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.

Dates: 2025-06-08 to 2025-06-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Disability Benefit Launches with Applications Opening June 20

The federal government announced that applications for the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will open on June 20, 2025. The benefit, providing up to $200 per month or $2,400 per year, targets low-income Canadians with disabilities aged 18 to 64. The program is administered by Service Canada and supplements existing provincial and territorial supports, filling a gap between the Canada Child Benefit and Old Age Security. Applicants must have an approved disability tax credit and have filed a 2024 income tax return; spouses or common-law partners must also file. Community organizations will support navigation through the application process, and an online estimator is now available. First payments are set for July 2025 for those approved by June 30. The CDB is expected to reach more than 600,000 people, aiming to improve financial security for working-age Canadians with disabilities.

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

Looking to elevate and streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach out at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support you.

Ottawa Announces $1.5 Million to Support Security at Pride Festivals

On June 10, Women and Gender Equality Minister Rechie Valdez announced $1.5 million in federal support for security needs at Pride festivals across Canada. The funding, delivered through Fierté Canada Pride as part of Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, is aimed at defraying rising costs for safety and insurance planning. The announcement coincided with the raising of the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag on Parliament Hill, marking the start of Pride Season. This initiative is part of ongoing federal commitments to work alongside 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Outlines Disability Inclusion Priorities at United Nations

Employment and Social Development Minister Patty Hajdu led Canada’s delegation to the 18th session of the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York, June 10–12. Canada’s presentation discussed removing barriers for persons with disabilities, introducing a national standard on accessible and equitable AI, and advancing reconciliation for Indigenous persons with disabilities. The Minister pointed to domestic initiatives such as the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Canada Disability Benefit, and the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities. Canada also hosted a side event on inclusive AI and participated in bilateral meetings with France, Ireland, and Brazil.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government and Labour Partners Discuss Labour Mobility in One Canadian Economy Bill

Federal ministers, including Patty Hajdu, Steven MacKinnon, Chrystia Freeland, Mélanie Joly, and John Zerucelli, convened with labour partners to discuss Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy legislation. The bill aims to recognize provincial and territorial licenses at the federal level, facilitating workforce mobility and reducing internal trade barriers. The roundtable included representatives from Canada’s Building Trades Unions and other skilled trades organizations. The legislation is designed to strengthen labour market adaptability and is supported by related federal investments in apprenticeship and training programs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Debates Gender Equality, AI Regulation, and Indigenous Legislation

During the June 11 Senate sitting, Hon. Paulette Senior referenced the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council's recommendations for inclusive gender equality policies, including in AI and wildfire management. Other senators addressed Indigenous entrepreneurship, youth development, Pride Month, and privacy law exemptions in Bill C-4. Senator Michèle Audette introduced Bill S-2 to amend the Indian Act, while Senator Gerba supported Bill S-201 on sickle cell disease. The session also featured questions about funding for the Black Justice Strategy and concerns regarding parliamentary appointments.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Advances Legislation on Sickle Cell Disease, Alcohol Warning Labels, and Immigration

On June 12, the Senate discussed several bills, including Bill S-201 to establish a national framework for sickle cell disease and Bill S-202 on alcoholic beverage warning labels. Bill S-215 proposes a National Immigration Month, and Bill S-218 limits the use of the notwithstanding clause. Bill C-202, which protects Canada’s supply management system in trade negotiations, was also moved to third reading. Other topics included affordable housing, labor shortages in agriculture, and mental health funding.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canada Imposes Additional Sanctions in Response to West Bank Settler Violence

On June 10, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced a fourth round of sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations, targeting two Israeli officials accused of facilitating extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The sanctions, coordinated with partners such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, bar Canadians from transactions with named individuals and make them inadmissible to Canada. The move comes amid ongoing violence and is part of broader international efforts to address the situation in the West Bank.

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

Minister Gull-Masty Responds to Auditor General’s Report on Indian Act Registration Services

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty issued a statement on June 10 acknowledging the Auditor General’s report on registration services under the Indian Act. The Minister agreed with the report’s recommendations and noted the shift from a paper-based to a digital application system for secure status cards. Bill S-2, introduced in the Senate last month, addresses remaining inequities in registration and band membership. The department is working with First Nations communities to improve the fairness and efficiency of registration services.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

SSHRC Recognizes Student Research Storytellers

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council announced the winners of its Storytellers Challenge at a showcase in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Five postsecondary students were recognized for communicating the impact of SSHRC-funded research, with topics ranging from Muslim youth mental health to gender-based violence prevention. Each recipient receives $1,000, in addition to prior awards, and national recognition for their work in demonstrating the value of social sciences and humanities research.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

New Data on Disability Pay Ratios and Accessibility Barriers Released

Statistics Canada published new tables from the Canadian Survey on Disability, presenting data on average and median disability pay ratios, barriers faced by persons with disabilities in service provision, and the degree to which communication-related support needs are met. The data is disaggregated by demographic characteristics, severity, age group, and gender, contributing to a more detailed understanding of accessibility challenges in Canada.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Expands Access to Legal Advice for Sexual Assault Survivors

Ontario is investing $750,000 over three years to broaden access to independent legal advice for sexual assault victims through the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, as part of a larger $6.4 million plan supporting survivors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Establishes Table to Address Gender-Based Violence

Nova Scotia created an engagement table led by the Attorney General and Justice Minister to enhance coordination among service providers and address gender-based violence, involving up to 25 members and multiple ministries.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Manitoba Invests in Youth Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Manitoba is providing $400,000 to expand the Huddle initiative in Portage la Prairie, offering integrated mental health, addiction, and housing services to youth at risk of homelessness.

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

Quebec Publishes Report on Disability Policy Implementation

Quebec’s Office des personnes handicapées released its 2023-2024 annual report on the 'À part entière' policy, indicating that 5 of 12 commitments have been completed and most organizations have adopted recommended best practices.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Announces $8 Million for Elder Abuse Prevention

Alberta is allocating more than $8 million over two years to prevention and intervention efforts under its Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy, including expansion of shelter and safe space programs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

CBSA Launches Accessibility Consultations

The Canada Border Services Agency is inviting public feedback from June 16 to July 13 on accessibility at border crossings and offices.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

CBSA Opens Internal Accessibility Questionnaire

The Canada Border Services Agency will collect feedback from its employees on internal accessibility practices from June 16 to July 4.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: atlas

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Amina Gerba spoke in the Senate to back Bill S-201, which seeks to establish a national framework for sickle cell disease, particularly affecting Black and racialized communities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Yuen Pau Woo raised concerns via social media regarding alleged double standards in Canada’s support for children in Ukraine versus Gaza.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Ryan Turnbull met with Habitat for Humanity GTA to discuss Bill C-4’s implications for affordable homeownership and the next phase of the Affordable Housing Fund.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda questioned the government in the Senate about its progress converting unused office space into affordable and accessible housing, citing an Auditor General’s report.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Patty Hajdu described her remarks at the UN regarding Canada’s efforts to prioritize accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Ottawa moves to prop up youth employment in a rough summer jobs market: Ottawa announces new measures to address challenges in youth employment programs.
• Canada cracks down on immigration applicants over spouses: Canada introduces stricter controls on spousal immigration applications.
• Refugees in limbo, with Ottawa silent on immigration jobs program due to expire within days: Uncertainty persists for refugees as a federal immigration jobs program nears expiration.
• ‘Nation-building’ projects should also reflect Canadian values: Opinion explores the alignment of infrastructure projects with Canadian social values.
• What Carney’s big border bill could mean for refugees and civil liberties: Podcast discusses possible implications of pending border legislation for refugees.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlights grim B.C. statistics: British Columbia reports concerning rates of elder abuse as part of a global awareness campaign.
• Ford government’s changes to children’s aid societies miss what actually needs fixing, critics charge: Critics question the effectiveness of Ontario’s recent policy adjustments for children’s aid societies.
• ‘Offer support where we can’: Community organizations gear up for busy summer amid evacuations: Community organizations in Manitoba prepare for increased demand due to seasonal evacuations.