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: 2025-11-23 to 2025-11-29

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House of Commons CIMM Meeting No. 16: Canada's Immigration System: On December 2, 2025, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) will continue its study on Canada’s Immigration System. Witnesses will include representatives from Centre of Immigrant and Community Services, COSTI Immigrant Services, Legal Assistance of Windsor, National Citizens Coalition, and Proco Group Inc. The meeting is scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be webcast.
• Senate Official Languages Committee: Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Minority Communities: On December 1, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages will examine federal institutions’ responsibilities in arts, culture, and heritage in official language minority communities. Witnesses will include the Regroupement des éditeurs franco-canadiens and the Association des groupes en arts visuels francophones.

Canadian Federal Government News

Atlantic Canada Receives $7.1 Million for Tourism Growth

On November 28, 2025, the Government of Canada announced over $7.1 million in support for 68 projects through the Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada. The funding, delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is aimed at strengthening the region’s visitor economy by supporting infrastructure upgrades, new visitor experiences, and marketing initiatives to attract more travelers and help extend the tourist season. The investment builds on a strong summer tourism season, with the region recording some of the fastest growth in the country. The Tourism Growth Program is part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which aims to expand the sector’s reach to new markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Issues Black Friday Advertising Advisory

On November 25, 2025, the Competition Bureau Canada issued a warning to businesses regarding the legality of advertising fake discounts during Black Friday sales. The Bureau reminded businesses that it is illegal under the Competition Act to advertise inflated regular prices or make unverifiable savings claims. Businesses are required to ensure that any “regular price” referenced in promotions reflects genuine past offers and that detailed records of all promotional activity are maintained. The Bureau noted a surge in complaints related to misleading pricing tactics and encouraged both businesses and consumers to report suspected instances to the Competition Bureau.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Draft Regulations on Official Languages Act Penalties Tabled

On November 26, 2025, Minister Steven Guilbeault announced the tabling of draft regulations under the Official Languages Act concerning administrative monetary penalties. Once in effect, these regulations will empower the Commissioner of Official Languages to impose financial penalties on passenger transportation industry entities for non-compliance with obligations related to communications with the public and bilingual service provision. The draft regulations specify that penalty amounts may be adjusted based on the severity, repetition, corrective measures, and organizational size. The approach is intended to ensure consistent administration of sanctions for recurring complaints in the passenger transportation industry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investments for Tourism in Northern New Brunswick

On November 25, 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced repayable contributions totaling $111,500 to two businesses in Edmundston and Lake Baker, New Brunswick—EKÖ Nature Glamping and Auberge MicKy Inc. The funding is intended to help these businesses modernize, attract visitors, and support environmental initiatives. The projects are part of the government’s broader efforts to diversify and extend the tourism experience in the region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Support for Atlantic Canada’s Tourism Ecosystem in Western Newfoundland

A federal announcement was made in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, regarding five tourism investments on the province’s west coast. The announcement, delivered by Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois on behalf of Minister Sean Fraser, took place at the Blow Me Down Cross-Country Ski Club on November 27, 2025, and focused on supporting the local tourism sector through targeted investments.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Economic Panel Launched

On November 24, 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency launched the Atlantic Economic Panel, a private-sector-led group of seven business leaders tasked with developing recommendations for the region’s economic advancement. The panel will engage stakeholders throughout Atlantic Canada in 2026, guiding research and analysis to inform a public report and recommendations to the government by September 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Commercial Rents Data Released for Q3 2025

Statistics Canada released updated data from the Commercial Rents Services Price Index for the third quarter of 2025. The dataset provides information about commercial rent trends in key Canadian economic markets.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Food Services and Drinking Places Sales Down 0.3% in September 2025

Statistics Canada reported that total sales in the food services and drinking places subsector fell by 0.3% in September 2025, reaching $8.5 billion.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Q4 2025 Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Statistics Canada’s Q4 2025 survey found that cost- and labour-related challenges remain the top obstacles anticipated by businesses, with business optimism remaining consistent with previous quarters.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Senate Discusses Tourism’s Role in Newfoundland and Labrador

During the November 26, 2025, Senate sitting, Senator Sorenson addressed the importance of tourism in Canada, citing positive testimonials and the unique role of Newfoundland and Labrador. The discussion followed tributes to public figures and included references to ongoing efforts in tourism development across the country.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

House of Commons CIMM Committee Explores Immigration’s Impact on Hospitality and Accommodation Workforce

On November 25, 2025, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) held a meeting featuring testimony from Accueil francophone du Manitoba and Éducation internationale. Witnesses discussed challenges in Francophone immigration, the need for settlement and integration funding, and barriers related to the Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, with direct reference to international student enrolment in vocational programs and workforce integration for the hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Ontario Announces $17.5 Million for Community Programs

On November 28, 2025, Ontario announced over $17.5 million in funding through the Trillium Foundation to support 257 non-profits, First Nations, and small municipalities for programs related to active lifestyles, arts, and employment for youth and people with disabilities.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming to Hold Press Conference

Minister Stan Cho will provide remarks and hold a media availability on November 28, 2025, in Toronto, with a focus expected on tourism, culture, and gaming initiatives.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• U.S. hospitality businesses eyeing takeover of nearly 1,000 Sonder units across Canada: U.S. firms consider acquiring Sonder’s Canadian properties.
• Booking.com cancels $4K reservation, offers to rebook for $17K | Go Public: CBC reports on a customer’s experience with a dramatic price increase on a digital booking platform.
• Royalton Hotels & Resorts Outlines Comprehensive Support Plan for Jamaica's Recovery: Royalton details its response efforts for hospitality sector recovery in Jamaica.
• Hotel101 Global Announces a Joint Venture with Definitive Binding Agreements Signed for the Development of Hotel101 in Milan, Italy: Hotel101 expands presence in Europe through a new Milan development.

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