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.

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Dates: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 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: Opportunities, Risks, and Regulation of AI in Strategic Industries: Scheduled March 9, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m., witnesses include David Duvenaud (University of Toronto), Dugan O'Neil (Simon Fraser University), Wyatt Tessari L'Allié (AI Governance and Safety Canada), James Elder (York University), Teresa Scassa (University of Ottawa), Julien Billot (Scale AI). In-camera Defence Industrial Strategy report consideration follows.
• Government Operations and Estimates Committee: Supplementary Estimates (C), 2025-26: Scheduled March 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., witnesses include senior staff from Shared Services Canada and Department of Public Works and Government Services, followed by discussion of comprehensive expenditure review with union leadership.

Federal Government News

CRTC Vice-Chair Adam Scott Outlines Regulator’s Direction on Wireless and Internet Competition

Adam Scott, Vice-Chairperson of Telecommunications at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), delivered remarks at the Scotiabank TMT Conference in Toronto on March 3, 2026. Scott noted declining mobile prices since the CRTC’s MVNO regulatory decision, with Statscan data indicating a 30% reduction in mobile prices from 2021 to 2025, while consumer prices overall rose by 15%. He commented on the ongoing rapid deployment of 5G networks and expansion by large ISPs beyond traditional territories, with 8.5 million addressable homes in the four largest provinces now targeted. Scott confirmed that the CRTC is finalizing rates for fibre wholesale access and intends to prioritize regulatory stability throughout 2026. The regulator remains engaged in resolving competitive disputes and monitoring MVNO buildouts, emphasizing continued evidence-gathering and implementation of consumer empowerment tools under recent Telecommunications Act amendments.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Joins Global Telecom Coalition to Advance 6G Security

At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced Canada’s participation in the Global Coalition on Telecommunications, which now includes Finland and Sweden. The coalition adopted new security and resilience principles for 6G, focusing on secure-by-design architectures, quantum-safe cryptography, resilient network operations, reliable AI integration, and diversified supply chains. Endorsing stakeholders include TELUS, Vidéotron, and major international telecom firms. These principles are intended to guide industry and standards groups as deployment of 6G systems approaches, with ongoing international cooperation announced for secure and resilient next-generation networks.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Solomon Announces $8.5M for 40 AI Projects Across Atlantic Canada

Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, announced federal investment through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for 40 projects spanning the region. The $8.5M in funding supports AI adoption in sales, automation, export scaling, and workforce training. Businesses in both rural and urban sectors are utilizing AI for productivity gains. The investment aims to accelerate AI integration and certification, with Volta Labs in Halifax serving as a key project site. Minister Sean Fraser, Justice and ACOA Minister, was referenced as responsible for this initiative.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Continues Abuse of Dominance Litigation Against Google

On March 4, 2026, Acting Commissioner Jeanne Pratt announced that the Competition Tribunal dismissed Google’s constitutional challenge regarding administrative monetary penalties in abuse of dominance litigation. The case continues, with the Bureau citing investigative findings of anti-competitive conduct affecting innovation, advertiser costs, and publisher revenues. The Tribunal’s decision affirms its authority to order penalties; final outcomes remain subject to ongoing proceedings.

Sources: www.canada.ca

ACOA Funds Atlantic AI Ecosystem Growth and Generative AI Development

A backgrounder from ACOA detailed specific funding allocations under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative and REGI program. Projects include commercializing AI-driven platforms for curriculum design (HomeschoolToGo), chick sorting (Chick Pick), cybersecurity services (Bulletproof Solutions ULC), and scaling sales platforms (FLOQER Inc.). Dalhousie University is piloting AI entrepreneurship, while Digital Nova Scotia and TechImpact are delivering sector-specific training and awards. Investments address AI adoption in healthcare, physical security, and advanced analytics for regional SMEs. Individual amounts range from $37,500 to $1.82M, both repayable and non-repayable.

Sources: www.canada.ca

PrairiesCan Invests in AI for Atmospheric Sampling and Defence Applications

Prairies Economic Development Canada announced a repayable federal investment of $1.16M for Landing Zones Canada in Medicine Hat. The initiative supports the deployment and commercialization of AI-enhanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for advanced weather data collection. The product integrates AI to autonomously return devices to base, addressing limitations and waste associated with single-use weather balloons. Funding advances updates in AI, machine learning, and drone technologies for both civilian and defence purposes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Advocates for Open Banking and Data Portability

Acting Commissioner Jeanne Pratt spoke at Open Banking Expo Canada 2026, confirming the Bureau’s support for the Consumer-Driven Banking Act and expanded data mobility rights under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. The Bureau’s ongoing market studies on competition in financial services found that introducing data portability in insurance can deliver savings between $1.1B and $3.8B annually. The Bureau’s recent enforcement case led Interac to adopt a flat-fee model for e-transfers, improving competitive conditions for smaller institutions. Pratt discussed challenges to adoption, including privacy, consent, interoperability, and compliance costs, and described international comparators in the UK and EU.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and EU Launch Negotations Toward Digital Trade Agreement

Global Affairs Canada released details of a meeting in Toronto between Minister Maninder Sidhu and EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič during the fifth Canada-EU CETA Joint Committee. The meeting initiated negotiations on a Canada-EU digital trade agreement, adopted expedited arbitration procedures for SME investment disputes, and amended manufacturing protocols for pharmaceuticals. Minister Sidhu met with architecture industry stakeholders regarding Mutual Recognition Agreements and commented on anticipated regulatory predictability in cross-border digital trade.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Fraud Prevention Month Focuses on Technology-Driven Crime

Fraud Prevention Month 2026, coordinated by the Competition Bureau, CAFC, and RCMP, addresses Canada’s loss of $704M in 2025 to fraud, with only 5–10% of cases reported. Over 80 organizations are participating, directing attention toward technology-facilitated scams including online, cross-border, and AI-driven fraud.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Intelligence Agency Urges Canada to Prepare for Cyberattacks

Canadian media reported that a national intelligence agency has advised Canada to brace for an increase in cyberattacks. No specific details on the source of threats or recommended countermeasures were provided.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Bell Launches 5G Plus Advanced Mobile Network

Bell Canada announced deployment of its 5G Plus Advanced mobile network. The launch is expected to expand capacity and enable advanced connectivity applications for consumers and business clients.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario and Peel Launch Province-Wide Digital Emergency Training

Ontario’s Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response and Peel Region completed the first province-wide digital emergency management training, equipping 3,384 staff in four months. The Incident Management System (IMS) 101 digital course is now available for municipalities seeking to improve local emergency response.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Opens Public Consultations on AI Risks and Data Privacy

The Manitoba government has begun province-wide consultations to assess risks from AI, modernize data privacy laws, and set practical rules for responsible AI use, especially for services impacting personal rights and access.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec Releases Portrait of AI Uses in Public Administration

The Quebec government published an overview of AI initiatives in public administration, with a 50% increase in projects since 2024. The highest activity occurs in health, education, and natural resources sectors.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Marks Fraud Prevention Month with New Resources

Alberta’s Service Minister Dale Nally issued a statement for Fraud Prevention Month, citing the complexity of technology-enabled scams and providing guidance on reporting and investigation resources.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Alberta to Patch Software Amid Cybersecurity Incident Spike

A spike in cybersecurity incidents prompted Alberta to update or patch extensive software assets. The government’s response targets vulnerabilities across networks and public infrastructure.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• The Encryption Upgrade Nobody Can Afford to Skip: Reports discuss industry-wide transition to enhanced encryption standards amid evolving cybersecurity threats.
• AI cyberattacks costing Canadian businesses profits, reputations, KPMG report finds: KPMG’s new report quantifies reputation and financial impact of AI-driven cyberattacks on Canadian firms.
• The U.S. is further along in its AI data centre buildout. How does Alberta's approach compare? | CBC News: Comparison of U.S. and Alberta AI data centre buildout strategies and implications for regional infrastructure.
• Bell launches 5G Plus Advanced mobile network: Coverage of Bell Canada’s nationwide rollout of its latest 5G network capabilities.
• Intelligence agency tells Canada to brace for cyberattacks: An intelligence briefing warns of incoming cyber threats, citing increased risks for national networks.

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