Good morning! This is 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: 2025-05-11
End Date: 2025-05-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Commits $40 Million for UN Peacekeeping Initiatives

Global Affairs Canada, led by Minister Anita Anand, announced over $40 million in new contributions following the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. Canada will continue to offer tactical airlift support until 2027, invest in protection of civilians—including women and children—and support countering hate speech and disinformation in UN peace operations. The commitments also fund training for more than 450 personnel and back initiatives such as the Elsie Initiative Fund, gender-mainstreaming courses, and capacity building at regional peacekeeping centers in Vietnam, Malaysia, Senegal, and Indonesia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police will enhance gender parity and training among women peacekeepers through dedicated support programs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Statements Mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

Minister Rechie Valdez (Women and Gender Equality) and Global Affairs Canada both issued formal statements affirming support for 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada and internationally on May 17. Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan is currently funding 11 projects with up to $8.4 million for anti-hate initiatives, with a further $3 million allocated to protect Pride events between 2023 and 2025. Canada’s international stance reiterates solidarity with sexual- and gender-diverse individuals and emphasizes continued engagement through foreign policy channels.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

National Film Board Advocates for Strong Cultural Elements in Canadian Content

Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson, addressed the CRTC, advocating for distinct cultural elements in the definition of Canadian programming. In testimony, she argued for public funding to remain contingent on clear cultural criteria, referencing comparable international policies. Guèvremont also emphasized the importance of classifying longform documentaries as nationally significant programming, warning that excluding documentaries from this category could impact funding and distribution.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Leadership Changes in Tax and Benefit Administration

Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson François Boileau issued a statement welcoming Minister François-Philippe Champagne to his expanded role overseeing Finance and National Revenue, and Wayne Long as Secretary of State. The Ombudsperson cited ongoing work to address systemic issues in the administration of benefits, including 16 recommendations in recent reports on Canada Child Benefit administration and bare trust filing requirements. The Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson operates independently of the CRA, with a mandate to improve service delivery and ensure compliance with taxpayer rights.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Government Announces Middle Class Tax Cut

Effective July 1, 2025, the lowest marginal personal income tax rate will be reduced from 15% to 14%, projected to save nearly 22 million Canadians over $27 billion in tax savings over five years.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Human Resources Module for 2023

Annual data estimates on jobs, hours worked, and compensation by age, gender, education, and immigration status are now available, with sector-specific breakdowns that include non-profit organizations.

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

Provincial Announcements

Alberta Anti-Racism Grant Program Expands with $1.5 Million Over Three Years

Alberta’s budget allocates $1.5 million over three years for grassroots anti-racism grants, supporting non-profit organizations, Indigenous groups, and multicultural communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Launches 10-Year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence

Alberta released a provincial gender-based violence strategy with over 100 initiatives and allocated $19.8 million for targeted investments in related programming, aiming for a coordinated, provincewide approach.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Directs $1.4 Million to Community Projects to Attract Healthcare Professionals

Twenty-four organizations in Nova Scotia have received grants to support recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, funding a variety of multicultural and mentorship projects.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Introduces Additional Supports for Low-Income Youth

New youth bursaries and expanded employment program funding will increase access to post-secondary education and training for low-income and at-risk Nova Scotians, representing a $415,500 investment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

BC Officials Issue Statements for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

Premier David Eby and Parliamentary Secretary Jennifer Blatherwick reiterated BC’s commitment to protecting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and safety, noting both progress and ongoing work.

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

Saskatchewan Funds Repair of Social Housing Units in Major Cities

The provincial budget allocates $9.2 million for major repairs and renovations to 285 units in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, supporting larger families and reducing vacancies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Alberta Government Marks National Police Week with Funding and Initiatives

Minister Mike Ellis noted continued investments in policing infrastructure for Indigenous communities and urban centers, including $55.7 million for Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Saskatchewan Reports Record Investments in Community Safety and Social Supports in 2025-26 Budget

New measures include increased tax credits, enhanced disability benefits, expanded homebuyer support, and updated regulations for street safety and public intoxication.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Manitoba Increases Funding for Northern and Remote Veterinary Care

The Manitoba government will allocate an additional $1 million to support veterinary care, including mobile spay/neuter services, the One Health Program, and new staff positions to strengthen enforcement of animal welfare legislation in northern and remote communities.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Mona Fortier highlighted the Vanier Community Service Centre’s role in food and newcomer support, family services, and inclusive community-building in Ottawa.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Shaun Chen recognized Community Living Toronto's support for people with intellectual disabilities during Ontario's Community Living Month.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Turnbull discussed co-ops’ potential to address housing, economic inclusion, and social enterprise issues with leaders at Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Leslyn Lewis acknowledged 'Church Out Serving' and community organizations supporting Simcoe’s first year-round homeless shelter.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Anita Anand reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, referencing International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Aslam Rana thanked Hamilton’s Bangla community, referencing shared values of inclusion and respect that contribute to Canadian strength.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Kristopher Wells observed the ongoing criminalization of 2SLGBTQ+ identity in 61 countries and expressed concern about the rising incidence of hate, including in Canada.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Global News: City focusing on affordable housing and community safety: Coverage on municipal initiatives addressing housing affordability and safety.
• CBC: Strait of Canso area seeks answers to affordable housing woes: Efforts in Nova Scotia to address persistent affordable housing issues in the Strait of Canso area.
• CBC: Gender-based violence advocates urge further government action in Nova Scotia: Discussion of stakeholder input on government responses to gender-based violence.
• Globe and Mail: Ontario's budget neglects health and key social supports amid desperate need: Analysis of Ontario's latest budget and its impact on health and social services funding.