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.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Social Issues? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture and Indigenous Affairs.

Dates: 2025-07-27 to 2025-08-02

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with Renewed National Strategy

On July 30, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree issued a statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, outlining Canada's continued measures to disrupt human trafficking. The government is targeting organized criminal networks, with the $1.3-billion Border Plan and proposed Strong Borders Act provisions aimed at curbing trafficking-related crimes. New bail eligibility restrictions for repeat offenders facing human trafficking charges are under way. The National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking is being renewed, involving sustained engagement with survivors, Indigenous groups, law enforcement, service providers, and civil society. Jennifer Richardson has been named Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking. The strategy is complemented by a national public education campaign and reporting tools. These developments indicate ongoing efforts to strengthen Canada’s legal and support frameworks for trafficking victims and service organizations.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting: Canadian Initiatives and Global Commitments

Employment and Social Development Minister Patty Hajdu attended the G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting in George, South Africa, July 30-31. Minister Hajdu discussed domestic programs such as the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and the expansion of student grants and interest-free loans, alongside the enforcement of pay equity through the Equi’Vision website. Canada is supporting G20 targets to reduce NEET (not in employment, education, or training) rates by 5% by 2030 and to reduce the gender wage gap by 15% by 2035. A $7 million Green Growth initiative—implemented in partnership with SOS Children’s Village Canada—will support youth, especially young women, in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Somalia to access green economy skills. Minister Hajdu also met with her counterparts from several nations to share best practices in labour market adaptation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Announces $99 Million Settlement with Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation

Chief Melissa Tavita of Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty have finalized a $99 million settlement over Agricultural Benefits (the "Cows and Plows" claim) under Treaty 4. The compensation addresses historic federal failures to provide farming tools and livestock. Funding will be used for modern housing, infrastructure, water system upgrades, and youth programming. Each adult member receives a $40,000 payment; minor members will have funds placed in trust. The agreement is part of ongoing reconciliation and is structured under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

One Arrow First Nation Reaches $124 Million Settlement on Farming Benefits Claim

Chief Janine Baldhead of One Arrow First Nation and Minister Rebecca Alty announced a $124 million settlement for the Nation’s Treaty 6 Agricultural Benefits claim. The settlement addresses historic shortfalls in farming equipment and supplies. The settlement process is positioned within Canada’s broader reconciliation agenda, with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Expands Health Care in Remote and Indigenous Communities

Secretary of State Buckley Belanger announced that the Virtual Health Hub (VHH) is joining the Coordinated Accessible National (CAN) Health Network, backed by $42 million in federal funding. The collaboration will focus on remote, rural, and northern Saskatchewan, introducing virtual reality diagnostics from Luxsonic Technologies and digital physician consultations via Nova Scotia-based Virtual Hallway. Two new projects are beginning through the network, aiming to improve diagnosis and primary care access. Since inception, the CAN Health Network has linked 99 Canadian health tech companies to governments and health providers nationwide.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Sprouting Ceremony Marks New Urban Indigenous Centre in Halifax

The Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre hosted a "Sprouting Ceremony" in Halifax to begin early work on the new Wije'winen Centre, funded by a $28.8 million federal investment via Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples. The Centre will deliver over 55 social and cultural programs, including education, employment, housing support, and harm reduction, targeting more than 7,000 urban Indigenous clients annually.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Ottawa Announces Support for Palestinians in Response to Gaza Crisis

On July 29, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand committed $30 million for humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank at the United Nations conference in New York. Another $10 million was allocated to support the Palestinian Authority’s stabilization efforts. Canada called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. Further support for early recovery and health services has been earmarked via prior commitments to WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA. Bilateral meetings were held with officials from Norway, France, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Extends Temporary Measures for Palestinians in Canada

On August 1, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced an extension of temporary measures for Palestinians in Canada who cannot return home. The measures, first introduced in December 2023, allow fee-exempt study and work permits and temporary residency extensions. Over 1,750 people have passed security screenings, with 860 arrivals from Gaza. Canada continues to process applications despite ongoing difficulties for those unable to leave Gaza.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Emancipation Day Marked by Heritage Minister with Support for Black Communities

Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Steven Guilbeault delivered a statement on Emancipation Day, August 1, referencing the abolition of slavery in 1834 and stating ongoing governmental commitment to support Black communities and address anti-Black racism. Government initiatives are directed at empowerment and reducing barriers to social and economic participation.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

International Development Initiatives in Africa and G20 Participation

Secretary of State Randeep Sarai concluded a visit to Ethiopia and Tanzania and participated in the G20 Development Working Group Ministerial. During the Africa visit, Canada announced $25 million for technical and vocational education in partnership with World Vision Canada and FINCA Canada, benefiting over 66,000 youths in Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Bilateral meetings at the G20 forum addressed illicit financial flows and social protection systems.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Solomon to Participate in Foundation for Black Communities Event

Minister Evan Solomon attended the Black Ideas Grant (B.I.G) 2.0 event in Toronto, hosted by the Foundation for Black Communities, representing Minister Patty Hajdu. The event is linked to federal efforts to foster Black-led initiatives and economic development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Invests $345 Million to Renew Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy

Ontario announced a $345 million renewal of its Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, including the launch of a new Children at Risk of Exploitation Unit in Kenora and expanded trauma-informed supports for youth at risk.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Launches New Counter Human Trafficking Unit

British Columbia established a 12-member Counter Human Trafficking Unit within the RCMP, aiming to enhance investigations and victim support across the province.

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

New Brunswick Directs $9.2 Million to Gender-Based Violence Services

New Brunswick announced $9.2 million for emergency shelters, second-stage housing, outreach, and sexual violence services focused on improving quality and accessibility.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Reports on Disability Housing Remedy

An independent monitor’s second report tracked Nova Scotia’s progress implementing a five-year plan to expand community-based housing for people with disabilities, following a landmark human rights settlement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Funds New Affordable Housing in Sault Ste. Marie

Ontario and Canada jointly announced more than $5.3 million for construction of 14 supportive housing units in Sault Ste. Marie, targeting people experiencing homelessness and women and children fleeing domestic violence.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

CFIA Consultation: 2026-2028 Accessibility Plan

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency opened a consultation on its 2026–2028 Accessibility Plan, seeking feedback from persons with disabilities and stakeholders through August 30, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: inspection.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Manitoba government poll suggests concerns over health care, crime and immigration: Recent poll data reveal ongoing public worries around healthcare, public safety, and migration in Manitoba.
• FedEx Canada Tries to Strip Union Rights from Immigrant Workers, say Teamsters: Reporting on alleged actions by FedEx Canada regarding immigrant workers and union rights.
• New London-based project to provide jobs to people with criminal records: Initiative underway creating employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records in London.
• Northwestern Ontario receives funding boost to fight against human trafficking: Funding increase announced for anti-trafficking programs in Northwestern Ontario.
• With Ottawa promising bail reform, what’s driving the debate?: Analysis of the factors driving federal bail reform discussions.
• Complex health needs of unhoused populations are preventing palliative care access, Lakehead U. review finds: Academic review examines how unhoused individuals are struggling to access end-of-life care.
• Ford walks back pledge to issue work permits to asylum seekers: Premier Doug Ford reverses earlier position on work permits for asylum seekers.
• Geoff Russ: Doug Ford walking back initiative allowing asylum seekers to work was right choice: Editorial on policy debate around work permits for asylum seekers in Ontario.

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