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.

Start Date: 2025-04-06
End Date: 2025-04-12

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada's Actions to Protect General Election 45

On April 7, 2025, the Government of Canada provided an update on measures to protect the 45th General Election from foreign interference. The SITE Task Force observed information operations on social media platforms, notably WeChat, linked to the PRC's Chinese Communist Party. The government reassured that these activities have not affected the integrity of Canada's democratic processes, urging Canadians to critically evaluate online information.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CBSA Investigation Leads to Sentencing

Gurwinder Singh Ahluwalia, a construction manager in Winnipeg, received a 20-month conditional sentence and a $50,000 fine after pleading guilty to unauthorized employment of foreign nationals. The CBSA investigation, which began in August 2023, uncovered mistreatment and underpayment of workers without proper authorization, culminating in charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Employment Insurance Pilot Project Regulations

The Employment Insurance Regulations have been amended to implement Pilot Project No. 24, effective March 23, 2025. The amendments, informed by stakeholder consultations, aim to improve access to EI for workers with insufficient hours and address economic downturns without adding burdens on businesses.

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

International Day of Pink Statement by Steven Guilbeault

On April 9, 2025, Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasized the need for safe spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ communities during the International Day of Pink.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations Amended

Amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations were published on April 9, 2025, aiming to address income inequality and improve educational access.

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

Emergency Preparedness Among Indigenous Peoples

StatsCan reported that 82% of First Nations people living off reserve, 81% of Métis, and 78% of Inuit have experienced severe disruptions due to extreme weather events.

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

Unmet Health Care Needs Dataset Updated

StatsCan updated data on unmet health care needs, detailing the percentage of Canadians aged 15 and over affected, segmented by sex and age.

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

Provincial Announcements

Quebec Invests $600,000 for Immigrant Women in Shelters

Quebec announced a $600,000 investment over two years for interpretation services in shelters, aimed at supporting immigrant women victims of violence.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Adopts Motion to Combat Food Insecurity

The Liberal Party of Quebec's motion to combat food insecurity was unanimously adopted, highlighting increased reliance on food banks among full-time workers.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Digital Transition Demands Inclusivity in Quebec

Québec Solidaire's Haroun Bouazzi advocates for an inclusive digital transition, with over 12,000 signatures supporting equitable access to public services amid technological shifts.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Appoints First Commissioner for Children's Rights

Marie-Ève Brunet-Kitchen has been appointed as Quebec's first Commissioner for the Well-Being and Rights of Children, focusing on youth protection and rights advocacy.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

BC Recognizes Public Health Week

BC's Minister of Health acknowledged Public Health Week, highlighting contributions to health equity and anti-racism in public health initiatives.

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

Saskatchewan Budget Enhances Affordability

Saskatchewan's 2025-26 Budget introduces tax savings and affordability measures, including reductions in personal income tax and support for seniors and families.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

MMIWG+ Fund Applications Open in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan opens applications for the MMIWG+ Community Response Fund, offering up to $40,000 for violence prevention projects in Indigenous communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

BC Funds Emergency Support Services for Evacuees

BC announced $5 million in funding for emergency support services, aimed at enhancing volunteer training and equipment for communities during disasters.

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

Ontario Expands Strong Mayor Powers

Ontario proposes expanding strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, empowering mayors to advance housing and infrastructure development efficiently.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Launches Supportive Housing for Youth

Nova Scotia refurbishes apartment buildings to provide supportive housing for youth, with programs led by Phoenix Youth Programs and AHANS.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Leah Gazan on Accessibility and Basic Income

MP Leah Gazan discussed her commitments to accessibility and a guaranteed livable basic income at a debate hosted by the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Mona Fortier on Employment Insurance Enhancements

MP Mona Fortier announced temporary elimination of the waiting period for employment insurance and other enhancements to support Canadians during economic uncertainty.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Leslyn Lewis on Intimate Partner Violence

MP Leslyn Lewis proposed measures to address intimate partner violence, including creating a new offense and enforcing strict bail conditions.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Tracy Gray on Addiction Recovery

MP Tracy Gray highlighted the Conservative plan to invest $250 million annually over four years in addiction treatment spaces across Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Larry Brock Supports Drug Recovery Initiative

MP Larry Brock endorsed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's plan to fund treatment for 50,000 Canadians and defund federal drug dens.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Shannon Stubbs on Drug-Free Life

MP Shannon Stubbs emphasized the Conservative plan to fund addiction treatment and prioritize recovery over taxpayer-funded drugs.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Ryan Williams on Belleville's Addiction Crisis

MP Ryan Williams announced Conservative plans to address Belleville's addiction crisis with investments in treatment and strengthened border security.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Parm Bains Secures $640 Million in Funding

MP Parm Bains detailed major investments in Steveston Harbour dredging, agri-food production, aerospace, and healthcare upgrades.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Nunavimmiut's Focus on Social Issues: Housing, mental health, and addictions are key concerns for Nunavimmiut in the upcoming election.
• Social Issues Town Hall in Sudbury: Sudbury addresses social issues in a community town hall.
• Advancing Women's Health Policies: A focus on empowering women and strengthening Canada's health policies.
• Indigenous Child Welfare's Impact: Personal narratives shape voting decisions in the federal election.
• Government Social Services Inquiry: N.L. inquiry into social services as agents of colonialism.
• Social Services Impact on Colonialism: Analysis of social services' colonial impact in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• N.L. Inquiry on Social Services: Discussion on government's role in colonialism through social services.