September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Competition Bureau Canada Announces Call for Information on Retail Grocery Pricing Rules

On September 25, the Competition Bureau Canada stated it would release a call for information on pricing policies in retail grocery as part of its ongoing study of the food supply chain. The initiative will launch on September 28, targeting input from public and industry stakeholders regarding pricing practices and competition dynamics. The Bureau will offer background materials tied to its previous 2023 Retail Grocery Market Study, which contained several recommendations addressing sector competition. Spokespersons are expected to be available for media inquiries, and this outreach is positioned to inform further analysis of sector pricing practices across Canada. Operators in the food service and hospitality sectors that interact with grocery supply chains may monitor the call for potential regulatory or market developments stemming from this consultation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity to Modernize Visitor and Ticketing Operations with Federal Investment

The Government of Canada, through Prairies Economic Development Canada, is providing over $194,000 to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Announced by Minister Eleanor Olszewski on September 24, the funding supports a shift to a unified customer relationship management system. The project will consolidate ticketing, memberships, event packages, and related services under a single platform for improved visitor experience and operational efficiency. The update is expected to allow guests access to bundled offerings such as room and meal packages with tickets, priority donor sales, and merchandise. The modernization is intended to support Banff Centre’s continued contribution to Alberta's tourism and cultural industries through enhanced guest transactions and potential revenue growth.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Increase for Wheelchair Basketball Canada and World Championships

Secretary of State Adam van Koeverden announced a combined federal investment of up to $5.2 million for Wheelchair Basketball Canada for 2026–27, including a top-up of nearly $800,000. The announcement, delivered during the closing ceremonies of the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, also specified a $300,000 increase in support for the 2026 World Championships held in Canada. Funds will be directed toward sport infrastructure, athlete development, and future international event hosting. Over 300 athletes from 18 countries participated in this year's event, which is noted for drawing international visitors and promoting Canada's profile as a global sport host.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Valdez Opens Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund Call for Proposals

Minister Rechie Valdez, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), formally launched a new call for proposals for the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund on September 24. Up to $80 million in non-repayable contributions is available to eligible organizations over four years, beginning in 2027–28. The proposals are intended to fund projects supporting women entrepreneurs across Canada with business resources and services. The submission window runs until November 9, 2026. The federal government’s total WES funding since 2018 has supported more than 600,000 women entrepreneurs, with renewed investment of $173.7 million announced in June 2026. Broader SME measures such as tariff relief and digital adoption support are cited as complementary.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Supports Nuit Blanche Ottawa with Event Funding

The federal government has granted $20,000 to Ottawa’s Nuit Blanche event, specifically for the "Dialogues lumineux: Cultures en conversation contre le racisme" program. MP Mona Fortier made the announcement on behalf of Minister Marc Miller on September 26. The funding comes from the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program at Canadian Heritage, backing nighttime cultural programming and panel discussions coordinated with embassies from Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The event lineup includes workshops, art installations, and activities highlighting intercultural engagement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases National Tourism Indicators for Q2 2026

Statistics Canada published the National Tourism Indicators for the second quarter of 2026, reporting a 0.4% rise in real tourism GDP following a 0.5% increase in the previous quarter. In the second quarter, tourism made up 1.77% of Canada’s nominal GDP. The continued growth rate points to ongoing demand for hospitality and travel-related services.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Travel Between Canada and the United States Continues Year-Over-Year Growth

Statistics Canada reported that, in July 2026, return trips by Canadian residents from the United States rose by 10.1% year over year. Similarly, trips to Canada by United States residents increased 9.1% during the same period. These figures indicate ongoing recovery in cross-border travel volumes, a trend with direct bearing on hotels, attractions, and accommodation providers.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Open Database of Sports and Recreational Facilities Updated to Version 2.0

Statistics Canada announced an update to the Open Database of Sports and Recreational Facilities (ODSRF) on September 24. Version 2.0 incorporates facility names, types, and locations from authoritative government and professional association sources. Collection covers 2025 and 2026, and the dataset is provided under the Open Government Licence. Access to this resource enables mapping and planning for hospitality, recreation, and tourism operators seeking facility data across Canada.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Retail Services Price Index for July 2026 Published by StatsCan

Statistics Canada has released the Retail Services Price Index (2013=100) for July 2026. The index tracks pricing developments across Canadian retail sectors, including categories relevant to food and hospitality retail services. Official release details are available through the agency's Daily publication.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Secretary of State van Koeverden to Announce Cycling Investment at 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), is scheduled to make a formal announcement and attend activities related to the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal, with appearances and media availabilities set for September 25–27. Planned engagements include a medal ceremony, cycling sport investment announcement with Cycling Canada’s HopOn grassroots program, and participation in events such as gala dinners and Team Canada celebrations. Details for media representatives and event times are provided for each activity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Showcases Regulated iGaming at Global Gaming Expo

From September 27 to October 1, Alberta’s Minister Dale Nally will participate in the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, promoting the province’s regulated iGaming market and discussing policy with industry leaders.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Allocates $49 Million to Strengthen Small Business Support Network

The Ontario government will invest $49 million over three years in the Small Business Advisory Centres network, expanding advisory services and programs for entrepreneurs at more than 50 locations provincewide.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Funds Gambling Addiction Recovery Services Expansion

Alberta is providing approximately $2.4 million to Brick House Recovery Centre for expanded gambling treatment and recovery services, with provincewide in-person and virtual access.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Invests $100,000 in Selkirk's Royal Canadian Legion Branch

The Manitoba government is supplying $100,000 to upgrade and renovate Selkirk’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 42, improving its facilities and supporting ongoing community activities.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Supports Horizon Employment Readiness Program in Chilliwack

A joint capacity-building program funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia will invest $1.3 million over two years, offering employment-readiness support and training for adults in Chilliwack.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Canada Border Services Agency Seeks Feedback on Accessibility Progress

The CBSA’s public consultation on accessibility remains open until October 1, soliciting feedback from Canadians and stakeholders regarding accessibility barriers in its programs and services.

Sources: To be provided

What We're Reading This Week

• Visitor experience gets makeover at Banff National Park: Banff National Park advances its visitor services and amenities.
• ‘Accommodation deserts’ a main tourism gap in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley: The Annapolis Valley tourism region faces gaps in available accommodations.
• Pitching in: Restaurateur tackles food insecurity from coast to coast: A Canadian restaurateur responds to food supply and service challenges nationwide.

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