Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3, telecommunications, cellphone and wireless carriers, ISPs, satellite communications, broadband access, 5G, and CRTC spectrum licences. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Finance and Defence.

Dates: 2025-12-22 to 2026-01-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

CRTC Approves Measures to Improve Access to Internet and Cellphone Coverage Data

On January 15, 2026, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced new steps to simplify the process for Canadians seeking information on Internet and cellphone services in their areas. The CRTC approved enhanced disclosure of service provider, technology, and speed information, supporting more detailed comparisons and informed decisions. A public consultation has been launched to standardize mobile coverage data reporting, with submissions accepted until March 16, 2026 via multiple channels. The improvements are expected to assist service providers, governments, and public safety organizations in identifying coverage gaps and planning investments for connectivity. The initiatives build on the CRTC’s regulatory role under the Telecommunications Act, with data informing Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) National Broadband Map. Details on the reporting standard are outlined in Telecom Notice 2026-9 and Telecom Decision 2026-8.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Opens Access to Unused Spectrum for Rural and Indigenous Communities

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) announced on January 16, 2026, plans to allocate unused portions of the 800 MHz and 1900 MHz spectrum bands through the Access Licensing Framework. Indigenous applicants will be given a 12-month priority access window starting spring 2026 to apply for licences, followed by general access in 2027. This process aims to reduce barriers for new service providers and support improved wireless and cellular services in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. The spectrum supports applications ranging from home Internet to connectivity for industry sectors such as mining and agriculture.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment Expands High-Speed Internet in Rural Saskatchewan

On January 16, 2026, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), announced federal funding exceeding $11 million to connect 1,922 households, including 193 Indigenous homes, across 28 rural and remote Saskatchewan communities to high-speed Internet. The projects are funded via the Universal Broadband Fund and align with Canada's commitment to universal connectivity by 2030. Improved broadband is positioned as a driver for access to digital resources and economic opportunities. The announcement took place at Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Releases Study on Data Portability Savings

The Competition Bureau Canada published a report on January 15, 2026 estimating that data portability could save Canadians between $1.1 billion and $3.8 billion per year in the insurance sector alone, resulting from easier switching and reduced time spent comparing providers. The study, "Your Data, Your Control," highlights factors to support a national data portability framework including oversight, privacy and interoperability, drawing on international examples like the UK's open banking and Australia’s Consumer Data Right.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Details Methodology for Data Portability Report

Ahead of the data portability study's release, the Competition Bureau Canada scheduled a technical briefing for media on January 15, 2026 to explain its findings and methodology, using insurance services as a case study. The event provided background on the competitive effects of improved data portability in the Canadian digital economy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command Delivers Training in the Philippines

From January 19-23, 2026, the Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command will conduct a Military Cyber Security Operations Course for the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Military Training and Cooperation Program. The initiative, organized with the Philippine Department of National Defense, focuses on foundational skills for defensive cyber operations and advances the Canada–Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, strengthening bilateral cyber resilience and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support Advances PEI’s Tech Sector

On December 22, 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced more than $2.1 million in repayable federal investments for seven Prince Edward Island IT businesses. The funding aims to accelerate product development and export opportunities, supporting competitiveness in the province’s tech sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Financial Industry Forum Addresses AI Risks and Opportunities

A workshop co-hosted by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) and Global Risk Institute (GRI) was held on November 13, 2025 to discuss AI in the financial sector. The interim report, published December 22, 2025, summarizes perspectives from over 55 participants—spanning banks, technology firms, and advocacy organizations—on AI’s risks, best practices, and consumer protection. A complete summary of four workshops will be published in spring 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consulting Services Revenue Rises in 2024

Statistics Canada reported on January 15, 2026 that management, scientific, and technical consulting services generated operating revenues of $39.9 billion in 2024, an increase of 6.3% from 2023. The IT consulting segment contributed notably with a 50.1% cumulative increase in operating revenue between 2020 and 2024, even as overall growth has moderated.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Preliminary Data on Cybercrime from Police Reports Released

Statistics Canada published preliminary third quarter 2025 figures on police-reported hate crime and cybercrime on January 15, 2026. The dataset offers operational insights on the evolving nature of reported incidents.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia Strengthens Tech and Life Sciences Partnerships with India

The B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth formalized partnerships with government and industry in Karnataka, India, supporting collaboration opportunities in technology and life sciences and promoting Web Summit Vancouver 2026.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Communication regulator considers changes to extend reach of national alerting system: The CRTC is reviewing updates to extend the National Public Alerting System’s coverage.
• The invisible necessity of ransomware negotiations: Industry grapples with the logistics and risks of behind-the-scenes ransomware response.
• The Quantum Shield: Hardening AI & Critical Infrastructure: Recent advancements in quantum computing are informing strategies for AI and infrastructure security.
• CBSA says 'fragile' IT systems are a 'top government risk' following border outages: Following major outages, CBSA identifies IT systems vulnerability as a significant government concern.
• CRTC chair keeps a firm hand on the regulator after a demanding year: Insights into regulatory strategy as the CRTC navigates a period of rapid change.
• CRTC launches study to help Canadians find information about cellphone coverage gaps: CRTC initiates a study aimed at improving the transparency of coverage gaps for consumers.
• Concerns about lack of reliable cell service in rural Maritime areas: Rural regions in the Maritimes raise issues regarding unreliable cell connectivity.

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