Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning retailers. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-04-27
End Date: 2025-05-03

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Trade Commissioner Service Launches New CUSMA Compliance Resources for Exporters

Global Affairs Canada announced April 30, 2025 the release of new resources to aid Canadian exporters confronting U.S. tariffs. The Trade Commissioner Service now offers a web page and step-by-step guide to CUSMA compliance, self-serve problem-solving tools, and a list of support programs. A dedicated phone line (1-833-760-1167) is available for SMEs seeking advice on rules of origin and customs procedures at the U.S. border, operating weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Reports Decline in Wholesale Trade and Business Openings

Statistics Canada’s advance estimate for March 2025 indicates a 0.3% decrease in wholesale sales (excluding petroleum and oilseed/grain), with five of seven subsectors reporting lower sales. Additionally, January 2025 saw the business opening rate fall to 4.8% (down 0.3 points), while the closure rate fell to 4.9% but remained above the historical average.

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

Food Services and Drinking Places Sales Edge Down in February

Total sales in the food services and drinking places subsector declined 0.6% to $8.2 billion in February 2025.

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

Machinery and Equipment Price Index Data Released for February

Statistics Canada published the Machinery and Equipment Price Index (base year 2016) for February 2025.

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

Freight Rail Services Price Index for April Now Available

April 2025 data for the Freight Rail Services Price Index (2018=100) is now accessible from Statistics Canada.

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

AgriStability Enrolment Deadline Extended in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan, with federal and territorial governments, has extended the AgriStability program enrolment deadline for 2025 to July 31, citing tariff impacts.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Manitoba Government Grants Support for Businesses Facing Economic Uncertainty

Manitoba is providing $962 million in relief for businesses and workers impacted by tariffs from China and the U.S., including tax deferrals and WCB rebates.

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

Manitoba Enacts Prompt Payment Regulations for Construction Sector

Prompt payment regulations for construction projects took effect April 1, aiming to facilitate timely payments and mitigate risks for contractors and suppliers.

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

Manitoba Invests in Crime Prevention Initiatives with Focus on Retail Sector

Over $267,100 in funding has been allocated to Winnipeg community organizations, including the Retail Council of Canada, for crime prevention and victim support programs.

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

New Brunswick Celebrates Exporters at Annual Export Awards

Opportunities NB recognized top exporters for resilience and innovation amid tariff challenges, with $17.4 billion in export sales recorded in 2024.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Alberta Doubles Investments in Employment Services to Address Economic Challenges

Alberta is allocating $185 million to expand career and employment supports, in response to labour shortages and potential impacts of proposed U.S. tariffs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

AgriStability Program Deadline Extended in Manitoba

The enrolment deadline for the 2025 AgriStability program in Manitoba has been extended to July 31 to allow producers more time amid market disruptions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

BC Acknowledges National Day of Mourning for Worker Safety

Premier David Eby and Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside issued statements on April 28 recognizing the National Day of Mourning and recent workplace safety initiatives.

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

Manitoba Marks International Day of Mourning with Commitment to Worker Safety

Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino outlined steps taken to improve workplace safety and protections for Manitoba workers.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Robert Black Meets with Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Senator Robert Black posted about his meeting with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, discussing support and challenges for small businesses, including those in agriculture.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• BigCommerce and Silk Commerce Launch Distributed Ecommerce Hub to Power Scalable Storefront Networks for Dealers, Distributors and Franchises: Distributed e-commerce strategies are expanding for Canadian dealers and franchise networks.
• GPO Plus (OTCQB: GPOX): Using AI to Transform Convenience Store Distribution: GPO Plus highlights AI-driven changes in convenience store supply chains.
• One industry continues to do well amid tariffs: resale. What does that mean for consumers?: Resale sector performance stands out in a market affected by tariffs.
• Fashion to Fine Wines & Spirits: Ryder Customers Share "Stories from the Supply Chain" in National TV Ad Campaign: Retailers and distributors discuss supply chain experiences in a new media campaign.
• Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights Costco Wholesale, Target, Dollar General and Burlington Stores: Industry outlook on major North American discount and big-box retailers.
• Leading Electrical Distributor Strengthens eCommerce Search Experience with HawkSearch and Optimizely: Electrical distributor invests in enhanced e-commerce search capabilities.
• A Strong Contender in the B2B Distribution Sector: Analysis of competition in the B2B distribution marketplace.