June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Canada–Philippines Tourism Memorandum of Understanding Signed

On July 3 in Vancouver, Minister Rechie Valdez and Philippine Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro formalized a memorandum of understanding focusing on tourism cooperation between Canada and the Philippines. The agreement creates a framework for exchanging information, data, and best practices to foster tourism growth. The MOU interacts with ongoing discussions regarding both ASEAN–Canada and bilateral free trade agreements. With nearly one million Canadians of Filipino origin and robust two-way tourism flows, the pact is expected to stimulate industry partnerships, provide new economic opportunities, and reinforce tourism’s significance for both countries’ economies and communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment of Over $3 Million Bolsters Saint John’s Tourism and Culture

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced more than $3 million in federal investments for four key organizations in Saint John: New Brunswick Museum, City of Saint John, Envision Saint John, and Imperial Theatre. The funding targets infrastructure improvements and major sporting events designed to attract visitors, enhance public spaces, and drive economic growth. Projects are intended to showcase local assets and generate lasting benefits for businesses and residents. The funding aligns with efforts to position Saint John as a vibrant destination and supports regional appeal for tourism and cultural experiences.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Saint John Project Details: Redevelopment and Events

Detailed breakdowns show $1,500,000 directed to redevelop the New Brunswick Museum, including heritage conservation and facility upgrades, and nearly $1 million allocated for design studies at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre to prepare for the 2029 Canada Games. Imperial Theatre receives upgrades to accessibility and technical infrastructure, with $401,309 from federal sources and $250,938 in provincial funding. Envision Saint John is awarded $216,550 to support legacy initiatives for the 2027 World Men’s Curling Championship. The projects collectively aim to modernize facilities, enhance event hosting capabilities, and stimulate economic activity projected at $16 million across New Brunswick.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Northern Tourism Expansion: $2.2 Million for Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon

Minister Rebecca Chartrand revealed a $2,209,505 investment in eight tourism projects across Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon under the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. The funding is intended to reinforce infrastructure, marketing, and service offerings, with the goal of attracting Canadian and international tourists. Projects support new destinations, promote innovation, and expand northern supply chains while encouraging Indigenous economic participation. Initiatives include waterfront development, facility expansion, and promotional campaigns to bring visitors and drive local business growth during a period of evolving travel patterns.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedNor Injects $4.2 Million in Timmins Area to Advance Economy and Tourism

Minister Patty Hajdu announced $4,185,028 for nine initiatives in Timmins and surrounding areas through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. Funding supports two immigration pilot programs to address skilled labour gaps, extends the BOOST business innovation program, and enables new industrial parks. Other allocations target expansion at Mount Jamieson Resort and Cedar Meadows Resort, introducing new lodging and attraction options for tourists. The investments also help Northern College improve industry-academic research and provide upgrades to farmers' market infrastructure and local manufacturing facilities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Details of FedNor Funding Target Tourism Development and Skilled Labour

The BOOST program receives $833,661 for further innovation support to Timmins businesses. Mount Jamieson Resort is allocated $421,820 for expanding garage facilities and installing an all-season conveyor lift. Cedar Meadows Resort is granted $209,018 for new tourism offerings such as modular cabins and wildlife park attractions. Additional funding is directed to the Porcupine District Agricultural Society for pavilion expansion and accessible amenities. Immigration pilots receive $1,723,200, with a particular focus on Francophone communities and skilled newcomers for workforce needs. Manufacturing investments modernize facilities and add capacity, while research initiatives at Northern College aim to commercialize new products.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Internal Trade Committee Sets Deadlines for Trade and Labour Mobility

Minister Dominic LeBlanc chaired the June 29 Committee on Internal Trade, where federal, provincial, and territorial ministers discussed strategies to liberalize trade and facilitate labour mobility. Actions include expanding mutual recognition for services by end of 2026, aligning approval processes for building materials and modular homes, implementing digital registries by spring 2027, and harmonizing safety training in construction by fall 2026. The committee advanced negotiations on amendments to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement’s labour mobility provisions and set summer deadlines for implementation of direct-to-consumer alcohol sales frameworks. Additional discussion included targeted support for food businesses to comply with interprovincial trade requirements.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Speaking Notes: $755M Investment in Sports Infrastructure and System Modernization

Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden reported at the Canadian Olympic Committee’s 2026 Annual COC Session that the government will allocate $755 million over five years, plus ongoing $118 million annually, to improve sports system participation and infrastructure. The Build Communities Strong Fund concentrates on facility projects, and National Sport Organizations are expected to prioritize system modernization alongside grassroots access. The funding supports event hosting, system efficiency, and job creation in sport, with plans for revised Sport Support Program guidelines to maximize private sector investment opportunities. Amendments for 2026-2027 expand eligible project activities and financial frameworks for participants.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Data: Food Services and Drinking Places Sales Rise in April

Statistics Canada released monthly sales data for April 2026 showing the food services and drinking places subsector increased by 0.8%, reaching $8.8 billion. This represents steady sectoral growth and provides benchmarks for hospitality operators monitoring sales performance and market trends.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases Monthly Estimates of Business Openings and Closures

March 2026 business openings and closures data are now available from Statistics Canada. The dataset covers establishments entering and exiting the market across all industries, including hospitality and retail, supporting analysis of sectoral churn and business health.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Buy Canadian Policy Update: Upcoming Announcement in Montréal

Parliamentary Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ménard announced plans for new federal procurement measures to support small businesses under the Buy Canadian policy. The event will take place in Montréal on July 6, with details to be released regarding direct support for small business involvement in federal supply chains.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Implements Broad Regulatory and Statutory Changes Effective July 1

Ontario brings multiple legislative and regulatory adjustments into force as of July 1, 2026. Updates impact consumer protection in agriculture, rental housing, health and safety in construction, distribution flexibility for liquor retailers, auto insurance and pension benefits, and management of provincial parks, affecting a wide subset of hospitality and tourism businesses.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Releases Annual Report on Regulatory Modernization

British Columbia's Better Regulations for BC Annual Report details modernization actions, including faster approvals, digital services expansion, liquor-licensing adjustments, and trade agreement recognition, supporting businesses' access to markets and regulatory clarity.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Kootenays Food Procurement Program Receives Provincial Funding

The Nakusp and Area Development Board’s Agri-food Alliance initiative gains nearly $72,000 from B.C.’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, aiming to support local food production, distribution growth, and new business opportunities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Quebec Opens Applications for Permanent Selection Under PEQ

The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) began accepting applications on July 2 via Arrima. Graduates and temporary workers can apply for permanent selection through October 31, with parallel processing offered alongside the PSTQ stream.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Reopens Upgraded Sikome Aquatic Facility

Alberta's Sikome Lake facility in Fish Creek Provincial Park launched its 2026 season after $6 million in renovations. New admissions booths, water safety centre, and upgrades to site infrastructure improve visitor experience for recreational and event-hosting purposes.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• What The Bear got right – and wrong – about restaurant culture: Examines the realities versus portrayals of restaurant industry dynamics.
• Where is everybody? Economist speculates on why World Cup host city hotels aren’t seeing forecast boom: Considers factors behind underwhelming hotel occupancy amid major sporting events.
• How a tour operator is greening-up glacier tourism on the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper: Discusses operational approaches in sustainable glacier tourism.
• The best ways to plan your summer vacation, according to our experts: Shares tips and strategies from travel professionals on optimizing summer travel plans.

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