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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Committee: Public Safety and National Security – Bill C-8 Cybersecurity Law Review: The SECU committee will conduct clause-by-clause review of Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security and amending the Telecommunications Act, on February 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; witnesses include officials from Communications Security Establishment, Department of Industry, Spectrum and Telecommunications, and Public Safety.
• Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications – Copper Wire Theft Impact on Telecom: On February 25 at 6:45 p.m., the Senate committee will meet in camera to consider a draft report on copper wire theft and its effects on the telecommunications industry.
• House Committee: Finance – Bill C-15 Budget Implementation: The Finance Committee will conduct clause-by-clause study of Bill C-15, budget implementation legislation, on February 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; the agenda includes digital assets, broadcasting, business income tax, and financial crimes compliance, with official appearances by representatives from multiple departments.
• Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights – Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Rights: On February 23, the Senate Human Rights Committee will meet to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights and economic security, with sessions featuring officials from ISED and private sector AI experts.
• Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology – AI Impact and Governance: The Senate committee will meet February 25 at 4:15 p.m. to consider matters related to AI's impact in Canada; witnesses include the Associate Deputy Minister of Industry, the Government CIO, and the Executive Director for the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR.
• Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology – AI Safety and Governance with Geoffrey Hinton: On February 26, the Senate committee will receive testimony from Professor Geoffrey Hinton (University of Toronto), AI Governance & Safety Canada, and other academic experts from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., addressing AI governance issues.
• Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications – Critical Infrastructure Update: The Senate Transport and Communications Committee will meet in camera February 24 at 9:00 a.m. for an update on Canada's critical transportation infrastructure, with briefings from officials at Transport Canada, Public Safety Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Federal Government News

2024 Canadian Defence, Aerospace, Marine and Cybersecurity Industries Survey Released

Statistics Canada has made available selected data from the 2024 Canadian Defence, Aerospace, Marine and Cybersecurity Industries Survey as of February 18, 2026. Data may be requested directly from Statistics Canada. This release allows further benchmarking of the cybersecurity sector, including industry structure, workforce size, and cross-sector economic linkages. The dataset is positioned to inform analysis of industry trends ahead of anticipated federal regulatory reviews. Stakeholders operating in the defense-oriented ICT vertical and associated service providers may see new data points relevant to procurement planning and engagement with federal policy priorities. Full release: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/260218/dq260218d-eng.htm.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Canadian International Trade in Services Surplus Narrows

New data shows Canada's international trade in services surplus widened to $0.7 billion in December 2025, from $0.1 billion in November. Imports of services dropped by 2.2% to $19.4 billion, while exports of services rose by 0.8% to $20.2 billion. Sectors including ICT and business services are embedded within the services trade balance, which remains a core economic indicator tracked by federal officials and industry analysts. The figures could influence ongoing discussions on cross-border data flow policies, international ICT contracting, and market access for Canadian digital services providers. Official data accessible at https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/260219/dq260219d-eng.htm.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Edge AI Contracts Expand in Government Defense Procurement

According to a February 20 article, Canadian government spending on autonomous security systems has intensified demand for edge AI solutions. Defense procurement contracts are reported to be driving the adoption of distributed AI decision-making platforms within security and surveillance systems. These initiatives are tied to efforts for real-time data processing at the device level, avoiding external transmission delays. Industry participants delivering cloud-platform integration or cybersecurity services are likely to observe adjusted procurement standards emphasizing onboard machine learning capabilities for critical infrastructure protection. Additional coverage available at https://www.thestar.com/globenewswire/edge-ai-moves-into-defense-spotlight-as-government-contracts-accelerate-autonomous-security-systems/article_9500aacf-9127-553e-8f40-416147d6fe65.html.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Recognized As Industry Imperative

Recent reporting signals an industry-wide push to accelerate migration to post-quantum cryptography, as legacy public key infrastructure faces potential vulnerabilities with the commercial rise of quantum computing. The article notes that global costs of inaction for data security could reach into the trillions, adding urgency for technology providers, federal procurement agencies, and major data custodians to prioritize post-quantum cryptographic standards in both new projects and legacy upgrades. Industry actors engaged in cloud services, broadband, and managed security offerings will be affected by evolving compliance requirements. Full article at https://www.thestar.com/globenewswire/post-quantum-cryptography-migration-is-now-a-trillion-dollar-imperative/article_cbcfc296-bab1-5371-829a-ffd182d98781.html.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Provincial Government News

B.C. Invests in Quantum Computing Research at University of Victoria

The British Columbia government announced over $90,000 for quantum computing research at UVic, part of a total $1.9 million investment in research infrastructure supporting advancements in quantum, AI, and life sciences. Details: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026JEG0015-000167.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

New Trade Recognition Act Introduced in B.C.

British Columbia tabled Bill 5, the Trade Recognition Act, to make the province's interprovincial recognition framework permanent; the proposal would lower compliance costs for businesses, including ICT and digital service firms. Announcement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026JEG0014-000166.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Legislation for Online Driver’s Licence Renewal in B.C.

Proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act would enable the Insurance Corporation of B.C. to offer online renewal and replacement options for driver’s licences and service cards, anticipated to go live in 2027. More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026AG0009-000154.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Quebec Law Advances Cultural Sovereignty and Discoverability Online

Quebec reaffirms its digital cultural policy, including new legislation to increase visibility of Francophone content online and measures relating to the use of AI in cultural fields. Source: https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/le-quebec-participe-a-la-19e-session-du-comite-intergouvernemental-sur-la-diversite-des-expressions-culturelles-de-lunesco-68577.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Montréal’s Palais des congrès Showcases Generative AI in Public Art

Mapping Motion’s 'Stay Toon!' project, supported by the Palais des congrès de Montréal, launches February 18–19, incorporating generative AI for interactive visitor experiences as part of the E-AI 2026 event. Info: https://www.quebec.ca/en/news/actualites/detail/mapping-motion-winner-of-the-palais-des-congres-de-montreals-call-for-concepts-in-artificial-intelligence-68545.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Horizontal Red Tape Reviews Open for Input

The federal Red Tape Reduction Office is seeking input on five themes to simplify regulation, including project review efficiency and reducing barriers to business productivity, through February 28, 2026. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/government/system/laws/developing-improving-federal-regulations/red-tape-reduction-office/horizontal-red-tape-reviews.html.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Consultations on Federal Emergency Management Leadership

Public Safety Canada is gathering feedback on approaches to strengthen federal emergency management, including governance and resource integration, with input accepted through February 28, 2026. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/consultations/public-engagement-strengthen-federal-leadership-emergency-management.html.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Alberta’s AI data centre boom unleashes 'gold rush' for electricity allotments: Overview of growing power infrastructure demands driven by rapid AI data centre expansion.
• Building prosperity and responding to emerging needs: Discussion of strategies for digital infrastructure and business modernization in Canada.

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