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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

CBSA Charges Laid Against Quebec Campground for Hiring Unauthorized Foreign Workers

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has laid charges against Camping Havana Resort (9267-1551 Québec Inc.), its directors Ariane and Dominic Perrier, and an employee in connection with the unauthorized employment of 21 foreign nationals, following a public tip in December 2022 and an ensuing investigation. The accused face charges under sections 124(1)(c) and 131 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) for employing and encouraging unauthorized foreign nationals to work. The offences occurred between May 2022 and April 2024; the accused are summoned to appear in Granby court on March 26, 2026. The CBSA executed a search of company premises in September 2024, obtaining evidence supporting the charges. These proceedings reinforce ongoing immigration and employment verification enforcement, which holds relevance for seasonal accommodation operators and hospitality logistics throughout peak tourism periods. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Secures Expanded Meat Export Access to Indonesia Following Ministerial Mission

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced expanded access for Canadian beef and pork in Indonesia after the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a mission by Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald. Canadian exporters can now ship over-thirty-month bone-in beef and, for the first time, pork and pork products to Indonesia, with the list of approved processing facilities broadened. Indonesia lifted residency restrictions on imported cattle, enhancing opportunities for Canadian suppliers targeting the $1.1 billion Indonesian beef market and $42 million pork market (2024 values). Canadian producers gain nearly tariff-free access and strengthened rules to resolve non-tariff barriers. These changes were achieved after a successful audit of Canadian facilities and ongoing cooperation with Indonesian authorities, aligning with the government’s 2025 Federal Budget agri-food export objectives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

$12 Million Federal Support Allocated for the 2027 Canada Games in Québec

The 2027 Canada Games Host Society will receive almost $12 million in federal funding—$800,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and $11,120,000 from Canadian Heritage’s Hosting Program—to support event organization and long-term legacy projects. Announced in Québec City by Parliamentary Secretary Madeleine Chenette and on behalf of Ministers Mélanie Joly and Adam van Koeverden, the funds will be allocated to plan, present, and promote the largest multi-sport event in Canada, drawing over 3,500 athletes from across provinces and territories. The event, scheduled from February 27 to March 14, 2027, expects to increase regional visibility and contribute to tourism, hospitality, and recreation services across Quebec.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedDev Ontario Invests $2 Million to Expand Foodpreneur Lab Support for Food Entrepreneurs

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced a $2 million investment for Foodpreneur Lab, targeting Black and equity-deserving entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector. Minister Evan Solomon disclosed the investment in Mississauga, which is aimed at customized product development support and access to industry expertise for up to 75 entrepreneurs. This programming expansion aligns with federal efforts to strengthen food security and price affordability while fostering innovation and growth within the southern Ontario food and beverage industry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Data: Food Services and Drinking Places Sales Marginally Decline in December 2025

Statistics Canada reported a 0.3% month-over-month decrease in total food services and drinking places sales, totaling $8.6 billion for December 2025. The modest dip follows sector activity at year-end and provides industry operators with timely reference for revenue expectations and market trends.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

House of Commons Senate Sittings: Topics Include Trade, CUSMA Review, and Tourist Programs

The Senate's 52nd sitting on February 24 covered a range of topics pertinent to the broader hospitality, travel, and recreation sectors. Minister Dominic LeBlanc spoke on U.S. tariffs, internal trade barriers, and the ongoing review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Senators debated a Canadian verified traveller program, discussed support for sport as community development, and reviewed Senate Main Estimates. Procedural progress included the passage of Bill S-242 on violence prevention and amendments to Bill S-212 concerning children’s strategies. The meeting also referenced commemorative statements and cross-border economic partnership initiatives.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

National Travel Survey: Canadian Travel Down 2.8% in Q3 2025

Statistics Canada’s National Travel Survey reports 117.7 million trips taken by Canadian residents within and outside Canada in the third quarter of 2025, falling 2.8% year over year. International visitors recorded 11.2 million trips to Canada over the same period—essentially unchanged from Q3 2024—providing new reference points for destination marketing, hotel bookings, and attraction attendance.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Survey: Business Openings Rate Increases, Closures and Entry Rates Decline

Monthly estimates from Statistics Canada indicate that the business opening rate rose 0.4 percentage points to 5.0% in November 2025, above the 2015–2019 historical average. The reopening rate grew to 3.4%, while both entry and closure rates edged down 0.1 percentage point. The shifting landscape carries implications for hotels, restaurants, and service operators monitoring sector turnover and expansion.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Travel Between Canada and Other Countries Down Sharply in 2025

Statistics Canada data for 2025 show 72.9 million international arrivals (non-resident visitors and returning Canadians), a decrease of 10.9% from 2024 totals. The reversal, following a period of pandemic recovery, is a notable metric for operators tracking inbound demand across hotels, short-term rentals, and travel services.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian Survey on Business Conditions: Cost and Labour Issues Continue into 2026

According to the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions for the first quarter of 2026, businesses continue to anticipate cost- and workforce-related challenges as key obstacles. Compared to previous quarters, optimism among respondents has improved, supplying context for workforce planning in hospitality and food service settings.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Advances Legislation to Ensure Tourism Fee Transparency

The Alberta government introduced the Traveller Protection and Destination Development Act and amendments to the Consumer Protection Act. The proposed law mandates full disclosure of all mandatory fees by accommodation providers and sets rules for voluntary destination marketing fees to be used expressly for local tourism development.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Strengthens Guest Registry Requirements in Human Trafficking Response

The Ontario government’s ongoing Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy includes updates to guest registry rules for the accommodation sector, including hotels and online platforms, bolstering information collection in support of police investigations.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Budget 2026 Commits $76 Million to Travel Alberta and Tourism

Alberta’s Budget 2026 allocates $76 million to Travel Alberta, prioritizing support for family-run and Indigenous-led tourism operators and regional marketing efforts.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Spring Break Activities Promoted Across Quebec’s Cultural Venues

The Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications is coordinating a province-wide program of accessible cultural activities during school break, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops at major museums and public venues.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Manitoba Invests in Recreation Infrastructure as Part of Public Safety Strategy

The Manitoba government announced further investment in youth recreational facilities and after-school programs under its Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy, including support for arenas, parks, and leadership initiatives.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consultation: Proposed MRL for Acynonapyr

Health Canada launched a 75-day public consultation on a proposed maximum residue limit (MRL) for acynonapyr, inviting comments until May 12, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Health Canada Seeks Input on Increased MRLs for Fluazaindolizine

A consultation is open regarding proposed maximum residue limits for fluazaindolizine on various crops, affecting Canadian-grown and imported foods, with comments accepted through May 12, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Book your 2026 summer travel now, experts say: Analysts discuss expectations and strategies for the summer 2026 travel season.
• Champagne, concierges and emergency sand: How the ultrarich travel: A feature exploring the preferences and services accessed by luxury travellers.
• Business Brief: Food fright: Coverage of trends and risks impacting food-related enterprises in Canada.
• In a Spring Break panic? How to decide whether to stay, switch or scrap your trip: Guidance for consumers facing travel disruptions during peak seasons.
• AI-Service Robotics Transition Toward Revenue-Driven Deployment Accelerates Industry Evolution: Industry overview on AI and robotics deployment in service sectors.
• Dexterra Group’s strategic plan looks very promising: Highlights from Dexterra Group’s strategic roadmap and operational changes.
• Opinion: Travelling Canadians deserve sympathy, but spare a thought for the real victims: Opinion piece addressing the broader impacts of travel cancellations.

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