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: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 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

• Senate Social Affairs Committee—Bill C-12 Subject Matter Review: The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will meet in camera on February 17 at noon to consider Parts 5-8 of Bill C-12. Interpretation services will be provided for this review of border and immigration system measures.

Federal Government News

Senate Committees Scrutinize Bill C-12's Impact on Border Security, Immigration, and Asylum System

Senate committee hearings on Bill C-12 addressed its broad impact on border security, immigration operations, and the asylum process over several sessions. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree detailed plans for enhanced border security—with amendments to the Customs and Oceans Acts empowering new Coast Guard patrols and updating anti-money laundering protocols. Immigration Minister Lena Diab provided clarification on new measures regarding asylum eligibility, the role of Pre-Removal Risk Assessments, and additional administrative powers relating to immigration documentation. Stakeholders from the Canadian Bar Association and the David Asper Centre raised concerns over procedural fairness, privacy safeguards, and shifts from oral to paper processes. Discussions involved potential constitutional issues, particularly regarding judicial review and mass cancellation authorities. Testimony from Grand Chief Cody Diabo of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke addressed implications for Indigenous communities, including calls for recognition of the J Treaty and direct engagement. Senate committee members questioned officials on the projected effect on vulnerable applicants, especially 2SLGBTQIA+ and student populations, the IRB's role, and the planned separation of authorities for removals. The government noted ongoing interdepartmental funding discussions to manage anticipated workloads.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Meeting Covers Gaming Market, Privacy Laws, and Bilingualism Policy

Senators discussed market concerns in Canada's gaming industry and the importance of alignment between financial institutions and climate goals. Senator Tracy Muggli commended advances in sustainable wheat cultivation research. The session included questions on modernizing privacy laws—raised by Senator Klyne—and the government's handling of official communications through social media, led by Senator Paula Simons. Inquiries regarding challenges with employment equity and education programs in the correctional system also came forward. Additional remarks referenced initiatives supporting official languages, strategies for increasing community sports participation, and the value of sport in promoting community engagement and health.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Tourism Investment Surpasses $34 Billion in 2024

Statistics Canada reported that tourism-related industries invested $34.4 billion in non-residential capital projects during 2024. This accounted for 7.3% of all non-residential capital investment nationally. The data captures the scale of ongoing development across accommodations, entertainment, and recreational assets.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Annual Retail Trade Data Points to Uplift in Online Sales

Retail trade figures from Statistics Canada show positive growth across most retail subsectors throughout 2024, with continued expansion in online shopping. This trend is reflected in transaction volumes and sectoral revenue performance.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

International Arrivals to Canada Decline in January 2026

Preliminary figures for January 2026 indicate 4.2 million international arrivals to Canada, reflecting an 8.4% decrease compared to January 2025. The statistic aggregates Canadian-resident return trips and US- or overseas-resident arrivals by air and automobile.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Business Counts: Over 5 Million Active Enterprises in December

Statistics Canada reported 1.37 million employer businesses and 3.67 million non-employer businesses (with annual revenues above $30,000) nationwide as of December 2025. This metric provides insight into the structure and scale of the business environment relevant for sector planning.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Interactive Dashboard Updates Rural Employment by Industry

A new interactive dashboard presents employment by industry across rural Canada, with reference data for January 2026. This tool offers updated sectoral employment analytics valuable for stakeholders operating outside major urban markets.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Government Supports Renovation of Théâtre Saint-Eustache

The Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, announced $51,838 in federal funds for the renovation of Théâtre Saint-Eustache's dressing rooms. The support will modernize backstage spaces to enhance conditions for artists and is delivered through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Partnership Investments Announced for International Development Initiatives

Secretary of State Randeep Sarai concluded International Development Week 2026 by revealing a series of initiatives aimed at broadening partnerships domestically and abroad. These include the Canada LIFTs Connecting Communities Matching Fund for small and medium organizations, and the ENGAGE program to promote public engagement on global development. A collaboration with Tim Hortons and TFO Canada supports coffee supply chain projects, while other activities addressed priorities with Indigenous entrepreneurs and youth across multiple provinces.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

B.C. Sets Contract Fairness Standards and Curbs High-Pressure Sales

British Columbia will implement amendments to the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act beginning August 1, 2026. Measures address automatic contract renewals, notification requirements, and new restrictions on direct sales tactics for select products.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario's Agreement with Diageo Yields $23 Million in Local Investments

Ontario and Diageo reached an agreement for nearly $23 million in investments supporting agri-food supply chains, packaging, and community projects, with continued production of Crown Royal products in the province.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Allots $1.5 Million for 2026 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships

Ontario pledged $1.5 million in support of the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships to be held in Ottawa, expected to generate $25 million in local economic activity.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Winter Games Launch in Lakeland

The 2026 Alberta Winter Games opened on February 13 in Lakeland, with over 2,400 athletes participating. Alberta’s government contributed $1.275 million toward event operations, local hospitality, and sport promotion.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Announces Enhancements to Regional and Rural Fund

The Quebec government introduced new enhancements to its Regional and Rural Fund (FRR), responding to municipal sector requests to bolster regional support instruments.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• 2025 foodservice sales buffered by GST holiday as rising operating costs and tariffs cut into profits—Restaurants brace for more obstacles in 2026: Barriers to restaurant profitability dominated 2025, with operators watching for further challenges this year.
• The lesson from Sydney’s fish market: An international look at tourism asset transformation offers parallels for Canadian destinations.
• RLC Global Forum and Hamat Celebrate Industry Leadership at the 2026 RLC Honors in Riyadh: Industry leadership and global hospitality recognition events took the stage in Riyadh.
• Turn your passion into a real business venture this summer, here’s how: New features explore pathways for entrepreneurs in the leisure and hospitality space.
• UN report aims to map out ways to make business and biodiversity both sustainable: International reporting evaluates overlapping interests of commerce and biodiversity.

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