Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest 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: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Retail Sales Surge in December 2024

On March 7, 2025, Statistics Canada reported that retail sales reached $71.6 billion in December 2024, marking a 3.7% increase year-over-year. Among the 18 commodity classes, 14 reported higher sales, indicating robust consumer demand across various segments.

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

January 2025 Retail Prices Available

New data on average retail prices for selected products in January 2025 is now accessible.

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

Alcoholic Beverages Sales Data Updated

Statistics Canada updated its dataset on sales of alcoholic beverages by liquor authorities and other retail outlets.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Federal Support for Jasper's Retail and Housing Recovery

On March 6, 2025, the Honourable Terry Duguid announced over $2 million in federal support for Jasper, Alberta. This funding will help local businesses affected by the 2024 wildfires resume operations with a pop-up retail village and support tourism recovery. Additionally, a new land lease will facilitate the development of affordable housing, aiming to increase residential density swiftly.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

PacifiCan's $18.3 Million Boost for B.C. Businesses

On March 3, 2025, Minister Harjit S. Sajjan announced $18.3 million in funding to expand seven businesses across British Columbia. Among the recipients are 4AG Robotics and EggSolutions Vanderpol's, which will scale up operations and increase global market reach. This initiative aims to create jobs and enhance product innovation across multiple sectors in the region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca U.S. Trade Tensions

Senator Tony Loffreda announced on March 5, 2025, that Canada imposed 25% tariffs on $30 billion CAD of U.S. goods, including alcohol and appliances, as a response to U.S. trade restrictions. These tariffs will remain until the U.S. withdraws its measures, affecting cross-border retail dynamics.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

2023 Retail Trade Growth

Statistics Canada reported an increase in retail spending across most sectors in 2023, with online shopping continuing to rise.

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

Apparel Trade with EU Under CETA

Global Affairs Canada released policies on apparel export and import under CETA, affecting trade practices.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Nova Scotia Loyal Program Expansion

Nova Scotia's retail initiative encourages more stores to feature local products, with Loblaw and Walmart onboard.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Loyal Brand Growth

Loblaw and Walmart will display the Nova Scotia Loyal brand, doubling the program's participants recently.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Dominic LeBlanc Supports Local Businesses

MP Dominic LeBlanc tweeted about the importance of supporting local businesses, emphasizing community engagement at the Dieppe Market.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Anita Vandenbeld Promotes Canadian Products

MP Anita Vandenbeld shared a resourceful website to help consumers identify Canadian products, advocating for local purchasing.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Arielle Kayabaga Discusses SME Priorities

MP Arielle Kayabaga highlighted discussions with Minister Rechie Valdez on SME recovery and AI adoption at the London Chamber.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• TVCMALL at MWC Barcelona 2025: TVCMALL showcases its consumer electronics platform.
• Nova Scotia Local Products Initiative: Nova Scotia retailers highlight local products with new signage.
• Manitoba Local Products List: Explore local products to enhance retail shelves.