July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Federal Government Invests $141 Million to Expand High-Speed Internet in Saskatchewan

On July 24, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger announced a federal investment exceeding $141 million to expand high-speed Internet access across Saskatchewan. The funding, provided via the Universal Broadband Fund, will deliver connectivity to over 30,000 households in more than 500 rural and remote communities, including Indigenous areas. The government's target is universal high-speed internet access by 2030, and these projects contribute toward that goal. This development signals continued federal support for broadband infrastructure, with potential implications for rural ISPs, digital infrastructure vendors, and technology deployment partners in Western Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Launches Defence Drone Initiative

The Department of National Defence, alongside the Defence Investment Agency, introduced the Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) on July 23. The DDI aims to accelerate Canadian innovation in uncrewed systems and autonomous technologies for military and Coast Guard operations. The initiative establishes a supply arrangement to bring Canadian-developed drones, robotics, AI, sensors, secure communications, and advanced materials into operational testing and potential production. Six key use cases are identified, ranging from tactical reconnaissance drones to deep precision strike systems. Supply arrangement submissions remain open through CanadaBuys until August 14, with a virtual information session scheduled for July 30. The DDI incorporates cybersecurity and supply chain security measures, opening the initiative to start-ups, SMEs, established manufacturers, academia, and Indigenous businesses.

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

Canada Joins Global Combat Air Programme as First Observer Nation

Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty announced in London, UK, that Canada will participate as the first observer in the multinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which aims to develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035. Canadian engagement brings access to emerging technologies including AI, secure communications, crewed-uncrewed teaming, and multi-domain connectivity. Observer status allows Canada to assess further participation and explore collaboration opportunities for its defence industry in the evolving air combat ecosystem. Minister McGuinty also attended the Farnborough International Airshow and engaged with international industry partners and government representatives to reinforce Canada’s defence industrial relationships.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Public Consultation on AI Transparency Opened by Government

On July 23, Minister Evan Solomon, responsible for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, launched a public consultation on transparency in AI systems and AI-generated content. The initiative, part of Canada’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy: AI for All, seeks feedback on detection and identification of AI-generated outputs, communication when interacting with AI, incident tracking, and information access about AI system development and limitations. The consultation runs from July 23 to September 23, inviting perspectives from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Outcomes will inform future steps for fostering transparency and informed adoption of AI technologies in Canadian commerce and society.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand Advances Cybersecurity Collaboration with ASEAN and Announces Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand concluded meetings in Manila with ASEAN counterparts, committing to implement the 2026-2030 ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership Action Plan. Key components include cooperation on ICT security, expansion of Canada’s co-chairship of the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional on ICT Security, and plans to host ARF Heads of Defence Universities Meeting in Victoria. Canada pledged $3.6 million for anti-money laundering and terrorist financing projects with ASEAN members and an additional $4.5 million for biological threat mitigation. The announcement signals strengthened engagement on regional cyber threats, digital policy, and anti-money laundering efforts with policy, technology, and regulatory implications for Canadian ICT and data security stakeholders working in Asia-Pacific.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Roundtable Announced on Safe Social Media Act

Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller scheduled an in-person roundtable for July 27 in Vancouver to discuss Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act. The event will feature remarks, discussion summary, and a stakeholder-Media scrum. The legislation addresses online platform regulation and digital services, with potential impacts for providers operating in the social media ecosystem and cross-border content delivery.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

B.C. Government Funds Strengthening of Local Emergency Operations Centres

The Government of British Columbia allocated $3.5 million for 110 projects supporting emergency operations centres through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, enhancing training, equipment, and response capacity across 138 communities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Enhancing Trust in Artificial Intelligence Opened

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada initiated a consultation on July 23 to gather views on mechanisms for improving transparency in AI systems, focusing on capabilities such as watermarking and public awareness.

Sources: ised-isde.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• TekSavvy and other independent carriers ask CRTC to reduce wholesale internet rates: Industry requests regulator to lower wholesale internet fees.
• TekSavvy and other independent carriers ask CRTC to lower wholesale internet rates: ISPs advocate for reductions in regulated internet rates.
• Veea launches free VigiLynx service for Telcel Internet Gestionado: Cybersecurity and edge platform introduced for Telcel in Mexico.
• Economic and Social Reports, July 2026: StatsCan releases new economic and social articles for July.
• Trump expands a voluntary pledge to protect consumers from high utility bills from AI data centres: US addresses electricity costs linked to AI-powered infrastructure.

.