June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Industry and Technology Committee to Discuss AI Regulation in Strategic Sectors: On June 15, the House Industry and Technology Committee will examine opportunities, risks, and regulation of AI in Canada’s strategic industries, with Minister Evan Solomon scheduled to appear between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
• Public Safety Committee Schedules Clause-by-Clause on Lawful Access Bill: The Public Safety and National Security Committee will hold clause-by-clause consideration on Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access, on June 16, with appearances by policy and national security officials.
• Foreign Affairs and International Development to Review Main Estimates and Broadcasting Act Amendments: On June 16, the Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee will review the Main and Supplementary Estimates for 2026-27, as well as clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-219, which amends the Broadcasting Act.

Federal Government News

Government Introduces Safe Social Media Act Targeting Online and AI Harms

On June 10, 2026, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, which would make online service providers, including social media and artificial intelligence chatbot platforms, responsible for mitigating harmful content, with a particular focus on protecting children. The proposed framework establishes a new Digital Safety Commission empowered to audit, order compliance, and levy administrative monetary penalties. The Act will require services to identify and address risks from both content and platform design, implement age restrictions (generally prohibiting accounts for those under 16 with potential exemption processes), and label synthetically generated content. There are explicit duties to address harmful content in seven key areas, including child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, induced self-harm, and hate speech. Transparency obligations include the submission and publication of Digital Safety Plans, and the Act creates privacy-preserving data access provisions for accredited researchers. If adopted, social media and AI chatbot providers will need to meet new requirements for safety-focused design and reporting, with oversight from the Commission.

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

CRTC Launches Consultation to Unify Consumer Codes for Communications Services

On June 12, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched a public consultation aimed at combining existing consumer protection codes for internet, cellphone, home phone, and television services into a single, harmonized code. This proposed overhaul is intended to make rights and responsibilities easier to understand for both consumers and service providers, reduce billing confusion, and create a more consistent regime across bundled communications products. Recent actions by the CRTC include eliminating extra fees on internet and mobile plans and improving contract expiry notifications. Interested parties can participate in the consultation through various channels until August 11, 2026, with a public hearing scheduled for November 30. The CRTC’s Chairperson, Vicky Eatrides, stated the initiative is part of a broader plan to make consumer protections “simple” and improve regulatory clarity. The results will inform CRTC decisions on future consumer rights and obligations in the sector.

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

Canada and France Sign General Security of Information Agreement

On June 12, 2026, Canadian Ministers Joël Lightbound and Anita Anand announced the signing of a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) with France. The pact establishes a framework for the secure exchange and protection of classified information, enabling deeper bilateral cooperation in defence, space, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced data systems. The agreement is structured to facilitate Canadian industry participation in sensitive Franco-Canadian projects and contracts that require secure handling of information. The arrangement also covers dual-use technologies and aims to support both economic growth and capabilities relevant to national security. The GSOIA positions Canadian businesses to engage more effectively in defence and high-technology markets involving classified data sharing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Space Agency Awards Contracts for Next-Generation Earth Observation Controls

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has awarded three contracts, totaling $2.4 million, to Calian, Kepler, and MDA Space to develop system concepts for controlling and managing data from Canada’s next-generation Earth observation satellites. The announcement, made by Minister Mélanie Joly on June 11, builds upon previous investments in satellite infrastructure and signals an ongoing commitment to sovereign satellite capabilities as detailed in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. The new satellite system, which follows the established RADARSAT program, is intended to support critical services such as maritime surveillance, disaster response, and monitoring Canada’s northern territories. The initiative is part of a strategy to modernize satellite ground segment controls and data management, supporting both operational resilience and national security.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Department of National Defence Opens New Defence Research Complex in Valcartier

On June 8, the Department of National Defence inaugurated the new pavilion complex at the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Valcartier Research Centre. The $166 million facility spans 30,900 square meters and includes over 80 multidisciplinary laboratories, offices, and specialized testing areas. Designed to boost collaboration among researchers, the complex enhances the DRDC’s capacity for applied research in information systems, optronics, and advanced defence systems. The Centre is positioned as a key asset for supporting the Canadian Armed Forces in critical technology domains and features significant infrastructure, including a trisonic wind tunnel and secure experimental zones. The modernization is intended to sustain Canada’s technological posture as new threats and innovation cycles reshape the defence landscape.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CRTC Commissioner Highlights Broadcast Modernization and Canadian Content Initiatives

In remarks delivered to the Western Canada Media Conference on June 4 (published June 8), CRTC Commissioner Claire Anderson discussed recent and upcoming changes to Canadian broadcasting regulation, particularly since the passage of the Online Streaming Act. The address detailed work on modernizing the regulatory framework for both traditional and online broadcasters, introducing a points-based content certification system, updated Canadian program definitions, and new support measures for local news and Canadian content. The CRTC has launched a consultation aimed at simplifying radio regulations and intends to roll out a database for Canadian music to facilitate content tracking and support for artists. Anderson noted that future policies will address discoverability, financial resilience, and technical modernization across the audiovisual and audio sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Updated Infrastructure Economic Account Released by Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada published updated estimates for 2025 in its Infrastructure Economic Account on June 12. The new data includes revised figures for investment, infrastructure stock, remaining service life, and related economic and environmental indicators. The estimates are aligned with the first quarter 2026 data released in the Income and Expenditure Accounts.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Publishes Five-Year Report on Access to Information and Privacy

On June 11, Quebec’s Commission on Access to Information tabled its five-year report, "Transparency and Privacy: Protecting Democracy in the Digital Age," which discusses legislative advancements, the impact of AI, and evolving societal contexts on privacy and access regimes.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Fibre-Optic Network Expansion for Rural and Indigenous Communities in Thompson-Okanagan

A joint $63 million federal-provincial investment was announced to bring fibre-optic internet access to 50 rural and Indigenous communities in British Columbia’s Thompson-Okanagan region, ultimately serving up to 4,000 households.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

New Regulation Advances Digital Transformation for Quebec Agricultural and Food Markets Board

The Quebec Agricultural and Food Markets Board implemented regulation changes on June 10 to enable electronic document transmission and remove outdated communication methods, furthering the Board’s digital transformation.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Approves Data Centre Land Acquisitions by Vibro Information Services

On June 11, Alberta issued Orders in Council exempting land acquisition transactions for the construction and operation of data centers by Vibro Information Services Ltd. from certain sections of the Foreign Ownership of Land Regulations.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Minister Schow Leads Alberta Delegation to Eurosatory in France for Defence Partnerships

Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Joseph Schow, began a mission to France and Italy on June 12, with the itinerary highlighting attendance at Eurosatory and meetings on defence, AI, and cybersecurity sector opportunities.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

CRTC Calls for Applications for Indigenous Radio Stations in Ottawa and Toronto

The CRTC’s ongoing call for applications for FM radio stations to serve Indigenous communities in Ottawa and Toronto remains open until June 18, seeking operators by and for Indigenous peoples.

Sources: crtc.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• COWs, antennas and FIFA: How telecoms are boosting cellular networks during World Cup: Coverage on temporary and enhanced cellular infrastructure for major sporting events.
• Opinion: Canada may get the strongest digital online safety framework in the world: Editorial analysis of recent digital safety policy developments.
• Ottawa to direct CRTC to scrap demands for streamers to fund local news, niche broadcasters: The Globe and Mail reports on anticipated federal direction concerning streamer obligations.
• Confidential reporting, stricter phone rules in schools among proposals in cyberviolence prevention strategy: CBC examines new policy proposals for cyberviolence prevention.
• CRTC aims to combine consumer protection codes for internet, phone and TV services: Report on the CRTC’s initiative to merge consumer protection rules.

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