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: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Bill C-22 Unveiled: Law Enforcement Access to Digital Information Modernized

The Government of Canada announced Bill C-22 on March 12 and 13, 2026, aiming to update the Criminal Code with new tools for law enforcement and CSIS to respond to digital threats and sophisticated crime networks. The legislation introduces a requirement for designated electronic service providers (ESPs) to maintain systems capable of complying with lawful access requests for communication and subscriber information, similar to Five Eyes regimes. Core ESPs, including telecom and satellite providers, would need to develop technical capabilities as mandated by regulations or Ministerial Orders issued by the Minister of Public Safety and approved by the Intelligence Commissioner. Compliance provisions include administrative monetary penalties and offences for contravention. Bill C-22 also mandates an annual report and parliamentary review after three years. The scope of data retention is clarified: only prescribed metadata may be retained for up to one year, excluding content, browsing history, and social media activity. The proposed framework is designed to increase efficiency in urgent investigations and international cooperation on transnational crime. Public Safety Canada underscored alignment with allies and industry feedback was incorporated to clarify regulatory obligations.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.ctvnews.ca, www.thestar.com

CRTC Eliminates Fees for Switching Internet and Cellphone Plans

On March 12, 2026, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued Telecom Decision CRTC 2026-43, eliminating fees for activating, changing, or cancelling internet and cellphone plans. The decision is rooted in amendments to the Telecommunications Act and follows a public consultation with consumers, advocacy groups, and service providers. The move is intended to enhance consumer flexibility and market competition by lowering barriers to switching providers. Upcoming changes will enable consumers to compare plans more easily, as the CRTC prepares to streamline and combine its consumer protection codes. The CRTC's Consumer Protections Action Plan includes further reviews, with regulatory updates expected in the months ahead.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.theglobeandmail.com, globalnews.ca

Minister Joly Permits TikTok Investment in Canada with Enhanced Data Safeguards

Minister Mélanie Joly announced on March 9, 2026, the completion of a national security review under the Investment Canada Act, approving TikTok Technology Canada Inc.'s investment subject to legally binding undertakings. TikTok must implement privacy-enhancing technologies and data access controls, including independent auditing by a third-party monitor. Measures also require protections for minors, consistent with recommendations from the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. The agreement ensures TikTok Canada maintains a physical presence and invests in cultural content, with regulatory oversight modeled after the European Union's approach.

Sources: www.canada.ca

NRC Directs $900 Million Toward Defence Industrial Strategy and ICT Innovation

On March 9, 2026, the National Research Council (NRC) announced investments exceeding $900 million as part of the Defence Industrial Strategy. Funds are allocated to drone and aerospace initiatives, quantum technology, and biomedical countermeasure research. The NRC will establish a Drone Innovation Hub, acquire a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft for defence R&D, and launch Defence Industry Assist (DI Assist) to support dual-use technology development by SMEs. Quantum investments target applications in sensing, internetworking, and quantum-safe communications, including benchmarking quantum platforms for technical assessments and enhancing domestic semiconductor fabrication for quantum and defence sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Warns of AI-Generated Government Impersonation Risks

The Competition Bureau Canada on March 9, 2026, issued guidance on emerging fraud techniques enabled by artificial intelligence. Fraudsters are using AI to create deepfakes, clone voices, and spoof government websites, making it more challenging for consumers and businesses to distinguish authentic communications from scams. Common tactics include urgent messages, fake URLs, and AI-generated audio or video impersonating officials. The Bureau advises stringent vigilance and reporting to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Reconvenes Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety

Minister Marc Miller, on March 12, 2026, reconvened the expert advisory group on online safety to address new issues arising from advances in artificial intelligence and digital platforms. The panel includes specialists across disciplines providing input for forthcoming legislative work on online harms. Topics for review include AI-driven chatbots and trends in internet service safety. Recent workshops inform the group’s mandate, with findings expected to shape online safety regulations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Data: Software Development and Computer Services Industries See 8.5% Revenue Growth in 2024

Statistics Canada released figures on March 11, 2026, showing that the software development and computer services sector generated $161.9 billion in operating revenue in 2024, marking an 8.5% increase. The sector includes software publishers, systems design, and infrastructure providers, continuing to expand their client base amid technology-driven environments both in Canada and internationally.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Police-Reported Online Child Sexual Exploitation Declines in 2024

On March 10, 2026, Statistics Canada reported 16,905 police-reported incidents of online child sexual exploitation, corresponding to a rate of 223 incidents per 100,000 population aged 17 or younger. This represents a 16% decrease from 2023.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Launches Rural Business Conditions Dashboard for First Quarter 2026

Statistics Canada launched an interactive dashboard on March 11, 2026, presenting new data and analysis of business conditions in rural and small town Canada for the first quarter of 2026.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture Scheduled for March 15–17, 2026

Canadian Heritage announced that Ministers Marc Miller and Evan Solomon will co-host the National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture in Banff, Alberta, March 15–17, 2026. The summit will feature panels, showcases, and multi-sector dialogues addressing AI’s intersection with cultural policy and industry practice.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Studies AI Risks and Governance

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology convened on March 12, 2026, to study artificial intelligence impacts. Professor Yoshua Bengio discussed AI risk, including deepfakes, cyberattacks, and power concentration. The meeting reviewed governance, regulatory frameworks, international collaboration, and Indigenous data sovereignty.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Updates Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Access Framework

Ontario announced changes to its digital privacy and cybersecurity framework on March 13, 2026. Updates include stronger cyber rules for vital public services, revised FOI timelines, and explicit protections for cabinet ministers' records, aligning with other Canadian jurisdictions.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

British Columbia Invests in Haida Gwaii Subsea Fibre-Optic Link

The Government of British Columbia announced a $24 million investment in a new subsea fibre-optic cable for Haida Gwaii on March 13, 2026, enhancing network resilience and connectivity for communities, businesses, and essential services.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Université TÉLUQ Achieves Breakthrough in AI Voice Emotion Analysis

Université TÉLUQ’s research on emotionally sensitive AI voice analysis was accepted to ICLR 2026, marking its first appearance at the conference. Developed with finite resources, the technology enables improved psychological support and broader human-machine interaction applications.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• New Liberal bill seeks to give police new powers to access digital information: Bill C-22 aims to support law enforcement in digital investigations.
• CRTC orders companies to eliminate fees preventing customers from switching plans: The CRTC decision removes barriers for consumers switching telecom providers.
• CRTC to eliminate fees when cancelling or switching cell phone and internet plans: Recent telecom regulatory changes impact customer plan mobility.
• New government bill would help police, spy service probe online activities: Bill C-22 responds to digital crime and national security concerns.
• Moscow businesses struggle as Russia restricts cellphone internet services: Russia's restrictions affect internet service and business operations.

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