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: 2025-11-02 to 2025-11-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal Government News

Federal Budget Unveils Competition Measures and Digital Sector Legislation

On November 6, the Minister of Finance presented core measures from Budget 2025 aimed at increasing competition across several sectors, with significant implications for telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Steps include reducing regulatory burden for telecom infrastructure deployment, releasing more spectrum, and facilitating easier transitions between internet and phone plans. In financial services, the budget introduces plans to foster competition and innovation, notably through the advancement of consumer-driven banking and payments modernization. The government intends to introduce legislation regulating fiat-backed stablecoins to support payment innovation and will work with the private sector on safe adoption of artificial intelligence in the financial sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Advances Modernization under the Online Streaming Act

In remarks on November 7, CRTC Commissioner Stéphanie Paquette outlined a series of regulatory developments affecting radio and online broadcasters. Following the Online Streaming Act (April 2023), the CRTC has determined the basic contributions online services must make to Canadian broadcasting, including a 0.5% levy from audio service revenues directed to the Community Radio Fund of Canada. The application of this contribution was suspended by court order in November 2024, pending a final appellate decision. Since May 2025, the CRTC has held 24 days of hearings with nearly 200 participants and issued eight decisions related to the Act’s implementation. Recent policy changes include open-ended licenses for broadcasters and administrative process simplification, paired with strengthened monitoring and compliance mechanisms. Paquette referenced the distribution of Google’s $100 million annual funding for news organizations, with $55.2 million already disbursed and additional funds anticipated. The Commercial Radio News Fund for smaller markets was also approved this year to bolster access to local news.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Threats to Security of Canada: CSIS Director Schedules Annual Update

CSIS Director Daniel Rogers will deliver his first annual assessment of Canada’s threat environment on November 13 in Ottawa. The update will address current security challenges facing Canada and outline the agency's response. This presentation, open to registered media, will be broadcast on the CSIS YouTube channel, with direct implications for how intelligence and cybersecurity risks are communicated publicly.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Pursues Digital and AI Cooperation in Indo-Pacific Agreements

Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu participated in the 47th ASEAN Summit, APEC Ministerial Meeting in Korea, and bilateral discussions in Malaysia and Singapore. Talks included accelerating Canada-ASEAN free trade negotiations (targeted for 2026) and launching bilateral free trade negotiations with Thailand and the Philippines. Within APEC, Sidhu highlighted digital cooperation and the role of artificial intelligence in productivity and economic growth. Engagements with various trade ministers focused on advancing shared digital and AI priorities within a changing global landscape. Canada reiterated its commitment to rules-based trade and digital sector collaboration with Indo-Pacific partners.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

New Brunswick Backs Digital Health Expansion

On November 7, the New Brunswick government announced a grant to MedReddie, a Saint John health-tech firm, to assist its expansion into global markets using proprietary AI and machine learning for healthcare procurement efficiency.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

Ontario Funds AI-powered Recognition Platform for Military Learners

Ontario is investing $575,000 to support programs that leverage AI tools for the recognition of military-acquired skills in post-secondary institutions, with initiatives covering prior learning assessment and automated systems for credit recognition.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

US Federal Government News

Presidential Message: Critical Infrastructure Security and AI Investment

On November 4, the President issued a message designating the month as Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, detailing commitments to modernize defensive systems across sectors including energy, transportation, communications, and digital infrastructure. An executive order was referenced concerning investments in AI and next-generation data centers, with total funding exceeding $400 billion.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Continuation of Restrictions on Securities Investments Tied to Chinese Technology Firms

On November 7, the Executive Office of the President announced the continuation for one year of the national emergency regarding investments in certain Chinese companies. The national emergency, initiated under Executive Order 13959 and expanded by Executive Order 14032, restricts U.S. investments that may finance the People's Republic of China's military, intelligence, and security sectors, especially those involving tech and surveillance firms.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FBI CJIS Advisory Policy Board Meeting Announced

The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Advisory Policy Board will convene on December 10-11 in Orlando, Florida, to discuss ongoing policy, technical, and operational issues across national criminal databases and information sharing platforms.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Government Consultations

CRTC Seeks Comments on Consumer Protections During Service Outages

The CRTC continues to accept submissions on consumer protections in the event of telecom service disruptions until November 13, focusing on accurate public information and appropriate compensation mechanisms.

Sources: crtc.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• The Star: Opinion piece on AI integration as part of Canada's future growth.
• The Globe and Mail: Analysis of federal budget spending on AI, quantum technologies, IP, and global talent acquisition.
• Financial Post: Insight into how cyber risk management can catalyze community benefit.
• CTV News: Report on cybersecurity concerns and internet access challenges discussed at SARM midterm convention.
• The Star: Report on a cybersecurity incident affecting the biotechnology sector.
• CBC News: Federal budget allocates $1B to Canadian AI and quantum computing.
• The Star: Coverage of Fortinet launching a secure AI data center solution.
• Financial Post: Profile of a CISO's view on cybersecurity workforce development.
• The Globe and Mail: Federal budget earmarks $6.6B for defense, emphasizing emerging technologies.

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