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: 2025-10-19 to 2025-10-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• House Public Safety and National Security Committee to Examine Bill C-8 on Cyber Security and Telecommunications Act Amendments: On October 28, the committee will meet from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to review Bill C-8 (cyber security, telecommunications amendments). Key witnesses from Industry Canada (Andre Arbour, Wen Kwan), Public Safety (Colin MacSween, Kelly-Anne Gibson), and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Bridget Walshe, Daniel Couillard) will participate.
• House Canadian Heritage Committee Continues Study of AI’s Impact on Creative Industries: On October 27, the committee will explore technological advances in AI and their effects on creative industries from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Witnesses include Alexandra Kearney (Artificial Agency), Alain Strati (CMPA), and others.
• Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Schedules Further Hearings on Bill S-209: On October 29, the committee holds videoconference hearings on Bill S-209 (age verification for online content), with witnesses including Julie Inman Grant (Australia e-Safety Commissioner) and Tobias Schmid (German Media Authorities).
• Senate National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs Committee to Examine Russian Disinformation in Canada: On October 27, at 4:00 p.m., the committee will consider the impacts of Russian disinformation with testimony from investigative journalist Justin Ling and Professor Simon Hogue.

Canadian Federal GR News

Government Responds to Auditor General’s Cybersecurity Audit with Plans to Bolster Federal Defences

Shared Services Canada and the Treasury Board released a joint ministerial statement after the Auditor General’s report identified security gaps in federal digital infrastructure. Ministers Joël Lightbound and Shafqat Ali referenced the ongoing investment in cybersecurity, highlighting coordinated actions among Shared Services Canada, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, and the Communications Security Establishment to address vulnerabilities. The government reported that existing monitoring and threat detection measures prevent billions of malicious activities daily. The statement committed to implementing the Auditor General’s recommendations, improving resilience and reliability of essential government digital services, and enhancing interdepartmental collaboration to meet the challenges posed by a more complex threat environment. There was an assurance that investments in technologies and staffing will continue.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CRTC Chair Details Broadband, Competition, and Regulatory Initiatives

CRTC Chairperson Vicky Eatrides addressed the Canadian chapter of the International Institute of Communications, outlining progress in connectivity and competition for Internet and cellphone services. The updated Broadband Fund has allocated $750 million, reaching nearly 50,000 homes across 290 communities, with future funding decisions anticipated. Eatrides described recent regulatory changes such as lowering wholesale rates and granting interim fibre access, resulting in new market competition as over a dozen companies launched service offerings under the updated rules. The MVNO framework has contributed to expanded regional access, with up to 60% of new wireless subscribers in some areas selecting MVNOs; this time-limited access window will close in 2030. The CRTC is reviewing consumer codes for clarity and simplicity. Eatrides also mentioned the implementation of the Online Streaming Act, ongoing broadcast system modernization, and streamlined licensing for radio, with further decisions to be issued in the coming weeks.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Finance Launches National Anti-Fraud Strategy, Proposes Financial Crimes Agency

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s intention to introduce a National Anti-Fraud Strategy in Budget 2025, as Canadians reported $643 million lost to fraud in 2024, a sharp increase since 2020. New legislative amendments to the Bank Act will require financial institutions to maintain anti-fraud protocols, secure express customer consent before enabling risky account capabilities, and provide clients with the ability to set transaction limits. Banks would also be required to track and report fraud incidents to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. The proposed Financial Crimes Agency would consolidate expertise to investigate money laundering, financial scams, and cyber-related fraud offences. The government intends to develop a voluntary Code of Conduct with banks to prevent economic abuse, with guidance on financial empowerment and customer intervention.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Department of Justice Introduces Bail and Sentencing Reform Act Targeting Auto Theft and Organized Crime

Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Secretary of State Ruby Sahota announced the introduction of the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, which adjusts over 80 Criminal Code provisions. Proposed measures include stricter bail conditions, particularly for auto theft and organized crime-related cases, by applying reverse onus and requiring offenders to justify bail. Sentencing reforms would allow for consecutive sentences for violent and repeat offences, notably auto theft and extortion, and introduce new aggravating factors for organized retail theft and infrastructure offences such as copper theft. The application of consecutive sentencing extends to cases of organized crime-related convictions. Collaboration with provinces is acknowledged as essential for these reforms to operate as intended.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Innovation Minister Outlines Multi-Pillar Economic Plan and Defence Industrial Strategy

Innovation Minister Mélanie Joly spoke to business leaders about a three-pillar economic plan focused on protecting core industries, creating jobs through domestic investment, and attracting both talent and capital. The plan features a $5 billion Strategic Response Fund to support critical sectors, including targeted support for companies like Algoma Steel and aluminum producer Alouette. Joly announced a Defence Industrial Strategy emphasizing procurement opportunities ('buy, build, partner'), with mention of shipbuilding contracts, GlobalEye surveillance plane joint ventures, and investments in domestic AI companies like Cohere. She also referenced recent Bill C-5 changes designed to accelerate approvals for major infrastructure projects, and the Major Projects Office now overseeing projects totaling $60 billion in private investment.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Global Sanctions Coalition Releases Report on DPRK Cyber and IT Worker Activities

Global Affairs Canada published a joint statement with partners from the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), which released its second report detailing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s extensive cyber-enabled sanctions evasion and illicit IT worker operations. The latest report documents activities such as cryptocurrency theft, cyber espionage, and connections to sanctioned DPRK entities including the Reconnaissance General Bureau. The MSMT's work serves to fill the gap created by the suspended UN 1718 Committee Panel of Experts and provides public guidance to governments and businesses on guarding against exploitation by DPRK cyber actors. The report calls on UN member states to increase awareness and enforcement related to evolving North Korean cyber tactics.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Debates AI-Driven Age Assurance and Privacy in Bill S-209

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs held hearings on Bill S-209, which seeks to restrict minors’ access to online pornography via age verification. William Darrell Kingston (Digital Governance Standards Institute) proposed a national age assurance standard and formal recognition of compliant technologies. Jeanette Patell (Google Canada) advocated a risk-based age assurance strategy and requested limits on the bill’s scope, so it does not disrupt search engines. Senators questioned enforceability, privacy, and potential overreach, with Michael Geist raising privacy concerns and Emily Laidlaw and Janine Benedet addressing the need for comprehensive online harms legislation and cultural effects. The session included requests for witness submissions to clarify concerns.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Explores Age Verification Technologies and Data Protection Standards

The Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs discussed emerging age verification solutions, including tokenized and AI-based approaches, focusing on minimization of personal data and compliance with global standards like GDPR. Testimonies from industry representatives included explanations of technologies such as AgeAware and an AI-based hand movement estimation method developed by Yoti. Panelists answered questions about tackling data breaches, ethnic bias, and global adoption rates, as well as the jurisdictional challenges such solutions raise. The committee is examining how accountability and transparency requirements should be built into new age verification frameworks.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Hears Testimony on Cybersecurity, Foreign Interference, and RCMP Funding Priorities

The Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs met with Minister Gary Anandasangaree, focusing on the $1.3 billion federal border security plan, countering organized crime, and legislative measures against transnational offences including auto theft and gun violence. The National Action Plan on Auto Theft and Bill C-12 were discussed in context of privacy and civil liberties. The government described ongoing efforts to address foreign disinformation, specifically Russian activity, with a cross-agency approach involving CSIS and the RCMP. Recruitment, budget measures, and the expected completion of Bill C-21 regulations were addressed, as well as new funding for RCMP staffing. Challenges surrounding Indigenous policing and data governance also appeared in committee discussion.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Transport and Communications Committee Studies CBC/Radio-Canada’s Strategic Digital Shift

Chair Larry Smith led a Senate committee studying CBC/Radio-Canada’s adaptation to digital platforms, dwindling ad revenue, and commitments to local news and diverse audiences. Executives referenced strategic initiatives to boost local programming through podcasts and streaming, as well as new resource-sharing practices between French and English networks. The committee heard discussions about ad revenue competition from global platforms and CBC’s digital strategy, including the use of AI for data management and the fight against misinformation. Uncertainties in federal funding and plans to modernize regulatory compliance were noted.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Indigenous Services Canada Launches National Digital Pilot for First Nations Registration

Indigenous Services Canada rolled out a digital pilot project aimed at streamlining registration for eligible First Nations children 15 and under. The process, beginning in Gatineau, Quebec, is expected to halve processing time for in-person applications. The Digital Application Services platform, introduced in 2022, serves as the backbone of this initiative, promising greater efficiency in secure status card applications and faster issuance for eligible applicants.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Enacts Legislation on National Digital Identity and Reporting of Security Incidents

Bill No. 82 creates a framework for citizens to identify themselves digitally, control use of personal data, and mandates reporting of certain digital infrastructure security breaches. The new law sets responsibilities for the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital in telecom and network development.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Introduces Energy Statutes Amendment to Address Industrial Demand and AI Data Centers

The BC government tabled legislation speeding up the North Coast Transmission Line, introducing regulatory changes to direct electricity supply to priority sectors like mining and manufacturing, with restrictions proposed for data centers and AI facilities, and a permanent ban on grid connections for cryptocurrency mining.

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

Ontario Proposes Building a More Competitive Economy Act

Ontario introduced legislation to modernize permitting, labor mobility, and supply chain policies aimed at increasing economic competitiveness. The initiative includes digital permit application systems and new consultative efforts around domestic vehicle procurement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Promotes Small Business Investments in Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence

Ontario announced additional funding for the Digitalization Competence Centre and grant programs, intending to support AI adoption across the province’s small business sector.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Opens Consultation on 2026–2030 Artificial Intelligence Strategy

A 30-day consultation running until November 1 invites public and industry input on Canada’s next AI Strategy, with an emphasis on research, commercial adoption, governance, and economic growth priorities.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: ised-isde.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Auditor finds gaps in federal government’s cybersecurity shield as threats multiply: The Star covers the Auditor General’s findings on federal cyber risks.
• Ottawa plagued by 'significant gaps' responding to cyberattacks: AG: CBC reports on federal cyberattack response issues.
• AI minister considering age restrictions for chatbots in privacy bill: CTV discusses potential age restrictions on chatbots.
• British Columbia proposes new power rules for AI, data centres: CTV News reports on BC’s approach to data center power allocation.
• Finland sees quantum tech, defence as priorities under strategic partnership with Canada: The Globe and Mail reports on Finnish-Canadian priorities in quantum technology.
• True Launches Cybersecurity & Defense Tech Practice to Meet Evolving Global Defense Tech Talent Demands: Financial Post covers new cybersecurity practice supporting defense tech.
• York University’s trailblazing Digital Technologies program: The Star features York University’s new digital technologies initiative.
• CyberCatch to Present at the OTCQB AI & Technology Virtual Investor Conference October 28th: CyberCatch will present cybersecurity innovations at an upcoming conference.

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