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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 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

• Fisheries and Oceans Committee To Examine Softshell Clam Fishing, April 29: The House of Commons Fisheries and Oceans Committee will meet on April 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to study recreational and traditional fishing for softshell clam, including witness testimony from CFIA and Environment Canada representatives.
• Citizenship and Immigration Committee Continues Study of Canada's Immigration System, April 27 and 29: The Citizenship and Immigration Committee is scheduled to meet on April 27 (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) and April 29 (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) for ongoing study on Canada's immigration system, with testimony from legal, academic, and stakeholder witnesses.
• Senate Banking Committee to Discuss SME Access to Credit, April 29: The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy will meet April 29 to examine access to credit and capital markets for Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises, with Dan Daviau of Canaccord Genuity as a scheduled witness.

Federal Government News

Minister Valdez Marks National Tourism Week with Focus on Sector Investments and Canada Strong Pass

On April 20, 2026, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), issued a statement to mark National Tourism Week. Minister Valdez reported the sector contributed over $52 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2025 and supported about 2.1 million jobs, underscoring its economic significance. The government is continuing investments targeting cultural and regional experiences, major international events, and Indigenous tourism. In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, special focus is being placed on preparations to capture increased visitation and generate economic benefits. Minister Valdez also announced the return of the Canada Strong Pass this summer, a program aimed at encouraging domestic travel by making attractions and sites more accessible. The statement noted robust domestic tourism in the prior year and ongoing efforts to support long-term sector growth and business readiness.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Parks Canada and TIAC Renew Partnership for Tourism Sector

Parks Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue joint work in the tourism sector. The renewed MOU provides a framework for collaboration through stakeholder engagement and coordinated participation in industry events. The agreement outlines priorities in supporting domestic and international tourism growth through cooperation between government and industry stakeholders. Focus areas include building sector resilience and advancing sector competitiveness, with joint efforts directed at enhancing economic opportunities for businesses operating in hospitality and tourism.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Announces $1.9 Million in Tourism Investments in Alberta

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced a combined investment of $1,940,281 distributed to eight projects across Alberta as part of the Tourism Growth Program. Funding recipients range from accommodation providers to cultural sites and Indigenous tourism operations. Projects funded include upgrades to lodges, expansions at event spaces, creation of Indigenous cultural galleries, and expansions of all-season visitor capacity. Investments are intended to support expanded accommodations, enhance programming and accessibility, and grow authentic Indigenous and cultural experiences, thereby supporting over 50 jobs. The intake period for the PrairiesCan Tourism Growth Program is now closed, but the federal government reports ongoing regional support for tourism through broader strategies and programs.

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

Minister Miller Launches Advisory Panel on Audiovisual Sector Modernization

On April 21, 2026, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced members of a new advisory panel tasked with advising on modernization of federal support for the audiovisual sector in Canada. The eleven-member panel, guided by sector veterans, will review current federal support frameworks and consider how policy and institutional changes can align with a digital global industry. The modernization process aims to ensure investments and supports remain effective and competitive, and that Canadian stories can reach audiences domestically and abroad. Stakeholder engagement is scheduled to continue over the coming months.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Supports Atlantic Canada's Presence at SIAL Canada

Eighteen Atlantic Canadian food and beverage businesses and eight show walkers will attend SIAL Canada in Montreal thanks to a $383,836 federal investment via the Food and Beverage Atlantic Association. The initiative focuses on expanding export opportunities, strengthening domestic supply chains, and connecting with buyers and partners at Canada's largest food innovation trade show. Participating companies represent diverse sectors, including wine, cider, chocolate, and specialty foods from all four Atlantic provinces. The government views these actions as part of a continued commitment to grow domestic trade and help businesses capture new markets.

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

Atlantic Canada Welcomes 2026 Cruise Season with New Investment

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has announced $353,000 in funding to support the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association’s three-year strategic plan. The investment will be used for targeted marketing, strengthened industry relationships, and strategic business development. Initiatives target more than 20 ports across the region, with goals to extend the cruise season and attract more ships and visitors to Atlantic Canadian destinations. ACOA notes the project will help communities and businesses take advantage of opportunities generated by cruise-sector growth.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Warns Against Bid-Rigging on Public Contracts

The Competition Bureau issued a warning on April 24 concerning illegal agreements among businesses when bidding for public contracts. The Bureau cited a heightened risk of bid-rigging, price-fixing, and related offences during periods of increased public procurement activity. Businesses found engaging in collusion may face criminal charges, fines, and debarment from future contracts. Guidance and compliance tools are provided to support lawful bidding practices. The Bureau stated that unlawful conduct can add over 30% to procurement costs and can impact competitiveness for small and new entrants.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Supports Diversifying Seafood Exports at Seafood Expo Global

The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, traveled to Barcelona, Spain from April 21-23, 2026, attending the Seafood Expo Global and meeting with exporters, buyers, and officials. Canadian seafood producers recorded strong demand in Europe for products such as lobster, snow crab, scallops, and cod, noting an 80% growth in La Sirena sales since the inception of the Flavours from Canada campaign. The government invested $175,000 to support the Atlantic Canadian delegation and continue building commercial relationships. Other discussions covered supply partnerships in the UK and represented continued promotion under the Canada-EU trade agreement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Safety and Health Week 2026 Launch Event Announced

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), in partnership with Threads of Life and Health and Safety Professionals Canada, announced a May 4 national launch event for Safety and Health Week 2026. The virtual event will feature remarks from organizational leaders and industry representatives, as well as the announcement of the Focus on Safety National Youth Video Contest winners. Resources for registration and event participation are available at safetyandhealthweek.ca.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program Funding for 2025–26

Over $54 million in funding has been approved for more than 2,600 community-based projects as part of the federal New Horizons for Seniors Program. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for projects aligned with four national priorities, including supporting healthy aging, preventing senior abuse, promoting diversity and financial security. Funded activities involve promoting social engagement, mentoring, and capital support for new and existing programs aimed at seniors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Travel to and from Canada Declines for Canadians, Rises for US Residents

Statistics Canada data for February 2026 indicate that the number of Canadian residents returning from the US fell by 12.5% year-over-year, while the number of trips to Canada by US residents increased by 5.9%. These travel patterns may influence hospitality and tourism flows, client profiles, and accommodation occupancy rates through shifts in inbound and outbound visitation.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

B.C. Joint Statement for Tourism Week Details Economic Significance and 2036 Vision

B.C. celebrated Tourism Week (April 20-24) with partners announcing a new sector action plan to double visitor spending by 2036, leveraging the upcoming FIFA World Cup and expanded air access.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Nova Scotia Reports Tourism Revenues of $3.7 Billion in 2025

Nova Scotia’s tourism revenues rose 8% to $3.7 billion in 2025, welcoming 2.1 million visitors. The province plans significant investments in marketing and air access.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Quebec Opens Financial Aid Applications for Winter–Spring 2026–27 Festivals and Events

Quebec's Financial Aid Program for Festivals and Tourist Events is now accepting funding applications for events between November 2026 and April 2027, with sustainability requirements for recipients.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Supports Brockville Hosting 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games

The Ontario government will invest $325,000 for Brockville to host the 2027 Ontario 55+ Summer Games, with economic impact projections exceeding $1.5 million.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Premier Announces European Trade and Tourism Mission

Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to visit Germany, Sweden, and the UK (April 23-May 2, 2026) to advance business partnerships and promote tourism, with planned meetings involving Travel Alberta in London.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• The swoon boom: Meet the business-savvy smut-mongers of the Great Hot North: Coverage of a new wave of businesses finding growth in adult-themed entertainment in Canada.
• A solution to a growing problem: Innovative treatment for those affected by problematic gambling: An exploration of treatment innovations for individuals impacted by gambling addiction.
• B.C. hospitality industry calls on province to rethink U.S. liquor ban: British Columbia’s hospitality sector publicly campaigns for policy changes regarding the ban on U.S. liquor products.

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