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.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Finance.

Dates: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

CBSA Restores Operations After IT Outages Impact Border Processing

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that recent IT systems outages, originating from technical issues during scheduled maintenance on September 28, caused delays for travellers and commercial shipments at Canadian border points. Shared Services Canada (SSC) supports the CBSA’s IT infrastructure, and both agencies collaborated to manage backlogs through manual processing at airports and land crossings. Systems were restored to service standards within 48 hours, although residual impacts lingered at certain ports of entry. The CBSA has initiated an investigation into the outages’ root causes and will deliver a report to the Minister of Public Safety within 30 days. As part of contingency planning, CBSA is working with SSC to strengthen protocols to reduce future outage risk and minimize downtime. Full operations have resumed, with traffic and processing volumes normalized.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CRTC Introduces Open-Ended Licences to Reduce Burden on Radio Stations

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced new regulatory measures providing radio stations with open-ended licences, eliminating expiry dates to reduce administrative workload. These changes follow public consultations under the modernized Broadcasting Act and are designed to facilitate station launches and ongoing operations. The CRTC will continue oversight through regular, simplified audits. The regulatory update includes amendments to rebroadcasting transmitter requirements and exemption orders for various radio programming undertakings. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework, with 16 consultations and 8 decisions already implemented.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Solomon to Promote Canadian AI Sector in UAE and Qatar

Minister Evan Solomon, responsible for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, will visit the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from October 13 to 15 to attract investment and promote Canadian expertise in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The Minister is scheduled to participate in a panel at GITEX Global, the largest technology and AI event worldwide, focusing on the economic impact of AI. The visit builds on previous meetings with a UAE delegation in Ottawa and forms part of Canada’s outreach strategy in the Gulf region for the AI ecosystem.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and India Advance Cooperation in ICT and Digital Infrastructure

Minister Maninder Sidhu met with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, to reaffirm the renewal of Canada-India bilateral relations and discuss expanded economic cooperation. The dialogue highlighted opportunities for collaboration in critical minerals, ICT, and digital infrastructure, with a focus on supply chain resiliency and technology sector growth. Areas of mutual interest include processed foods, clean technologies, and infrastructure development. Both countries signaled intent to pursue joint opportunities for businesses and workers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft Incorporates AI-Driven Solutions

Public Safety Canada released an update on the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, detailing recent measures such as sharing VIN data with external partners and supporting police efforts to intercept stolen vehicles. The plan awarded grants to eight Canadian SMEs focused on innovative prevention technologies, including AI-assisted locking devices and sensors with gesture recognition. The RCMP has expanded export cargo container examinations, and law enforcement received specialized training in vehicle theft investigation. The initiative has resulted in a 19% national decline in auto thefts in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Examines Age Verification Technologies Under Bill S-209

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs reviewed Bill S-209, which seeks to restrict online access to pornographic material for minors. Witnesses addressed age verification technologies, privacy concerns, and the challenges faced by adult industry websites regarding compliance and financial impact. The committee discussed the potential for circumvention via VPNs and debated the role of device-based versus site-based verification systems. The session included perspectives from technology firms and legal experts, focusing on balancing child protection with privacy and platform obligations.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Reviews Official Languages Act Implementation and AI’s Impact

The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages heard testimony from Commissioner Raymond Théberge about ongoing non-compliance with the Official Languages Act, despite newly granted powers. The committee discussed the need for a monitoring mechanism to protect language rights and examined challenges in ensuring bilingual services, particularly in the context of budget reductions. AI’s effect on language compliance was noted, along with delays in operationalizing Bill C-13 regulations. The report called for further examination and regulatory development to address public service hesitancy and maintain capacity in bilingual service delivery.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Explores Critical Minerals Strategy and Technology Applications

The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources discussed the federal government’s $3.8 billion investment in critical minerals, focusing on supply for green and digital technologies. Commissioner Jerry V. DeMarco presented audit findings on slow progress, operational deficiencies, and data gaps in sustainable development strategies. The committee considered the role of emerging technologies, including nuclear and AI, in reaching energy efficiency targets and highlighted the importance of federal-provincial collaboration, comprehensive databases, and Indigenous partnerships.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

StatsCan Reports on Economic Contribution of Critical Minerals to Digital Economy

Statistics Canada released data showing that production of 34 critical minerals supports sectors including green technology, ICT, and national security. Applications range from solar panels and smartphones to EV batteries and medical devices. The federal government has invested in major mining projects through the Major Projects Office, with two out of five initial projects focusing on critical mineral extraction.

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

US Federal GR News

BIS Adds 29 Entities to Export Restrictions List Over Iran-Linked Activities

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amended the Export Administration Regulations to include 26 entities and 3 addresses based in China, Turkey, and the UAE on the Entity List, citing actions contrary to U.S. national security interests. Entities such as Goodview Global (China) and TGB Aviation (Turkey) were identified for supplying or transshipping U.S.-origin components to Iran, including support for Iranian proxies like Hamas. License applications for these entities face a presumption of denial, and shipments en route as of October 8, 2025, may proceed under previous rules until November 7, 2025. The rule is effective immediately under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018.

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

USPTO Launches Automated Search Pilot Program Using AI Tools

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) introduced the Automated Search Pilot Program, which runs from October 20, 2025, to April 20, 2026, or until 1,600 patent applications are accepted. The initiative provides applicants with automated search results generated by AI prior to examination, enabling early identification of prior art. Applicants must file petitions and meet eligibility requirements through USPTO’s Patent Center. The pilot excludes several categories of applications and does not require applicants to respond to automated search notices. USPTO will assess the program’s scalability and impact on patent prosecution.

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

Executive Order 14355 Directs Federal Agencies to Apply AI in Pediatric Cancer Research

Executive Order 14355, issued September 30, 2025, instructs federal agencies to leverage artificial intelligence for pediatric cancer diagnostics and treatment. The order builds on the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, allocating $50 million annually for data-driven research. The Make America Healthy Again Commission will coordinate AI-driven solutions, focusing on improving data infrastructure, modeling, and clinical trial design while maintaining privacy standards. The directive encourages private sector engagement and sets interoperability standards for data sharing.

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

White House Signals New Online Privacy and Child Protection Measures

On Child Health Day, the White House announced new programs targeting digital exploitation, deepfake abuse, and online privacy for children. The TAKE IT DOWN Act, signed by the President and championed by First Lady Melania Trump, introduces enhanced mental health safeguards and online privacy protections. The Make America Healthy Again Commission is focusing on reducing chemical exposure and promoting digital well-being for American children, alongside broader health initiatives.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Tables Annual Report on Cybersecurity and Digital Achievements

The Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital submitted its 2024-2025 Annual Management Report to the National Assembly, detailing ministerial commitments and objectives for the past year.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

BC Introduces Stronger Credit Fraud Protections in Consumer Law Amendments

British Columbia announced phase two of amendments to modernize consumer protection laws, including free monthly access to credit reports, security alerts, and credit freezes, and new rules for credit-reporting agencies.

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

BC Moves to Increase Compensation and Privacy for Intimate-Image Abuse Victims

Amendments to the Intimate Images Protection Act propose raising maximum compensation to $75,000 and improving privacy features for victims seeking redress through the Civil Resolution Tribunal.

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

Alberta Promotes Tech Sector and Blockchain Partnerships at Dallas Summit

Minister Nate Glubish will represent Alberta at the North American Blockchain Summit in Dallas, aiming to attract investment and showcase Alberta’s digital assets and fintech capabilities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

BC Legislation Makes Online Statutes Official for Court Use

New legislation in British Columbia will allow online versions of acts and regulations to serve as official evidence in court, improving accessibility and user experience.

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

Government Consultations

CRTC Solicits Feedback on Improving National Public Alerting System

Through an active consultation ending October 14, the CRTC is seeking input on the distribution and accessibility of emergency alerts, including potential language expansion and availability across Canada.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: crtc.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Fortinet Annual Report Indicates AI Skillsets Critical to Cybersecurity Skills Gap Solution: Fortinet's report discusses the importance of AI expertise in addressing cybersecurity workforce shortages.
• Trial begins for former Hydro-Québec researcher charged with economic espionage for China: New coverage on the espionage case involving Hydro-Québec and security of information concerns.
• Gigamon Hybrid Cloud Security Survey Reveals CISOs’ 2026 Security Strategies: Metadata Emerges as Cornerstone of Cyber Defense: Survey results point to metadata as a critical component in hybrid cloud security strategies.
• UPDATE Zensurance: Cybercrime Affects More Than 50% of Small Businesses in Canada: Report highlights the prevalence of cybercrime among Canadian small businesses.
• CloudBees Named “Compliance Software Solution of the Year” in 9th Annual CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards Program: CloudBees receives industry recognition for compliance software.
• Minister open to changing bill that would give police easier access to personal data: Coverage of ongoing policy debates on privacy and police data access.
• Hydro-Québec seeks to shield info as ex-employee’s economic spying trial begins: Hydro-Québec's legal strategy in response to economic espionage allegations.
• Artificial intelligence in CRE: Examination of AI applications in commercial real estate.
• Taliban internet and social media restrictions violate Afghan rights, UN experts say: UN experts critique digital and social media restrictions in Afghanistan.
• One of the world's biggest AI companies wants a deal with Canada. Is sovereignty the trade-off?: Explores implications of major AI firms seeking agreements with Canada around data sovereignty.

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