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: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Federal Government Extends Excise Duty Relief for Canadian Alcohol Producers

On April 2, 2026, Minister Jill McKnight, on behalf of the federal government, announced a two-year extension of excise duty relief for Canadian breweries, distilleries, and wine makers. Effective April 1, 2026, the inflation adjustment on beer, spirit, and wine excise duties will remain capped at two per cent, and the excise duty rate on the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada will continue to be cut by half. Government estimates place the total value of these combined measures at more than $30 million in relief through to 2028, with a single craft brewery able to realize up to approximately $90,000 in tax savings in 2026-27. The measures are framed as delivering support to local industry during a period of broader economic uncertainty and as Canada prepares for an uptick in tourism associated with major sporting events.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Announcement of Business Support Measures for Alcohol Producers in Multiple Regions

Between April 1 and April 2, 2026, federal representatives, including MP James Maloney in Etobicoke (April 1), Minister Jill McKnight in Delta, B.C. (April 2), and Parliamentary Secretary Sophie Chatel in Chelsea, Quebec (April 2), outlined new government measures for local businesses in the alcohol sector. These measures are intended to lower taxes and reduce costs for producers and consumers ahead of the spring sporting and tourism season, as outlined in events coordinated by several federal ministries. Measures emphasized include specific excise duty relief and support that apply directly to brewers, distillers, and wine makers.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Prioritizes Affordability and Choice for 2026-2027

The Competition Bureau released its 2026-2027 Annual Plan, titled 'Advancing Competition to Improve Affordability and Choice.' Priorities include investigating anti-competitive conduct and mergers, especially in essential goods and services such as food and housing, and combatting deceptive marketing practices. The Bureau will also encourage adoption of pro-competitive policies at all government levels to remove barriers for new entrants. The Bureau’s strategy is aimed at supporting affordability for Canadians and includes a focus on digital market competition. The agency's proactive stance affects sectors with regular customer-facing activity and high operational costs, such as food services and accommodation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sudbury Receives Federal Tourism Funding for Major Curling Events

On April 2, 2026, FedNor announced a $25,000 investment to support Curl Sudbury in hosting the U20 Canadian Curling Championships (March 28–April 4, 2026) and the U21 Canadian Mixed Doubles Championship (March 24–27, 2026). The funding is provided through the Northern Ontario Development Program to attract national sporting events and attendant visitors to Sudbury. Both events brought significant foot traffic to hotels, restaurants, shops, and local attractions. Sudbury hosted these national championships for the first time, boosting visibility for the city as a venue for future high-profile recreational events.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Champagne Details New Measures Against Extortion in Montréal

On March 30, 2026, Minister François-Philippe Champagne and senior provincial and municipal officials announced new federal actions as part of Canada’s 'follow-the-money' strategy against extortion, a crime that disproportionately affects businesses such as bars and restaurants. The initiative leverages the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) to supply intelligence and support investigations. Steps outlined include the deployment of financial intelligence liaison officers, strengthened disclosure of extortion-related financial data, and coordination with both law enforcement and financial institutions. Since the campaign’s launch, 37 financial intelligence disclosures have been made relating to extortion—more than three times the previous two-year total—across four provinces.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Valdez Spotlights Federal Support for Small and Medium Enterprises in Defence Sector

Minister Rechie Valdez announced funding for small and medium-sized businesses in the defence and security sector on April 1, 2026. The support focuses on increasing competitiveness of Canadian SMEs in the defence supply chain. Details were provided at Radiation Solutions Inc. in Mississauga, Ontario, with emphasis on growing domestic industry participation via targeted funding.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Estimates on Municipal Recreation and Culture Costs, 2020–2023

On March 31, 2026, Statistics Canada published new estimates of municipal operating costs in categories that include recreation and cultural services, in addition to water and waste management. These experimental data sets provide insight on the cost structures faced by municipalities in delivering public amenities, including recreation facilities often used by hospitality and tourism operators.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Update Issued on Interprovincial Labour Mobility Data by Occupation

Statistics Canada released updated and revised data on interprovincial labour mobility in Canada for several reference periods through 2026. The data set contains occupation-level movement statistics, relevant for employers in accommodation, food service, and recreational sectors that draw from a mobile workforce.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Employment Insurance Data Updated for Rural and Small-Town Canada

Employment Insurance beneficiary data for January 2026 are now available via Statistics Canada’s interactive dashboard. The platform covers application and beneficiary rates in rural and small-town areas, offering recent insights into regional labour market trends important to seasonal hospitality industries.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Poultry and Egg Statistics – March 2026 Release

Statistics Canada reported current national and provincial-level poultry and egg statistics, including stock levels as of March 2026 and placements of hatchery chicks and turkey poults for February 2026. The data inform trends in supply for food service operators.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Increases and Extends Fund to Stimulate International Business Tourism

Quebec is investing an additional $4.5 million and extending the Fund to Stimulate International Business Tourism through March 2028, providing further resources to draw international events and participants to the province.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Invests $300 Million in Sport and Recreation Infrastructure

Ontario’s 2026 budget allocates $300 million to build and upgrade sport and recreation facilities across the province, supporting local and international event hosting and community access to recreation.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Government Introduces Legislation on Immigration Oversight and Local Affairs

Alberta introduced Bill 26, requiring employers to register with the province before accessing federal temporary foreign worker programs and licensing for immigration consultants and recruiters. Separately, Bill 28 proposes changes to housing, property taxation, and council accountability, with an emphasis on faster housing development and municipal governance.

Sources: www.alberta.ca, www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Opens Consultation on Etofenprox and Related Pest Control Products

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency is accepting input on a proposed registration decision for RF2129 EC and RF2220 Premium Aerosol II-M Premise Spray, with consultation running through April 11, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Health Canada Initiates Consultation on Famoxadone Review

Canadians are invited to comment on the proposed re-evaluation decision for famoxadone and its associated products in use in Canada, with consultation open until June 29, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Alberta’s proposed immigration bill would create more red tape: hospitality sector: Industry stakeholders comment on potential impacts of proposed provincial legislation.
• The apps you need for your next trip abroad: Technology tips for travelers planning international trips.
• How McDonald’s and GreenShield support a changing workforce: A look at strategies supporting evolving hospitality workforces.
• FIFA releases thousands of Vancouver hotel rooms ahead of 2026 World Cup, but prices may not drop: Analysis of World Cup-related hotel bookings and room pricing dynamics.

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