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: 2025-11-16 to 2025-11-22

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Science and Research Committee to Hear from Industry on Artificial Intelligence: The House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research will hold a meeting on Artificial Intelligence on November 24, featuring witnesses from CGI Inc., Struxture Data Centers Inc., McGill University, the Computer Research Institute of Montréal, and Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute.
• Senate Committee to Examine AI Opportunities and Challenges in ICT Sector: On November 25, the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications will discuss artificial intelligence in the ICT sector, with testimony from senior officials at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, AI Governance and Safety Canada, Social Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, and OBVIA.
• Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to Meet: The Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology is scheduled for November 26, with proceedings by videoconference.

Canadian Federal Government News

CRTC Modernizes Definition of Canadian Content for Broadcast and Streaming

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has issued new definitions for Canadian content in television and online streaming, as part of implementing amendments to the Broadcasting Act under the Online Streaming Act. The regulatory policy follows an extensive public consultation, which included 480 detailed submissions and a three-week hearing featuring 78 stakeholder groups. The updated framework uses a point system for creative roles to determine Canadian status and requires production and post-production spending within Canada. A wider range of creative positions, such as showrunners, visual effects directors, and department heads in make-up and costume, are now recognized. Notably, key creative roles qualifying content as Canadian must be filled by humans, not artificial intelligence. Bonus points are available for productions based on Canadian books. For foreign streaming services, the rules require at least 20% Canadian ownership and a higher share of Canadian-held key creative positions. The decision streamlines reporting for certified productions and encourages collaboration between Canadian producers and foreign streaming entities. This release is the first of two stemming from the CRTC’s ongoing consultation; a subsequent decision will address spending obligations and support for independent producers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Armed Forces Announce Maritime Defence Innovation Hub in Halifax

Defence Minister David J. McGuinty announced the establishment of Canada’s first Maritime Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) at COVE in Halifax, with a federal investment of $29.4 million. The hub is designed as part of a national network for secure, classified research and development, focusing initially on ocean technology. The Maritime DISH will enable Canadian researchers, industry, and government to jointly develop and validate technologies requiring secure handling, including quantum technologies, AI, biotechnology, and autonomous systems. Key focus areas will include undersea domain awareness, autonomous systems, advanced sensing, and AI-driven maritime analytics. The hub aims to boost Canada’s sovereign defence innovation capabilities and expand collaboration with trusted partners as part of NATO commitments.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Funds Fibre Expansion to 27 Saskatchewan Communities

The CRTC has allocated over $15 million from its Broadband Fund to Saskatchewan Telecommunications and Access Communications Co-operative Limited, supporting construction of approximately 455 kilometres of new fibre infrastructure. The projects will connect 3,880 households across 27 communities, including two Indigenous communities, in Saskatchewan. These projects conclude the Broadband Fund’s current selection cycle; the next call for applications opens in 2026. The Broadband Fund to date has supported connections to over 53,000 households and bolstered mobile coverage on major roads, addressing connectivity gaps in rural and Indigenous areas.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CIPO Reports Progress on Patent Modernization and IP System Upgrades

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) tabled its 2024–2025 Annual Report, indicating advances in system modernization, backlog reduction, and accelerated trademark processing. The Next Generation Patents digital transformation initiative launched during the period, targeting improvements to patent IT systems. Additional efforts included streamlined processes for industrial design and copyright applications, leading to increased efficiency for rights holders. Internationally, CIPO highlighted enhanced collaborations with foreign IP offices to reinforce Canada’s position in the global intellectual property ecosystem.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Stresses Evidence-Based Enforcement and AI in Digital Markets

Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition, delivered remarks outlining the Bureau’s commitment to evidence-based enforcement during technological disruption and shifts in global markets. The Bureau is integrating technologists, data engineers, and behavioral scientists to address complex theories of harm and adapt enforcement to AI-driven market challenges. The Bureau’s Digital Enforcement and Intelligence Branch, established in 2021, continues to expand capabilities, including the use of AI tools for case analysis and detection. Boswell also described enhanced international cooperation, including a memorandum of understanding with the UK and negotiations toward a renewed Canada-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Defence Minister McGuinty Hosts Venture Capital Roundtable on Defence Industrial Strategy

Minister David McGuinty convened a roundtable with venture capital stakeholders in Ottawa to advance Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. Discussions covered mechanisms for mobilizing private capital, regulatory certainty, and approaches for demand signaling to make defence innovation investable. The session identified opportunities for Canadian industry in quantum sensors, robotics, post-quantum encryption, AI, and autonomous systems. Participants agreed on the need for procurement processes that match the pace of technological change and security threats.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada-Germany Defence Technology Contract: $1B Combat Management System Exported

Global Affairs Canada announced the signature of a government-to-government contract, valued over $1 billion, for Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment to procure Lockheed Martin Canada’s CMS 330 combat management system. The CMS 330, originally developed for Royal Canadian Navy frigates, integrates shipboard sensors and communications for real-time operations. This deal strengthens defence export ties between Canada and Germany, supporting interoperability and opening further export opportunities in the EU market.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate OLLO Committee Discusses Digital Skills and AI Literacy in Arts Sector

At the Senate Standing Committee on Official Languages (OLLO), Nancy Juneau and Marie-Christine Morin from the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF) discussed challenges facing the arts sector in Francophone minority communities, including funding reliance and data collection limitations. The committee examined the potential impact of AI on the creative sector and the need for increased AI literacy and support for digital skills. The FCCF recommended diversified financial support and collaborative indicators to assess success, as well as measures tied to modernization of the Official Languages Act that recognize the growing importance of digital infrastructure and AI.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

CRTC Concludes Latest Round of Broadband Fund Project Selection

The CRTC confirmed that all selections for the current round of Broadband Fund projects are complete, with allocations going to fibre infrastructure for underserved Saskatchewan communities. The next application period for Broadband Fund support will open in 2026, with ongoing review and improvement processes intended to accelerate rural connectivity initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate AEFA Committee Reviews Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, Including Cybersecurity Initiatives

The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade conducted hearings on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, with participation from Global Affairs Canada officials and academic experts. The discussion highlighted defence partnerships, cybersecurity initiatives, trade agreements, and the integration of private sector and diaspora communities. The updated strategy seeks to strengthen engagement with allies in the region and recalibrate relations with China and India, with implications for cybersecurity partnerships and digital market access.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Manitoba Updates Law to Address Non-Consensual Image Distribution

The Manitoba government introduced legislative amendments to expand the definition of intimate images, ban sharing of such images after death, and add provisions for website accountability, aiming to improve protections for children and adults against non-consensual image distribution.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

US Federal Government News

U.S. ITC Requests Public Input on Vehicle Telematics and Safety Systems Exclusion Orders

The U.S. International Trade Commission has issued a second notice seeking comments regarding potential limited exclusion and cease and desist orders targeting certain imported vehicle telematics, fleet management, and video-based safety systems associated with Motive Technologies Inc. The investigation follows an initial determination of a Section 337 violation, with stakeholder input requested on competitive and consumer impacts before any exclusion order is finalized.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. Department of Justice Seeks Feedback on Cybercrime Enforcement Program Reporting

The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women announced a proposed information collection for grantees under the Cybercrimes Enforcement Program. The new reporting form, required semi-annually from grant recipients, tracks prevention, enforcement, and prosecution activities related to cybercrimes against individuals. Public comment is invited on the necessity and burden of the collection through January 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Advances Reforms on Spectrum, Relay Services, and Cybersecurity

The Federal Communications Commission scheduled an Open Meeting for November 20, 2025, to consider multiple rulemakings: reconfiguration of the Upper C-band for wireless use, transition of relay services away from analog systems, and a new approach to communications system cybersecurity. The agency will seek to terminate certain outdated rules and streamline provider certification and data collection processes.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Receives Complaints on Imports of DRAM and Semiconductor Devices

The USITC received a complaint from Netlist, Inc. targeting Samsung, Google, and Super Micro Computer regarding alleged Section 337 violations related to DRAM products and components, with a request for limited exclusion and cease and desist orders. The Commission is accepting comments on potential impacts to public health, competition, and consumer choice. A separate complaint from Adeia, Inc. raises issues regarding certain semiconductor devices and computing products, with similar requests for exclusion orders and public feedback.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposes Adjustments to Rural Broadband Obligations and Data Collection

The FCC released a proposal to eliminate the Eligible Locations Adjustment Process and introduce updated data requirements for rural broadband carriers under Connect America Fund and RDOF programs. Carriers will be able to adjust deployment obligations using new location data from the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric, with a public comment period on the proposed revisions open until January 20, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Cyber readiness: A new requirement for cyber insurance?: Cyber insurance underwriters increasingly factor organizational cyber maturity into policy decisions.
• How to use tech to protect yourself and prevent scams: OPP: Ontario Provincial Police share guidance on digital tools to guard against online scams.
• Privacy commissioner calls for better cybersecurity in Alberta schools after big breach: After a cybersecurity incident, recommendations emphasize improving data protection standards in education.
• 12 Major Verification Trends in 2026: Regula on the Birth of a New Digital Identity: Industry outlook on evolving digital identity practices and authentication trends for the coming year.
• Child advocates urge government to bring back online harms legislation: Calls mount for renewed legislative measures on digital harms impacting children.
• Bruce Power defends against cyber attack scenario during emergency exercise training: Bruce Power simulates cyber incident as part of emergency preparedness.
• Public Sector Universe, 2024: Statistics Canada releases current and historical inventory of Canadian public sector entities.

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