Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning social advocacy issues.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-23
End Date: 2025-03-29

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Strengthens Election Protection Measures

Canada has bolstered its defenses against electoral interference with the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force. This task force, comprising agencies like CSIS and the RCMP, will monitor threats during the election period. New measures include expanded monitoring to cover domestic extremism. The Critical Election Incident Public Protocol will notify Canadians of any incidents that threaten election integrity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Combating Disinformation

The Canadian government has issued guidelines to identify and report disinformation, a growing threat to democratic processes. The guidance highlights signs of disinformation, such as manipulated images and sensational headlines. Resources like fact-checking tools are promoted to help Canadians discern truth from falsehoods. This initiative supports broader efforts to maintain public trust in key institutions and democratic processes.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Support Initiatives

Minister Gary Anandasangaree has expressed condolences to the family of Ashlee Shingoose, while highlighting the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The government reaffirms its commitment to addressing this national tragedy through enhanced support and protection measures for Indigenous communities across Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Voter Contact Registry Open

The CRTC's Voter Contact Registry is now open, ensuring transparency in voter call communications during the federal election. Registration is required for third-party callers and automated message services.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Employment Insurance Board of Appeal Regulations

New regulations for the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal have been published, emphasizing diverse regional representation and hearing format flexibility to improve accessibility and fairness.

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

Amendments to Firearms Act Coming Into Force

Sections of the Firearms Act will come into force on April 4, 2025, focusing on the ineligibility of individuals with protection orders or those convicted of violent offenses, with considerations for Indigenous rights.

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

Rise in Hate Crimes Reported

Statistics Canada reports a 32% increase in hate crimes in 2023, with 4,777 incidents recorded. This marks a significant rise and highlights ongoing concerns about hate-motivated violence.

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

Algorithmic Impact Assessment Released

The Administrative Activities Support Tool's Algorithmic Impact Assessment results have been released, detailing its role in aiding immigration application processing through data-matching.

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

Increased Funding for Nursing and Residential Care

Canada's nursing and residential care facilities saw a 7.6% rise in operating revenues, reaching $43.3 billion in 2023, driven by the aging population and post-pandemic recovery.

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

Provincial Announcements

New Complex-Care Housing in Surrey

The British Columbia government, in collaboration with Indigenous organizations, will offer complex-care housing for Indigenous women with mental health and substance-use challenges in Surrey. This initiative aims to provide culturally supportive housing and comprehensive care services, enabling residents to stabilize and improve their well-being.

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

Manitoba to Establish Seniors Advocate

Manitoba will establish an independent seniors advocate on November 1st, focusing on the needs and rights of seniors. This advocate will report to the legislative assembly, providing recommendations on a range of issues, including healthcare and housing for seniors.

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

Nova Scotia Supports Gender-Based Violence Survivors

Nova Scotia invests $2.95 million for victims of gender-based violence, enhancing housing and financial support through community projects led by YWCA Halifax.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Quebec's Budget Boosts Public Services

Quebec allocates $6.8 billion over six years to improve healthcare, education, and social services, focusing on vulnerable individuals and community support.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

CARES Network for Rural Health Launched

The CARES network, supported by Quebec's Fonds de recherche, aims to enhance health and social services in rural and remote regions, with a $4 million funding since April 2024.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Supportive Home for Children in Prince Albert

Saskatchewan funds a new community-based home in Prince Albert, providing temporary care for children under 12, in partnership with QBOW Child and Family Services.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

New HART Hub in Oshawa

Ontario announces a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in Oshawa, part of a $550 million investment to create 28 such hubs across the province.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Child Care Expansion in British Columbia

British Columbia invests $62 million to create over 750 new licensed child care spaces and expands $10-a-day child care to 22 new centres.

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

Supporting Seniors in Rural Alberta

Alberta invests $3.5 million to expand transportation services for seniors in rural areas, enhancing access to essential services and social activities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Complex-Care Homes for Kamloops

BC plans 20 new complex-care homes in Kamloops for individuals with mental-health challenges, providing integrated support services.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

Joanne Thompson on Child Care and Dental Care

MP Joanne Thompson tweeted about the importance of protecting progress in child care and dental care for seniors, emphasizing these programs' significance.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Larry Brock on Conservative Safety Policies

MP Larry Brock highlighted Conservative plans to impose life sentences for serious crimes, aiming to enhance community safety and reduce crime.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Blaine Calkins on Crime and Safety

MP Blaine Calkins supported Conservative measures to tackle crime, focusing on gun smugglers and drug traffickers to protect Canadian communities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Hedy Fry on Social Equity

MP Hedy Fry stressed the need to lower living costs and promote equality for all Canadians, including women and LGBTQ2SI+ communities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Lianne Rood on Supporting Seniors

MP Lianne Rood expressed the Conservative commitment to reducing taxes for seniors, ensuring their contributions to Canada are recognized and supported.

Sources: Social Media: x.com