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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 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

There are no scheduled committee meetings this week.

Federal Government News

CRTC Chair Eatrides Outlines Telecom and Broadcasting Initiatives at Standing Committee on Finance

Vicky Eatrides, Chair and CEO of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), briefed the Standing Committee on Finance on February 9 regarding the Commission’s latest efforts under Bill C-15, as well as the agency’s broader activities. She outlined recent progress in expanding broadband connectivity, noting the CRTC’s Broadband Fund has allocated over $770 million to more than 320 communities, improving high-speed Internet and cellphone services for over 54,000 homes. Eatrides indicated that competition is being facilitated by allowing smaller providers to use the networks of major telecommunications companies, resulting in lower wireless service costs—citing a 37.3% decrease from 2021 to 2025, per Statistics Canada. She also referenced the CRTC’s Consumer Protections Action Plan and ongoing proceedings on bill shock and service switching. In broadcasting, Eatrides reported that, as a result of the Online Streaming Act, online streaming services are now required to contribute an estimated $200 million yearly to local news, French-language, and Indigenous content. The CRTC plans to issue several related decisions in the coming months.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and India Advance Bilateral National Security and Cybersecurity Cooperation

From February 6–7, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, and Deputy Clerk/National Security and Intelligence Advisor Nathalie G. Drouin hosted Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, for meetings in Ottawa. Agreements reached include a bilateral workplan, placement of liaison officers in both countries, and enhanced law-enforcement information exchange covering transnational crime and fentanyl precursors. Both sides committed to formalize cybersecurity policy cooperation, enhance information sharing on cyber threats, and continue collaboration in fraud and immigration enforcement, in compliance with domestic and international law.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Atlantic Defence Accelerator Program Launches for Tech SMEs

On February 9 in Fredericton, David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary, announced a $997,000 ACOA Regional Defence Investment Initiative to support Vimy Forge Corp.’s new accelerator program for Canadian defence sector SMEs. The first cohort comprises ten companies from New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, focused on advancing defence technologies, strengthening supply chains, and preparing firms for global contracts. Participating firms will have access to mentorship, technical guidance, and opportunities to partner with industry and government stakeholders. Target areas include marine, aerospace, and dual-use ICT solutions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Expansion of Veteran Family Telemedicine Service

Veterans Affairs Canada announced on February 9 the extension and expansion of the Veteran Family Telemedicine Service (VFTS), delivered via Maple, to all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans released after April 1, 2025, along with families and survivors. The coverage, previously limited to medically released veterans, is now open for new registrations until March 31, 2027, with an additional year of service for those already enrolled. The platform connects users to licensed providers, with all documentation handled by a Canadian-based team.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Reports R&D Data for Non-Profit Sector

Statistics Canada released figures on February 11 covering research and development (R&D) expenditures and personnel in Canadian private non-profit organizations for 2024, with preliminary data for 2025 and forward-looking intentions for 2026, including information on technology payments. The dataset provides reference points for ongoing ICT innovation and investment trends across the sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia Prepares to Implement Expanded Consumer Protection Amendments

Amendments to B.C.'s Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, effective August 1, 2026, will standardize contract requirements and prohibit certain high-pressure sales practices, impacting online and service contracts.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

B.C. Attorney General Addresses Safer Internet Day, Cites Provincial and Pending Federal Legal Tools

Attorney General Niki Sharma issued a statement on February 10 detailing the Intimate Images Protection Act and referencing Parliament’s ongoing consideration of Bill C-16, which extends criminal prohibitions to AI-generated deepfakes.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

New Brunswick Modernizes Digital Health System Strategy

The Government of New Brunswick announced a digital health strategy on February 13 to expand access to electronic medical records, invest in data analytics and artificial intelligence for healthcare, and upgrade digital infrastructure province-wide.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

New Brunswick Assures Continued Access to Virtual Health Care

Health Minister John Dornan released a statement confirming that virtual care services will continue in New Brunswick, with a new vendor contract to be implemented by April 1 and all patient data stored within Canada.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Regulator plans two-part inquiry into last year’s cyberattack at N.S. utility: Regulator to launch a phased examination following 2025’s utility cyberattack.
• Tech company demands $100-million from Ontario in battle over audit, contracts: Technology firm pursues legal claim against Ontario government over audit disputes.
• Empowering Europe’s Public Sector: Learning Tree Partners with Abilways to Deliver Advanced Training for the European Commission: Framework agreement focuses on advanced digital training for European public sector employees.
• Your Encryption Is Already Outdated. A $6.15 Trillion Fix Is Underway: Coverage of global efforts to transition towards quantum-safe encryption standards.

.