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: 2025-07-06 to 2025-07-12

📋 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

Federal Government Extends Temporary EI Measures for Workers Impacted by U.S. Tariffs

On July 10, the federal government extended temporary Employment Insurance (EI) adjustments supporting workers affected by US-imposed tariffs, with Minister Patty Hajdu and Secretary of State John Zerucelli confirming the extension until October 11, 2025. The measures lower the hours required to qualify for regular EI benefits to 630, increase entitlement by up to four weeks, and continue increased regional unemployment rates by one percentage point, not exceeding 13.1%. Accompanying these changes, the waiting period for EI is waived and rules treating severance and other separation monies as earnings are suspended, enabling earlier access to benefits. The Work-Sharing Program’s temporary special measures, announced in March, accommodate a broader range of employers—including non-profits—and permit longer agreements (up to 76 weeks) with no cooling-off periods. These adjustments are positioned as income support for sectors heavily affected by tariffs as broader negotiations with the US proceed. The government states that the priority is to maintain support for workers in affected regions as economic uncertainty persists.

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

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Defence Minister Releases Fifth Status Report of the External Monitor on CAF Culture Reform

On July 8, Defence Minister David McGuinty released the fifth biannual status report from the External Monitor, Madame Jocelyne Therrien, assessing progress on the Implementation of recommendations from the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Thirty-six out of forty-eight recommendations are now deemed addressed, including the removal of 'sexual misconduct' from policies, adopting the Canada Labour Code definitions of harassment and violence, and expanding legal supports for victims. The CAF’s selection and promotion process has incorporated character and conduct considerations, while new probationary periods for recruits have been introduced. Data collection on misconduct and administrative reviews has also been targeted for improvement. Minister McGuinty stated that remaining recommendations, including legislation to modernize the military justice system and clarify jurisdiction over sexual offences, are in progress. These culture changes have been described as multi-year efforts and further integration of systems and supports is anticipated in the coming period.

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

Government of Canada Announces Funding for Over 9,700 Researchers and Projects Nationwide

On July 9, Ministers Mélanie Joly and Marjorie Michel announced $1.3 billion in federal support for more than 9,700 researchers and research projects across Canada. Funding includes $365.6 million to over 4,700 scholarship and fellowship recipients, $589 million under the NSERC Discovery Research Program, $127 million for SSHRC Insight Grants, and additional awards under specific research and training initiatives. The measures are framed as supporting advances in public health, artificial intelligence, and clean technologies, while fostering research leadership in social equity and informed policy development. Investments span multiple agencies, including CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, with awards addressing both individual researcher support and collaborative partnerships.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Committee on Internal Trade Advances National Labour Mobility and Procurement Reforms

Minister Chrystia Freeland met with provincial and territorial counterparts in Quebec City, confirming several new agreements to facilitate internal trade and labour mobility. Federal-provincial measures include removing Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) exceptions, reaching a principle agreement for the addition of the financial services sector by late 2025, and launching a national Trucking Hackathon to develop regulatory alignment. A memorandum has been signed to implement direct-to-consumer alcohol sales by May 2026, and an action plan establishes a 30-day service standard for labour mobility applications. The federal elimination of CFTA exceptions is paired with the passage of the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, part of the broader One Canadian Economy Act, intended to reduce barriers for businesses and workers.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Funds Technical Assistance Project for Women’s Empowerment in Moldova

On July 9, Global Affairs Canada announced a $6.5 million commitment to the 'Advancing Climate Resilience and Women’s Empowerment in Moldova' initiative, delivered in coordination with UNDP and UN Women. The project aims to strengthen climate resilience and economic opportunity for rural women entrepreneurs in Moldova’s agroforestry sector. Components include provision of training in climate-smart agriculture, business development, and leadership. The funding forms part of Canada’s continuing involvement in international development efforts targeting gender and climate outcomes.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Support Announced for Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Projects

Thirteen Indigenous-owned and led clean energy projects will receive over $40 million from the Low Carbon Economy Indigenous Leadership Fund, with Minister Julie Dabrusin making the announcement on July 8. Projects span the installation of solar panels, EV charging infrastructure, and heat pumps to energy retrofits and carbon footprint audits, supporting communities in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The stated objective is to enable energy savings, job creation, and the expansion of renewable energy in Indigenous communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ministers Issue Statement on Nunavut Day and Progress on Land Devolution

On July 9, Ministers Rebecca Chartrand, Rebecca Alty, and Mandy Gull-Masty marked Nunavut Day, referencing achievements in Inuit self-determination and natural resource management since the Nunavut Agreement. Work continues to implement the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement, described as the largest land transfer in Canadian history. The agreement is intended to increase Nunavummiut control over land, water, and resources, with federal and territorial governments engaged alongside Inuit leadership.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statement on Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day

On July 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand issued a statement recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, reaffirming Canada’s support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and multiethnic character. The statement references the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration, which Canada co-sponsored at the United Nations, and addresses the continued importance of remembrance and accountability.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Preliminary Police-Reported Hate Crime and Victimization Data

Statistics Canada released preliminary data on police-reported hate crime and cybercrime for Q1 2025, alongside a new table on self-reported violent victimization based on the 2019 General Social Survey. Data detail incidents by gender and region and include rates of police reporting. These updates provide baseline information for organizations monitoring trends in public safety and discrimination.

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

Study Finds Social Networks Mitigate Health Impacts of Discrimination on Racialized Canadians

A new study from Statistics Canada, published July 9, found that 45% of racialized Canadians reported experiencing discrimination in the prior five years (2023/2024). The data link discrimination with negative mental and physical health outcomes, though individuals with strong personal support networks reported fewer such effects.

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

Unmet Needs for Disability Supports in Canada Detailed in 2022 Study

Statistics Canada published findings from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, examining characteristics associated with unmet needs for disability supports. The release provides stakeholders with new data on service and support gaps among persons with disabilities, with implications for accessibility planning.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Launches PAGES 2025-2030, Injecting $141.9 Million into Social Economy

The Quebec government unveiled the 2025-2030 Governmental Action Plan in Social Economy (PAGES), which invests $141.9 million to support 4,000 activities and projects, including subsidies for cooperative and social economy organizations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Opens 10-Bed Youth Home in Hastings County for At-Risk Youth

Ontario is investing $1 million in a new youth supportive housing facility aimed at at-risk and homeless youth in Hastings County, with individualized skills training and transition services managed by St. Leonard’s Community Support.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Announces $6 Million for 11 Community Disaster Resilience Projects

The B.C. government is distributing over $6 million through the DRIF program for 11 projects supporting flood and climate hazard preparedness, including new flood infrastructure and planning in First Nations communities.

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

Quebec Pauses Sponsorship Applications for Certain Family Reunification Categories Until 2026

Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration has stopped accepting new sponsorship applications for spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or over until June 25, 2026, after reaching the cap for the current period.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca, Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Establishes 14 Regional Health Advisory Councils

Alberta has set up 14 regional health advisory councils involving 150 members from 71 communities, providing direct input on health planning to the province’s four health ministries and agencies.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Accessibility Questionnaire on CBSA Services

The Canada Border Services Agency is collecting public feedback until July 13 regarding accessibility at border crossings via an external questionnaire.

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

Consultation: Feedback Invited on Risk Assessment for Gene Edited Pigs

Through July 20, Environment and Climate Change Canada is inviting comments from the public, industry, and stakeholders on the risk assessment process for new gene-edited pig lines, as part of a renewed federal chemicals management program.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Senator Amina Gerba shared her participation in the launch of the Federation Africaine et Associations du Canada’s strategy for youth reception, education, and protection, particularly supporting Afro-descendant youth.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda posted about raising questions to Public Services and Procurement Canada regarding the definition of 'affordable housing' and alignment with actual household incomes during the Senate National Finance Committee.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Leo Housakos commented on PSAC’s concerns regarding anticipated impacts of federal workforce reductions on service delivery for benefits such as passports and EI.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Marilou McPhedran promoted registration for the upcoming Canadian Youth Climate Assembly, noting the July 18 application deadline and encouraging youth engagement in parliamentary climate discussions.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Tony Loffreda posted about questioning National Defence officials on performance indicators for culture change and procurement coordination during the Senate National Finance Committee.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• ‘They don’t make it easy’: Canada Disability Benefit poses many barriers: CTV News covers advocate concerns regarding access barriers to the Canada Disability Benefit.
• Federal government invests in the Community Housing Sector to Increase Affordable Housing Supply: The Globe and Mail outlines new federal investment in boosting Canada's affordable housing stock.
• Quebec won’t accept some applications for sponsorship of immigrants until 2026: The Toronto Star covers Quebec's suspension of certain immigration sponsorship applications.
• How a UHN program is changing lives by fostering independence for those with complex needs and disabilities: The Toronto Star features an initiative enabling independence among people with complex disabilities.
• Opinion | New child care study should be a wake-up call for Doug Ford: The Toronto Star discusses challenges in Ontario's child care sector.
• Ottawa sped through law to fast-track major projects, but implementation is going slower: The Globe and Mail examines the pace of implementation of new legislation to expedite major projects.
• Indigenous Services Canada warns 'difficult decisions' in budget cuts will impact programs: CBC reports on budget constraints affecting Indigenous Services Canada programs.
• Opinion: Out with ‘tu’ and in with ‘vous’ as Quebec aims to restore respect in public schools: The Globe and Mail offers analysis on language use changes in Quebec schools.
• Terry Glavin: Time for Canada to step up again to help the Syrian people: National Post opinion on potential Canadian international humanitarian response.
• More women and children leaving violence now have safe, secure place to stay as 44 new shelter and transitional housing spaces have opened in Kelowna: BC Gov News covers the opening of new shelter and transitional housing for women and children in Kelowna.