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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

CRTC Releases Updated Strategic Plan Focused on Connectivity and Competition

On February 27, 2026, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) published an updated Strategic Plan: Connecting Canadians through technology and culture. The plan maintains the CRTC’s priorities in promoting competition and investment in Internet and cellphone services, modernizing Canada’s broadcasting framework, and strengthening internal operations. The CRTC outlined recent progress in expanding consumer choice and access, particularly in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, and simplifying the process to switch Internet and cellphone providers. The plan includes measures to support a healthy broadcasting system, improve access to local and national news, and accelerate regulatory decisions. The CRTC continues to remove outdated regulatory requirements and has committed to fast-tracking issues with broad impacts on Canadians. The plan sets the basis for upcoming initiatives in both telecommunications and broadcasting.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Launches Defence Industrial Strategy with $7 Million for Tech Commercialization

On February 26, the federal government announced the Defence Industrial Strategy, designed to bolster domestic defence capabilities and enable Canadian innovators to access new markets. Up to $7 million will fund the Creative Destruction Lab’s (CDL) Defence program. This initiative, supported by FedDev Ontario and National Defence, aims to help early-stage technology ventures develop dual-use and defence-related technologies, offer mentorship, and align with government procurement requirements. The strategy introduces the Regional Defence Investment Initiative to support industry integration into supply chains. Key sectors include aerospace, cyber, and advanced defence manufacturing. The program aligns with broader government efforts to encourage scale-up, industrial growth, and strategic autonomy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Alberta AI Business Commercialization Announced

On February 27, Prairies Economic Development Canada confirmed that Minister Eleanor Olszewski will announce federal funding for Landing Zones Canada Inc., a Medicine Hat-based firm, on March 2. The support aims to accelerate the commercialization of artificial intelligence technologies to help an Alberta business compete globally. The announcement will involve collaboration with local government officials and is positioned to promote innovation and reinforce Canada’s standing in AI-driven industries.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Republic of Korea Expand Defence, Cyber, and Space Cooperation

Following a bilateral meeting in Ottawa on February 25, Ministers Anita Anand and David J. McGuinty welcomed South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Minister of National Defence Ahn Gyuback. Both sides agreed to update the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan and to begin negotiations on a Defence Cooperation Agreement. Notably, the visit produced an Agreement on the Protection of Military and Defence Classified Information and established plans for the first Canada–Korea Cyber Policy Consultations in March 2026. A formal Canada-Korea Space Security Dialogue will also be created. The agreements are expected to pave the way for increased collaboration on cyber threats, classified information management, and defence sector interoperability.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and India Launch New Talent and Innovation Strategy with Focus on AI and Research Collaboration

On February 28, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand announced the launch of the Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy, highlighting 13 new partnerships between Canadian and Indian institutions. The strategy seeks to foster research ties, enable student and faculty exchanges, and expand AI centres of excellence. Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada are supporting these efforts across more than 20 Canadian institutions. The agreement prioritizes embedding Canadian expertise in India's priority sectors, accelerating business expansion, and promoting knowledge transfer. A recent MOU between the University of Waterloo and Tata Consultancy Services signals momentum in AI collaboration and innovation-driven economic growth between the countries.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Secretary Leitão to Address Strategic Procurement in Tech at Montreal Conference

On February 24, the office of Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, announced his upcoming participation at the "Turning Your Civilian Offerings into Strategic Contracts" conference hosted by the Saint-Laurent–Mont-Royal Chamber of Commerce. The event, scheduled for February 25 in Montreal, will feature remarks on pathways for tech companies to secure strategic procurement and explore government contracting opportunities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Q1 2026 Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Statistics Canada released first quarter 2026 results of the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions on February 27. The survey identifies cost pressures and labour constraints as ongoing challenges for Canadian businesses this quarter. Compared with previous periods, the report shows improved business optimism across sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Data: Digital Technology Adoption by Healthcare Providers

On February 24, Statistics Canada published data from the 2024 Survey on the Use of Digital Technologies by Health Care Providers. The release covers indicators for shared health priorities and measures rates of digital technology implementation among Canadian healthcare institutions.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Amendments Introduced to BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

The Government of British Columbia announced changes to FOIPPA, introducing new mechanisms for digital service delivery and administrative efficiency in freedom-of-information requests.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Advances International Tech Engagement with Delegation to MWC Barcelona

Alberta's Minister Joseph Schow is leading a delegation of 20 technology companies to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, aiming to develop trade and investment ties with European partners.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Releases Budget 2026 with Substantial Investments in Post-Secondary Tech Infrastructure

The Government of Alberta unveiled Budget 2026, allocating funds for infrastructure modernization, innovation, workforce training, and research and development tax credits to support growth in the tech and ICT sectors.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Quebec Economic Attachés Announce 2026 International Mission Calendar with ICT Focus

The General Delegation of Quebec in Brussels released its list of 2026 missions, including representation at Mobile World Congress, CANSEC, and multiple forums tied to advanced manufacturing, AI, and digital transformation.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on Cybersecurity Requirements for Licensed Insolvency Trustees

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy will hold consultations regarding amendments to cybersecurity guidelines and minimum measures for the Licensed Insolvency Trustee community.

Sources: ised-isde.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Cyberattacks are hitting faster with AI fuelling an 89% jump, data shows - National: Industry data reports a substantial increase in AI-driven cyberattacks.
• Small broadcasters ask CRTC to make Meta pay them under Online News Act: Canadian broadcasters petition CRTC on payments from tech platforms.
• N.L.'s approach to the tech sector is a recipe for success, say entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs discuss strategies for Newfoundland and Labrador's technology industry expansion.
• Justin Ling: Canada has studied the problem of online harms enough. Now we need to solve it: Opinion on addressing Canada's policy approach to online harms.
• The cybersecurity market is not consolidating. It is rewiring itself: Industry analysis of shifting trends in the cybersecurity sector.
• A rock-solid foundation for our shared future: Examination of infrastructure and future technology transitions.

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