July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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

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

Federal Government News

Canada and Ireland advance bilateral cultural cooperation for 180th historic ties anniversary

On July 20 in Dublin, Canadian Heritage announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Ireland's Department of Culture, Communications and Sport to formalize collaboration on Canada-Ireland 180, a flagship initiative marking the 180th anniversary of Irish migration to Canada. The agreement provides a framework for artistic, heritage, and cultural activities throughout 2027, underpinned by up to $2 million in funding from each country. The initiative engages partners such as Culture Ireland, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Embassy of Ireland in Canada, and will foster the mobility of artists, joint presentations, and expanded economic ties in the creative sector. Canada has been Ireland's third-largest audiovisual co-production partner in the past decade, with projects valued at $742 million and cultural product exports exceeding $131.2 million in 2023. The Creative Export Strategy has supported 72 Canadian organizations in the Irish market through 75 targeted activities since 2018.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal investment of $3.7 million for cultural and tourism development in Gros Morne

On July 23, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced more than $3.7 million in federal support for projects in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Gros Morne region. The Gros Morne Cooperating Association will construct the Gros Morne Culinary and Cultural Hub ($2,059,114), aimed at enhancing visitor experience and supporting local entrepreneurs, as well as capitalize on the Gros Morne Cultural Blueprint ($715,201) for collaborative cultural product development and marketing. The Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism is launching the ACTivate initiative ($966,600), developed with St. Francis Xavier University, focusing on community-centered tourism development through 2028. The investments target infrastructure upgrades, experiential tourism, and cultural heritage content, positioning the region to extend its tourism season and support community and economic development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

SSHRC announces more than $289 million for social sciences and humanities research projects

On July 21, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) revealed grants totaling over $289 million to support 1,788 research projects and partnerships nationwide. The funding is allocated primarily across Insight Grants ($162.7 million for 808 projects), Insight Development Grants ($64.5 million for 859 projects), Partnership Grants ($42.4 million for 17 formal partnerships), and Partnership Development Grants ($20.3 million for 104 initiatives). Projects will generate new knowledge across a range of topics, including impacts of emerging technologies and economic recovery, and encourage collaboration between academia and external organizations to translate research insights into practical solutions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Roundtable scheduled for new Safe Social Media Act with Canadian Heritage Minister

On July 24, Canadian Heritage announced that Hon. Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, will host an in-person roundtable on Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, in Vancouver with MP Patrick Weiler. The event, scheduled for July 27, will conclude with remarks summarizing the discussion and a media scrum involving stakeholders and the Minister. Details for media attendance are being coordinated, and the roundtable is expected to address industry feedback and stakeholder perspectives regarding the new legislation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal consultation launched on draft tax legislation impacting arts, culture, and telecommunications

The Department of Finance Canada issued a consultation on July 23 concerning draft legislative proposals for a variety of tax measures, including amendments to GST/HST regulations affecting the telecommunications sector and book publishing. Proposals address the implementation of a GST/HST reverse charge mechanism for certain telecommunications supplies aimed at fraud prevention, and permit the charity Wonderful World of Books in British Columbia to claim federal printed book rebates for promoting literacy. Additional changes include technical amendments to the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and Global Minimum Tax Act. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback to consultation-legislation@fin.gc.ca by September 4, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Expansion of high-speed Internet access announced for rural Saskatchewan communities

On July 24, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reported over $141 million in federal investment to extend high-speed Internet to more than 30,000 households across 500 rural communities in Saskatchewan. Secretary of State Buckley Belanger stated this Universal Broadband Fund initiative intends to improve connectivity for underserved areas, including Indigenous communities, with completion targeted by 2030. The effort supports access to online cultural and educational resources, infrastructure enhancements, and economic opportunities across the province.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Government invests $2.3 million in East Montreal and the Latin Quarter

On July 20, the Quebec Government announced funding of $2,293,443 for five projects targeting cultural and community development initiatives in East Montreal and the Latin Quarter.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation launched on enhancing AI transparency in Canada

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada began a new consultation on July 23 seeking feedback on mechanisms to improve transparency in AI systems and content, including watermarking for AI-generated material.

Sources: ised-isde.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Owners of new Alberta film studio hope to attract movie, TV productions: Industry groups discuss how new studio infrastructure could support local production.
• Vancouver cultural precinct plan: News coverage details progress and challenges of developing new cultural spaces in Vancouver.
• Kaepernick, Springsteen receive new ACLU award for activism in arts, business, science and sports: Report on ACLU's new awards recognizing contributions across arts, business, science, and sports.

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