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: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Competition Bureau Releases 2025-2026 Annual Plan, Outlining Focus on Digital and Direct-to-Consumer Sectors

The Competition Bureau published its 2025-2026 Annual Plan on May 15, 2025, highlighting priorities for upholding competition amid evolving digital markets and legislative changes to the Competition Act. The Bureau announced intent to utilize full enforcement tools to prevent anti-competitive practices, expand domestic and international collaboration, and enhance its expertise in emerging technologies and enforcement strategies. Outreach initiatives targeting businesses and consumers will expand. The Bureau has signaled particular focus on sectors directly affecting Canadians, including digital and retail environments.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA CARM Financial Security Transition Period Deadline Approaches for Importers

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that the transition period for electronic posting of financial security during the Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) rollout ends at 3 am EDT on May 20, 2025. After this point, importers not enrolled in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program must pay duties and taxes before goods can be released at the border. The CBSA has set up 117 CARM-enabled kiosks at commercial sites and enhanced helpdesk support. Annually, over 99% of the 29 million released goods are cleared using RPP. The CBSA has issued Customs Notice 25-22 with further instructions and has provided a list of accredited financial security providers for reference.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Middle Class Tax Cut Legislation Announced by Federal Finance Department

On May 14, Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced legislation to reduce the lowest marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%, effective July 1, 2025. The change is projected to save two-income families up to $840 annually beginning in 2026.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Wholesale Trade Posts 0.2% Growth in March 2025

Statistics Canada reported on May 15 that wholesale sales, excluding petroleum and grains, rose 0.2% to $86.5 billion in March 2025.

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

Manufacturing Sales Declined 1.4% in March but Furniture Subsector Grew

March 2025 manufacturing sales declined 1.4% month-over-month, mainly in primary metals and petroleum, but furniture-related sales showed the largest increase.

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

Canadian Exporter Count Declines in 2024, Small and Medium Enterprises Down

In 2024, the number of Canadian goods-exporting enterprises fell 1.4% to 48,036, marking the first annual decline since 2020, with small and medium-sized exporters decreasing by 1.5% while large exporters increased 0.6%.

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

Provincial Announcements

Nova Scotia Expands Farmers' Market Voucher Program for Students and Newcomers

Nova Scotia will distribute $10 vouchers to approximately 215,500 students and newcomers for use at local farmers' markets, with expanded eligibility to include all public school, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, post-secondary students, and selected immigrant support clients.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

BC’s New Commercial Liens Legislation to Modernize Debt Collection for Service Providers

British Columbia's new Commercial Liens Act, effective June 30, 2025, will standardize lien rules for goods repair, storage, and transport, and introduce online registration for liens in B.C.'s Personal Property Registry.

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

Nova Scotia Announces Expansion of Loyal Farmer's Market Voucher Program

At a May 14 event in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Minister Colton LeBlanc announced the expanded distribution of $10 Nova Scotia Loyal vouchers to public school, Mi’kmaw, post-secondary students, and new arrivals for use at local farmers’ markets.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

New Brunswick Boosts International Outreach for Agri-food and Seafood Markets

NB Agriculture Minister Pat Finnigan reported on New Brunswick’s participation at international agri-food forums to foster export diversification in light of tariff risks; efforts included meetings with buyers in Toronto and Barcelona.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Possible Postal Strike Prompts Business Payment Contingency Plans in Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan advised suppliers and clients to use direct deposit and online filing as contingency measures in anticipation of a possible Canada Post strike starting May 22, 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta Cites Ongoing Private Investment and Job Growth in Economic Development Week Statement

Alberta marked Economic Development Week by noting 58,500 new businesses registered in 2024, a 5.5% rise, with per capita investment 67% above the Canadian average and record job growth figures.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Farmers’ Market Voucher Distribution Detailed at Nova Scotia Announcement Event

Nova Scotia Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc detailed the logistics for distributing $10 vouchers to students and newcomers at École du Carrefour, Dartmouth, on May 14, with program implementation this month.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Ryan Turnbull posted on May 15 congratulating 'On the Rack,' a new online fashion retailer, on its grand opening and praised the business's contribution to the Whitby community.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Williams used his Twitter account on May 14 to voice concerns about monopolies in Canadian markets, urging for greater competition to benefit consumers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On May 17, MP Juanita Nathan publicly marked the opening of Memon Supermarket, describing small businesses as a core part of Pickering's local economy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Dave Epp acknowledged the five-year milestone for Toy Wars & Collectibles, noting its continued presence in the retail sector on May 15 via Twitter.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Alex Ruff wished HEN + Bear success at its opening in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, sharing support for new retail ventures in his constituency on May 12.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Tracking forever chemicals in Canada; new housing minister focused on supply: CBC's Marketplace cheat sheet: CBC's coverage addresses consumer safety and government housing policies.
• Eventful Pre-Market: PPI, Retail Sales, Jobless Claims and WMT Q1: Financial news includes key market indicators and a look at Walmart Q1 results.