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: 2025-12-07 to 2025-12-13

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Senate Standing Committee on Official Languages—Arts, Culture, and Heritage in Minority Communities—December 8, 2025, 5:00pm: The OLLO committee met to discuss digital media investment, copyright reform, support for English- and French-language arts organizations, and potential consultation frameworks.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canada Strong Pass Returns for Holidays with Expanded Free and Discounted Access

The Government of Canada has reintroduced the Canada Strong Pass from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, enabling Canadians to access national museums and Parks Canada-administered sites for free or at reduced prices. Children aged 17 and under are entitled to free admission at national museums, the Plains of Abraham Museum, VIA Rail, Parks Canada sites, and participating provincial and territorial galleries, while young adults aged 18 to 24 receive a 25–50% discount. Statistics cited include a 6.5% rise in VIA Rail ridership, 13% more visits to Parks Canada sites, and an average growth of 15% in museum visits attributed to the previous pass period in summer 2025. The pass will be active again in the 2026 summer season, offering discounted camping fees and rail travel. The announcement frames the pass as supporting cultural and heritage venues and providing cost relief to Canadian families.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Accommodation Services Reach Record Revenue in 2024

Statistics Canada reports operating revenue in the accommodation services subsector at $35.9 billion for 2024, rising 2.9% over 2023. This increase, while notable, marks the first single-digit annual growth since 2019, returning the industry to market norms after pandemic disruptions. The reported revenue figures apply to hotels, motels, resorts, and short-term rental operators nationwide.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

CBSA Releases Ontario Border Operations 2025 Year-in-Review

The Canada Border Services Agency announced operational outcomes across Ontario for January to October 2025, referencing enforcement actions and passenger metrics. Southern Ontario border crossings welcomed 16.5 million individuals, accounting for 46% of national land border traffic, with the Greater Toronto Area processing 13.2 million air travellers. Enforcement details include: seizures of 1,632 kg cocaine, 350 kg methamphetamine, 748,559 kg tobacco; 352 firearms; over $1.6 million in seized currency; and 148 impaired driving arrests. Stolen vehicle interceptions in the GTA reached 187, with a combined value exceeding $11.6 million CAD. CBSA highlighted training programs in Nunavut for cruise ship examinations and reported expanded partnerships with international agencies on border interdiction. The Agency states that hiring for 1,000 new officers is underway.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Global Affairs Canada Issues Updated Winter Travel Advisory

Global Affairs Canada released its annual reminder for Canadians planning winter holidays to consult up-to-date travel advisories on Travel.gc.ca, emphasizing the use of newly introduced colour-coded risk maps later this month. The announcement outlines document requirements, entry/exit regulations, registration for emergencies, and access to consular services via dedicated 24/7 contact channels by phone, text, Signal, WhatsApp, or email. Key travel safety information on insurance and local laws was reiterated, and details on travel documents for children travelling internationally were provided.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Multiyear Funding Announced for Victoria Jazz Society Programming

Will Greaves, MP for Victoria, announced a $330,000 investment under the Canada Arts Presentation Fund to sustain Victoria Jazz Society’s 2026–2029 events. The funding covers marquee festivals such as the TD Victoria International JazzFest and Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival, alongside year-round concert series. This supports Canadian and international artists, including Indigenous and Francophone performers, and extends opportunities for audience engagement. The 42nd JazzFest is scheduled for June 19–28, 2026, and Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival from August 28–30, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Support for Business Growth in Southwest Nova Scotia

Chris d’Entremont, MP for Acadie—Annapolis, announced forthcoming support for three organizations in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, aimed at expanding local business activity in the tourism, aerospace, and performing arts sectors. The announcement, made on behalf of Minister Sean Fraser, is scheduled for December 15, 2025, at Th’YARC Playhouse and Arts Centre.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Government to Announce Funding for Southern Ontario Businesses

The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, will announce new funding initiatives for Toronto-based businesses. The event will feature participation from MP Chi Nguyen and Mayor Olivia Chow, and is scheduled for December 15, 2025, in Toronto. Details on attendance were released for media representatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Q4 2025 Dashboard on Rural and Small Town Business Conditions

Statistics Canada published updated analysis and data for Q4 2025 on business conditions in rural and small town Canada via its Interactive Dashboard. The release provides new granular metrics for operators across accommodation, food service, and recreation in small markets.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Alberta Designates First All-Season Resort Areas under All-Season Resorts Act

Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska ski resorts have received all-season resort area status, easing regulatory restrictions and supporting year-round development with environmental safeguards. The designations provide a streamlined pathway for facility upgrades and expanded recreational offerings.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Modernizes Financial Services for Cultural Enterprises via Bill No. 108

The Government of Quebec adopted Bill No. 108, granting SODEC new investment mechanisms—including private placements—and official recognition for digital creative enterprises, aiming to increase financial support for cultural businesses.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Approves Regulatory Orders Designating All-Season Resort Areas

Several Orders in Council dated December 10–11, 2025, formalize legal land designations for Castle, Fortress, and Nakiska as all-season resort areas; also include amendments to various provincial parks’ boundaries.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Allocates Additional $225,704 for Upgrades at Mont-Orignal Ski Resort

Minister Geneviève Guilbault and MP Stéphanie Lachance announced funding for facility upgrades and new tourism activities at Mont-Orignal ski resort in Chaudière-Appalaches.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Proposes Authorizing Rosemary Extract as Food Preservative

Health Canada launched consultation on adding rosemary extract to the List of Permitted Preservatives in foods, including detailed specification tables. Stakeholder input is open until February 21, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Travel Industry Urged to Double Down on Digital Transformation as Cyber Breaches Escalate: Analysis of rising cyber threats and industry innovation.
• How this popular B.C. tourist spot is attracting more locals amid a drop in U.S. visitors: British Columbia tourism operators adjust strategies for domestic appeal.
• Shoppers continue to look for deals this holiday season: Roots CEO: Canadian retailers observe ongoing demand for promotions.
• Great gifts ideas from AMA Travel: AMA Travel outlines ways travel-related gift options are popular in 2025.

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