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: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee — Quebec and Canada’s Ports; NAV CANADA and CBSA Workforce: On April 20, the committee meets 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. to address port modernization with terminal operator and harbour witnesses, followed by a session on NAV CANADA and CBSA workforce challenges.
• Canadian Heritage Committee — State of Journalism and Media Sectors: The committee convenes April 21 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. to hear representatives from Bell Media, Cogeco, and other media organizations on journalism sector developments.
• Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications — AI in ICT Sector: April 21 session at 9:00 a.m. will feature hearings on AI opportunities and challenges, with participation from academic, consulting, and publishing experts.
• Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee — Bill S-5 (Health IT Interoperability/Data Blocking): April 22 at 4:15 p.m., witnesses from Health Canada, ISED, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, and Competition Bureau Canada will provide input on interoperability and vendor practices in health tech.
• Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications — AI in ICT Sector, Panel II: A second AI-focused panel convenes April 22 at 6:45 p.m., featuring media, education, and fact-checking organization representatives.

Federal Government News

CRTC Mandates New Consumer Notifications for Internet and Cellphone Services

On April 13, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced new requirements for service providers under the amended Telecommunications Act. The decision, building on previous public consultations, compels providers to send customers clear notifications before contract or promotion expiry and when international roaming data charges reach $50. Providers must also inform customers of available plans and access methods. These provisions intend to help prevent bill shock and facilitate easier switching between providers. More CRTC decisions are forthcoming, including changes to self-serve cancellation processes and consolidation of consumer protection codes. These measures are part of the CRTC’s ongoing Consumer Protections Action Plan and take effect as part of the commission’s larger mandate to regulate the communications sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Cyber Centre Launches CIREN Initiative to Strengthen Critical Infrastructure Defenses

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security rolled out the Critical Infrastructure Resilience and Escalated Threat Navigation (CIREN) initiative on April 17. The program aims to improve operational readiness for severe cyber incidents across critical infrastructure sectors—telecommunications, energy, transportation, and water. CIREN provides organizations with guidance to isolate systems for up to three months, conduct independent operations, and develop system rebuild plans after attacks. The initiative responds to persistently evolving state-sponsored and criminal threats, as well as the increased use of artificial intelligence to accelerate exploits. CIREN is positioned as a forward-looking toolkit to maintain service continuity and support national security objectives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC) Level 1 Announced for Defence Contracts

On April 14, Public Services and Procurement Canada unveiled Level 1 of the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC), set to be mandatory for select defence contracts starting summer 2026. Level 1 involves an annual cyber security self-assessment for suppliers to meet 13 baseline controls, with an online tool made available for compliance documentation. The CPCSC will introduce two further levels in subsequent years, aligning with requirements for third-party and government-led assessments for higher risk contracts. The program is structured to align with U.S. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards and aims to safeguard sensitive, unclassified information while supporting qualification for international contracts and maintaining interoperability with allies. Certification will initially apply only at contract award stage, not during bid submission.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

National AI Supercomputing Capacity Initiative Opens to Applications

On April 15, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada launched a call for applications under the AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program. The initiative, underpinned by recent federal budgets, seeks eligible proponents to design, build, operate, and maintain Canadian-owned, large-scale high-performance computing platforms optimized for artificial intelligence. The program is central to the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy and will provide the backbone for research and industry use across sectors such as health, advanced manufacturing, and climate analysis. The stated objective is to anchor Canada’s AI research capacity, fuel sector innovation, and protect domestic technology interests.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada–Finland Joint Statement Outlines AI and Technology Cooperation Framework

On April 14 in Ottawa, Minister Evan Solomon met with Finnish Minister Sakari Puisto to publish a joint statement on deepening bilateral engagement in artificial intelligence and sovereign computing. The two governments are considering Finland’s participation in the Sovereign Technology Alliance and plans for broader access to compute capacity, with a focus on building resilient digital infrastructure. The agreement includes exploration of cooperative research on quantum technologies, joint commercialization activities, and fostering technology adoption across industry and governments. Both sides committed to ongoing discussions in AI safety, procurement, and ecosystem development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and European Space Agency Finalize General Security of Information Agreement

Canada’s Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced on April 16 the signing of a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) with the European Space Agency. The GSOIA enables the secure exchange of classified and sensitive data, addressing barriers previously faced by Canadian industry seeking ESA contracts and international supply chain integration. The agreement will allow firms to compete for high-value projects, strengthen research and development partnerships, and contribute to dual-use technologies such as space-based communications and sensing. This is expected to support the domestic space sector’s access to infrastructure and technology, building on Canada’s longstanding engagement with the ESA.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Mihta Askiy Data Center Project in Alberta Clears Federal Impact Assessment

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada determined on April 17 that the Mihta Askiy Data Center Project’s potential adverse effects are either limited or addressed by existing legislative frameworks following Section 16 review under the Impact Assessment Act. The project proponent, Cree Ative Datacenter Corp GP, will advance to seek requisite federal and provincial permits. Existing statutes, such as the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Fisheries Act, and Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, were deemed sufficient to manage residual impacts. The review incorporated input from experts and Indigenous Peoples.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Investment in Francophone and Bilingual Digital Health Innovation

On April 14, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced an investment exceeding $815,000 to the Institut du Savoir Montfort (ISM) for the Montfort Innovation Lab. This initiative, announced by Parliamentary Secretary Mona Fortier, will provide up to 20 digital health sector businesses with clinical access and research partnerships to accelerate commercialization. The program fosters collaboration among regional healthcare and economic partners, and aims to advance Francophone and bilingual technological solutions within Ontario’s healthcare ecosystem.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Investment in Northern Operations and Training for Defence Readiness

On April 15, Minister Rebecca Chartrand announced a $1.5 million investment over three years for the Nihtat Operations, Readiness & Training Hub (NORTH) in Inuvik, delivered through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. The project is coordinated by the Nihtat Gwich’in Council and targets readiness for anticipated defence contracting activities in the region, including training in procurement, cybersecurity, and relevant documentation processes. The hub will support local supplier and workforce development to prepare for future defence supply chain opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Police-Reported Hate Crime and Cybercrime, Q4 2025: Preliminary Data Released

Statistics Canada published preliminary results on police-reported hate crimes and cybercrime for the fourth quarter of 2025. The new release provides current metrics that illustrate recent trends in digital and technology-driven criminal activity nationally. More details are available via Statistics Canada’s official publication.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Revised National Input-Output Tables for 2024 Published

Statistics Canada issued updated national input-output tables for 2024 on April 15. The tables include revisions for 2022 and 2023 and provide an accounting framework for analyzing goods and service flows across the Canadian economy, including telecommunications, information technology, and related sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Publishes Digital Accessibility Guide for Public Services

Protecteur du citoyen released the 'Guide de bonnes pratiques pour des services publics inclusifs à l'ère du numérique' on April 14, intended for departments designing accessible digital government services.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Establishes Cybercrime Task Force

The Alberta government announced a new cross-ministry cybercrime task force on April 14 to coordinate legislative, regulatory, and public safety responses against extortion, identity theft, and digital fraud.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Launches AI-Powered Track and Trace Drug Analysis Pilot

The BC government on April 17 committed $300,000 annually over two years to an AI and robotics-enhanced program for law enforcement and health authorities to monitor and disrupt toxic illicit drug flows.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Government Engages on AI Policy with Geoffrey Hinton

Premier Wab Kinew welcomed AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton for policy discussions at the University of Manitoba’s Distinguished Knight Lecture, reinforcing Manitoba’s interest in innovation and technology ethics.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Increasing Legal Certainty for Intellectual Property Services

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is seeking feedback through April 24 on measures to clarify and update Canada’s intellectual property services and administration framework.

Sources: ised-isde.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Privacy Commissioner says stronger data laws needed as Canada readies for Chinese EVs: Ongoing calls for robust privacy legislation in the context of new connected vehicles.
• N.W.T. weighs cellphone ban as discussion shifts to digital literacy: Debate on device use in schools connects to broader digital skill policy.

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