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: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Competition Bureau Sues Canada’s Wonderland Over Alleged Drip Pricing

On May 5, 2025, the Competition Bureau announced legal action against Canada’s Wonderland Company, alleging the company advertised online ticket and product prices that excluded mandatory processing fees ranging from $0.99 to $9.99. The Bureau claims this practice, known as drip pricing, is deceptive as consumers are not presented with the full upfront cost. The Bureau has filed an application with the Competition Tribunal seeking an end to the practice, financial penalties, and restitution for affected purchasers. This action may set a precedent for online retail pricing transparency regarding mandatory fees.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

United States Surtax Remission Orders Provide Tariff Relief for Select Goods

The United States Surtax Remission Order (2025) (SOR/2025-122) was published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on May 7, 2025. The order grants remission of surtaxes on specified goods imported from the United States, particularly those used in public health, health care, public safety, and national security, as well as for manufacturing or packaging food and beverages. The remission applies to eligible items imported before October 16, 2025, subject to claims made within two years of importation. Administrative costs for businesses are limited, with no added flexibility for small businesses required as they already possess necessary customs documentation. The order responds to stakeholder requests regarding supply chain limitations and product specifications.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Continues Duties on Silicon Metal from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal issued a notice on April 30, 2025, continuing its order on duties for silicon metal imports from China. The Tribunal determined that expiry of the order would likely cause injury to the domestic industry, thus maintaining duties on silicon metal containing 89% to less than 99.99% silicon by weight. The continued measure affects wholesale and distribution chains dealing in products that utilize silicon metal.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review of Carbon Steel Screws from China and Taiwan

On May 5, 2025, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated an expiry review of its 2020 order concerning carbon steel screws from China and Chinese Taipei. The review will assess whether ending the order could lead to continued or resumed dumping and subsidizing, with the Canada Border Services Agency to make a determination by October 2, 2025. The Tribunal will decide by March 11, 2026, if any renewed dumping or subsidizing would result in injury to Canadian industry. Interested parties may participate by filing a Notice of Participation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Retail Sales Reach $56.9 Billion in February 2025

Statistics Canada reported retail sales of $56.9 billion for February 2025, marking a 1.0% year-over-year increase. Higher sales were recorded in 10 of 18 commodity classes, indicating varied consumer demand across retail sectors.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Monthly Average Retail Prices for Selected Products Updated for March

Statistics Canada released updated data on monthly average retail prices for selected products for March 2025, providing further pricing transparency for retailers.

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

Canadian Merchandise Trade Deficit Narrows in March 2025

Canada’s merchandise exports fell by 0.2% and imports by 1.5% in March, narrowing the trade deficit from $1.4 billion to $506 million.

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

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Expands Skills Development Fund in Response to Tariffs

Ontario will invest an additional $1 billion in its Skills Development Fund over three years to support worker training and reskilling, targeting industries affected by U.S. tariffs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Fines Company for Unlicensed Aggregate Extraction

Crosstown Construction Inc. was fined $187,500 for operating a pit without a licence, with over 10,000 tonnes of aggregate removed in Barry’s Bay, Ontario.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Measles Exposure Reported at Manitoba Superstore Location

Manitoba health authorities reported measles exposure at a Real Canadian Superstore in Winkler on April 28, advising individuals to monitor symptoms and follow public health guidance.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Sameer Zuberi Supports Food Security Initiatives in Montreal

MP Sameer Zuberi attended Corbeille de Pain's Empty Bowls fundraiser, recognizing the role of weekly farmers’ markets in supporting food security for West Island residents.

Sources: Social Media: x.com, Social Media: x.com

MP Shaun Chen Marks 30 Years of Tamil Business Guide

MP Shaun Chen acknowledged TamilsGuide and CEO Senthi Chelliah for three decades serving as a business directory for the Tamil community in Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Kevin Vuong Cites Economic Impact of Protests on Toronto Retail

MP Kevin Vuong referenced the effect of downtown protests on Toronto small businesses, noting customer avoidance and reduced foot traffic.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Marie-France Lalonde Attends Orléans Job Fair

MP Marie-France Lalonde attended a job fair at Place d’Orléans, where numerous employers and job seekers explored employment opportunities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP James Maloney Meets Ukrainian Courier Executives

MP James Maloney met with Nova Poshta’s Dennis Bazilevych and Yevhen Tryshyn to discuss business ties between Ukraine and Canada, highlighting solar-powered local offices.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Encourages Local Grocery Purchases

Senator Robert Black promoted the #Buy5High5 campaign, urging Canadians to select local products when grocery shopping to support domestic businesses.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Visits Hummingbird Chocolate

Senator Robert Black visited Hummingbird Chocolate in Almonte, noting its expansion into over 700 stores and the craft chocolate production process.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Visits Farms Supported by ALUS

Senator Robert Black, joined by colleagues, visited Ferme Brylee and Ferme Chapeau Melon to observe Alternative Land Use Services’ support for farm innovation.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator David Wells Speaks at Global Trade and Investment Event in London

Senator David Wells delivered the closing address at a major trade event in London, discussing export promotion and international investment.

Sources: Social Media: x.com