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: 2025-12-14 to 2025-12-20

📋 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

Build Canada Homes Partnership to Accelerate Affordable Housing in Nova Scotia

The Government of Canada, through Build Canada Homes, and the Province of Nova Scotia pledged up to $300 million to construct 1,430 new affordable homes across the province, including 500 non-profit and community housing units from Nova Scotia’s pipeline. Of the new development, 300 homes at Shannon Park will be coordinated alongside 630 federal rental units, with at least 40% below-market rates for moderate and median-income households. Halifax Regional Municipality will support expedited development approvals, potential fee waivers, tax relief, and grants for the 930-unit project at Shannon Park. Build Canada Homes will launch a Request for Qualifications for design-build teams, emphasizing modern construction methods and Canadian-sourced materials. RFQ closes February 9, 2026, with selected proponents advancing to the Request for Proposals. The agency will oversee sites in six cities, targeting up to 4,000 homes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Invests $3 Million in Ontario Masonry Training Centre

On December 16, Leslie Church announced $3 million in federal funding for the Ontario Masonry Training Centre under the Sustainable Jobs stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program. The initiative aims to develop a green training guide for Red Seal bricklayers to update skills for sustainability and modern masonry techniques. The project aligns with federal goals to prepare the skilled trades workforce to support infrastructure and housing needs. Budget 2025 also sets out a broader $75 million expansion of union-based apprenticeship training in Red Seal trades over three years.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support Measures for Canadian Forest Sector Transformation

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson outlined new support for the forest sector in response to tariff challenges, including a single-window service portal for program access and $9 million in funding for innovative wood product adoption under the GCWood program. Additional initiatives target mass timber insurance barriers, costing guides, code updates, education expansion, and increased wood-based construction. A new transformation task force led by Ken Kalesnikoff and Frédéric Verreault will consult stakeholders for 90 days starting early 2026. Since August 2025, $2.35 billion in federal measures have been introduced, with further support for softwood lumber firms and restructuring, funding for upskilling affected workers, procurement changes favoring Canadian wood, and an upcoming 50% freight rate discount for steel and lumber shipments.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction Board Appointments Announced

Minister of Health Marjorie Michel announced the appointment of Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti as Chair and Neil Arao and Susan Russell-Csanyi as Directors for three-year terms at the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Dr. Francescutti brings extensive experience in emergency medicine and leadership in housing initiatives for homeless patients, while Arao and Russell-Csanyi respectively contribute non-profit sector expertise focused on marginalized populations and public health. The CCSA continues to provide national leadership addressing substance use and drug-related harms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Indigenous Stewardship Initiatives Receive $19.6 Million in Federal Funding

Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin announced $19.6 million for 82 Indigenous-led climate action and nature protection projects, funding stewardship programs, species-at-risk conservation, and Guardians initiatives. In British Columbia, three highlighted projects include Tsartlip First Nation’s jurisdictional resource protection, Nazko First Nation’s wetland restoration for greenhouse gas management, and Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre’s snake habitat monitoring and youth engagement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Partnership Agreement Targets Workplace Safety in Indigenous Communities

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and the Indigenous Centre for Occupational Health and Public Safety entered a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on new workplace safety strategies in Indigenous communities, including product development, program updates, a national conference, and shared dialogue on occupational health practices.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Public Service Commission of Canada Releases Annual Report

The Public Service Commission published its 2024-2025 Annual Report, reviewing staffing system health, integrity, and non-partisanship in federal service. The PSC is incorporating emerging technology, including AI, to enhance recruitment and assessment, prioritizing student and equity-seeking group recruitment along with support for veterans and those with priority entitlement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Preliminary National Police-Reported Human Trafficking Data Released

Statistics Canada released preliminary 2025 national estimates of police-reported human trafficking incidents, continuing annual reporting initiated in 2022. Data remains available by request for further analysis.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Health Indicators from 2024 Survey on Health Care Access and Experiences

Statistics Canada published new indicator tables on health and quality of life using data from the 2024 Survey on Health Care Access and Experiences covering primary and specialist care.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Health Reports: Mood Disorders Among Older Canadians

A Statistics Canada study on older adults (65+) uses data from 2015–2023 to provide detailed prevalence estimates and associated factors for mood disorders, supporting targeted screening and intervention for the aging population.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Minister Gull-Masty Schedules Announcement on First Nations Child and Family Services Reform

On December 22, Minister Mandy Gull-Masty will provide updates on reforms to the First Nations Child and Family Services Program at the National Press Theatre, with access for press gallery members or pre-registered media.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Alberta Launches Family Violence Court Liaison Program

Alberta introduced a new program to support survivors of family violence in navigating the justice system, offering case management and wraparound services via court liaisons trained in trauma-informed practices.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

New Brunswick Releases Provincial Strategy on Homelessness

New Brunswick aims to reduce chronic homelessness by 40% by 2028-29 under its new strategy, supported by emergency funding and partnerships for supportive housing projects in Bathurst, Moncton, and Fredericton.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

Huu-ay-aht First Nations Signs Child and Family Services Agreement with B.C.

On December 16, Huu-ay-aht First Nations signed a historic child and family services agreement with British Columbia, effective March 2026, laying groundwork for full jurisdiction over child welfare and culturally rooted decision-making.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

$10 Million for Affordable Home Care in New Brunswick

New Brunswick increased income thresholds for long-term care and disability support programs, broadening access and affecting subsidies for about 2,100 current clients beginning January 1.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

HOMEBASE Integrated Youth Services in Saskatchewan Gains $1.05 Million in Philanthropic Investment

HOMEBASE youth service hubs in Saskatchewan will benefit from significant philanthropic contributions, bolstering supports for youth across four hubs and the virtual platform.

Sources: www.saskatchewan.ca

Government Consultations

Federal Consultation Open for Rural Development Action Plan

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has opened consultations to inform a Rural Development Action Plan, seeking stakeholder input until February 6, 2026.

Sources: ised-isde.canada.ca

Health Canada Consults on Red Tape Reduction for Drug Access

Formal consultations began for two regulatory initiatives: the Ministerial Reliance Order and Clinical Trial modernization regulations, which target improved efficiency and access within drug approval reviews.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC: Six Nations woman aids addiction recovery: Profile on peer-led support for addiction in Indigenous communities.
• Toronto Star: Rising food insecurity among working Canadians: Analysis of food affordability challenges for employed households.
• CBC: Supreme Court to weigh Indigenous sentencing options: Nova Scotia assault case may set precedent.
• CBC: Acting child and youth advocate issues review: Latest update on child and youth advocacy processes.
• CBC: Alberta panel suggests referendums on pension and immigration: Policy recommendations for provincial referendums.
• The Star: CBSA report finds employee misconduct cases: CBSA faces scrutiny over harassment and criminal allegations.
• CTV: Guide supports remote Manitoba communities facing intimate partner violence: Community-led resource for intervention strategies.
• National Post: Foundation works to reduce financial barriers: Charitable program spotlights economic empowerment efforts.
• CBC: Federal funding for Surrey anti-gang charity: Expansion of gang prevention initiatives.
• CBC: Premier Ford addresses ethics probe on Skills Development Fund: Skills program under ethics investigation.

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