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: 2025-04-20
End Date: 2025-04-26

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Federal Government Details Measures Against Foreign Interference in Election 45

On April 21, 2025, the Government of Canada provided its fifth media briefing on actions taken to protect the 45th general election from foreign interference, under the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol Panel and informed by the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force. SITE identified a transnational repression operation targeting the election, with coordinated inauthentic activity on platforms such as Facebook, WeChat, TikTok, RedNote, and Douyin. The operation included mock 'wanted posters' and disparaging content aimed at Joe Tay, a Conservative candidate for Don Valley North previously targeted by Hong Kong authorities. While engagement levels have been low since December 2024, activity increased during the writ period. The government reports that current safeguards are functioning and that the election remains free and fair, but continues public communications and monitoring for similar threats.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Bouchard Class Action Settlement Receives Court Approval for Phoenix Pay System Issues

On April 15, 2025, the Superior Court of Quebec approved the Bouchard class action settlement agreement, covering individuals who worked for the federal government between February 2016 and March 2020 as casual, student, term (less than 3 months), or part-time workers, and Governor in Council appointees, who experienced pay problems due to the Phoenix pay system. Eligible individuals can claim compensation—up to $350 for 2016–17 and $175 for subsequent years—by filing before October 24, 2025. Individuals already compensated under related agreements are not eligible for overlapping fiscal years.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CRTC Reports on Broadband Access, Competition, and Consumer Protection Initiatives

On April 22, 2025, CRTC Commissioner Claire Anderson addressed the British Columbia Broadband Association, reviewing recent decisions expanding competitor access to fibre-to-the-home networks and detailing changes to the Broadband Fund. The updated framework, effective since February 2025, is intended to increase competition and affordability, with a focus on underserved rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. The CRTC is also conducting ongoing consumer protection consultations, including considerations for standardized broadband plan information, and has implemented recent measures to strengthen network resiliency for emergency services. Further changes to the Broadband Fund aim to simplify application processes, especially for Indigenous applicants.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Correctional Institutions Report Contraband Seizures and Security Measures

Correctional Service Canada reported the seizure of contraband at Fraser Valley Institution in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on April 16, 2025. Items included cannabis concentrate, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, MDMA, and opiate pills, with an institutional value of $16,000. The police have been notified and internal investigations are underway. CSC continues to employ ion scanners, drug-detector dogs, and anonymous tip lines to prevent contraband entry and ensure safety.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Revenue Agency Issues Charity Revocations

On April 26, 2025, the Canada Gazette published notices of proposed revocation for three charities due to non-compliance with the Income Tax Act: CANADIAN FRIENDS OF YESHIVAT AISH HATORAH (Thornhill, ON), HACHNOSAS KALLAH (North York, ON), and BACK TO THE BASIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF CALGARY (Calgary, AB). The Director General of the Charities Directorate, Sharmila Khare, issued the notices.

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

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Federal Briefing Set on General Election Security

The Privy Council Office announced a technical briefing for media on April 21, 2025, regarding the 45th general election. The SITE Task Force provided updates on security and procedures to ensure election integrity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Correctional Service Canada Completes Lockdown and Search at Matsqui Institution

CSC ended a lockdown and exceptional search at Matsqui Institution on April 24, 2025. Contraband, including unidentified pills, home-made weapons, and tattoo paraphernalia, was seized. The institution has resumed normal operations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Transnational Repression Operation Identified Targeting Election Candidates

SITE Task Force reported ongoing transnational repression activities targeting Joe Tay and other individuals, with evidence of inauthentic amplification and deliberate search suppression across multiple Chinese-language platforms.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Public Service Commission Grants Candidacy Permission to Federal Employee

The Public Service Commission granted Irene Stack (Employment and Social Development Canada) permission to seek nomination as a candidate for Councillor in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, NL, for the October 2, 2025, municipal election.

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

Canadian Coast Guard Launches Inshore Rescue Boat Training in Ontario

The Canadian Coast Guard will conduct Inshore Rescue Boat program training in Parry Sound, Ontario, from April 25 to May 12, 2025. The program employs post-secondary students at six IRB stations across the Great Lakes region.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

New Brunswick Advocate Warns of Significant Child Welfare Budget Cuts

The Office of the New Brunswick Advocate released a report noting a $47.1 million reduction to the Department of Social Development’s child welfare services for 2025–26—nearly 25% of program spending. The report cites concerns regarding service delivery and unfunded mandates.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

New Brunswick Government Responds to Advocate’s Child Welfare Report

Minister Cindy Miles of Social Development outlined ongoing investments and a nearly 15% budget increase for child welfare, with $10 million allocated for high-needs support and $8.7 million for the Child and Youth Well-Being Act.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

New Brunswick Increases Funding for Gender-Based Violence Services

The Women's Equality 2025–26 budget allocates $9.2 million for services, including $4.6 million for transition houses, $1.5 million for second-stage housing, and $2.1 million for outreach, aimed at stabilizing organizations and improving victim support.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Ontario Announces Expansion of Nutritious Food Distribution in the North

Ontario is providing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to expand the Regional Food Distribution Association facility, supporting food access for remote First Nations and other communities, while also facilitating job training.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Breaks Ground on Long-Term Care Home in Courtice

The province has begun construction on a new 192-bed long-term care facility operated by Muslim Welfare Canada, with completion expected in 2027. The design provides multiple amenities and incorporates features for culturally appropriate care.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Expands Community-Based Seniors’ Services

B.C. is investing $304 million over five years with United Way BC to deliver programs like Better at Home, expanding non-medical supports and individualized services for seniors. The SAFER program was also expanded in April 2025.

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

Ontario Increases Opportunities for Girls in Sport

Ontario is investing $480,000 in Canadian Women & Sport’s The Next Play program, targeting grassroots recreation opportunities for girls through specialized training and grants, reaching 65 organizations and 195 leaders.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Funds Warming Centres and Transit Study

Nova Scotia allocated over $116,000 to upgrade mosques in Truro and Dartmouth as warming centres, and over $102,000 for a transit study in Colchester, through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

British Columbia Opens New Child Care and ECE Training Centre

Capilano University’s Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies in North Vancouver adds 74 licensed child care spaces and a new facility for early childhood educator training, with support from $11 million in provincial funding and $8 million from the university.

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

Manitoba Mandates Holocaust Education in Social Studies Curriculum

Starting fall 2025, Manitoba will require Holocaust education in grades 6, 9, and 11 social studies, developed in partnership with the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, with educator support resources forthcoming.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Tim Uppal Discusses Conservative Plan for Disability and Caregiver Supports

MP Tim Uppal publicized policy proposals for making the caregiver tax credit refundable, simplifying the Disability Tax Credit, training autism support workers, and employment initiatives for Canadians with autism or intellectual disabilities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Turnbull Shares Carney-Led Child Care Policy Commitments

MP Ryan Turnbull detailed proposals to expand the $10-a-day child care system, create 100,000 new spaces by 2031, link child care with housing, and improve worker wages and benefits under a Mark Carney-led government.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Lindsay Mathyssen Calls for Affordability and Tax Reform Measures

MP Lindsay Mathyssen advocated for real rent control, grocery price caps, stronger EI, and tax measures ensuring billionaires pay more, while opposing trade deals that threaten health care, workers’ rights, or Indigenous rights.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Leah Gazan Continues Advocacy for Guaranteed Livable Basic Income

MP Leah Gazan highlighted the defeat of Bill C-223 by Liberals and Conservatives and reiterated her commitment to pursuing a guaranteed livable basic income as a response to poverty.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Salma Zahid Promotes Mental Health and Women's Health Initiatives

MP Salma Zahid announced policy intentions to improve mental health care, address the overdose crisis, and invest in women's health, including a new IVF program.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Blaine Calkins Outlines Conservative Plan for Public Safety and Housing First

MP Blaine Calkins discussed proposals to enable police to remove illegal encampments, prioritize treatment for mental health and addiction, and return to a housing first strategy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Larry Brock Announces Conservative Legislative Priorities

MP Larry Brock stated that a Conservative government would introduce laws on affordability, public safety, and job creation within its first 100 days, including repealing Bill C-69.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Michelle Ferreri Calls for Closure of Tent Cities

MP Michelle Ferreri reiterated the Conservative commitment to empower law enforcement to shut down tent cities as part of public safety policy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Denis Trudel Shares Update on Housing, Immigration, and Community Support Activities

MP Denis Trudel provided a summary of recent activities, including a national tour on housing and homelessness, food distribution in schools, support for immigration files, and investments in student employment.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Social service organizations in Thunder Bay are helping people experiencing homelessness exercise their right to vote (CBC): Social service agencies in Thunder Bay are supporting unhoused individuals to participate in federal voting.
• Social service workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., aim to reduce voting barriers for unhoused people (CBC): Thunder Bay social workers are working to ensure people experiencing homelessness can vote.
• How this election could test public support for harm reduction services (CBC): CBC examines how the 2025 federal election may impact the future of harm reduction programs.