September 20, 2026 to September 26, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for professionals in the financial industry, banking, credit unions, insurance, payment processing, fintech, credit card issuing, asset management, venture capital, private equity, and crypto-currencies. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don’t miss this week’s updates in ICT & Cybersecurity. Also consider subscribing to our Finance - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 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

• Standing Senate Committee on National Finance Meeting — September 29: The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance will study federal estimates and other fiscal matters on September 29, with appearances from the Business Council of Canada and economists; sessions begin at 9:00 a.m.
• Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs — October 1: On October 1, the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee will review Division 5, Part 4 of Bill C-31, with witnesses from the Department of Justice, Canada Revenue Agency, and legal associations; proceedings begin at 10:30 a.m.

Federal Government News

Canada Rental Protection Fund Launch and CHAF Selection

On September 23, Minister Gregor Robertson announced the $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund (CRPF), an initiative of Build Canada Homes to support the acquisition and renewal of at-risk affordable rental properties. The Canadian Housing Acquisition Fund (CHAF) was named to deploy investments, in partnership with community housing providers. The CRPF aims to safeguard 7,000 at-risk rental units in its first five years and create a revolving pool for future acquisitions with capital from repayments. CHAF founding members include the Canadian Housing Renewal Association, National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc., Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, and BC Rental Protection Fund. The model leverages additional funding from charities, private investors, and government sources. An intake portal and pre-qualification process have been launched for eligible organizations. This program is designed to allow community providers to compete in the commercial market to retain affordable units.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Valdez Launches $80 Million Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund Call

On September 24, Minister Rechie Valdez initiated a new call for proposals for the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund. Up to $80 million in non-repayable contributions will be allocated over four years starting in 2027–2028, following renewed funding of $173.7 million announced in June 2026. The fund supports eligible organizations providing business resources, financing, and networking to women entrepreneurs, with priority for under-represented sectors. Proposals can be submitted in both official languages by November 9, 2026. Since its inception in 2018, WES has provided support to more than 600,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada, with broader government backing for small business through measures like tariff relief and AI adoption programs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Finance Statistics: Q2 2026 Fiscal Position

Statistics Canada reported that in the second quarter of 2026 the Canadian general government posted a surplus of $10.5 billion, up $2.3 billion from the same period last year. Excluding social security funds, however, the general government reflected a $17.2 billion deficit. The federal government’s own deficit reached $4.1 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion from Q2 2025, driven by faster expense growth outpacing revenue. Provincial and territorial governments together reported a deficit of $10.1 billion, $0.3 billion more than the prior year.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases Banking Industry Study: Income, Regulation, and Resilience (2020–2025)

Statistics Canada published an overview of the Canadian banking industry, focusing on income dynamics in the context of regulatory and resiliency requirements for the period 2020–2025. The study reviews factors influencing bank income and compliance costs, referencing the structural adjustments made to maintain risk management capacity and overall sector stability. Recent developments related to regulatory changes and the financial health of Canadian banks are addressed in the report.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Wholesale Services Price Index Update—July 2026

New data for the Wholesale Services Price Index (2020=100) for July 2026 are now available from Statistics Canada. The index provides monthly metrics that track price movements across wholesale service providers, offering insights into sector cost trends relevant to market participants and institutional decision-makers.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Financial Services Virtual Investor Conference Recordings Released

On September 25, the Financial Services Virtual Investor Conference announced that its presentations are now available for on-demand viewing. The event featured industry executives and investor relations content pertinent to trends in lending, asset management, and fintech strategy. Stakeholders can access sessions via the host’s online platform.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Economic and Social Reports—September 2026 Release

Statistics Canada issued four new articles as part of its September 2026 Economic and Social Reports. The release covers topics ranging from macroeconomic indicators to labor and financial market conditions. The full content is accessible via the Daily Quotidien platform.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Oil and Gas Extraction Survey, 2025 Data Published

The Oil and Gas Extraction Survey results for 2025 have been published by Statistics Canada. The release includes industry-level financial data, balance sheets, and key operational statistics for businesses engaged in oil and gas extraction. These figures are relevant for lenders and financial analysts monitoring sector credit risk and investment flows.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Releases Updated Curriculum Featuring Financial Literacy

Alberta has introduced draft curriculum updates, including enhanced financial literacy and career management content in its grade 7–9 and CALM 10 programs for field testing in 2026–27.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Tables 2025–26 Public Accounts, Notes Deficit and Tax Changes

Ontario published its 2025–26 Public Accounts, confirming a $13.0 billion deficit and detailing new tax and spending measures, with lower borrowing costs and increased infrastructure and education outlays.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Ministry of Finance Releases First Quarter Financial Report

The Ministry of Finance of Quebec published its Q1 2026–27 financial situation report, detailing the province’s fiscal position and budgeting context.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Issues 2026 Green Bonds Bulletin

Quebec released the 2026 Green Bonds Bulletin, updating investors on the allocation and project impacts of its green bond financing.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• News of the day: Macklem on rate decisions, 30-year mortgages, LNG expansion, living paycheque to paycheque, 'mega' productivity deduction and more: Recap with Bank of Canada Governor Macklem discussing rates and key financial topics.
• Adam Radwanski: Mark Carney’s sweeping new bill gets one big thing right: Perspective on regulatory reform and fiscal policy proposals from Mark Carney.

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