May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026

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.

📋 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: Opportunities, Risks, and Regulation of AI in Canada’s Strategic Industries: Scheduled for June 1, 3:30–5:30 p.m. in Room 425, Wellington Building, the committee will hear witnesses including Barry Sookman, Ewan Reid, Brian Gallant, Marie-Julie Desrochers, Samuel Buteau, Christian Laforce, and Sasha Luccioni. The session covers opportunities, risks, and regulation of AI in strategic industries.
• Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs: On June 1 at 4:00 p.m., the committee will review Bill C-8 (cyber security and telecommunications amendments) and Bill S-246, with witnesses including the Honourable Hassan Yussuff and representatives from veterans organizations. Clause-by-clause consideration is set for the session.
• Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications: The committee meets on June 3 at 6:45 p.m. in Room B45, Senate of Canada Building, agenda pending. Interpretation will be available.
• Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (AI Impact Report): June 3 at 4:15 p.m., the committee will consider a draft report examining matters related to the impact of artificial intelligence in Canada. Meeting is in camera.
• Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (AI Impact Report): June 4 at 10:30 a.m., the committee continues review of the draft report on artificial intelligence’s impact in Canada. Meeting is in camera.

Federal Government News

Canada advances AI, quantum and digital innovation at G7 Digital Ministers’ Meeting

On May 28–29, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, participated in the G7 Digital Ministers’ Meeting in Paris. Solomon and France’s Minister Delegate with responsibility for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Anne Le Hénanff, signed a joint statement promoting bilateral cooperation in quantum science and technology. The partnership aims to accelerate quantum innovation, support multidisciplinary research, facilitate knowledge exchange, and prioritize open data sharing. Solomon also engaged with the business community and announced a new Canadian-French partnership deploying real-time AI-powered surgical guidance and molecular diagnostics for breast cancer. Canada reaffirmed its commitment to secure, responsible AI and sector resilience. Minister Solomon’s participation at B7 and Tech7 summits centered on deploying AI across industries, with discussions emphasizing productivity and competitiveness in the digital economy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Secretary of State Belanger announces expansion of high-speed Internet in British Columbia

On May 29 in Prince George, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger, alongside British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services Diana Gibson, announced up to $236 million in joint federal-provincial funding for eight projects to provide high-speed Internet to over 13,000 households in rural and remote BC communities. An additional $7.8 million will support six projects, reaching 1,043 households—including up to 80 Indigenous households. These investments contribute toward targets of 98% national coverage by end of 2026, 100% by 2030. Funding is part of the Universal Broadband Fund and a longstanding federal-provincial agreement investing up to $830 million for rural, remote, and Indigenous broadband across the province.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada accelerates homegrown AI innovation in Greater Toronto Area

During Toronto Tech Week, Minister Evan Solomon announced nearly $16.5 million for 13 businesses and organizations, including Cosm Medical, Vector Institute, Edgecom Energy, and Future Fertility. The funding, delivered through FedDev Ontario’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, aims to increase AI adoption and advance commercialization in sectors ranging from energy and medical technology to legal tech and data analytics. The investments are designed to boost productivity and competitiveness in the digital economy, leveraging Toronto’s AI ecosystem for accelerated market uptake of made-in-Canada digital infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC implements new rules for Canadian content and streaming services

Commissioner Joanne Levy outlined recent regulatory changes under the Online Streaming Act at the Yorkton Film Festival. The CRTC maintains a points-based system for Canadian content certification, updated to include a broader range of creative roles with bonus points for productions based on Canadian books and those featuring Canadian or Indigenous characters. Rules clarify that key creative positions should be filled by Canadians rather than AI. Large broadcasters must contribute at least 30% of spending towards enhanced partnerships with independent Canadian producers. Broadcast ownership groups with revenues above $25 million contribute 25%; unaffiliated online broadcasters contribute 15%. Requirements are expected to deliver over $2 billion annually for Canadian programming. A new discoverability framework enhances visibility for Canadian and Indigenous content. Further regulatory updates are scheduled to roll out in coming months.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC improves accessibility for Canadians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing

On May 25, the CRTC announced new requirements for streaming services to implement high-quality closed captions for new original online programming within one year. Existing captioned TV programs must retain captions when posted online. A phased schedule expands captioning to all online programming over five years. The move comes after public consultations, aligning with the Accessible Canada Act and the government's policy direction for removal of accessibility barriers in broadcasting. The CRTC regulatory plan details compliance expectations and future review cycles.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Ottawa to amend encryption, metadata in lawful access bill

The federal government signaled intent to revise contentious elements of its lawful access bill, adjusting provisions related to encryption and metadata handling. Proposed amendments respond to industry feedback and privacy concerns. Details on the timing and scope of the amendments remain pending as stakeholders await updated legislative language.

Sources: www.thestar.com

BDC supports quantum and cybersecurity firms to strengthen Canada’s defence

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) backed Canadian quantum and cybersecurity companies with new investments intended to help scale advanced technology platforms. The funding aims to address evolving threats and reinforce the country’s defence capability, supporting the development of secure digital infrastructure and resilience across sectors.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Tech giants cited as privacy risk by Public Safety Minister

The federal Public Safety Minister characterized major technology companies as posing a significant risk to Canadians’ privacy. Critiques center on concerns regarding data collection practices, user control, and the influence of large platforms on public safety. The statement adds to ongoing federal discussions around digital regulation and consumer protection.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Digital G7 reaches deal on child protection and AI energy impact

Digital G7 ministers agreed on a limited framework to address child protection online and the energy consumption of artificial intelligence. Discussions considered balancing innovation and regulatory oversight, with member states adopting measures to respond to concerns about online harms and environmental implications tied to AI growth.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Provincewide crackdown on organized crime supported by digital forensic tools

Alberta’s government announced nearly $8 million for law enforcement agencies including Edmonton Police Service, Calgary Police Service, Alberta RCMP, and Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT). The funding will be used to acquire digital forensic resources and modern surveillance equipment, contributing to cross-jurisdictional efforts against organized crime and extortion.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Provincial Government News

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinion: CRTC’s new rules are one small step for Canadian content, one big blow for Canadian trade: Trade implications emerge from regulatory changes to Canadian broadcasting.
• Digital G7 reaches limited deal on child protection, AI energy impact: G7 states establish new approaches to online child protection and monitor AI-related energy concerns.
• Tech giants are the real threat to Canadians’ privacy, public safety minister charges: Government scrutiny of large tech firms intensifies over privacy.
• Ottawa to amend encryption, metadata elements of contentious lawful access bill: Pending amendments to lawful access bill signal changes for digital privacy legislation.
• BDC backs quantum and cybersecurity firms to strengthen Canada’s defence capability: Canadian quantum and cybersecurity businesses receive additional support.
• From the future of gig work to sovereignty: Canadian tech leaders opine: Industry leaders discuss the direction of Canadian tech and labour.

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