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: 2025-11-02 to 2025-11-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal Government News

Federal Budget 2025 Launches $51 Billion Community Infrastructure Fund

The federal government has initiated the Build Communities Strong Fund, a $51 billion investment over ten years with an ongoing $3 billion annual allocation, intended to upgrade hospitals, schools, transit, water systems, and community centers across Canada. The Fund is divided into three streams: $17.2 billion for provincial/territorial housing, health, and education infrastructure; $6 billion for regional and climate adaptation projects; and $27.8 billion for local infrastructure. Projects across multiple regions include upgrades to health infrastructure, development of net-zero accessible arts facilities, and support for Indigenous gathering sites. Recent announcements detail funding for projects such as the Lively-Walden Wastewater System in Sudbury, the Avonlough Sanitary Pumping Station in Belleville, and the multi-purpose concert hall in Langley, BC. Simultaneous investments support the construction of a carbon-neutral scientific center in La Malbaie and arts hubs for artists with disabilities.

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

Budget 2025 Commits $503 Million to Cultural Identity, Arts, and Media

The government will provide $503 million over four years beginning in 2026–27 to support the arts, media, and public celebrations. Allocations include $21 million for community festivals and capital projects, $46.5 million for arts festivals, $150 million for Telefilm Canada, $127.5 million for the Canada Media Fund, $38.4 million for the Canada Periodical Fund, and $150 million for CBC/Radio-Canada. Funding is also directed to initiatives such as Canada Day and National Acadian Day, the Canada Music Fund, the National Film Board, and TV5MONDEplus. The Canada Strong Pass will be renewed for the holiday season and summer 2026, granting discounted access to national parks and cultural sites. The stated aim is to support community identity, access to cultural events, and to strengthen Canada’s public broadcaster in both French and English.

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

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2025–26: $10.8 Billion Proposed Across 76 Organizations

The third Supplementary Estimates for fiscal 2025–26 propose $10.8 billion in additional voted spending across 76 federal organizations. Notable allocations include $1.6 billion to Health Canada for dental care through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, $1.4 billion for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (treaty settlements), $1.3 billion for Indigenous Services Canada for emergency response, and $1.1 billion for National Defence. Further funds support refugee and asylum-seeker health programs and international climate finance. Once Parliament approves, these funds will contribute to a projected $506.7 billion in total government expenditures for the year.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Labour Force Survey: Employment Grows by 67,000, Unemployment Falls to 6.9%

Statistics Canada's October 2025 Labour Force Survey reported an increase in employment by 67,000 (+0.3%), marking the second consecutive monthly gain. The employment rate rose to 60.8% and the national unemployment rate dropped to 6.9%, falling by 0.2 percentage points.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Updated Dimensions of Poverty Hub with 2023 Base MBM Metrics

Statistics Canada updated the Dimensions of Poverty Hub with new figures based on the 2023-base Market Basket Measure, enabling tracking of poverty reduction progress under the sponsorship of Employment and Social Development Canada.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

2024 Canadian Veteran Health Survey: Transition and Health Outcomes Data Released

The latest release from the 2024 Canadian Veteran Health Survey provides insight into the transition from military to civilian life, trends in general and chronic health conditions, and labour force participation among veterans. The data reveal diverse experiences and highlight factors related to smoother adjustments post-service.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Senate Debates Housing Supply, Affordability, and Infrastructure Reform

Senate Finance and Banking Committee sessions examined federal programs targeting housing supply and affordability. The discussions included GST relief proposals, calls for modernized building codes, and suggestions for dedicated non-market housing investment. Witnesses addressed infrastructure deficits, rising construction costs, and the need for modular building methods. Insurance industry representatives discussed climate resilience, noting that up to 10% of Canadian homes are uninsurable for flood risk, while housing advocates urged greater financial support for non-profit and co-operative housing, referencing international models and calling for long-term solutions to homelessness.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Ontario Allocates $26.7 Million for Gender-Based Violence Services

Ontario is investing an additional $26.7 million over two years to expand shelter capacity for survivors of gender-based violence and to bolster the Family Court Support Worker program, aiding over 65 emergency shelters and enhancing court-related support.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Implements Legislative Measures on Community Safety, Housing, and Elections

The Manitoba government passed multiple acts providing for the detention of intoxicated individuals for up to 72 hours, prohibiting the sale of social housing units, strengthening election financing oversight, and increasing tax credits for homeowners and renters.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec Tightens Immigration Policy for 2026–29

Quebec has tabled its 2026–2029 immigration orientation and plan, setting a cap of 45,000 permanent admissions for 2026 and specifying temporary admission targets. The plan terminates several permanent immigration pilot programs, extends a suspension on collective refugee sponsorship, and requires a level 4 French oral proficiency for certain temporary foreign workers after three years' residency, with compliance to be checked from December 2028.

Sources: www.quebec.ca, www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Expands Early Resolution Process in Family Law

The Early Resolution Process (ERP), offering non-court-based solutions for family-law matters, is now available in additional Lower Mainland Provincial Court locations, providing services including screening for family violence and support for out-of-court dispute resolution.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia Human Rights Board Orders Damages for Racial Profiling

A Nova Scotia Human Rights Board of Inquiry found that an employee at Canadian Tire, Dartmouth Crossing, engaged in racial profiling against a consumer of Black and Indigenous ancestry. The Board ordered the respondent to pay $20,000 in general damages.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

CNSC Issues Draft Indigenous Engagement Regulatory Document for Consultation

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has issued REGDOC-3.2.2 for consultation, detailing expectations for licensee engagement with Indigenous communities when a project may trigger the Crown's duty to consult. The consultation runs from November 3, 2025, through March 9, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinion: Ottawa’s new immigration plan risks lowering Canada’s quality of life: The Globe and Mail examines potential impacts of federal immigration targets.
• Immigration plan slashes student visas, prioritizes economic newcomers: The Toronto Star reports on shifts in federal immigration policy.
• Pathways to humanitarian permanent residency tighten as Ottawa focuses on economy: The Star details the implications of economic priorities on humanitarian immigration pathways.
• Wolfville organization working to make it easier for adults with disabilities to get jobs: CBC covers an inclusive employment initiative for adults with disabilities.
• One Great Idea: Let’s ensure affordable shelter for all — year-round: The Toronto Star exploration of year-round affordable shelter initiatives.
• One Great Idea: Let’s hire those who have experienced homelessness to help others: The Star reviews lived-experience peer support models.
• New program in Halifax aims to help 2SLGBTQ+ people access food services: CBC profiles a service expansion for 2SLGBTQ+ food security.
• TOPIC: HOUSING: CBC tracks national news and trends in housing.
• Affordability among topics at weekend Manitoba NDP convention: The Star reviews party discussions on economic access and housing.
• New program in Halifax aims to help 2SLGBTQ+ people access food services: CBC covers a community initiative focused on food access.

.