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: 2025-07-06 to 2025-07-12

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Government of Canada Initiates Red Tape Review Across Federal Departments

On July 9, 2025, the Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board, announced the launch of a comprehensive review targeting outdated and duplicative regulations across all federal departments and agencies. The initiative aims to reduce regulatory burden by removing obsolete rules, eliminating duplication with provincial statutes, and improving access to government services. Ministers are required to report progress and proposed actions within 60 days, with oversight provided by the Red Tape Reduction Office. The objective is for a leaner federal regulatory framework that could impact compliance processes and investment approaches for sectors affected by federal rules, including ICT and cybersecurity. The reform is positioned as part of a broader effort to improve overall service delivery and make it easier for businesses and workers to operate within Canada’s regulatory environment.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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Over $1.3 Billion Committed to 9,700 Research Projects Nationwide

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, together with Health Canada, has allocated $1.3 billion to support more than 9,700 Canadian researchers and research projects. Announced on July 9, 2025, by Ministers Mélanie Joly and Marjorie Michel, the funding is distributed via several federal research granting councils, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), NSERC, and SSHRC. Major allocations include $589 million for NSERC Discovery Research and $365.6 million for scholarships and fellowships. The initiative supports projects focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, public health, and clean technology. The distribution of funds to postsecondary institutions and independent research bodies could expand R&D activity in digital infrastructure, machine learning, and cybersecurity, with potential impacts on talent recruitment and technology commercialization across the ICT sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Contract Awarded for Phase 2 of Canadian CUAS (Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) Capability

The Department of National Defence announced, on July 9, the award of contracts totalling $169.2 million to CACI, Inc. - FEDERAL for the second phase of Canada’s Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System capability under Operation REASSURANCE. The procurement includes integration of CUAS technology with new light armoured tactical vehicles and provides for up to 10 years of in-service support. This expanded capability is designed to enable detection, identification, tracking, and mitigation of hostile UAS threats using vehicles outfitted with sensors and effectors. The investment signals continued federal priorities in defence technology and could influence private sector opportunities in advanced electronics, secure communications, and system integration.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister to Announce New Projects at Scale AI Headquarters

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada indicated that Minister Evan Solomon will announce new funding for projects under the Scale AI Cluster in Montréal on July 10, 2025. The event is set to focus on expanding Canada’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, with implications for national supply chain automation and digital innovation. Additional project funding from the Scale AI Cluster can affect demand for machine learning, cloud computing services, and ICT security frameworks among participating firms and partners.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Warns Public About Surge in Text Message Scams ('Smishing')

On July 8, the Competition Bureau released an updated advisory regarding the prevalence of smishing, a form of phishing perpetrated via SMS. The Bureau outlined common scam tactics including fraudulent messages bearing urgent requests for personal or financial data under the guise of reputable organizations. The announcement details reporting channels, such as forwarding spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and notifying the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. The advisory may bear on cybersecurity protocols and client outreach for ICT operators, data storage providers, and telecommunications firms managing consumer-facing communications.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Release of Preliminary Q1 2025 Data on Police-Reported Hate Crime and Cybercrime

Statistics Canada has published its preliminary quarterly dataset for the first quarter of 2025 on police-reported hate crime and cybercrime. The data, released July 10, expands statistical coverage for public safety analysis and digital threat monitoring. Organizations operating in cybersecurity and data protection may find updated baseline figures relevant for trend analysis, sectoral risk assessment, and public reporting processes.

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

US Federal GR News

US ITC Opens Patent Infringement Investigation into Electronic Eyewear Imports

The US International Trade Commission (ITC), on July 11, 2025, instituted an investigation into electronic eyewear products, components, and related charging devices following a complaint from IngenioSpec, LLC. Multiple international respondents are named, including entities based in Singapore, China, and Germany. The scope covers products with electronic components built into frames or lenses. The complainant seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders on alleged patent infringements (U.S. Patents 10,310,296 and 12,078,870). The outcome could impact supply chains in wearables, electronics, and connected device manufacturing, including components or finished goods crossing US borders.

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

US ITC Invites Public Comment on Complaint Relating to Mobile Cellular Devices

The ITC issued a notice, dated July 8, requesting public comments on a complaint by Pantech Corporation related to the importation and sale of specific mobile cellular communications devices. Respondents span a broad group of global device manufacturers and suppliers, including firms in China, Finland, and the United States. The complaint alleges violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act, and requests exclusion and cease and desist orders targeting models that infringe Pantech’s intellectual property. Comments are sought related to the public interest impacts of such remedial orders. The proceeding may have implications for ICT suppliers, device distributers, and intellectual property managers.

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

FCC Announces Effective Date for Revised Broadband Reporting under Connect America Fund

The Federal Communications Commission confirmed July 9, 2025 as the effective date for amended information collection requirements under the Connect America Fund, following approval by the Office of Management and Budget. The Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) now allocates $18.28 billion in support over 15 years for broadband builds delivering minimum speeds of 100 Mbps/20 Mbps. The FCC has updated its Form 481 procedures, reduced duplicative filings, and clarified certification timelines for program recipients. The annual compliance burden is estimated at 51,573 hours and no direct costs were reported. The changes will affect reporting processes for ICT service providers participating in US broadband deployment.

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

FCC Clarifies Reimbursement Guidelines for Robocall Number Database Providers

On July 8, the FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau published guidelines for addressing unreimbursable creation costs of the Reassigned Numbers Database, specifically in cases where original contributors are out of business or untraceable. The methodology concerns financial reconciliation for a small subset of database providers. The development is pertinent for telecommunications firms involved in call authentication and robocall compliance programs, as it pertains to the infrastructure and ongoing management of the RND.

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

OCC Seeks Feedback on Identity Theft Red Flags Rule Information Collection

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is soliciting public comments, through August 7, 2025, on the renewal of information collection related to 'Identity Theft Red Flags and Address Discrepancies' as mandated by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. The program requires financial institutions to implement approved identity theft prevention programs and employee training. Credit card issuers and consumer reporting agencies face related compliance burdens estimated at 130,342 hours annually across 1,172 respondents. The review may influence practices and documentation standards for entities handling sensitive customer data or administering consumer credit services.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Opens Call for Proposals for Tech Incubators and Accelerators

Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy has announced up to $1 million per organization over two years for non-profits offering incubation and acceleration to technology startups, as part of the province's 2022-2027 Research and Innovation Strategy.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Permanently Increases Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit

Starting September 1, 2025, B.C. will raise the interactive digital media tax credit from 17.5% to 25% and make it permanent, supporting salaries and wages in video game, VR, and software development.

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

New Investments Bring High-Speed Internet to Vancouver Island Communities

B.C. has allocated up to $700,000, matched by the federal government, for broadband infrastructure in Toquaht Nation and Salmon Beach; CityWest will operate the new service.

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

Nova Scotia Announces Four New Cellular Towers Now Active

Nova Scotia’s government and Rogers have launched upgraded towers in four locations, improving 5G and wireless connectivity throughout southwest Nova Scotia and Halifax County.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Tony Dean posted about de-risking Prime Minister Carney’s national infrastructure agenda, referencing policy perspectives on July 9.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Potential AI-Driven and Quantum Attacks Skyrocket—These Future-Ready Platforms Aim to Stop Them: News coverage of rising concerns around AI and quantum-enabled cyber threats.
• Quantum Computing Market Witnessing Surge in Government and Private Sector Funding: Analysis of market investment trends in quantum computing.
• ICTC and Vector Institute Partner to Accelerate Canada’s AI Talent Pipeline: Coverage of partnerships focused on building Canada’s AI workforce.
• Opinion | Carney cancelling digital services tax is a strategic choice: Commentary on fiscal policy decision relating to digital services.
• Cybersecurity Market Recent Technological Developments, Growth Demand, Opportunities, Future Scope, Key Segments And Forecast To 2030: Market analysis of new developments in cybersecurity.