October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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

• Industry and Technology Committee to Review Electronics Durability and Consider AI/Digital Reports: On October 20, the Industry and Technology Committee will meet to study Bill C-267 regarding durability frameworks for electronics and home appliances, with further discussion scheduled on draft reports for AI opportunities and risks, and financial fraud.
• Procedure and House Affairs Committee to Hear Testimony on AI and Canada’s Democratic Institutions: October 20 will see the Procedure and House Affairs Committee hold a session focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and Canada’s democratic institutions, with witnesses from the House AI Working Group and international organizations.
• Science and Research Committee Schedules Private and Public Sessions on AI and R&D Investment: On October 20, the committee will hold an in-camera meeting to discuss draft reports on artificial intelligence and private sector R&D investment in Canada.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee to Examine Affordability Challenges in the North: The committee will meet October 20 to study affordability challenges, with participation from territorial governments and independent experts.
• National Defence Committee Reviews Army Modernization and Future Strategy: Scheduled for October 19, the National Defence Committee examines Inflection Point 2025 and Canadian Army modernization, with senior military representatives as witnesses.

Federal Government News

Competition Bureau Canada Sets Out Adaptive Resilience Approach, Addresses AI and Market Enforcement

Jeanne Pratt, Interim Commissioner of Competition, delivered remarks at the Canadian Bar Association Competition Law Fall Conference, laying out how Competition Bureau Canada will use its strengthened framework under recent Competition Act amendments. The Bureau has prioritized enforcement actions that maintain competitive alternatives and addresses issues ranging from wage fixing and algorithmic pricing to merger reviews and AI. Pratt detailed recent enforcement such as the block of Nortera’s proposed acquisition of B&G Foods’ Canadian Green Giant and Le Sieur business—citing the Competition Tribunal’s interim injunction and abandonment of the proposed deal as a victory to preserve consumer choice and pricing in the grocery sector. The Bureau has also reached a consent agreement with Kalibrate regarding data-sharing risks in retail gasoline, pointing to the competitive risk of sharing station-level data. The Bureau’s advocacy has included examination of food supply chains, restrictive property covenants, and digital advertising. Guidance and compliance for business remain central, with 14 consultations over the past three years and several published perspectives on digital conduct, including AI. Pratt cited the necessity of competition for business dynamism, adaptation, and public trust, and signaled ongoing focus on AI-related risks, noting that regulatory responses to AI must not favor incumbent protections over market opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and United Kingdom Expand AI Security Partnership Following Ministerial Meetings

Minister Evan Solomon, responsible for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, concluded official visits to the United Kingdom and Ireland, resulting in a renewed Canada–UK partnership on AI security and strengthened information exchange between the countries' AI institutes. Solomon met with the UK’s Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Kanishka Narayan, and the UK’s AI Security Institute to discuss emerging technical risks and advance joint AI evaluations and standards. In Dublin, Solomon attended the International AI Summit to discuss digital infrastructure, AI adoption across sectors, and expanding cooperation with the European Union in the run-up to the Canada–EU Summit on October 29-30. The joint statement with the UK outlined enhanced technical collaboration to address AI system risks, citing the growing need for harmonized standards and cross-border responses to AI safety issues. Meetings with EU, Norwegian, and Irish officials focused on innovation policy and digital economic security.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Provides $500M Expansion for Regional AI Initiative in Southern Ontario

The federal government announced an additional $500 million over five years to expand the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative in southern Ontario, bringing total national funding to $700 million. The support, delivered by regional development agencies under the AI for All national strategy, targets key sectors such as health, energy, transportation, manufacturing, robotics, and agriculture. Funding will assist businesses in adopting responsible AI technologies and help Canadian-made solutions reach market. FedDev Ontario investment in Deep Breathe Inc. was also announced, with over $1 million allocated to scale and commercialize an AI-powered lung ultrasound system. The initiative is part of the broader effort to build a resilient, productive economy and strengthen Canada's position in global AI markets.

Sources: www.canada.ca

CFIN Receives $50 Million to Advance Food Processing Technology and Domestic Supply Chain Resilience

Minister Mélanie Joly announced a $50 million Strategic Response Fund investment for the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) as part of Canada's National Food Security Strategy. CFIN, an industry-led organization, will use the funding to expand services for food and beverage processors, prioritizing advanced technology adoption including automation, AI, and digital manufacturing. This is expected to support more than 200 SMEs, create approximately 300 new jobs, and facilitate up to $200 million in further investment. The expanded national network is projected to reach 20,000 members and provide targeted programming to strengthen the domestic food supply chain and commercialize Canadian-developed innovations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Targets Online Safety and Digital Literacy for Indigenous Youth

The federal government announced $800,000 over five years through Public Safety Canada for the National Association of Friendship Centres to deliver the Bringing Empowerment, Awareness, Culture and Online Navigation (BEACON) Project. The initiative aims to improve awareness and prevention of online child sexual exploitation risks for Indigenous youth, provide culturally aligned online safety education, and enhance information collection on youth online experiences to inform future policy. The investment is part of long-standing national strategies to protect children online, including measures to strengthen platform accountability.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Industry-Level Employment Data for Rural Canada: September 2026

Statistics Canada published updated data for September 2026 on employment by industry in rural areas, available through its Interactive Dashboard. The release delivers sectoral analysis relevant for workforce and infrastructure planning by rural ISPs, ICT solution vendors, and telecommunications providers active in rural markets.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Launches Satellite Internet Rebate for Rural and Remote Communities

Alberta announced a satellite internet rebate program offering up to $1,000 to approximately 10,000 rural households where ground-based broadband is unavailable. Applications remain open through March 31, 2027.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Budget Bill Proposes Levy on Cryptocurrency and AI Data Centres

Manitoba introduced legislation to impose a new levy on cryptocurrency operations and large AI data centres, with proceeds redirected to reduce residential hydro bills by about $50 per year.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Dedicates $12.75M to Anti-Hate Security and Cybersecurity Measures

Ontario initiated a $12.75 million grant supporting faith-based and cultural organizations in implementing security measures, including physical upgrades and cybersecurity-related projects.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Delegation Joins Federal Trade Mission to India with Focus on ICT

A Manitoba delegation is participating in a Team Canada Trade Mission to India, with activities centered on ICT, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Allocates $15M for Postsecondary Seats in STEM and Trades in Thunder Bay

Ontario provided $15 million for 1,312 additional seats at Lakehead University and Confederation College, targeting STEM, health, trades, and education programs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Cyber intelligence agency planning large data centre in Ottawa area: Plans for new secure data facilities raise considerations for data sovereignty and national cyber capabilities.
• Lawful-access bill puts Canadian business at disadvantage with U.S., EU, Chamber of Commerce says: Chamber of Commerce concerns over impacts of new surveillance law on international competitiveness.
• Raising awareness about digital inclusion: Coverage of local initiatives to improve digital access and literacy.
• Highlighting the importance of cybersecurity: Canadian media explores priorities in organizational cybersecurity efforts.
• Institutional-Grade Compliance Infrastructure Positions Itself at Tokenization’s Next Frontier: Advances in compliance frameworks for new digital asset products.

.