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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Temporary measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program target rural workforce shortages

Employment and Social Development Canada announced time-limited measures for rural employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. At the request of provinces or territories, rural employers may retain their current quota and temporarily raise the allowable share of low-wage temporary foreign workers from 10% to 15% of their workforce for eligible regions. Requests can be implemented within two weeks and measures will be in effect April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. The sectors of health care, construction, and food processing retain a 20% cap, and existing exemptions for seasonal industries, including tourism, remain. The government states it will monitor ongoing labour conditions and program integrity with industry and labour organizations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau and Chartwell reach consent agreement on retirement home acquisition

The Competition Bureau Canada announced a consent agreement with Chartwell Master Care LP relating to its acquisition of six retirement homes from Sifton Properties Limited in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. The Bureau found the transaction could diminish competition in health care and accommodation services for seniors. Chartwell has agreed to divest the Clair Hills retirement home in Waterloo to an independent purchaser approved by the Commissioner. The Bureau is satisfied that the agreement resolves its competition concerns in the sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Preclearance facility to open at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on March 10

Transport Canada, in partnership with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, announced the opening of a new preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for U.S.-bound travellers. The preclearance system will allow customs processing prior to departure, with new security screening obligations extending to all Canadian preclearance facilities. The updated regulations include screening requirements and access restrictions for employees with criminal backgrounds. These measures apply across all preclearance locations to bolster border security while supporting travel and trade between Canada and the United States.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program supports labour market information across key sectors

Employment and Social Development Canada is allocating up to $94.5 million over five years through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. Fourteen organizations—including Tourism HR Canada—will produce labour market information, forecast reports, and toolkits targeting sectors such as tourism, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Tourism HR Canada’s project will provide e-learning updates and develop new career materials to address workforce gaps in the tourism industry, aiming to strengthen sector-specific planning and readiness.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Extension of Work-Sharing temporary flexibilities announced until March 31, 2027

Employment and Social Development Canada extended temporary special measures under the Employment Insurance Work-Sharing program through March 31, 2027. These measures expand eligibility to businesses operating for at least one year, non-profits, and cyclical employers, and include employees in recovery efforts or with non-standard work arrangements. The maximum duration of Work-Sharing is extended to up to 76 weeks with reporting requirements simplified. Additionally, the Worker Retention Grant provides $102.7 million over two years for upskilling, allowing participating staff to maintain up to 70% of their income during reductions in hours.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee on National Finance reviews high-speed rail provisions in Bill C-15

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, chaired by Claude Carignan, discussed Bill C-15's provisions for a high-speed rail project between Montreal and Ottawa. Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized ongoing Indigenous engagement and local consultation, and expects construction could commence in four years if the bill passes. Economic impacts, land acquisition, expropriation, and public-private partnership structures were discussed. Opposition and advocacy groups expressed concerns about cost estimations and environmental safeguards within the exemptions framework.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Labour market measures and investment in sectoral workforce tools announced for multiple industries

Minister Patty Hajdu announced an investment of $94.5 million through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to produce foundational labour market information. Fourteen organizations are receiving funding to develop forecasts, toolkits, and dashboards to help industries including tourism, construction, and advanced manufacturing adapt to current labour force challenges and coordinate skilled labour supply and demand across sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Food services subsector operating revenue in 2024

Statistics Canada reported operating revenue for the food services and drinking places subsector rose 4.8% in 2024 to $99.6 billion. The food CPI component rose 3.6%—above the 2.4% all-items CPI for that year—with food and non-alcoholic beverage sales accounting for 86.5% of total receipts, and alcoholic beverages 11%.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan: Automotive equipment rental and leasing revenue up 4.3% in 2024

Statistics Canada published that automotive equipment rentals and leasing generated $10.7 billion in 2024, increasing 4.3% over 2023. This included passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, and related equipment, serving demand for non-owned mobility and leisure travel.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

International arrivals to Canada down 2.1% year-over-year in February 2026

Statistics Canada indicated international arrivals—including Canadian-resident return trips and arrivals from the U.S. and overseas—totaled 4.0 million in February 2026, a 2.1% decrease compared to February 2025 according to preliminary estimates.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduces new work permit measure for Quebec workers

Minister Joël Lightbound, on behalf of Minister Lena Metlege Diab, announced a temporary measure allowing eligible workers in Quebec to obtain an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program. This measure, aimed at those supported by Quebec toward permanent residence, permits workers to continue employment for up to 12 additional months while Quebec determines eligibility for the Quebec Selection Certificate. The policy is available to those invited to submit a Demande de Selection Permanente and aims to maintain labour market stability.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario to allow retail openings on Family Day and Victoria Day under new proposal

Ontario announced legislative changes proposing that retail business establishments may open on Family Day and Victoria Day, with eligible employees earning premium pay or retaining the right to refuse work on these holidays.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta’s Budget 2026 includes expanded investment in parks, trails, and campgrounds

Alberta’s government will allocate $275 million over three years to upgrade and expand provincial parks infrastructure, develop new campsites, and improve trail access under Budget 2026, responding to increased recreation demand.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta introduces budget legislation raising accommodations tourism levy

The Alberta government tabled amendments to increase the tourism levy on temporary accommodations from 4% to 6%, modernize caregiving supports, and make various updates to provincial program and financial regulation.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec enacts new regulation on municipal contract thresholds and deadlines

Quebec announced enactment of a regulation stipulating thresholds and deadlines for municipal contract awards under the new Act on Contracts of Municipal Organizations. The updated rules take effect April 1, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario’s $47M investment through OTF expands non-profit programs

Ontario’s government is investing $47 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support 153 non-profit organizations, expanding arts, recreation, and youth employment opportunities across the province.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada launches consultation on proposed registration of Etofenprox pest control products

Health Canada is consulting on a proposed registration decision for Etofenprox Technical, RF2129 EC, and RF2220 Premium Aerosol II-M Premise Spray for structural pest management through April 11, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Restaurants Canada encouraged by changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program for rural communities: The hospitality association responds to federal expansion of the TFW Program for rural employers.
• Canadians shake up March break plans amid a host of travel restrictions: Media coverage discusses how changing restrictions are impacting travel bookings and consumer behavior.
• London looks to give its short-term accommodation rules more teeth: London city council moves forward on strengthening enforcement of short-term rental regulations.
• Ottawa man caught between tour company and insurance after Egypt trip is cancelled last minute: Coverage examines travel insurance and cancellation issues facing outbound Canadian travelers.

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