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: 2025-09-21 to 2025-09-27

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ House of Commons Committee Meetings
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

House of Commons Committee Meetings

• Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Bill S-228 (Coerced Sterilization): On September 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., the committee heard from Dr. Margot Burnell (Canadian Medical Association President) and Dr. Diane Francoeur (CEO, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada) on Bill S-228, which would classify sterilization without informed consent as aggravated assault.
• Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples: Indian Act Amendments (Bill S-2): The committee met September 24, 2025 at 6:45 p.m. to hear from Minister Mandy Gull-Masty on Bill S-2, addressing amendments to Indian Act registration provisions and historic enfranchisement.
• Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights: Subcommittee Operations Amendment: The committee convened September 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. to debate an amendment governing the composition and operations of its steering subcommittee, with motions agreed to after discussion.

Canadian Federal GR News

Bill S-2 Introduced to Reform Indian Act Registration Provisions

Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced the introduction of Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Indian Act, proposing restoration of status and registration entitlements lost through enfranchisement. The bill permits voluntary deregistration, removes outdated language, and enables women to rejoin their birth First Nation band. If adopted, up to 3,500 individuals would immediately regain eligibility for registration. The legislation must pass by April 30, 2025, to ensure consistent national implementation, following a recent extension by the BC Supreme Court related to Nicholas litigation. An accompanying co-development process will address the second-generation cut-off rule by year's end. The changes may alter population trends and administration of First Nations registries, with community consultations ongoing. Financial redress is outstanding, and government accountability for legacy issues remains a topic of debate.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Canada, and British Columbia Extend Coordination Agreement for First Nations-Led Child and Family Services

Federal Minister Mandy Gull-Masty and BC Minister Jodie Wickens signed an amended coordination agreement with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, expanding federal support for First Nations-led child and family services over five years. The renewal builds on the Nation's own child and family law, enacted on April 1, 2025, and increases Canada’s annual base funding to $18.8 million, plus $132 million for infrastructure across six communities. British Columbia will contribute $766,222 annually. The update supports the Tŝilhqot’in's jurisdiction, focusing on accountability, dispute resolution, prevention programs, and cultural continuity. Canada provided $35.2 million for the initial phase. The agreement follows An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, and is expected to establish new service delivery mechanisms and administrative models for Indigenous child welfare.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government Announces $8M Investment for Sustainable North: Mine Training Society Workforce Project

Employment and Social Development Canada, led by Minister Rebecca Alty, is investing over $8 million in the Sustainable North: Our Workforce project. Targeting up to 1,850 workers, including many from remote Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories, the funding will support in-person skills training for low-carbon employment. The project will establish an advisory committee including employers, industry stakeholders, and community service agencies to tailor programs to market needs. The initiative aligns with Canada's interim Sustainable Jobs Plan for 2023-2025 and is designed to support workforce transformation amid global trade changes.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Launches Tariff-Response Supports for Windsor Auto Workers

Minister Rechie Valdez announced federal tariff-response measures to bolster Ontario's auto sector. A $450 million reskilling package aims to train 50,000 workers, coupled with extended EI benefits (up to 65 weeks for long-tenured workers). Income support extensions affect up to 700,000 claimants. The government is allocating $5 billion through the Strategic Response Fund to help affected firms diversify and adapt, and $1 billion more to small and medium auto suppliers via the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. Liquidity relief will expand, including increases to the maximum loan size from BDC and flexible financing for large enterprises. The support comes as industry faces pressure from evolving international tariffs and shifting trade policies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Military Justice System Modernization Act Reintroduced in Parliament

Minister David J. McGuinty reintroduced legislation to amend the National Defence Act and related statutes. The bill proposes transferring jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences to civilian courts, responding to former Justice Louise Arbour’s recommendations. Additional amendments target the appointment process for the Provost Marshal, broader eligibility for military judges, and new measures to protect judicial independence. The bill also enables expanded access to Victim Liaison Officers and aligns sex offender information rules with civilian reforms. The legislative changes intend to modernize oversight and accountability mechanisms within the Canadian Armed Forces.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Endorses Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel

Global Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed Canada’s endorsement of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, led by Australia. The declaration addresses rising violence against humanitarian workers, with 383 killed in 27 countries during 2024. Canada will contribute $400,000 to support the Aid Worker Security Database (AWSD) operated by Humanitarian Outcomes. The funding will support global tracking and incident analysis, and Canada committed to strengthening respect for humanitarian law and accountability frameworks. The declaration may prompt enhanced due diligence and risk management for Canadian organizations operating abroad.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Tenants’ Rights Program in Nova Scotia Receives Federal Funding for Legal Aid

Minister Sean Fraser announced a $1 million federal investment to support the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission’s new Tenants’ Rights Program. The initiative aims to provide free legal advice, resources, and public education to tenants across Nova Scotia, including rural communities. Services will be accessible via phone and in-person workshops. The program is open to all tenants, regardless of income, and is expected to reach thousands over the next four years as housing concerns intensify in the province.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Invests in Edmonton Community Hub Upgrades for Accessibility and Resilience

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada announced $679,513 for the retrofit of Edmonton’s Canora Community League facility. Planned upgrades include an improved insulation system, expanded bathrooms and entryways, geothermal heating, solar panels, and climate resilience enhancements. The improved facility will serve as an emergency shelter in case of disasters, and programming is expected to reach a diverse community. Sustainability measures and accessible design are incorporated throughout.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Statement on Rosh Hashanah and Community Security Initiatives

Minister Steven Guilbeault delivered a statement marking Rosh Hashanah, referencing new Canadian initiatives such as the Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 and the Action Plan on Combatting Hate. Measures include the Canada Community Security Program for at-risk groups, funding for Holocaust remembrance, the construction of the Montreal Holocaust Museum, and an updated handbook on antisemitism. These efforts form part of a wider government approach to protecting vulnerable communities.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Victoria Native Friendship Centre Receives Federal Funding for Indigenous Leadership

The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) in British Columbia will receive $245,000 for the Indigenous Leadership Project. The funding from the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program will support a one-year initiative, enabling VNFC to offer skills training, wraparound supports, and culturally rooted learning opportunities. Ten new Indigenous facilitators will be trained for community engagement roles, and the project will foster leadership capacity both within the VNFC and broader arts and reconciliation contexts. The initiative also includes peer-based learning modules and assists arts organizations with access planning.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Updated StatsCan Dashboard on Employment Insurance in Rural and Small Town Canada

Statistics Canada has updated its Employment Insurance Beneficiaries dashboard for rural and small towns, reflecting data as of July 2025. The platform provides demographic analysis and regional trends, serving as a resource for program administrators, advocacy organizations, and policy analysts.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Introduces Legislation to Protect Personal Information and Victims of Domestic Violence

Nova Scotia tabled the Protecting Nova Scotians Act, tightening the collection of social insurance numbers and enabling rental protections for victims of domestic violence. Additional amendments strengthen healthcare disclosures, funeral services, and wildlife law enforcement.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Announces $9 Million Dementia Care Program for Long-Term Care Homes

Ontario launched the Improving Dementia Care Program, investing $9 million over three years. Emotion-based care models will support 1,800 residents in the first year, with staff training and expanded services in long-term care homes.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Issues Mandate Letters for Provincial Ministers Covering Sovereignty, Child Protection, and Public Safety

Premier Danielle Smith instructed ministers to pursue enhanced jurisdiction, push back on federal overreach, defend firearm ownership rights, tighten oversight of medical assistance in dying, and modernize child protection and justice systems.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Canada and Manitoba Invest $1 Million Annually to Strengthen French-Language Services

Federal and Manitoba governments will invest $1 million per year for three years in bilingual public services, signage, and workforce development, including supports for victims of crime and victim protection programs.

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

Manitoba Creates Working Group for Enhanced Protection of Seniors and Persons in Care

Manitoba formed a working group to implement recommendations from Justice Burnett's report on care protections. Changes include increased staffing, backlog elimination, and reinforced abuse and neglect definitions.

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

Government Consultations

Health Canada Launches Consultation on Plain Language Labelling for Prescription Drugs

Health Canada is seeking input until November 7, 2025, on revisions to its guidance for plain language labelling regulations concerning prescription drugs.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

Environment and Climate Change Canada Seeks Feedback on PFAS Phase-Out in Firefighting Foams

Environment and Climate Change Canada is accepting comments until November 25, 2025, on proposed regulations to prohibit PFAS use in firefighting foams, except for fluoropolymers.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Provincial mediator ready to help restart talks in Ontario college support staff strike: Ontario mediator prepares to intervene in stalled college support staff negotiations.
• Mark Carney’s austerity budget raising fears gender equality programs will end: Concerns grow about the future of gender equality programs post-austerity budget.
• Jane Creba to JahVai Roy: Why Toronto keeps relearning the same lessons on youth gun violence: Toronto’s persistent challenges with youth gun violence examined through recent cases.
• ‘Terrified’ teacher called Children’s Aid over family at centre of horrific Ontario murder trial. She was told ‘it’s too political’: How systemic barriers hindered a teacher’s call for help in a high-profile Ontario case.
• B.C., Ottawa extend funding agreement for Tsilhqot’in child and family services: Financial renewal announced for Tsilhqot’in children and family service jurisdiction.
• Alberta justice minister told to legislate new safeguards, oversight of MAID: Alberta faces calls for improved oversight in medical assistance in dying.
• Aging population, rising healthcare costs: why adult immunization could be Canada's best bet: Industry source examines adult immunization in the context of demographic change.
• Quebec family doctors to suspend teaching students amid Bill 106 dispute: Tension over Bill 106 leads to a halt in medical instruction for students in Quebec.
• Why rights champion Danielle Smith is eyeing notwithstanding clause for trans laws: Analysis of Alberta Premier's consideration of Charter override for transgender legislation.
• The legacy gap in Canada: why waiting to share end-of-life wishes can cost more: Delayed communication on end-of-life wishes may increase costs and challenges, according to recent commentary.

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