Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and Web3. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2025-06-22 to 2025-06-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Communications Security Establishment Canada Releases 2024-25 Annual Report

The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) has published its annual report for 2024-2025, releasing an overview of its cybersecurity and intelligence activities. Key initiatives included support for national border security through the Joint Operational Intelligence Cell (JOIC) and contributions to Arctic sovereignty and security via partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders. CSE also played a significant advisory role in the National Cyber Security Strategy, supplying threat intelligence and guidance across government. Notably, the report confirms the launch of CSE's Artificial Intelligence Strategy, targeting operational enhancement and integration of AI tools to support intelligence and resilience. Oversight from independent review bodies and a focus on maintaining a robust workforce rounded out the agency's public disclosures. The report also notes a focus on defending critical infrastructure and expanding cyber resilience in light of hostile foreign activity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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Canada Opens Applications for $300 Million AI Compute Access Fund

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has introduced the AI Compute Access Fund, part of the broader Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy. With applications now open, this $300 million program seeks to make high-performance computing resources affordable for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises. The program’s due diligence phase will evaluate applicants’ organizational capacity, project viability, measureable impact, and alignment with national AI objectives. Supported projects are expected to accelerate AI adoption and development across industries, including life sciences, energy, and manufacturing. This move is tied to a $2 billion federal allocation for scaling up Canadian AI and targets both domestic productivity and technological independence.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Investment Announced for Vector Institute's HealthSpark AI Healthcare Initiative

During Toronto Tech Week, the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, announced a $3.5 million government investment into the Vector Institute to launch HealthSpark. This initiative will equip Canadian health technology scaleups and startups with access to AI engineering expertise, training, mentorship, and networks. The aim is to fast-track AI solutions addressing health system challenges such as staffing shortages and patient outcomes. Activities during the week also included meetings with leaders from MaRS and the Vector Institute, highlighting real-world applications of AI in health care and mapping technology.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Toronto Region Board of Trade Receives $2.4 Million for AI Business Catalyst Program

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario committed $2.4 million to the Toronto Region Board of Trade to establish the AI Business Catalyst program. This initiative will aid 75 businesses and over 450 participants in adopting AI technology across various industries, with new tools available to help boost productivity and global competitiveness. The Board will connect companies to resources, programs, and partners, reinforcing national efforts to scale responsible AI adoption.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Deepens AI and Trade Ties with the United Arab Emirates

From June 18 to 20, high-level meetings between Canadian ministers and the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister focused on cooperation in AI research, commercialization, and cross-border capital investment. Officials discussed expanding digital trade, opening new markets, and recent developments like the Dubai Chambers' new office in Toronto. These steps form part of Canada’s ongoing strategy for trade diversification and international technology partnerships.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Vector Institute Set as Venue for Federal AI Healthcare Solutions Announcement

On June 25, Minister Evan Solomon was scheduled to deliver an event at the Vector Institute to reveal new federal measures supporting AI-driven health care solutions, underscoring continued government engagements with Canada’s AI research community.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Posts Latest Regulatory Proceedings

The CRTC has updated the public on new regulatory policies, decisions, notices of consultation, and orders pertaining to broadcasting and telecommunications, posted on its website as they come into force and available for public examination.

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

Minister Solomon Participates in Toronto Tech Week 2025

Minister Evan Solomon’s engagements at Toronto Tech Week included site visits and consultations with key players in the AI and quantum computing sectors, such as at Xanadu, reinforcing government collaboration with business leaders in digital innovation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Schedules Announcement on AI Adoption by Southern Ontario Businesses

Federal officials arranged an announcement at the Toronto Region Board of Trade on support for AI adoption to stimulate commercial opportunities for Southern Ontario businesses, reflecting continued regional focus on AI-enabled economic growth.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

SEC Institutes Proceedings on Consolidated Audit Trail Data Privacy Amendment

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has opened proceedings on a major amendment to the National Market System Plan governing the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) Customer and Account Information System (CAIS). The proposed amendment would codify and expand the removal of personally identifiable information from CAIS, transitioning it to a Reference Database, and exempt Industry Members from reporting names, addresses, and years of birth for customers.

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

FDA Issues Updated Guidance on Cybersecurity in Medical Device Submissions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released final guidance updating requirements for cybersecurity considerations in the design and documentation of medical devices.

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

International Trade Commission Terminates Patent Dispute on Computing Devices

The International Trade Commission announced it has found no violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act in the investigation concerning certain electronic computing devices and components thereof, following a complaint by Lenovo against ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

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

SEC Proceedings Advance on Participant System Disruption Rules for Major Clearing Corporations

The SEC is seeking public input on a proposed rule change by The Depository Trust Company (DTC), which would amend its policies around participant system disruptions and cyber reporting.

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

Coast Guard Seeks Public Comment on AI-Driven EO/IR Classification Technology

The U.S. Coast Guard is requesting public feedback on plans to enter a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Teledyne FLIR. The agreement will evaluate convolutional neural network (CNN) technology for electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) auto-classification on USCG maritime assets.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Opens Rural Ontario Development Program Applications

Ontario is now accepting applications for the expanded Rural Ontario Development program, offering $20 million over two years for rural economic and infrastructure projects, including the adoption of cybersecurity solutions by eligible small businesses and municipalities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

SaskTel Releases Annual Financial and Network Expansion Report

SaskTel reported $82.2 million net income for 2024-25 and detailed ongoing investments in 5G and infiNET networks, with a capital outlay of $398.5 million and initiatives supporting service expansion and digital equity in Saskatchewan.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Opens on Possible Canada-EU Digital Trade Agreement

The Government of Canada has launched a public consultation on a proposed Canada-European Union digital trade agreement, seeking feedback from stakeholders until August 23, 2025, regarding priorities, regulatory predictability, and issues related to digital trade between the two jurisdictions.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Jenny Kwan has expressed opposition to new federal proposals increasing RCMP and CSIS access to personal data from internet providers and others without judicial oversight, raising civil liberties concerns.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Julie Dzerowicz noted Ottawa’s increased spending commitments in cybersecurity, defence infrastructure, and partnerships within the NATO alliance.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Pamela Wallin questioned federal policies expanding government access to subscriber data, noting that political parties face fewer obligations regarding voter data protection and referencing commentary from legal experts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Hedy Fry referenced cooperative efforts in military procurement, cybersecurity, and countering online disinformation, noting expanding defence-industrial partnerships.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Quantum Threats and State-Backed Cyberattacks Are Forcing a Rethink of Digital Security: News media reports assess quantum risk and government approaches to next-generation cyber threats.
• Integrated Cyber Launches Quantum Cybersecurity Initiative to Tackle One of the Greatest Threats of the Next Decade: Private sector launches new initiative focused on quantum-resilient cybersecurity.
• Geopolitics, Quantum Risk, and AI Attacks: Why Cybersecurity Is Being Rewritten: Developments in geopolitical risk, quantum computing, and AI-driven threats are changing cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Canadian tech industry gears up for big boost in defence spending: Canada's technology sector anticipates increased opportunities due to federal defence investments.
• Tech Update: Feds, artists and innovators reflect on how to “protect human joy” in the age of AI: Broader discussions emerge on AI’s impact on society and creativity.
• Can Falcon for IT Help CrowdStrike Expand Beyond Cybersecurity?: IT-security vendor moves to broaden service offerings beyond core cybersecurity.
• Cyberport 5 as Hong Kong's New I&T Landmark: New technology infrastructure developments in Asia highlight international competition.
• Federal Liberals reintroduce cybersecurity bill meant to protect critical infrastructure: Bill C-2 returns to the parliamentary agenda, with implications for critical infrastructure regulation.