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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 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

• Science and Research Committee Schedules Sessions on AI and Research Funding Criteria: On April 30, the House of Commons Science and Research Committee will hold a session covering antimicrobial resistance, artificial intelligence, and the assessment of federal research funding criteria from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Canadian Heritage Committee to Hear from Media Sector Bodies on April 28: Witnesses from CPAC, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, and other radio and media organizations will participate in the Canadian Heritage Committee's session regarding the state of journalism and media sectors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Senate Committee on Transport and Communications to Examine AI in ICT Sector: The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications will discuss opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the ICT sector on April 29, with witnesses from governance and cultural organizations and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.
• Senate Committee Reviews Cyber Security Legislation and Defence Issues: On April 27, the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs evaluates Bill C-8 concerning cyber security and the Telecommunications Act, with appearances from Defence, Coast Guard, and CSE officials.
• Senate Committee to Consider Interoperability of Health IT Systems: Clause-by-clause review of Bill S-5, focused on health IT interoperability and restricting data blocking, is set for April 29 in the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

Federal Government News

CRTC Sets Final Wholesale Fibre Access Rates for Competitive Providers

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) confirmed new final rates for competitors accessing large telephone companies’ fibre-to-the-premises networks across Canada as of April 24, 2026. These rates, calculated using the CRTC’s established cost-based methodology, replace interim rates from 2025 and aim to provide greater certainty for both incumbent carriers and competitive service providers. Over 8.5 million households are expected to have increased choices for home Internet, television, telephone, and smart home services under this framework. The CRTC referenced a thorough review involving industry submissions and confirmed its commitment to monitor competition and adjust its approach as warranted. Recent regulatory measures also include the elimination of extra fees for switching Internet and cellphone plans, improved contract notifications, and mechanisms to track operator investment. These changes are intended to maintain fair compensation for incumbents while supporting continued network expansion and fostering an actively competitive environment.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Introduces New Self-Service Rules for Changing and Cancelling Internet and Cellphone Plans

On April 24, the CRTC announced it will require service providers to allow Canadians to change or cancel Internet and cellphone plans via app, online, or email. This initiative was prompted by October 2025 amendments to the Telecommunications Act, followed by a public consultation incorporating feedback from individuals, consumer groups, and service providers. The decision completes a trio of measures aimed at enhancing consumer choice and enabling straightforward plan management, supplementing the recent elimination of extra fees and improved plan expiry notifications. The regulator also plans to simplify the presentation of available Internet services and will revisit its Consumer Protection Codes in a future consultation. The CRTC’s regulatory steps are designed to support a more open service provider marketplace.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Governor in Council Upholds CRTC’s Mandatory Wholesale Access Framework

Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly stated April 20 that the Governor in Council declined several petitions to overturn a CRTC decision on mandatory wholesale access for competitor ISPs. The government affirmed support for these rules, which require large carriers to provide access to their high-speed Internet infrastructure. The CRTC is continuing to implement and monitor the framework’s effect on the market, with the potential to modify measures as necessary. The decision sustains an approach in which further regulatory intervention will be evidence-driven.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Invests $23.8 Million in Digital Skills Training for Youth

Minister Mélanie Joly announced on April 24 a new call for proposals under the Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program, backed by $23.8 million in federal support over two years. The investment will support organizations offering post-secondary graduates real-world training and work experience in the digital economy. In northern territories, eligibility has been broadened to include youth without post-secondary education. Eligible funding applicants include private and public sector organizations, Indigenous governments, and Crown corporations. The submission deadline is May 22, 2026. The program forms part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, targeting the evolving technology workforce.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Launches ATIS 2.0 to Expand Innovation Strategy

The Government of Alberta announced ATIS 2.0, advancing its Technology and Innovation Strategy to boost homegrown capital access and create jobs, targeting 20,000 positions and $5 billion in tech sector revenue by 2030.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

New Alberta IP Office to Support Commercialization of Local Innovations

Alberta is establishing an Intellectual Property Office under Alberta Innovates, with $8 million allocated to deliver IP services and enhance commercialization capabilities for provincial innovators and researchers.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Premier Smith Heads to Europe for Investment and Tech Partnerships

Premier Danielle Smith began a mission to Germany, Sweden, and the UK on April 23 to pursue investment and partnerships in sectors including AI, energy, defence, and advanced technologies.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• CRTC chair defends Online Streaming Act work after critics say regulator too slow: Coverage of CRTC leadership addressing the pace of regulatory implementation around the Online Streaming Act.

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