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: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Government Introduces Bill C-12 to Strengthen Border Security and Immigration System

On October 8, 2025, Minister Gary Anandasangaree introduced Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. The bill proposes amendments to the Customs Act, empowering the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to access premises managed by transporters and warehouse operators, and mandating facilities at certain ports of entry and exit for examination and detention of goods. The Oceans Act would be amended to authorize the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and handle intelligence. The RCMP would be able to share sex offender information with international partners, and new rules would be added to limit asylum claims in response to spikes, with improved processing measures. Bill C-12 also addresses precursor chemicals for illicit drugs, strengthens anti-money laundering frameworks by adding FINTRAC to the Financial Institutions Supervisory Committee, and increases penalties for violations. The bill sets the stage for Parliament to advance these priorities while continuing to review measures introduced in June 2025.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative Launches Fourth Call for Proposals

On October 9, 2025, Minister Patty Hajdu announced up to $20 million in funding through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. The program invites eligible Black-led organizations to apply for infrastructure and capacity-building grants, with the application window open until October 18, 2025. The initiative, launched in 2019, aims to strengthen community infrastructure and sustain organizational impact across up to 300 organizations. Funded activities include facility upgrades, capacity development, and expansion of community services. The initiative seeks to bolster leadership in Black communities nationwide.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government Highlights Reduced Temporary Foreign Worker Program Usage and Increased Penalties

On October 6, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada reported a 50% reduction in applications to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program and a 70% drop in the low-wage stream following measures implemented in September 2024. In fiscal year 2024–2025, 1,435 employer compliance inspections were conducted, with 10% of employers found non-compliant, leading to a doubling of penalties to $4.88 million and 36 employers banned, a threefold increase. Notable penalties included $1 million and a 10-year ban for a fish and seafood sector employer. The government continues efforts to strengthen program integrity and worker protections, focusing on strategic sectors and regions.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Reports Progress in Fight Against Auto Theft

On October 9, 2025, Minister Gary Anandasangaree released an update on the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft. Measures undertaken since May 2024 include sharing VIN data with partners, funding Quebec police intelligence, increasing export cargo container inspections, and grants for security innovation projects. Law enforcement received enhanced training, and high-risk port facilities underwent security assessments. Police-reported motor vehicle thefts declined 17% in 2024 and 19% in the first half of 2025, as per Équité Association. The Action Plan continues to target organized crime and facilitate recovery of stolen vehicles.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Steven Guilbeault to Announce New Measures to Reduce Costs for Canadian Families

Minister Steven Guilbeault scheduled an event for October 10, 2025, in Montréal to detail new measures aimed at lowering costs for Canadian families. The announcement is expected to address affordability challenges, with additional details provided to registered media participants.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada to Make Announcement on Cost-Reduction Measures in Victoria

On October 10, 2025, Minister Patty Hajdu and Secretary of State Stephanie McLean planned an announcement at Saanich Child and Family Centre in Victoria. The event will focus on new initiatives to bring costs down for Canadians, following recent federal priorities on affordability.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Supports Cultural Projects in the Atlantic Region

On October 10, 2025, MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor, on behalf of Minister Steven Guilbeault, announced over $1.4 million in funding for cultural infrastructure projects across Atlantic Canada. Recipients include the Capitol Theatre in Moncton, set to receive $500,000 over two years for renovations and equipment upgrades. Investments target improved facilities and support for diverse artistic disciplines in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government to Announce Support for Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction in Manitoba

Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, will announce new support for minority-language and second-language education in Manitoba on October 14, 2025. The announcement aligns with federal commitments to official languages and language education funding.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Considers Bill S-202: Cancer Warning Labels on Alcoholic Beverages

On October 9, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology heard from Senator Patrick Brazeau and Health Canada officials on Bill S-202, which would require cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages. The committee discussed consumer transparency, industry resistance, and potential impacts on youth consumption. Health Canada is currently reviewing the bill and international approaches to alcohol harm reduction.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Examines Bill S-209: Online Age Verification for Pornographic Material

On October 8, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs reviewed Bill S-209, which introduces age verification requirements for online pornography. Witnesses addressed due diligence obligations for platforms, privacy concerns, and technology options for compliance. The committee discussed the role of an independent authority, potential circumvention by youth, and the balance between child protection and privacy rights.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Government of Canada Recognizes Educators with the Prime Minister’s Awards

On October 5, 2025, Ministers Mélanie Joly and Patty Hajdu announced recipients of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, including STEM and Early Childhood Education. Seventy educators were honored for innovative practices and leadership. The 2026 nomination period is now open, with forms available online until January 14, 2026.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

Millennium Challenge Corporation Releases Selection Criteria for Fiscal Year 2026

On October 9, 2025, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) published its Selection Criteria and Methodology Report for FY2026. The report details income thresholds, scorecard indicators, and eligibility requirements for country assistance, focusing on governance, economic freedom, and investment in people. Countries must meet specific criteria for compact and threshold programs, and the methodology aligns with U.S. policy priorities. The MCC emphasizes transparency and data reliability in its selection process, with lists of eligible and prohibited countries grouped by income.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

DHS Issues Waiver to Expedite Border Barrier Construction in New Mexico

On October 8, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security invoked Section 102 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, allowing waivers of federal, state, and local laws for rapid construction of physical barriers and roads in the El Paso Sector of New Mexico. The waiver covers high illegal entry zones and aims to accelerate border infrastructure development. This action follows significant apprehensions and drug seizures in the area and supports the administration’s operational control mandate along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Proclamation Marks Fire Prevention Week, 2025

President Trump issued Proclamation 10978 designating October 5-11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week. The proclamation calls for increased preparedness, including household safety measures and community participation. Following severe wildfire events in California, the administration consolidated federal fire programs, established a FEMA Task Force, and announced permanent pay increases for federal wildland firefighters. Recovery efforts and hazardous waste cleanup have been expedited under recent executive actions.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Disaster Declaration Amendments for Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Reservation

On October 9, 2025, the U.S. Small Business Administration amended the Presidential disaster declaration for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation, extending physical damage disaster loan application deadlines to December 5, 2025. The amendment relates to severe storms and flooding in June 2025. Economic Injury Disaster Loan deadlines remain unchanged, and further details are available through the SBA’s online portal.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Message on Child Health Day

On October 6, 2025, the White House issued a message for Child Health Day, outlining efforts by the Make America Healthy Again Commission to address rising rates of chronic illnesses among children. Initiatives include promoting whole foods, reducing chemical exposure, restoring physical activity in schools, and passing the TAKE IT DOWN Act to combat digital exploitation. The administration is reviewing the use of SSRIs and other medications, focusing on alternatives such as exercise and nutrition.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Quebec Announces Support for Homeless Services Hub

On October 21, the Director of Civil Status will participate in the Homeless Services Hub in Quebec City, offering identity documentation and personalized assistance for people experiencing homelessness.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

New Brunswick Presents 2025 Human Rights Awards

On October 9, 2025, Anita Joseph and Chinazam Igwe were honored with the New Brunswick Human Rights Award and Youth Human Rights Award, respectively, recognizing advocacy for Indigenous health-care equity and Black youth empowerment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Saskatchewan Dedicates October to Community Inclusion Month

The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed October as Community Inclusion Month, in partnership with Inclusion Saskatchewan, celebrating achievements of people with intellectual disabilities and supporting inclusive communities.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

British Columbia Strengthens Safety Planning for Children and Families

B.C. updated its Child, Family and Community Service Act, clarifying voluntary safety plan agreements for children and youth, limiting plan terms to 45 days and allowing inclusion of Indigenous communities with parental consent.

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

Nova Scotia Issues Statement on World Homeless Day

On October 10, 2025, the Government of Nova Scotia marked World Homeless Day, outlining investments in emergency shelters, supportive housing, and outreach services to address homelessness across the province.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consults on Safety Assessment of Clothing Storage Units

On October 8, 2025, Health Canada opened a consultation inviting feedback on the danger to human health or safety assessment for free-standing clothing storage units, with input accepted until November 7, 2025.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Proposed federal funding cuts could jeopardize gender-based violence work, Waterloo region groups say: Waterloo advocates warn budget changes may impact anti-violence programs.
• Safety, housing affordability 2 major priorities for Windsor-Essex residents, report suggests: Windsor-Essex report finds residents most concerned with safety and housing costs.
• Canadian residency, language provisions added to bill on citizenship by descent: New bill introduces residency and language requirements for citizenship by descent.
• Three new budget measures: Automatic benefits, food program, Canada Strong pass: CTV News reviews new budget initiatives on benefits, food, and travel.
• Alberta offers strike assistance of up to $300 per week for students with complex care needs: Alberta announces new support for students with complex needs during strikes.
• Passport service cuts target minorities and people with disabilities, union says: Union claims passport service reductions will affect minorities and disabled Canadians.
• Infrastructure, affordability, public safety are key issues for Calgarians as election day approaches: poll: Poll shows Calgary residents focused on infrastructure, affordability, and safety.
• ICE airs ads stirring up local frustration to recruit police for mass deportation efforts: ICE uses local ads to bolster police recruitment for deportation operations.

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