This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning Indigenous communities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, reserve lands, traditional territories, treaty rights and implementations, self-determination, truth and reconciliation, impact benefit agreements and boil water advisories on reserves. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Indigenous Affairs? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Social Issues and Environment. Also consider subscribing to our Indigenous Affairs - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 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

There are no scheduled committee meetings this week.

Federal Government News

National MMIWG2S+ Meeting Convenes in Ottawa

Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, Chair of the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc.; the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Dr. Lyne Chantal Boudreau, Minister responsible for Women's Equality and Seniors, New Brunswick, opened the fourth annual National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People on February 11 in Ottawa. The event, which featured media-accessible remarks, serves as a key forum for cross-jurisdictional and Indigenous leadership on responses to violence affecting Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. The government maintains a registration requirement for media, reinforcing security protocols and documentation. Developments at this meeting are closely watched by advocacy groups, governments, and Indigenous organizations engaged in related justice, family well-being, and cultural preservation work.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Examines Bill C-12 on Border Security: Information Sharing and Indigenous Policing

On February 12, the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs held a further session on Bill C-12. Hartland Elcock of the Canadian Bankers Association proposed amendments relating to penalties and the regulation of fictitious bank accounts. Brian Sauvé, National Police Federation, provided perspective on the bill's role in improving RCMP operations in drug trafficking and called for digital access provisions. Adam Lajeunesse of St. Francis Xavier University cited the Canadian Coast Guard's requirements for improved Arctic security and information exchange with the Department of National Defence. Senate discussion extended to Coast Guard staffing, procurement challenges, and support for Indigenous policing. Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne evaluated privacy safeguards in the bill. The Department of Finance and FINTRAC representatives reported on tightened compliance and supervisory functions.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

CRTC Signals New Decisions on Indigenous Connectivity and Content Funding

In her remarks to the House Standing Committee on Finance on February 9, CRTC Chairperson Vicky Eatrides outlined current initiatives. The CRTC has allocated more than $770 million since 2019 through the Broadband Fund, connecting over 54,000 homes in more than 320 rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Eatrides pointed to competition and affordability initiatives that enabled 88 communities to gain new cellphone service providers, referencing a 37.3% decrease in cellphone pricing from 2021 to 2025. The CRTC's modernization of the Online Streaming Act will channel an estimated $200 million annually into the Canadian system, including Indigenous content support. Eatrides also noted upcoming decisions on consumer protection and content investment, with a focus on both connectivity and participation in public consultations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Observes Mourning for Kitigan Zibi and Tumbler Ridge

On February 11, the Senate devoted statements to the tragedies in Kitigan Zibi, Quebec, and Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, both involving the deaths of children and community members. Senators, including Patti LaBoucane-Benson, Pierre Moreau, Leo Housakos, Krista Ross, Lucie Moncion, Flordeliz Osler, Judy White, and Patrick Brazeau, spoke about the events' impacts on families and the legacy of intergenerational trauma linked to residential schools. The Peace Tower flag was lowered to half-mast in response. The Senate held a moment of silence and discussed support mechanisms for the affected Indigenous communities.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Government of Canada Opens New Federal Building with Atikamekw Partnership

The Government of Canada officially opened a federal building in Shawinigan, Quebec, on February 9. The $223 million project, overseen by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne for Public Services and Procurement Canada, incorporates design elements and art commissioned in partnership with the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw. The building features trilingual signage (Atikamekw, French, English), dedicated art installations by local Atikamekw artists, and design themes reflecting the Atikamekw seasonal calendar. This approach aims to support cultural recognition within a workplace housing approximately 2,000 federal employees. The building's completion was $61 million under budget, with further exterior work expected through fall 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

International Development Engagements Involve Indigenous Entrepreneurs

From February 1–7, Secretary of State Randeep Sarai engaged Indigenous youth entrepreneurs through meetings in Whitehorse, linked to International Development Week 2026. The Government's EntrepreNorth program, funded as a Global Arctic Leadership Initiative, was featured along with collaborative projects in the Global South. Events included the Top 30 Under 30 Celebration in Edmonton, presentations on matching fund projects, and connections to Indigenous and diaspora communities. Notably, Sarai's itinerary covered meetings with Indigenous youths and leaders focused on development priorities in northern and Arctic regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Openings for Strategic Crown Corporation Board Appointments

On February 9, Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Canada posted open application opportunities for Board of Directors roles at key Crown corporations including the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Canada Lands Company Limited, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Applications are sought from individuals with relevant experience by March 9 for positions shaping investment strategies in the housing and infrastructure sector, which intersect with Indigenous community development, urban and remote infrastructure, and northern connectivity initiatives.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Anand Meets Greenland and Denmark Counterparts on Arctic Relations

On February 8, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand met with Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Research, Vivian Motzfeldt, and Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, in Nuuk. Announcements included the opening of a Canadian consulate in Nuuk, discussions on Arctic affairs, economic opportunities, and Indigenous mobility, as well as Arctic Council priorities. Greenland intends to open a representation in Canada as Canada advances an Arctic Foreign Policy built on engagement with Indigenous partners.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Manitoba and Nunavut Advance Inuit-Led Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link

Premiers Wab Kinew (Manitoba) and John Main (Nunavut), along with Kono Tattuinee of Kivalliq Inuit Association, met in Winnipeg to advance the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project, aimed at connecting Nunavut communities to Manitoba’s hydro and fibre infrastructure.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Government Invests $767,000 in Projects for Women, Gender-Diverse Manitobans

The Manitoba government allocated over $767,000 to nine community projects supporting women, gender-diverse people, and Indigenous-led spaces for survivors of violence, with $100,000 directed to Velma’s House Renovations at Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba and United Way Winnipeg Expand Family Resource Centre Funding

Manitoba increased its contribution by $500,000 to the For Every Family initiative, bringing total government support to $2 million and supporting resources, including for Indigenous families, for the next three years.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec Opens Call for Indigenous-Led Youth Infrastructure Projects

Quebec’s Secretariat for Youth opened applications to improve youth infrastructure, with a focus on Indigenous organizations and northern villages; eligible groups may apply by March 12, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Call for Projects for Local Celebrations of Quebec's National Holiday Includes Indigenous Applicants

The Ministry of Culture and Communications announced a call for projects for local National Holiday celebrations, open to First Nations and Inuit authorities, with applications due March 20, 2026.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Government Consultations

CNSC Consultation: Indigenous Engagement Requirements Remain Open

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is accepting consultation feedback through March 9, 2026, on REGDOC-3.2.2, defining licensee obligations relating to engagement with Indigenous communities for projects triggering the Crown’s duty to consult.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Inuit look to Greenland’s social model as Canada pursues military buildup in Arctic: Coverage of Inuit interest in Greenlandic approaches amid Canadian defence policy developments.
• Indigenous art installation now welcomes airport arrivals to Treaty 6, Métis Homeland: An airport installation marks Indigenous recognition at a key travel hub.
• Indigenous children 'underserved and discarded' with current CFS funding system: Southern Chiefs' Organization: Southern Chiefs' Organization raises concerns about Manitoba child and family services funding.
• More than 100 B.C. First Nations urge Eby to uphold DRIPA or risk backslide: First Nations leaders call for continued implementation of B.C.'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
• Opaskwayak Cree Nation takes Ottawa to court over 'massive impact' to ways of life after hydro dam in 1960s: Court challenge revisits historical hydro impacts on Cree ways of life.
• No outreach from N.S. minister of addictions, mental health to First Nation in crisis: Issues reported in Nova Scotia regarding ministerial communication with First Nations during crisis.
• Inuit not sure where they fit into Carney’s economic, defence agenda: ITK president: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president discusses federal priorities and Indigenous inclusion.
• B.C. Insider: Indigenous rights at centre stage in new sitting: Coverage of Indigenous rights issues at the new B.C. legislative session.
• Inuit not sure where they fit into Carney’s economic, defence agenda: ITK president: Further discussion of Inuit perspectives on government policy direction.
• Inuit look to Greenland’s social model as Canada pursues military buildup in Arctic: Additional coverage of Inuit perspectives on Arctic policy and Greenlandic models.

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