This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning social advocacy issues. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Nearly $1.4 Billion Allocated to Support Indigenous Health, Wellness, and Community Programming

On March 27, 2026, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced close to $1.4 billion in federal funding focused on Indigenous populations—split across urban Indigenous programming, mental health and trauma support, and assisted living services for on-reserve communities. The funding includes $168 million over five years for Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples, channeled through the National Association of Friendship Centres and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. An allocation of $630 million over two years will renew and enhance trauma-informed health and cultural support programs, backing crisis lines, opioid agonist therapy, and over 77 community-led Mental Wellness Teams nationwide. Additionally, $592.4 million through 2034 will bolster the Assisted Living Program, serving elders, people with disabilities, and low-income residents on-reserve, supporting their ability to live close to family and community. These investments are structured to deliver stable, distinctions-based, and culturally grounded services and flow through both Indigenous organizations and provinces.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Bill C-12 (Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act) Receives Royal Assent

On March 26, legislation to modernize Canada's immigration and border security frameworks received Royal Assent. Bill C-12 introduces changes to improve asylum processing, implements new ineligibility rules, and enhances the Canada Border Services Agency's authority over outbound goods. The law allows the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and broadens the RCMP's information sharing on registered sex offenders. Amendments also expand Canada's anti-money laundering regime, with increased penalties and coordination among federal agencies, and allow Health Canada to control precursor chemicals for illegal drug production. These new provisions are intended to strengthen law enforcement capacity against organized crime, illicit fentanyl trafficking, and financial crime, while clarifying privacy and Charter safeguards.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Expanded Funding for First Nations Health Services, Governance, and Emergency Management

On March 26, a federal investment of $738.9 million over five years was announced by Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, focusing on continuing access to health care and digital health tools in isolated First Nations communities, as well as governance and emergency management. $400 million is directed at health access and digital services, including $41.17 million for supporting First Nations nurses and $84.38 million to hire contracted paramedics. Governance strengthening receives $283.3 million, while $55.6 million goes to emergency management, notably for wildland fire preparedness and related emergencies. The funding addresses infrastructure gaps and the unique risk profile of Indigenous communities concerning disaster-induced displacement, complementing broader ongoing support for frontline emergency capacity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Launches Electoral Safeguards in Response to Foreign Interference and Emerging Threats

On March 26, Minister Steven MacKinnon unveiled Bill C-25, the Strong and Free Elections Act, tabled to address recommendations from the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference and from Canada’s electoral authorities. The bill seeks to expand protections against unlawful voting influence before and during campaigns, impose a ban on deepfakes of electoral actors, restrict foreign funding channels in federal elections, and require more robust privacy policies and breach disclosures from federal parties. Administrative monetary penalties for Elections Act violations will be increased. Separately, the new Cabinet Directive on the Coordinated Response to Threats to Elections establishes protocols for proactive reporting and coordination across federal institutions, including the appointment of non-governmental experts to the response panel. $31.5 million over five years will go into Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism for threat detection and communications.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Auditor General Issues RCMP Recruitment Review, Government Accepts Findings

Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, on March 23, responded to the Auditor General’s assessment of RCMP hiring practices for 2023 to September 2025. The audit found significant challenges in quickly attracting and processing new recruits for operational requirements. The RCMP has committed to implementing all recommendations—from modernizing applicant screening and processing to enhanced workforce planning and improved outreach with a specific focus on Indigenous communities. Existing measures include digital application modernization and consultation with Indigenous stakeholders. The government maintains its pledge to recruit 1,000 new RCMP personnel.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Employment Equity in the Federal Public Service Annual Report Tabled

On March 26, Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali tabled the 33rd Employment Equity in the Public Service report, covering fiscal 2024–2025. The report tracks representation of equity-seeking groups within the core federal administration. Key data points show rising representation of Black employees at senior levels, increases in self-identified executives, and a slight rise in persons with disabilities among public servants. Ongoing reporting on Black employees links back to the 2021 Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion. The Employment Equity Act requires regular representation measurement, supported by internal demographic snapshots and surveys.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Criminal Court Outcomes Report on Black Accused Persons

A new Juristat report published March 24 examines criminal court decisions and sentencing outcomes for Black adults accused in Canadian courts from 2016/2017 to 2022/2023. The data set includes breakdowns by type of offence, year, and jurisdiction. The findings offer extended information for policymakers and advocates tracking criminal justice outcomes for Black Canadians.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Federal Emergency Treatment Fund Backs Substance Use and Addiction Programs in Atlantic Canada

On March 27, Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced $936,000 in funding distributed via the Emergency Treatment Fund to expand substance use health services and culturally appropriate programming through three Atlantic Canada projects. In New Brunswick, Fredericton received an amended total of $1,266,790 to add overnight outreach for vulnerable populations, with services such as supply distribution and transport to critical supports. Miramichi received $1,693,310 to develop a wraparound care centre linked to the Out of the Cold shelter. In Newfoundland and Labrador, $451,232 supports an Indigenous Peer Support Circle in St. John's, integrating land-based and harm reduction services. These funds target community capacity to respond to the ongoing drug crisis.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Procurement Ombud Calls for Stronger Indigenous Procurement Policy

On March 26, the Office of the Procurement Ombud released a review of the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business (PSIB), covering compliance by key federal departments. The report, based on 27 contract audits, found inconsistent application of PSIB requirements, fragmented guidance, weak oversight, and reporting concerns relating to the government’s 5% Indigenous contracting target. The review observes that Indigenous firms face limited recourse on set-asides—unable to access complaint processes available to other suppliers. Recommendations focus on establishing a centralized policy and improving accountability mechanisms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Extends Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students

On March 23, Employment Minister Patty Hajdu confirmed the extension of temporary increases for Canada Student Financial Assistance grants and loans through 2026-27. The weekly grant enhancement (40% increase) and student loan ceiling— $300 per week—remain in place, supporting an estimated 571,000 students with grants and 422,000 with loans. The measures involve an additional $1.2 billion investment for the academic year.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Food Security Research Grant Phase 2: $2M+ Targeted to Indigenous-Led Northern Food Security Projects

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada announced on March 26 that Phase 2 of the Nutrition North Canada Food Security Research Grant will invest over $2 million through 2028 in nine Indigenous-led projects addressing food insecurity in isolated communities. Projects include piloting hunting supports and local food programs, comparative analyses of food retail and subsidy models, and research into supply chain impacts, with partners ranging from Nunavut to Matawa First Nations and urban universities. Initiatives will assess local and digital food delivery, community-based harvesting, and subsidy modeling.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Expands Electronic Monitoring for Victim Safety

Alberta is expanding its electronic monitoring program to provide real-time alerts to victims when offenders breach court-ordered boundaries, backed by $4.1 million over three years. Participants receive immediate notifications if offenders approach restricted zones. The measure is part of Budget 2026’s investments in public safety.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Announces HART Hub for Homelessness and Addiction Recovery in Niagara

Ontario opened a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in St. Catharines, part of a nearly $550 million provincial program to launch 28 such hubs. The Niagara facility will offer coordinated mental health, housing, Indigenous services, and primary care, with housing units distributed throughout the region.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Community Living BC Pilots Indigenous-Led Support Program in Six Communities

The BC government, via Community Living BC and Aboriginal friendship centres, launched the 'Connections Through Inclusion' pilot in six cities. With $900,000 in funding, Community Connections workers will support Indigenous adults with developmental disabilities and complex needs through hands-on, culturally informed outreach.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Affordable and Supportive Housing Opens for Katzie First Nation in Pitt Meadows, BC

Forty new affordable and supportive homes became available in Pitt Meadows for Katzie First Nation members. The three-building development, built with provincial, federal, and community partners, features units for elders, youth, women leaving violence, and residents facing mental health and substance use challenges.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Proposes New Councillor Accountability Framework

Alberta introduced legislative changes to the Municipal Government Act, setting province-wide standards for councillor conduct and instituting an independent third-party investigation and appeals process to address complaints, with the goal of improving transparency and trust in local governance.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Public Consultation: Canada-Colombia Human Rights and Free Trade Annual Report

Global Affairs Canada is accepting submissions through April 3, 2026, regarding the annual report on human rights and free trade between Canada and Colombia.

Sources: international.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario murder case highlights child welfare's systemic failures, say advocates: Coverage of advocates' calls for change in child welfare oversight following a high-profile case.
• New Manitoba budget 'moving in the wrong direction' on social, affordable housing, advocate says: Reaction from a housing advocate on the province's budget implications for social and affordable housing.
• She was passed over for a promotion again in Quebec. Now, she's alleging systemic racism: A Quebec worker files a complaint alleging systemic racism in provincial hiring.
• Shelters for people facing gender-based violence warn of shortfalls as demand rises: Reports on increased demand and funding pressures at shelters supporting persons experiencing gender-based violence.
• How HR could solve Canada’s non-profit workforce crisis: Analysis of recruitment challenges and potential solutions for Canada's non-profit sector.
• ‘This is people’s lives’: Canadian soccer star Quinn continues trans advocacy: Coverage of athlete Quinn's continued advocacy for transgender rights.
• Ontario budget: Small funding boost for schools, more for autism and police in classrooms: Summary of Ontario's planned spending on education, autism supports, and school safety.
• BILD and the Large Urban Centre Alliance welcome the federal government’s tabling of new Improving Housing Supply Act: Industry net positive response to federal housing legislation.
• Canada’s immigration bill may compromise rights, UN committee says: A United Nations committee raises concerns regarding rights under new Canadian immigration legislation.
• Provincial Government’s Plan to “Protect Ontario” Fails to Address the Critical Needs of PSE and Students: Analysis of criticisms from post-secondary stakeholders on Ontario’s new protection plan.

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