September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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

• Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy – Bill C-31 Study: The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy will consider elements of Bill C-31, including divisions relevant to ICT and economic issues, on September 24, 2026, starting at 9:30 a.m., with the session held in camera and via videoconference.

Federal Government News

CRTC Overhauls Broadband Fund to Tackle Network Outage Resilience

On September 16, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) adjusted the Broadband Fund to support projects addressing the risk and impact of Internet and cellular service outages. This expansion follows a public consultation and specifically targets reliability improvements, particularly in underserved rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. The policy update permits funding for initiatives that increase network reliability during severe weather and emergencies. To date, the Broadband Fund has already brought high-speed Internet and cellular services to over 320 communities—including 135 Indigenous communities—by building 6,000 kilometers of fiber and improving coverage along 650 kilometers of roads. The CRTC is currently accepting new funding applications through October 15, and projects will be required to prioritize reliability and service continuity. The current policy review, encapsulated within Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2026-242, further streamlines the application process, with an explicit focus on emergency preparedness and minimizing disruptions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Germany Launch $150 Million AI Investment in LawZero

At the ALL IN conference in Montréal, Minister Evan Solomon and Germany’s Digital Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger announced a joint commitment of CAD 150 million (Canada) and EUR 100 million (Germany) to LawZero, a Montreal-based not-for-profit developing an advanced 'safe-by-design' AI framework. The LawZero initiative will anchor critical AI research and infrastructure in Canada, with the project set to create 360 full-time jobs and establish a sovereign computing platform in partnership with Hypertec and 5C. Canadian funding, delivered via the Strategic Response Fund, will be used to support research and engineering talent, as well as build the underlying digital infrastructure. The initiative focuses on AI systems that reason transparently without autonomous self-guidance, and aims to serve as a foundation for independent computing capacity while complying with both Canadian and EU regulatory requirements. Germany’s participation is pending European Commission notification. The investment also aligns with Canada's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and builds on previous bilateral declarations between Canada and Germany.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Backs Major Expansion of Bell’s Sovereign AI Data Centre in Saskatchewan

The federal government signaled support for Bell Canada’s planned $52.5 billion investment in Saskatchewan to expand its Bell AI Fabric data centre capacity, a move anticipated to provide up to 900 megawatts of new computing ability toward a 1.2-gigawatt AI hub. This represents the largest capital project in the province’s history and is projected to generate 4,500 jobs. The new infrastructure is expected to supply secure, Canadian-controlled digital infrastructure for domestic use in AI, health care, financial services, education, and government. Ottawa’s approach seeks to maintain Canadian regulatory sovereignty over core digital infrastructure and is considering further projects totaling up to $100 billion in new national investment. The federal Responsible Data Centre Development Principles will guide project development, with emphasis on local benefits, transparent operations, and strategic capacity to support Canadian legal controls over key infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

AI Leadership and International Collaboration at ALL IN 2026

The ALL IN 2026 conference in Montréal brought together Canadian and international leaders in artificial intelligence, with Minister Evan Solomon announcing multiple partnerships and funding initiatives. Leading announcements included the launch of a Canadian-led open-source AI consortium with Mila, Mozilla, and Hypertec; an applied research partnership between Mila and Germany's DFKI; and the inaugural meeting of the Sovereign Technology Alliance with German counterparts. Conference engagements underlined Canada's focus on open architectures, trustworthy AI development, and direct facilitation of SME access to AI technology. The collaborative initiatives are part of Canada’s strategy to grow its national AI ecosystem, foster commercialization, and support international regulatory compatibility.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sovereign Technology Alliance Holds Inaugural Co-Chairs’ Meeting

On September 17, Minister Evan Solomon and Dr. Karsten Wildberger convened the first co-chairs’ meeting of the Sovereign Technology Alliance in Montreal, extending bilateral cooperation on sovereign artificial intelligence capacity between Canada and Germany. The Alliance is expected to form a structured platform for international collaboration in the development and deployment of AI technologies under domestic legal control. Discussions addressed interest from prospective member states, and operationalization is underway to admit founding members imminently. This meeting builds directly on the Canada–Germany Digital Alliance agreement of December 2025 and joint declarations on AI.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Canada Showcases AI Capacity at National Flagship Conference

Thirty-seven Atlantic Canadian AI companies participated in ALL IN 2026, supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The firm presence from the region allowed companies to exhibit their products across sectors including health care, energy, finance, and cybersecurity, while pursuing new investment and partnership prospects. The Atlantic Canada innovation showcase focused on attracting international business and provided these companies with networking opportunities to scale up and access global markets as part of Canada’s broader digital infrastructure expansion and AI adoption policies.

Sources: www.canada.ca

AI for Business Adoption Highlighted in Rural and Small Town Canada Data Release

Statistics Canada released the third-quarter 2026 Business Conditions Dashboard for Rural and Small Town Canada, providing updated analysis and data relevant to business trends for smaller communities. The dashboard offers new insights into digital adoption trends, market conditions, and ICT resource distribution at the rural level, which can inform sectoral assessment of regional connectivity requirements.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Telecommunications Services Producer Price Indexes for Q2 2026 Published

Statistics Canada published second-quarter 2026 data for Telecommunications Services Producer Price Indexes (reference: Q1 2020 = 100). The release provides price index updates that assist in evaluating sector cost pressures and adjusting forecasting models for telecommunications services over time.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Ellen C. Desmond Addresses Competition and Consumer Protections in Speech to CCSA

Ellen C. Desmond, Atlantic Region and Nunavut Commissioner at the CRTC, addressed the Canadian Communications Systems Alliance's Connect 2026 event in Halifax, noting recent Commission policies to promote competition and consumer protection in the telecommunications sector. She detailed regulatory changes that simplify wholesale access to fibre-to-the-home networks, preliminary success in uptake by smaller providers, and regulatory amendments aimed at reducing administrative load such as open-ended broadcast licences and consolidated consumer protection codes. Desmond also referenced the fourth call for applications to the CRTC Broadband Fund, open until October 15, noting agency staff are available to support potential applicants. Recent decisions standardize disclosure of plan terms and pricing for consumers. The Commissioner reinforced the importance of active industry participation in CRTC proceedings and highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize regulations related to the Online Streaming Act.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Manitoba Defence Supply Chain Initiative Launches with Cybersecurity Supports

The federal government, through PrairiesCan, announced more than $3.2 million for the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, a two-year program led by RRC Polytech, Manitoba Aerospace Inc., and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters – Manitoba. The initiative will guide 100 small and medium-sized Manitoba businesses in meeting defence procurement requirements, including cybersecurity and controlled goods handling standards, and will connect firms to broader defence and dual-use technology supply chains. The bridge is expected to generate 90 jobs and facilitate access to new contracts for participating firms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Signs Modernized Audiovisual Coproduction Treaties with UK and Spain

On the margin of the Toronto International Film Festival, the Government of Canada concluded new audiovisual coproduction treaties with the United Kingdom and Spain. Signed by Minister Marc Miller and foreign counterparts, the modernized agreements are designed to simplify collaboration for Canadian-led film and TV productions by recognizing digital advancements and changing production norms. The updated treaties, part of Ottawa’s $23 million TIFF Market investment, add to Canada's network of nearly 60 coproduction arrangements with over $500 million in annual coproduction activity, and follow an earlier agreement with South Korea.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta–Canada Partnership Expands Rural Broadband Coverage

The governments of Alberta and Canada will jointly invest $24.8 million to expand high-speed Internet to 1,833 homes across rural and remote Alberta, as part of a broader $780 million broadband agreement.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Invests in Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge

Manitoba and federal authorities are investing over $3.8 million to support the Manitoba Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Bridge, offering training and cybersecurity guidance for firms seeking entry into defence supply chains.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Pauses Expansion of PST to Professional Services

British Columbia has delayed the extension of the Provincial Sales Tax to professional services previously set for October 1, 2026, citing ongoing international trade disruptions and economic pressure.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

British Columbia Provides New Support for Businesses Impacted by U.S. Tariffs

The B.C. government announced a $90 million support package for businesses, including technology and innovation sectors, to address the effects of U.S. tariffs and facilitate entry to alternative markets.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Quebec Launches Call for Digital Francophone Cultural Development Projects

The Ministry of Culture and Communications in Quebec opened a new call for projects to support digital cultural development within the Francophone community, open to various business entities through October 23, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Powering innovation, commercialization and data sovereignty across Canada: Canada’s sovereign digital strategy examined in a Globe & Mail feature.
• Ottawa to help finance nationwide sovereign internet network, Carney says: Coverage on federal support for a national sovereign internet initiative.
• Another day, another data centre announcement. What do they mean for Canada and its digital sovereignty?: Financial Post assesses what recent data centre investments mean for Canada’s digital policies.
• Ottawa’s bid for sovereign telecom faces costly, complex challenges, experts say: Experts discuss the financial and regulatory complexities of building a sovereign telecom network.

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