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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Canadian Heritage Committee: State of the Journalism and Media Sectors (April 28, 2026): On April 28, the Canadian Heritage Committee will hold hearings on the state of journalism and media sectors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with witnesses from CPAC, Canadian Association of Broadcasters, and campus/community radio organizations. The session will be webcast.
• Canadian Heritage Committee: Effects of Influencers and Social Media Content on Children and Adolescents (April 30, 2026): On April 30, the committee will convene in camera from 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. to consider a draft report on the effects of influencers and social media content on children and adolescents.
• Senate Committee on Official Languages: Regulatory framework and official languages (April 27, 2026): On April 27, 2026, the Senate Committee on Official Languages will examine regulatory issues related to the Official Languages Act, with testimony from Minister Marc Miller, Canadian Heritage officials, and the Commissioner of Official Languages beginning at 5:00 p.m.
• Senate Transport & Communications Committee: CBC/Radio-Canada local services (April 28, 2026): The Senate committee will meet in camera on April 28 to consider a draft report on local services provided by CBC/Radio-Canada.
• Senate Transport & Communications Committee: Opportunities and challenges of AI in ICT (April 29, 2026): On April 29, the committee will hold hearings, including expert testimony on artificial intelligence in information and communication technology, beginning at 6:45 p.m. with participation from academic and federal cybersecurity officials.

Federal Government News

Minister Miller announces advisory panel on modernizing support for the audiovisual sector

On April 21, 2026, Minister Marc Miller, responsible for Canadian Identity and Culture and Official Languages, established an 11-member advisory panel to review and refresh federal support for the audiovisual sector. The panel consists of industry specialists including filmmakers, producers, executives, and digital innovators from across Canada. Catherine Mathys and Catalina Briceño, recognized for their expertise in foresight and the audiovisual industry, will guide the panel. The review aims to update the framework governing federal support for the sector, examining audiovisual policy and institutional structures to align them with current realities in the digital environment. The government is seeking stakeholder input nationwide as it assesses how best to position Canadian stories and voices for global competitiveness. Minister Miller signaled ongoing talks with industry participants over the coming months to inform this modernization process.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and South Korea sign modernized audiovisual coproduction treaty

On April 22, 2026, the Government of Canada and the Republic of Korea signed a new audiovisual coproduction treaty during the visit of Mr. Minsu Ko, Standing Commissioner of the Korea Media and Communications Commission. The treaty replaces the existing 1995 memorandum of understanding on television coproduction and expands collaboration to include film and digital media. It introduces a more adaptable framework designed to facilitate cross-border partnership, streamline application processes, and open up a wider range of joint projects. The updated agreement follows the Government of Canada’s broader effort to modernize its international cultural treaties and stems from the recent creative industries trade mission to East Asia. The treaty will be legally binding upon ratification and is expected to broaden professional exchanges, market access, and production opportunities for both Canadian and South Korean companies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC finalizes measures to make Internet and cellphone plan management more accessible

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) introduced new consumer-friendly requirements as mandated by the October 2025 Telecommunications Act amendments. Effective April 24, 2026, service providers must enable customers to switch or cancel Internet and mobile plans through apps, online platforms, or by email. These steps follow a public consultation process and aim to give subscribers greater self-service flexibility and facilitate shopping for new offers. The CRTC recently ended extra fees on such services and enhanced notification protocols for contract expiration and discounts. By ensuring clarity in plan offerings and streamlining plan-switching, the CRTC is aiming to make the market more navigable for consumers. A review of the Consumer Protection Codes is also scheduled for a future public consultation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

NFB launches ON FILME, a YouTube-based documentary initiative

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) announced that its ON FILME documentary initiative will be available on YouTube starting May 7, 2026. Designed specifically for digital platforms, ON FILME features three Quebec digital content creators—Mounir Kaddouri (Mairedelaval), Anne-Lovely Etienne, and Simon Coutu—each producing a work in four different digital formats. The initiative seeks to engage audiences in discussions about current social and political issues, using formats tailored for public platforms with subsequent release on NFB’s own web and app services. Producers and creators involved in the project will also discuss format innovation and storytelling at the Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma’s industry program.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC decision on mandatory wholesale access upheld by Governor in Council

On April 20, 2026, the Governor in Council declined petitions seeking to overturn a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) decision related to mandatory wholesale access rules for high-speed Internet. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated that the regulatory framework will remain in effect, supporting competition in Internet services, while ongoing monitoring is led by the CRTC. The government maintains that these rules incentivize competitive behaviour and has indicated the CRTC retains authority to make further changes if warranted.

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

Federal investment for Rucher Boltonnois cultural spaces in Quebec

On April 25, 2026, MP Louis Villeneuve announced $188,777 in Canada Cultural Spaces Fund support for Rucher Boltonnois in the Estrie region. The funding will go toward development of a new professional performance hall, including stage, dressing room, and specialized equipment, intended to attract renowned and emerging artists to the venue. The modernization is aimed at raising available facilities to current industry standards.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal support for Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick

On April 24, 2026, MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor, on behalf of Minister Marc Miller, announced more than $440,000 in federal funding for Parents for Bilingual Education New Brunswick. The funding covers annual programming for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 periods, with objectives to expand access to French-language learning opportunities for youth and families. The initiative addresses language education in New Brunswick, Canada's only officially bilingual province.

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

Tourism sector receives federal investments through National Tourism Week initiatives

During National Tourism Week (April 20–24, 2026), the federal government announced a range of investments in cultural and tourism-related projects. Minister Rechie Valdez highlighted sector figures, noting tourism’s $52 billion contribution to GDP and 2.1 million jobs in 2025, while touting government programs such as the Canada Strong Pass and preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Prairies Economic Development Canada committed more than $1.9 million through the Tourism Growth Program for eight projects in Alberta, including new Indigenous and Métis cultural experiences, accommodations, and upgrades to established tourism venues such as the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. The funding is directed toward both season extension and rural economic development.

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

Statistics Canada releases new Economic and Social Reports: April 2026

Statistics Canada issued five new articles within the Economic and Social Reports on April 22, 2026. The release provides recent data analysis on pressing economic and demographic trends with potential implications for the arts, culture, and communications sectors. Full content and datasets are available on the StatsCan website.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario announces $21 million in annual funding for AGO and ROM

The Government of Ontario committed an additional $21 million in annual operating funding for the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum in its 2026 budget, marking the first increase in nearly two decades.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. begins application period for festival and event financial aid

Promoters in Quebec can apply for financial aid for festivals and tourist events slated for November 2026 through April 2027, with applications due by May 20, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Quebec supports Art Souterrain Festival with $152,000 grant

On April 24, 2026, the Government of Quebec allocated $152,000 to the Art Souterrain Festival, which opens April 25 and runs through May 10, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

B.C. announces new grants to organizations countering racism and advancing multicultural programming

The British Columbia government is providing $300,000 in grants to over 60 community organizations for projects including arts-based programs and cultural festivals.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Joint statement marks B.C. Tourism Week

Leaders from B.C.’s tourism, arts, and hospitality sectors issued a joint statement on April 20, 2026, highlighting the economic importance of tourism as the province hosts National Tourism Week.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• CRTC chair defends Online Streaming Act work: Recent coverage discusses stakeholder feedback on the CRTC’s pace implementing the Online Streaming Act.
• P.E.I. budget keeps arts and culture funding: Analysis of maintaining arts and culture budgets in P.E.I. amid increased advocacy from community groups.

.