This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for professionals in the performing arts, museums, event-spaces, and Canadian and Francophone publishers, newspapers, and social as well as traditional media. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in industries related to Arts & Culture? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Hospitality & Retail.

Dates: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Committee on Canadian Heritage Continues Study on State of Journalism and Media Sectors: On April 21, 2026, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage will hear from witnesses including Bell Media, Cogeco Media, Groupe Radio Simard, and Tri Cities Community TV, examining the state of journalism and media sectors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Further Hearings on Journalism and Media Sectors with CBC/Radio-Canada and Torstar at Heritage Committee: CBC/Radio-Canada, Channel Zero, Torstar, and The Hub are scheduled as witnesses before the House Canadian Heritage Committee on April 23, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., continuing examination of the media industries.
• Official Languages Committee to Consider Draft Report on Regulations: The Standing Committee on Official Languages will meet in camera on April 21, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to discuss its draft report on the Advancement of Equality of Status and Use of English and French regulations.
• Government Operations and Estimates Committee Reviews Library and Archives Canada Expenditures: On April 21, 2026, the House Government Operations and Estimates Committee will review expenditure plans from Library and Archives Canada and the Department of Employment and Social Development between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Federal Government News

CRTC Introduces New Consumer Protections Following Telecommunications Act Amendments

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced new measures aimed at helping Canadians better manage their Internet and cellphone expenses. Effective as of April 13, 2026, customers must now receive clear notifications before contracts, discounts, or promotions expire, and when international roaming charges reach $50. Service providers are also required to inform customers about alternative plans and methods to access them. These consumer protection initiatives arise from recent amendments to the Telecommunications Act, adopted on October 30, 2025. The latest decision enhances the CRTC’s Internet and Wireless Codes, granting consumers more control and reducing the risk of unforeseen charges. This action follows public consultations involving consumers, advocacy groups, and industry, and will be further supported by a planned consolidation and simplification of the various consumer protection codes currently under review by the Commission.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Ottawa Tables Draft Regulations on Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses

On April 15, 2026, Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller tabled draft regulations under the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act. These proposed rules outline obligations for private sector employers concerning the use of French with employees and consumers, identify regions with a significant Francophone presence, and specify the minimum workforce size for compliance. The framework addresses service and signage language, employees’ right to work in French, administrative requirements, and sector-specific exemptions. The law and its compliant regulations are scheduled to first take effect in Quebec before expanding, two years later, to other regions with sizeable Francophone populations. Businesses operating federally are preparing for new language compliance requirements once the decrees are issued.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Research in French Continues, $1 Million Allocated for 2025–26

The Government of Canada announced $1 million in funding for the 2025–26 fiscal year, supporting research conducted in French through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) will receive $400,000, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) $350,000, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) $250,000. The objective is to promote French-language scholarship, train future Francophone researchers, and facilitate specialized research production on matters relevant to Francophone communities. Funds will be managed by the three federal councils and are part of a broader $8.5 million, five-year commitment targeting the creation and distribution of scientific information in French.

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

Ministerial Statement on Yom HaShoah Addresses Holocaust Remembrance in Canada

On April 13, 2026, Minister Marc Miller, Canadian Heritage, issued a statement marking Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. The statement cites Canada’s network of Holocaust remembrance institutions, such as the National Holocaust Monument and several major museums, as pivotal in maintaining the historical record and survivor testimony. Miller reaffirmed condemnation of antisemitism and Holocaust denial, referencing the action taken after the National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism. National commitments aim to ensure students and the wider public continue to confront antisemitism and learn from the Holocaust’s legacy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister of Justice Issues Statement Upholding Canadian Charter Values

On April 17, 2026, Justice Minister Sean Fraser marked the 44th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The statement restated Canada’s legal commitment to protect freedoms relevant to the arts and media sectors, namely freedom of expression and language rights. The role of the Charter in legal and policy frameworks was reiterated as the foundation for equality and the rule of law, with a reminder of ongoing government efforts to support institutional independence and future legislative compliance.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Ministerial Statement on Puthandu, Tamil New Year

Minister Marc Miller issued a statement on April 14, 2026, recognizing the cultural significance of Puthandu, the Tamil New Year. The message detailed the celebration’s rituals and its role within Canada’s multicultural context, thanking Tamil-Canadian communities for their contributions to social, cultural, and economic spheres.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Moves to Require Bilingual Ombudsman, Enhancing French Language Service

Ontario announced its intention to amend the Ombudsman Act, mandating holders be proficient in both French and English, in line with its efforts to align qualifications with oversight of French language services for over 650,000 Francophones.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Announces $57 Million for Indigenous Postsecondary Institutes

A historic $57 million allocation will roughly double operating funding for nine Indigenous Institutes, adding hundreds of seats to labour market-driven programs and supporting long-term educational sustainability, with a focus on health care and Indigenous languages.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Proposes Ban on Uniform Charges, Introduces Entertainment Industry Payment Reforms

Proposed changes to the Employment Standards Act would bar large employers from charging for required uniforms, while the new STAR Act aims to strengthen transparency and payment rules for entertainment talent agencies in the province.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta’s Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Set to Reopen to Visitors

Alberta will reopen the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to the public on May 16, 2026, following restoration efforts after last year’s fire that destroyed the visitor centre; reconstruction of a new centre is scheduled to begin later in the year.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Multiculturalism Moves under Alberta’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

Effective immediately, Alberta’s multiculturalism portfolio, including anti-racism initiatives and ethnocultural grants, transitions to the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women under Associate Minister Muhammad Yaseen.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Legal Certainty in Intellectual Property Services Open until April 24

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continues to seek submissions on increasing legal certainty in intellectual property services and administration; consultation closes April 24, 2026.

Sources: ised-isde.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• AI content should be labelled, heritage committee says: Report covers recommendations for mandatory disclosure of AI-generated content in Canadian cultural industries.
• Through music, students get a lesson in Indigenous life and history: Classroom project uses music to explore Indigenous narratives.
• A forgotten archive of art school applications tells the stories of young Jews fleeing the Nazis: Archival material reveals art students’ refugee experiences in WWII.
• Breaking down a new notice of motion aimed at protecting local arts venues | Calgary Eyeopener | On Demand: Segment discusses policy efforts around local arts venue protection.
• B.C. First Nation asks UN body to include cultural losses in compensation formula for oil spills: Coverage of a First Nation’s campaign to include cultural values in compensation calculations.

.