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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• TRAN Committee: Ports and VIA Rail Safety Studies: On February 23, the Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee will study supporting, diversifying, and modernizing Quebec and Canada’s ports, including testimony from port authorities and the Minister of Transport. The committee will also examine VIA Rail's safety and customer service, with officials from Transport Department's rail safety and security division appearing.
• CIMM Committee: Canada's Immigration System: On February 23, the Citizenship and Immigration Committee will examine Canada's immigration system, with witnesses including Immitracker Inc., the Caregivers' Action Samaritan Movement, and representatives from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
• CHPC Committee: Technological Advances in AI for Creative Industries: On February 24, the Canadian Heritage Committee will consider technological advances in artificial intelligence with implications for creative industries and review a draft report.
• FINA Committee: Bill C-15 Budget Implementation and Stakeholder Testimony: On February 23, the Finance Committee will conduct clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-15, the budget implementation act, with witnesses from multiple departments including Finance, Agriculture, Employment and Social Development, and Industry.
• FOPO Committee: Marine and Coastal Protections Study: On February 23, the Fisheries and Oceans Committee will study marine and coastal protections with testimony from commercial harvesters, fish plant operators, and Atlas Ocean Tours.

Federal Government News

Spectator Sports and Event Industries Achieve $13.8 Billion in Revenue for 2024

Statistics Canada reported operating revenue in the spectator sports, event promoters, artists and related industries rose 9.3% in 2024, reaching $13.8 billion. This is the fourth consecutive year of growth, attributed to increased demand for live and in-person events following the removal of pandemic-era capacity restrictions. The continued uptick in operating revenue points to a robust appetite for physical entertainment experiences, with implications for hospitality and venue-service providers seeking to capture demand across tourism, arts, and live events sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Internal Migration Study Reveals Drivers of Mobility within Canada

Statistics Canada released an infographic and article detailing the reasons behind internal migration, based on the Canadian Housing Survey. The publication provides insight into household decisions to relocate, which may affect regional hospitality and accommodation demand, workforce trends, and related service sectors. Notably, the findings offer quantitative insight into ongoing demographic changes impacting local and national tourism and leisure industries.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Missing Restaurant Tips Draw Attention to Payment Platform Regulatory Gaps

A news report discusses the disappearance of $10 million in restaurant tips, exposing gaps in rules governing payment platforms. Instances of unrecovered tips highlight challenges in platform-based payment processing and regulatory oversight. The issue has implications for restaurant operators, hospitality workforce compensation, and digital booking platforms, raising questions about the alignment of payment platform operations with existing labor regulations.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

Provincial Government News

Alberta Visitor Economy Hits Record $15.2 Billion in 2025

Alberta's visitor economy reached a record $15.2 billion in 2025, marking a six percent year-over-year increase and nearly doubling the national average for growth. Tourism supports over 86,000 full-time jobs in the province, with international visitors up four percent.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

BC Introduces Legislation for International Education Oversight

The BC government introduced new legislation to codify the Education Quality Assurance program, establishing legal requirements for institutions hosting international students. The act will enforce compliance, prohibit non-designated institutions from recruiting international students, and create formal appeal processes.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Invests Over $1.2 Million in Festivals for 2025-26

The Manitoba government is investing more than $1.2 million to support festivals in 2025-26, including $359,000 for winter festivals and $882,300 for 49 summer festivals. These investments aim to enhance economic activity through local and major events.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Elevates Online Gambling Safety Standards

Alberta iGaming Corporation will require all online gaming sites in the regulated market to complete mandatory Responsible Gambling Council accreditation. Additional measures, including player protection tools and restrictions on advertising to minors, will be implemented.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Palais des congrès de Montréal Launches Business Tourism Podcast

The Palais des congrès de Montréal introduced 'Plus que des pieds carrés,' a podcast focused on business tourism, featuring conversations with industry experts and stakeholders. The series aims to showcase the sector’s economic and collaborative impact on Québec.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Horizontal Red Tape Reviews Announced by Treasury Board

Treasury Board’s Red Tape Reduction Office has launched five horizontal reviews targeting regulatory efficiency, product market access, barriers to productivity, border trade improvements, and service delivery—open for feedback until February 28, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Proposed Amendments to Single-use Plastics Regulations

Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking input on amendments to the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations that would permit export of regulated plastics. The consultation closes February 28, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• HSMAI honored La Paz Tourism Trust with a Gold Adrian Award: Coverage of La Paz Tourism Trust receiving international travel marketing recognition.
• Building prosperity and responding to emerging needs: Article examining strategies to support growth and evolving industry requirements.

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