April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

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.

📋 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 Reviews 2026-27 Main Estimates for Key Cultural Agencies: On May 5, the House of Commons Canadian Heritage Committee will examine the 2026-27 Main Estimates for numerous cultural and heritage institutions, including the Canada Council for the Arts, CBC, National Gallery of Canada, and CRTC, with Minister Marc Miller and senior officials scheduled to appear. The session is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Foreign Affairs Committee to Study Bill C-219 Amendments including the Broadcasting Act: On May 5, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development will study Bill C-219, with hearings from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., including witness testimony from departmental officials and representatives from Hermitage Capital Management Ltd and Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. The legislation addresses amendments to the Broadcasting Act among several statutes.
• Canadian Heritage Committee to Conduct Committee Business (In Camera): On May 7, the Canadian Heritage Committee is scheduled for an in camera session to discuss the Second Report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, with the meeting set from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in Room 425, Wellington Building.
• Senate Committee on National Security Reviews Cyber Security Legislation Including Telecommunications Act: On May 4, the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs will review Bill C-8, an Act respecting cyber security and amending the Telecommunications Act, with testimony from Public Safety Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and industry representatives. The session runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Senate Committee on Official Languages Considers Draft Report on Implementation of Official Languages Act: The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages will hold an in camera meeting on May 4 to discuss a draft report and regulatory matters regarding Part VII of the Official Languages Act and proposed regulations on administrative monetary penalties, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Federal Government News

NFB Announces Asian Heritage Month Programming and New Digital Film Releases

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) has initiated a slate of digital releases and themed programming for May. The schedule features premieres by Cordell Barker, such as the animated short 'Good Luck to You All,' and Wanda Nolan's award-winning documentary 'The Muse.' The NFB's ON FILME documentary initiative will present works that explore contemporary, sociopolitical topics. Key titles include Ajahnis Charley's docu-series 'In the Closet,' debuting on YouTube with subsequent releases on NFB.ca. To mark Asian Heritage Month, NFB.ca is spotlighting its 'Asian Canadian Perspectives' channel, offering 36 stories from Canadians with roots across Asia. Several films recognized in the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards will also be featured in dedicated online channels. In connection with World Press Freedom Day on May 3, a collection covering the role of media and information in conflict is available for streaming. Cumulatively, over 7,000 NFB titles remain accessible free of charge through online and mobile channels.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Sets Out Regulatory Advances on Broadcasting and Telecommunications

Bram Abramson, Commissioner for Ontario at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), spoke to municipal leaders about the regulator's evolving mandates under the Telecommunications Act, Broadcasting Act, Online News Act, and related frameworks. Abramson described current efforts to ensure accurate broadband infrastructure reporting, ongoing consultations regarding mobile coverage reporting, and measures aimed at improving network resiliency. Recent CRTC decisions clarified consumer protection codes, notably consolidating four separate codes into one for easier compliance and consumer reference. The CRTC continues to direct industry funds through its Broadband Fund, with a fourth call for funding now open. Over 50 percent of awarded projects have gone to independent service providers, supporting communities across Canada. The Commission highlighted the need for municipal input during its proceedings, indicating that regulatory outcomes are shaped by public submissions on the record.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statement by Minister Marc Miller on Asian Heritage Month

Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, issued a statement observing Asian Heritage Month and underscored the historical and ongoing contributions of Canadians of Asian descent. The minister referenced two nationwide federal initiatives introduced in 2024—'Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028' and the Action Plan on Combatting Hate—which together account for over $358 million in investment across nearly one hundred federal programs. The official statement invites Canadians to engage with the country's diverse Asian cultural communities throughout May.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Miller Issues Statement on Canadian Jewish Heritage Month

In recognition of Canadian Jewish Heritage Month, Minister Marc Miller delivered a statement acknowledging the longstanding history and influence of Jewish communities in Canada. Miller referenced ongoing implementation of the 2025 National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism's commitments, the launch of Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, federal support for the new Montréal Holocaust Museum, and the National Holocaust Remembrance Program. The minister also cited the release of the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and underlined continued federal investment in protective measures for at-risk communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Miller Issues Message for Vesak Celebrations Across Canada

On May 1, Hon. Marc Miller issued a statement for Vesak, recognizing Buddhist communities across Canada. The statement details Vesak's significance and recent government efforts that support the recognition of Buddhist histories and practices within Canadian society.

Sources: www.canada.ca

NFB Celebrates Asian Heritage Month with Free Montreal Film Series

The NFB is hosting a series of free Thursday evening film screenings throughout May at the Alanis Obomsawin Theatre in Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles. The screenings will feature new and noted works by Asian-Canadian filmmakers, including Oscar-nominated titles and documentaries. Screenings begin May 7 and will continue weekly, also complemented by short films that explore Asian-Canadian experiences and creativity. Details and programming are available via the NFB’s event site.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Secretary General Addresses Parliamentary Committee on CRTC’s Mandate and Funding

Marc Morin, Secretary General of the CRTC, briefed the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance on April 29 regarding the Commission’s areas of activity, funding structures, and recent regulatory decisions across both telecommunication and broadcasting files. As described, appropriations support the agency's responsibilities (notably, Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation enforcement) and represent only 4.5% of the Commission’s overall budget. Morin outlined the CRTC’s latest actions to promote competition, support network investment, and modernize the broadcasting regulatory framework, including requirements for streaming services and funding measures to support local news production. Recent decisions have directed an estimated $200 million annually to the Canadian broadcasting system.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Commissioner Discusses Connectivity and Indigenous-Focused Broadband Funding at Industry Event

Nirmala Naidoo, CRTC Commissioner for Alberta and the Northwest Territories, spoke at the British Columbia Broadband Association conference on April 28 about the Commission’s continuing efforts to close connectivity gaps in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. The address covered the CRTC's latest call for Broadband Fund applications, updates on simplified application processes, and targeted barriers that affect Indigenous applicants. An Indigenous Stream of the Broadband Fund is under development following current consultations. The speech also referenced stakeholder input received on outage notifications, network resiliency, and consumer protection consultation topics.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Miller Announces Upcoming Press Conference on Federal Cultural and Sports Investments

Minister Marc Miller will deliver remarks in Montreal on May 2 to discuss recent sport investments outlined in the federal government’s Spring Economic Update 2026. The event will highlight allocations designed to support community resilience and safety, with details available by request to media representatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Funds Expansion of the Art Gallery of Ontario

The Government of Ontario is providing $35 million in new capital over two years for the expansion of the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery. The project will add over 40,000 square feet and 13 new galleries by Fall 2027, supporting increased attendance and creating 800 jobs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Invests $20 Million in Local Festivals and Events

Ontario announced more than $20 million in Experience Ontario 2026 funding to support nearly 400 festivals and events, aimed at boosting tourism and job creation across the province.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Allocates $5 Million Increase to Museum Funding

Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications will increase museum operating assistance by $5 million, raising total funding for 2025-2028 to $89.5 million. Regional and remote museums will receive an average 37% increase over 2024-2025 levels.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Launches Comprehensive Music Action Plan

The Government of Alberta has introduced the Alberta Music Action Plan, establishing an Alberta Music Commission, continuing $15 million in annual sector funding, and awarding an additional $800,000 in grants to bolster the province's music industry.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Supports Film, Music, and Regional Tourism

Alberta reaffirmed its support for cultural sector growth through the Northern and Regional Economic Development program and continued film production strategy investments, including marketing for destination regions such as Mountain View County.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario’s Bill 33 raises fears of fresh funding cuts to campus media: Bill 33 in Ontario has prompted concerns regarding financial stability for student media organizations.
• Any social media ban for kids must be national in scope, culture minister says: Minister calls for a federal approach to regulating children’s access to social media.
• Australia moves to tax Meta, Google and TikTok to fund newsrooms: Australia plans a digital services tax targeting tech firms with proceeds aimed at supporting journalism.
• We learn about major changes coming to NWT government arts funding. | The Weekender | On Demand | CBC Listen: Coverage of upcoming adjustments in Northwest Territories government support for the arts.
• New arts foundation aims to revitalize creativity in Ulukhaktok: Efforts underway to spark artistic growth in northern indigenous communities.
• Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music to investigate historic sexual abuse allegations: The Royal Conservatory initiates inquiry into reports of past abuse.
• The Royal Conservatory of Music supports the next generation of Canadian musicians, Chefs for Change fights student hunger: Initiatives at the Royal Conservatory to nurture emerging Canadian musical talent.
• Opinion: Canada risks losing its history: Commentary on the growing challenges facing Canada’s archives.

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