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: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 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

• TRAN Committee to Review VIA Rail Safety, Customer Service, and Port Modernization: The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities will meet March 11, 4:30–6:30 p.m., to review VIA Rail safety and customer service with VIA Rail executives, and to examine port modernization with the Cruise Lines International Association, Corner Brook Port Corporation, and Saint John Port Authority.

Federal Government News

Parks Canada Introduces Reservation System for Parking at Skyline Trail

Parks Canada will implement a reserved parking system at the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park as of June 26, 2026. Four-hour timeslots will be required for all vehicles, with bookings available through Parks Canada's Reservation Service from May 6. The fee for reservations is set at $13 online and $15 via telephone. The measure is intended to regulate high visitor demand, reduce congestion, and control off-trail use to protect the park's ecosystem. Staff and visitor safety considerations, as well as maintenance funding, are noted, with all collected fees going toward facility upkeep. Parks Canada is engaging local stakeholders to inform communities and is directing excess demand to other trails. The collaboration continues with Indigenous partners for park stewardship.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada: Alcohol and Cannabis Revenue Update

According to Statistics Canada, combined federal and provincial government revenue from the control and sale of alcoholic beverages and recreational cannabis reached $15.5 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Alcohol sales generated $13.1 billion, reflecting a 4.2% decline, while recreational cannabis revenue rose 11.5% to $2.5 billion. These figures impact government receipts relevant to Canadian holiday, event, tourism, and hospitality sectors engaging with beverage alcohol and cannabis.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Funds Artificial Intelligence and Tourism Projects

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced $8.5 million in funding for 40 artificial intelligence projects to support regional business development, including hospitality and tourism operators. Supported initiatives include the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick hosting of the 2025 NB Tourism Summit and the delivery of capacity-building training for operators. Additional investments target AI-driven platform commercialization, market research, and digital adoption, affecting organizations such as Event Temple and Easy Platter. Projects also encompass food and beverage AI integration and digital skills training. Non-repayable and repayable contributions are distributed among businesses, academic institutions, and sector groups, including the Food and Beverage Atlantic Association and Digital Nova Scotia.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Launches Fraud Prevention Month

The Competition Bureau, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and RCMP collaborate for the 22nd annual Fraud Prevention Month throughout March. Despite over $704 million in losses to fraud in 2025, officials note that only an estimated 5-10% of cases are reported. The campaign aims to inform consumers and businesses, including hospitality and retail companies, about fraud risks ranging from impersonation to investment scams. More than 80 organizations are involved in educational outreach using the #FPM2026 tag. Loss estimates have reached $2.4 billion since 2022, prompting further joint action and reporting encouragement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Commercial Rents Data, Q4 2025

The latest Commercial Rents Services Price Index is available for the fourth quarter of 2025, providing new statistics on rent trends in key Canadian markets. The data set covers major cities and regions, offering indicators for landlords and tenants in hotels, retail venues, restaurants, and leisure spaces who face commercial lease negotiations.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Business Innovation and Growth Support: Federal Programs Data

Statistics Canada, in partnership with the Treasury Board Secretariat, published results from the Business Innovation and Growth Support statistical initiative. The program details financial and service-based support to Canadian businesses across multiple federal channels in 2023. The data provides a breakdown useful for sector analysis, monitoring industry-specific program usage, and tracking public support for innovation.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Labour Productivity Report for Canadian Businesses, Q4 2025

Statistics Canada reported a slight decrease in labour productivity (down 0.1%) for Canadian businesses in the fourth quarter of 2025, as hours worked receded more slowly than real GDP (-0.2%). This follows a 1.1% productivity rise in the previous quarter. These data cover hospitality, accommodation, retail, and tourism-related sectors, reflecting industry pressures in the labour market and informing compensation dynamics.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Monthly Retail Prices for Selected Products: January 2026

Statistics Canada released data on average retail prices for selected products in January 2026. The report provides pricing references relevant for hotel operators, restaurants, and food service businesses addressing procurement and menu pricing for the period.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Government of Canada Announces Support for Three Montérégie Businesses

The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature), is set to announce federal funding for three agri-food businesses in Montérégie, Quebec. The support, delivered through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, is geared toward local business growth. The announcement, on behalf of Minister Mélanie Joly, forms part of ongoing federal engagement with the Quebec hospitality and food supply chain.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Immigration Fraud Awareness Initiative

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued a statement on March 2 highlighting ongoing work to combat immigration fraud. The federal communication signals awareness measures relevant for employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and international student channels, with reporting avenues and compliance initiatives in focus.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario and Nova Scotia Launch Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Agreement

Ontario and Nova Scotia premiers signed an agreement creating direct-to-consumer alcohol sales between the two provinces beginning March 2, 2026, expanding cross-provincial retail for breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Business Security Rebate Program Ongoing

The Manitoba government continues to process applications for its $10 million business security rebate, offering up to $2,500 per business location to offset security and repair costs for qualifying firms.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Outlines Tourism Sector Action Plan

British Columbia introduced the Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan, targeting the doubling of provincial tourism revenue by 2036, expanded air services, new event hosting, and increased investment in rural and urban visitor economies.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Toronto Meat Markets Fined for Food Safety Compliance Failure

Mister Greek Meats Inc. and Mister Greek Meat Market Inc. were fined $5,000 each, plus surcharges, after being convicted for not providing required records during a 2024 food safety compliance inspection at their Toronto facility.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Modernizes the Cooperatives Act

With the implementation of Bill No. 111, Quebec modernized its Cooperatives Act, changing governance rules and clarifying the legal framework for non-financial co-ops, including those involved in food, hospitality, and tourism sectors.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• "Heated Rivalry" cottage rentals sell out in seconds as fans also spot bizarre Airbnb pricing glitch: National media covers surging short-term rental bookings and pricing issues around high-demand event weekends.
• Skis and spas: Proposed Alberta All-season resort a test of new legislation: An Alberta all-season resort proposal moves ahead as a test case for recent provincial legislation on resort development.
• Business Matters: A year after HBC’s collapse, some reimagined spaces and a lot of vacant stores: Report examines occupancy trends and retail repurposing in former major department store locations.
• Rental company charged after fatal 2024 tent collapse at Alberta Buddhist retreat: Charges laid against an event rental company in Alberta following a tent collapse that resulted in a fatality.
• Food safety top of mind for regional council as more new restaurants open: Regional councils focus on food safety regulations as new restaurant openings accelerate.

.