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: 2025-11-09 to 2025-11-15

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Canadian Heritage Committee: Effects of AI on Creative Industries – November 17, 2025: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage will meet on November 17 to examine the effects of technological advances in artificial intelligence on the creative industries, with witness presentations scheduled from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Citizenship and Immigration Committee: Bill C-12 – Security of Borders and Immigration Integrity – November 18, 2025: The Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration will review the subject matter of Bill C-12 concerning border security and immigration integrity on November 18 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., including witnesses from the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
• Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee: Bill S-202 – Alcoholic Beverage Warning Labels – November 19, 2025: The Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee will meet in camera on November 19 at 4:15 p.m. to consider clause-by-clause review of Bill S-202, amending the Food and Drugs Act for alcoholic beverage warning labels.
• Senate Official Languages Committee: Federal Responsibilities in Minority Language Communities – November 17, 2025: The Senate Official Languages Committee convenes November 17 at 5:00 p.m. to examine federal responsibilities related to arts, culture, and health services in official language minority communities, with witness panels in videoconference.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers Sets 2026 Mandates, Addresses Emergency Management

Over two days in Winnipeg, federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for tourism convened for the 2025 Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers meeting, jointly chaired by the Honourable Rechie Valdez and the Honourable Nellie Kennedy. Delegates discussed economic data showing tourism's support for over 702,000 direct jobs in 2024 and a $50.8 billion GDP contribution, with a noted reliance on U.S. travellers. The agenda covered sector marketing adaptations, emergency management protocols, and recovery strategies following a year shaped by wildfires and extreme weather. Best practices from the CCTM’s Emergency Management Working Group were reviewed, along with digital trends and evolving visitor preferences. Ministers also renewed the Innovation and Investment Working Group’s mandate for 2026, setting priorities in technology uptake and emergency management.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Finds No Widespread Anticompetitive Conduct in Rental Housing Algorithmic Pricing

The Competition Bureau concluded its civil investigation into algorithmic pricing in Canada’s rental housing market, focusing on RealPage Canada, Inc. and Yardi Canada, Ltd. The inquiry determined that the adoption of revenue management tools has declined since late 2024 following increased scrutiny and public concern. The Bureau did not find evidence of abuse of dominance or unlawful collaboration. It is issuing compliance guidance for landlords, property managers, and software vendors, and will maintain ongoing sector monitoring with a view to protecting competition in multi-family rentals.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Budget Investments Announced for Chantier Naval Forillon and Exploramer Tourism Project

Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced an investment exceeding $1.1 million for Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspé, supporting slipway modernization aimed at increasing productivity and securing local maritime jobs. Additional federal funding of up to $3.1 million is allocated to the Exploramer Shark Pavillion in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, designed to boost regional tourism. Funding is part of the Build Communities Strong Fund outlined in Budget 2025, which prioritizes local infrastructure and economic resilience amid global disruptions, drawing on $51 billion over ten years.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Budget 2025 Highlights: Infrastructure and Affordability Measures

Secretary of State Stephanie McLean highlighted federal infrastructure funding through the Build Communities Strong Fund, with $51 billion allocated over ten years. Funding streams will address health, transit, educational infrastructure, and community amenities including recreational spaces. The fund’s community stream is set to provide nearly $27.8 billion for local roads, water systems, and community centers. These investments are positioned to stimulate skilled trades employment and provide groundwork for hospitality, leisure, and conference sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: International Arrivals to Canada Continue Year-Over-Year Declines

Preliminary data for October 2025 show 4.6 million international arrivals to Canada by air and automobile, marking a 12.6% drop from October 2024. This represents the ninth consecutive month of year-over-year declines, affecting inbound travel volumes for hotels, accommodations, and hospitality operators.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan: Service Export and Import Growth Driven by International Travel

Canada's exports of services reached $231.7 billion in 2024, a 5.9% increase over 2023. Imports also rose 7.2% to $230.2 billion, with international travel identified as the leading factor in both growth measures.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Data: Ontario Prepared Food and Beverage Sales Survey, 2024

Statistics Canada released 2024 data for the Prepared Food and Beverage Sales Survey in Ontario, now available upon request. The dataset provides operators and analysts with updated sales indicators across prepared food service and beverage establishments in the province.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Employment by Industry in Rural Canada Dashboard Updated

Statistics Canada launched updated analysis for the October 2025 reference period in its interactive dashboard tracking rural employment by industry. The new data may support assessment of workforce trends in small market hospitality, recreation, and tourism operations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Quebec Updates Guidance on Tourist Accommodation Act for Municipalities

Quebec's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued reminders to municipalities regarding their regulatory responsibilities under the Tourist Accommodation Act and the role of municipal compliance notices in registration.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta's Provincial Heritage Sites Mark Record Attendance; Budget Boosts Capacity

Alberta's 21 provincial heritage sites reported more than 603,000 visitors between May and August 2025, a 7% increase over last year. Budget 2025 allocated $51 million to expand museums and historic sites across the province.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Allocates $7 Million for Sport and Recreation Infrastructure

The Alberta government is investing $7 million through the Active Communities Initiative to support new and upgraded sport and recreation facilities, with projects in towns including Okotoks, Calgary, and Alliance.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Passes Bill No. 104 to Simplify Municipal Processes

The Quebec National Assembly adopted Bill No. 104 with provisions intended to reduce municipal bureaucracy, generate new revenues, and strengthen local governance. Measures are intended to make municipal services more efficient.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

US Federal Government News

CFPB Proposes Major Revisions to Regulation B for Small Business Lending

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed revisions to Regulation B under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to ease compliance for small business lenders. Proposed changes include raising the origination threshold for data reporting from 100 to 1,000 transactions over two years, narrowing the definition of covered "small business" to firms with $1 million or less in gross annual revenue, and excluding Farm Credit System lenders. Certain credit types, including merchant cash advances and small-dollar loans under $1,000, would be exempt from reporting. Changes to reporting fields and an extended compliance window to January 2028 are also in the proposal. The agency is seeking comments through December 15, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes New Refrigerant Listings and Safety Standards for HVAC and Related Equipment

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed rule to revise the Significant New Alternatives Policy program. The action lists additional substitutes, such as new refrigerant blends and fire suppressants, for use in residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, chillers, and fire suppression. Key use conditions include safety labels, color-coded hose requirements, and third-party certification or compliance with the latest UL standards. Public comments are open until December 26, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CFPB Moves to Narrow ECOA Disparate Impact and Discouragement Provisions

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing amendments to Regulation B that would remove disparate impact liability under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, revise discouragement provisions to apply only to intentional statements, and tighten the criteria for Special Purpose Credit Programs by for-profit lenders. This proposal, shaped by recent executive orders and case law, is subject to public comment until December 15, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Small Business Administration Issues Economic Injury Disaster Declaration for Illinois

The SBA has declared an Economic Injury Disaster for Coles County, Illinois, and adjacent counties following algal bloom water contamination from July to August 2025. Small businesses, including those in hospitality, accommodation, and food service, are eligible to apply for EIDL assistance via the SBA portal through August 6, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House: Trade and Investment Deal Frameworks Announced with Argentina, Guatemala, and Ecuador

The United States has announced framework agreements on reciprocal trade and investment with Argentina, Guatemala, and Ecuador. The frameworks aim to increase market access for U.S. goods, eliminate non-tariff barriers, enhance intellectual property protections, and facilitate digital trade. Labor rights and sustainability commitments are included. Both sides intend to finalize and implement agreements to expand bilateral and regional commerce.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Real estate investors eye B.C. hotel sector: Coverage of investment activity targeting the British Columbia hotel market.
• Black Diamond Group Limited Announces Closing of Royal Camp Services Acquisition: Black Diamond Group expands presence with the acquisition of Royal Camp Services.
• More Winter Skating, More Year-Round Play: Harbourfront Centre Partners with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to Strengthen Waterfront Recreation and Expand Outdoor Rink: Harbourfront Centre and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities collaborate on expanded seasonal recreational offerings.
• TOURISE Destination Initiative Calls for Global Action for Urban Tourism Safety Through AI: Industry initiative seeks to develop AI-driven solutions to urban tourism safety.
• Hotelier receives prestigious award after helping save Jasper Park Lodge during 2024 wildfire: Jasper Park Lodge recognized for operational response during last year's wildfire event.
• B.C. hotel rates a ‘critical challenge’ ahead of FIFA event: Concerns grow over rising accommodation costs in B.C. leading up to major international events.
• Lauded Vancouver hotel featuring Indigenous art to close and become supportive housing: High-profile Vancouver hotel will close and transition to supportive housing use.

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