This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, casinos, gaming operations, event and sports venues, cruise lines, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV and caravan parks, and all hospitality, travel and tourism professionals. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture. Also consider subscribing to our Hospitality & Retail - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Competition Bureau Agreement Alters Welltower Retirement Home Acquisition

The Competition Bureau of Canada has reached a consent agreement with Welltower OP LLC to resolve competition concerns regarding its proposed purchase of 34 retirement properties from Amica Senior Lifestyles. Following a Bureau review, Welltower will divest four retirement homes in Victoria, Northwest Vancouver, Brampton, and Ottawa to independent firms approved by the Commissioner of Competition. This arrangement comes after a similar agreement with Chartwell earlier in March. The Competition Bureau determined that without these divestments, the acquisition would likely result in a substantial lessening of competition in accommodation and health care services in certain regions of British Columbia and Ontario. The tailored agreement stipulates sales to parties distinct from Welltower and Amica. Enforcement actions in the retirement accommodation sector are drawing continued regulatory attention as market concentration remains under review.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Liza Frulla Reappointed Chair of Destination Canada Board

The Honourable Liza Frulla has been reappointed as Chair of the Board of Directors of Destination Canada for a new five-year term commencing August 6, 2026, as announced by Minister Rechie Valdez. Destination Canada, operating as the national tourism marketing organization, is tasked with advancing Canadian tourism globally and supporting initiatives with provincial, municipal, and industry partners. Ms. Frulla, the chair since 2021, holds extensive experience in culture, communications, and tourism strategy, and continues to serve in multiple leadership roles, including as Director General of the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec. Her renewed mandate emphasizes continuity in leadership ahead of campaigns tied to national and mega-event hosting.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CBSA Updates Businesses on Import Requirements for FIFA World Cup 2026™

The Canada Border Services Agency outlined steps for businesses bringing commercial goods into Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, covering classification, tariff and tax obligations, temporary imports, and the use of the CARM Client Portal. Instructions clarify procedures for resident and non-resident importers, the necessity of specific business identification numbers, and conditions for the event-related Remission Order. Temporary import options, customs broker delegation, and the Release Prior to Payment Program are specified. The notice also directs businesses to departmental contacts for case-by-case rulings on tariff or origin questions. Commercial importers connected to hospitality events will need to review eligibility for potential tax and duty relief in line with these details.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Funding Expands Online Safety Training in Canada’s North

The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced up to $600,000 in funding to the Northern Safety Association. The funds will bring 30 new online health and safety courses to workers in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, targeting issues across industrial sectors, including training for work near heavy equipment and workplace wellness. This development supports businesses by increasing access to up-to-date training and risk mitigation tools in remote regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment Supports 2026 AFMO Conference in Sudbury

FedNor is investing $15,000 toward the 2026 annual conference of the Association française des municipalités de l’Ontario, to be held March 25–26 in Sudbury, ON. Minister Patty Hajdu underscored the strategic rationale behind the event, which brings together municipal leadership and partners in Francophone Ontario. The conference focuses on governance innovation, adaptation of municipal policies, and direct knowledge sharing. The immediate regional economic benefit to Sudbury and its hospitality and accommodation sector is also noted in the announcement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Reviews Tourism, Accommodation, AI, and Health IT Policy Developments

On March 24, senators covered issues affecting the hospitality sector, including the role of tourism in Canadian economic policy, international student program fraud affecting accommodation sectors, and the importance of immigration to workforce stability. Parliamentary discussion included tabling reports on several bills, such as S-209 and C-14, and debate on B.C. and U.K. trade agreements. Senate Question Period addressed topics including small-business closures and the ramifications for local hospitality businesses, while statistics were cited on international student accommodation fraud. Reports concerning health IT interoperability (Bill S-5), lowering the voting age (Bill S-222), and CPTPP expansion (Bill C-13) were also considered.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

National Tourism GDP and Employment Post Q4 Increases

Statistics Canada’s National Tourism Indicators show real tourism GDP grew 1.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a continued rise after a 0.9% third quarter gain. In Q4, tourism made up 1.74% of nominal GDP and accounted for 3.33% of jobs nationwide. These data signal higher economic contributions from travel, accommodations, and visitor services. Industry operators tracking demand growth will note increased activity as reflected in official GDP benchmarks.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatCan: Food Services, Accommodation Sales Rise in January

Food services and drinking places in Canada recorded a 1.3% increase in sales for January, totaling $8.7 billion, according to Statistics Canada. Restaurants, bars, and catering service volumes contributed to this sectoral growth, reinforcing positive momentum for hospitality operators entering 2026. The figures correspond with wider trends in commercial hospitality activity posted by national data trackers.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Real Estate Rental, Leasing, and Property Management Revenue Up in 2024

The residential and non-residential real estate lessors, alongside property managers, posted $150.2 billion in operating revenue in 2024, an increase of 6.1% year over year. Growth was attributed to ongoing population gains and the expansion of non-residential leasing, particularly in retail and logistics asset categories. Accommodation operators and managers may observe amplified pressure on both occupancy management and pricing, as sector revenue growth tracks population demand.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Programmatic Advertising Drives Ad Industry Revenue Growth

Businesses in the Canadian advertising and related services sector reached $15.4 billion in operating revenue for 2024, representing 8.0% year-over-year growth. According to Statistics Canada, this marks the fourth consecutive year of expansion, with programmatic ad buying a significant contributor. Operators in accommodation and tourism may consider the impact of ongoing digital advertising investment on the marketing and reach of consumer services.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Travel Between Canada and US and Other Countries Down in January

January 2026 data show a 22.0% year-over-year decrease in Canadian-resident return trips from the United States and a 0.3% decrease in visits to Canada by US residents. This shift, published by Statistics Canada, will inform hospitality and travel providers monitoring cross-border client flow and occupancy. These movements must be contextualized within broader, longer-term travel trends.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Acts to Tighten Tourist Accommodation Regulation

Quebec’s Ministry of Tourism announced further amendments to the Regulation on Tourist Accommodation, strengthening oversight around registration, renewal, and public display of accommodation registration numbers.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

BC Funds Touchdown Kelowna Series to Boost Local Tourism

British Columbia committed $1 million to expand seating and host a 10-day festival for Touchdown Kelowna, linked to two BC Lions home games, projecting $60 million in economic benefits for local hospitality businesses and hotels.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Casino Operator Fined for Safety Violation

Cold Lake First Nations Casino Corporation received a $70,000 fine and two years of enhanced supervision after a workplace injury incident at Casino Dene. The case was resolved on March 19 under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Accessibility Upgrades Near Completion at Paul Lake Park Campground

Paul Lake Park in British Columbia will reopen its upgraded, fully accessible campground on May 14, following completion of a multi-year initiative to refurbish 90 campsites and supporting facilities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC Overhauls Problem Gambling Support Model

British Columbia is launching a new 24/7 integrated service system for gambling support from April 1, 2026, through Gambling Support BC's partnership with Telus Health; a gambling prevalence study is also underway.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• International visitors helped boost Canada’s tourism industry in 2025: data: International arrivals contributed to stronger tourism spending, media reports show.
• Inaugural tourism summit held in Lethbridge as industry continues to see large growth: Stakeholders met in Alberta to discuss ongoing expansion across the tourism sector.
• Fleet goalie Frankel enjoying her salad days with her puck-stopping abilities and restaurant reviews: Story spotlights connections between sports, hospitality, and food service industries.
• Saving money on vacation doesn't have to mean sacrificing fun: Here's how to do it: Media piece discusses strategies for affordable leisure travel.

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