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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 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

• House Finance Committee: Bill C-15 Budget Implementation Act Review: On February 23, the House Finance Committee will hold a televised meeting to consider Bill C-15, the budget implementation act, with departmental witnesses from Canadian Heritage, Industry, and other key sectors, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Canadian Heritage Committee: Impact of AI on Creative Industries (In Camera): On February 24, the Canadian Heritage Committee will meet in camera from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to finalize its draft report on the effects of technological advances in artificial intelligence on the creative industries.
• Public Safety and National Security Committee: Bill C-8 Cyber Security Act: The committee reviews Bill C-8—an act amending the Telecommunications Act regarding cyber security—at a televised meeting on February 24, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with officials from CSE, Industry, and Public Safety scheduled to appear.
• Official Languages Committee: Advancement of Official Languages Regulations: On February 24, the Official Languages Committee holds a session on the Advancement of Equality of Status and Use of English and French Regulations, including witnesses from the non-profit and academic sectors, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Senate: Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages: The Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages meets in camera February 23 to examine Part VII of the Official Languages Act, with representatives from the Treasury Board Secretariat as witnesses.

Federal Government News

StatsCan: Revenues in Arts-Related Industries Rise 9.3% in 2024

Statistics Canada released figures showing operating revenue for spectator sports, event promoters, artists, and related industries reached $13.8 billion in 2024, up 9.3% over the previous year. This marks four consecutive years of growth, attributed to sustained demand for live and in-person events following the easing of public health restrictions. The data reflect consistent expansion despite ongoing shifts in consumer preferences and industry operating models. Companies active in sports, concerts, live theatre, and event production are reporting continued momentum in ticket sales and bookings, supporting related employment and services. Venues, artists, and promoters continue to rebuild operational capacity. The sector's rebound correlates with adjusted capacity limits and new event protocols. Industry attention remains on optimizing event logistics and audience engagement as live experiences remain a principal driver of recovery. The data offer a benchmark for planning in the broader culture and entertainment sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Black Theatre Training Program Launched

A new Black theatre training initiative commenced, aiming to support artists from script development through stage production. The program, as reported by national news media, will facilitate skill development for artists at various career stages and is designed to address gaps in representation and training resources within the theatre ecosystem. The curriculum covers acting, production, and dramaturgy, with support from local professionals and established theatre groups. Organizers anticipate increased participation from emerging Black artists, as well as broader opportunities for cross-cultural collaborations. Initial sessions are being conducted in cooperation with performing arts institutions in Newfoundland and Labrador and are already seeing strong enrolment. Sector observers are monitoring outcomes to evaluate impact on artist pipelines and repertory breadth.

Sources: www.cbc.ca, www.cbc.ca

Funding Shortfall Threatens Iconic Quebec Ballet School

A prominent Quebec ballet school is facing the possibility of closure due to a funding shortfall, according to recent news coverage. The school, noted for its historical significance and contribution to dance education, is actively seeking new sources of support. Trustees warned that ongoing financial difficulties could disrupt academic programs and force a cessation of operations. The development raises questions around the sustainability of specialized arts education providers in the province. Stakeholder discussions are ongoing regarding short-term and long-term options for operational continuity.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Participates in UNESCO Session on Cultural Diversity

The Government of Quebec is taking part in the 19th Session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in Paris, focusing on digital-age cultural policies and Francophone content discoverability.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Manitoba Invests $3.8M in Arena and Cultural Learning Centre at The Pas

Manitoba announced $3.8 million in funding to upgrade arenas and convert a former theatre into an arts, culture, and learning centre in The Pas, aiming to support regional tourism, arts events, and cultural programming.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Provides Over $1.2M to Support Festivals in 2025-26

The Manitoba government committed more than $1.2 million for festivals throughout 2025-26, with $359,000 designated for winter events and $882,300 for summer festivals, focusing on economic impact and local engagement.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

AI-Driven Art Project Selected by Palais des congrès de Montréal

Mapping Motion, a Montréal studio, was awarded $25,000 to launch their interactive AI-based art installation, Stay Toon!, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal during E-AI 2026 and Nuit blanche à Montréal 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Announces 2025 Order of Ontario Appointees

Thirty individuals are set to be invested into the Order of Ontario for 2025, including figures from the arts, journalism, heritage, and cultural development sectors, with a ceremony scheduled in Toronto later in the year.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Iconic Quebec ballet school’s future at risk due to funding shortfall: CBC profiles the budget crisis facing a major Quebec ballet school.
• New Black theatre training program supports artists from the page to the stage: CBC covers the launch of a Black theatre program expanding opportunities for artists.
• Opinion: The blurring line between journalism and activism is being used as a cudgel: The Globe and Mail discusses shifts in journalism and activist roles.
• Global Player: Global News highlights current media industry stories in their video section.
• Mapping Motion: Winner of the Palais des congrès de Montréal's call for concepts in artificial intelligence: The province reports on the winning proposal for an AI-driven art installation.
• Quebec Participates in the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions at UNESCO: Provincial news details Quebec's involvement at UNESCO on digital cultural policies.
• Manitoba Government Invests $3.8 Million in The Pas' Arena and Cultural Learning Centre: The Pas to see major arts and culture infrastructure investment, reports the Manitoba government.

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