June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Canada Expands Rural High-Speed Internet Access in Manitoba

On June 22, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced over $96.8 million in federal funding for Valley Fiber Ltd. to connect more than 7,800 homes across 50 rural and remote communities in Manitoba, including Indigenous areas. The investment, delivered through the Universal Broadband Fund, advances the government's pledge to provide high-speed Internet access to every Canadian household by 2030. The project aims to address connectivity gaps, targeting both household and community infrastructure. Officials noted this is part of broader efforts to drive digital inclusion and economic opportunities in underserved regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Cyber Security Advisory on Frontier AI Risks Issued by Canadian Centre for Cyber Security

On June 24, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre), part of Communications Security Establishment Canada, released an announcement targeting organizations regarding new cyber risks associated with frontier artificial intelligence models. The Centre referenced an international joint statement by the Five Eyes cyber agencies, noting that AI-driven threats are evolving rapidly. According to the Centre’s advisory and National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025–2026, AI models are being used to automate exploitation of software vulnerabilities, accelerate vulnerability discovery, enable phishing and deepfake attacks, and facilitate more sophisticated cyber activity among less skilled threat actors. The Centre observed that AI deployment within organizations introduces additional risks, including accidental exposure of sensitive data and reliance on manipulated outputs. The advisory also pointed to secure-by-design practices and suggested the adoption of incident reporting mechanisms and supply chain security, noting the necessity of timely actions as AI continues to shape the threat landscape.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Regulations Pre-Published for Consumer-Driven Banking and Anti-Fraud Measures

On June 26, the Department of Finance Canada pre-published proposed regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I, to address consumer-targeted fraud and operationalize amendments to the Bank Act resulting from Bill C-15. The anti-fraud regulations require banks to secure express consumer consent for electronic funds transfers and establish protocols for disabling such capabilities, changing transaction limits, and reporting fraud cases to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. In addition, consumer-driven banking regulations are now in a 60-day comment period, underpinning the Consumer-Driven Banking Act. These measures are set to increase sector competition, facilitate secure data sharing between consumers and approved providers, and phase in requirements for accreditation and compliance over the coming year. The process aligns with government commitments from the 2026 Spring Economic Update.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Roundtable Announced on Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act

Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller and Secretary of State Adam van Koeverden scheduled an in-person roundtable in Winnipeg on June 26 to discuss the new Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act. Media attendees were invited to participate, with briefing and informal questions planned post-discussion. The forum is part of stakeholder engagement efforts surrounding social media safety legislation, offering sector participants a chance to seek clarity and monitor legislative priorities affecting digital communications platforms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Investment of $100 Million in National VITAL Health Data Platform

On June 23, Minister Evan Solomon and Parliamentary Secretary Maggie Chi announced a $100 million federal investment in the VITAL health data platform. VITAL is set to aggregate near real-time, de-identified clinical data from hospitals across Canada, creating the country's largest hospital data network. Earlier federal support included $30 million for initial development across Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, and a $24.5 million grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The platform supports health research, clinical trials, and AI innovation while enabling improved patient privacy management. Industry participants in health technology, data analytics, and AI will have new opportunities for collaboration by leveraging the expanded infrastructure for nationwide hospital research data.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Takes Action on Electric Grid Transmission Projects

On June 26, Natural Resources Canada outlined priority transmission projects to build grid connectivity under the forthcoming National Electricity Strategy. Minister Tim Hodgson announced regulatory and financial support for intertie projects including the British Columbia–Yukon Grid Connect (an 800-km, +200-kV line), the Alberta–British Columbia intertie restoration (+150 MW), the Alberta–Saskatchewan intertie upgrade (+250 MW), Saskatchewan–Manitoba expansion (up to 2 GW), and Prince Edward Island–New Brunswick submarine cable expansion. The Transmission InterConnect Investment Strategy has been referred to the Major Projects Office to identify priority investments and financial solutions. Additional federal support is provided through the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit, Canada Infrastructure Bank, and collaborative frameworks among provinces and territories. Grid modernization efforts will increase system reliability, support industrial sectors, and enable new opportunities for digital infrastructure and advanced technology deployment.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Factsheet Released on Team Canada Trade Mission Deliverables with Japan

Global Affairs Canada issued a factsheet summarizing 14 commercial agreements totaling over $1.7 billion, signed as part of the recent Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan. Key deals include MDA Space Ltd.'s contract to supply digital payloads and antennas for Japan's defence communications satellite, partnerships for software integration and optical satellite communications, and BlackBerry QNX's agreement with Astemo for automotive software solutions. Other agreements span remote sensing, AI platform collaboration, grid modernization, hydrogen production for fusion energy, and a floating LNG project targeting Japanese buyers. The mission delivered expanded international footprints for Canadian ICT, software, and cloud vendors, and included investments in health data, energy management, and automation. Canadian companies will supply advanced digital, cyber, and software solutions for both Japanese and global markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Advances Canadian Digital Core Library Platform

On June 26 at the Energy and Mines Ministers' Conference in Yellowknife, Minister Tim Hodgson announced the next steps for the Canadian Digital Core Library (CDCL), a national platform designed to provide digital access to drill core data across Canada. Newly signed MOUs with multiple provincial and territorial governments will facilitate priority actions including drill core scanning, improved geoscience data availability, and co-development of digital library solutions. The platform, funded in part with a $15 million grant to Creative Destruction Lab, will drive investment and innovation in mineral exploration, national defence, and energy transition sectors. The CDCL also supports the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy by enabling the application of AI tools in resource discovery and development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Investment Announced in Toronto AI Firm for Market Engagement

On June 25, Minister Rechie Valdez, representing Minister Evan Solomon, announced a $557,500 federal investment in Tulong Technologies Inc., a Toronto-based firm specializing in AI-powered marketing to help businesses connect with multicultural audiences. The funding, part of the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, aims to enhance Tulong's platform used across North America for delivering personalized content and improving sales outcomes. The initiative is supported by Canada’s national AI strategy, providing new resources for SME adoption of advanced digital tools. The investment offers ICT sector participants new partnership and expansion opportunities within digital marketing and engagement channels.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Signs Over-the-Horizon Radar Partnership with Australia

On June 21, the Government of Canada, represented by Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr, signed formal arrangements with Australia and BAE Systems Australia to acquire an Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) capability as part of the Arctic OTHR program. The agreements include a $2.5 billion procurement and an Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) pact, advancing the project into the delivery phase beginning July 1. The radar system will strengthen Arctic domain awareness under NORAD and enhance surveillance for airborne and maritime threats. The initiative is expected to contribute $290 million annually to GDP and sustain roughly 2,270 jobs per year in Canada from 2026 to 2033. The agreements also support Canadian expertise development and industry collaboration in advanced radar and communications technologies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Financial Statistics for Television and Radio Broadcasting, 2025

Statistics Canada published new financial statistics for television and private radio broadcasting industries for 2025. These data sets provide updated performance and operating metrics for the ICT sector, enabling stakeholders to monitor trends in broadcasting revenue, expense, and industry structure.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Launches Audiovisual Strategy 2026–2031

The Quebec government unveiled the Audiovisual Strategy 2026–2031, aimed at supporting local content creation and adapting to evolving viewing trends. The new framework targets the full content value chain and prioritizes platform accessibility for youth audiences.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Quebec Delegation Promotes Digital Innovation at Paris Trade Shows

Quebec's Deputy Prime Minister participated in Eurosatory and VivaTech in Paris, backing local companies in defence and digital sectors. Strategic agreements in AI and technology were formalized with French partners.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Reports Progress on Declaration Act Action Plan

The Province announced its 2025–26 Declaration Act Annual Report, including updates on expanded internet access for Indigenous communities, joint stewardship initiatives, and advancements in law alignment with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Invests $60 Million in Digital Learning Resources

Ontario is committing $60 million to upgrade classroom materials and deploy a digital learning platform. Starting September 2026, teachers and students will access interactive digital tools, and new mandatory grading standards for Grades 9–12 will be implemented.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario startup aims to solve what may be the biggest threat to globally secure communication: An Ontario developer pursues solutions for next-generation globally secure communications threats.
• Children's Online Safety Bill Gains Traction in Congress: US lawmakers advance a bill aimed at improving online protections for children.

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