This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3 and cryptocurrencies. Once a week, 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. Also consider subscribing to our ICT & Cybersecurity - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 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

• Industry and Technology Committee to Hear from AI and Telecom Executives: April 13: The INDU committee will study 'Opportunities, Risks, and Regulation of AI in Canada’s Strategic Industries,' with testimony from representatives of BR[AI]YT MENA, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, Vector Institute, Bell Canada, Cohere Inc., and TELUS. Meeting scheduled for 3:30–5:30 p.m., Room 415 Wellington Building, webcast available.
• Senate to Examine AI Challenges in ICT Sector – Multiple Committees to Convene: April 15: The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications will hear from ControlAI and Canadian cybersecurity law experts at 6:45 p.m., focusing on the AI opportunities and challenges within the ICT sector. Location: Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.
• Senate Committee to Continue AI in ICT Sector Hearings: April 14: The Transport and Communications Committee will receive testimony from the Deaf Wireless Canada Committee, Bruce Schneier, Association québécoise de l’industrie du disque, and York University representatives regarding AI in ICT. Meeting at 9:00 a.m., Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.
• Senate Committee on Social Affairs to Review Health IT Interoperability: April 16: The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will discuss Bill S-5 on interoperability of health IT with officials from Nova Scotia, Canada Health Infoway, CIHI, and Beauceron Security. Starts at 10:30 a.m., Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.
• Senate Committee to Hold Further Hearings on Health IT Interoperability Bill: April 15: Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology will convene at 4:15 p.m. for continued consideration of Bill S-5, featuring sessions with the Canadian Medical Association, Nurses Association, legal representatives, and rural physicians’ groups. Room B45, Senate Building.
• Senate Human Rights Committee to Study AI Impacts on Rights and Economic Security: April 13: The Human Rights Committee meets at 4:00 p.m. to examine the impact of AI on human rights and economic security, especially concerning vulnerable groups, with input from Arteria AI, The Dais, CUPE, C.D. Howe Institute, and PEI Federation of Agriculture. Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.

Federal Government News

CRTC Launches New Call for Broadband Fund Proposals Targeting Underserved Communities

On April 9, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) opened a new call for Broadband Fund proposals, with an application window until August 13, 2026. This intake targets projects delivering high-speed Internet (at least 50 Mbps download/10 Mbps upload with unlimited data), improving satellite-based services, and enhancing satellite transport for communities reliant on such infrastructure. Updated since 2024, the Fund’s evaluation criteria now require less documentation and expand community engagement, especially for Indigenous applicants. Approximately $771 million has already been allocated, improving connectivity in 320+ communities and extending cellphone coverage along 650 kilometres of major roads. The CRTC outlined that previous applications must be resubmitted to qualify and released an application guide and technical brief. This call continues the government’s strategy to support digital access across rural, remote, and Indigenous regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Seeks New Proposals to Accelerate Broadband Access

Also on April 9, the CRTC issued a supplementary announcement focused on improvements to the Broadband Fund application process. The regulatory authority aims to accelerate timelines for proposal evaluation, expediting the delivery of funding to projects linking Canadians to enhanced Internet services. Recent procedural changes are intended to lower entry barriers, especially for projects planning to serve over 54,000 homes and extend 6,000 kilometres of fibre optic lines. The CRTC emphasized the ongoing public proceeding to address tailored solutions for Indigenous connectivity, including the development of a dedicated funding stream. These adjustments respond to ongoing gaps in Internet service quality and accessibility, with a continued emphasis on transparent decision-making through public consultation mechanisms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Government Supports Microsoft’s AI and Cloud Expansion

Ontario announced support for Microsoft's multi-billion-dollar AI and cloud infrastructure expansion, which is anticipated to create 1,000 construction jobs and 250 new roles post-completion. The investments reinforce domestic data infrastructure and AI capacity.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Advances Digital Sovereignty through Partnership with France

Quebec's Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital signed a declaration with France focusing on digital sovereignty, covering digital identity, AI deployment in administration, and secure infrastructure. The visit included discussions with international cybersecurity stakeholders.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Backs Early-Stage Tech Pilots via Innovate BC

British Columbia committed nearly $3.5 million to 14 early-stage tech pilot projects in marine, emergency management, health, and other key sectors, supporting commercialization of innovations such as AI-powered fog detection and smart marine controls.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Cybersecurity is the new infrastructure and Canadian businesses are not ready: Coverage examining the readiness of Canadian firms to address emerging threats to digital infrastructure.
• Ontario and Quebec police probing cyber network that hacked millions of household devices: Authorities in Ontario and Quebec are investigating a widespread cyber intrusion impacting millions of consumer devices.
• Opinion | Here’s why Canada needs to take a ‘water testing’ approach to cybersecurity: Commentary on practical approaches to monitoring and improving organizational cyber hygiene.

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