Yacht Club de Monaco the 5th Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous: Marina industry stakeholders gather in Monaco to discuss tech-driven marina projects.

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