May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026

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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📋 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

• Citizenship and Immigration: Attracting and Empowering Global Talent to Strengthen Canada’s Economy (June 8, 2026): The committee will meet on June 8 to examine strategies to attract and support global talent for economic growth, with witnesses from Citizenship and Immigration, HVACR Workers of Ontario UA Local 787, L'Hirondelle Welcoming and Integration Services for Immigrants, and U15 Canada.
• Finance: Bill C-30, Spring Economic Update Implementation – Clause-by-Clause (June 8, 2026): On June 8, the committee reviews Bill C-30, with extended sessions for departmental witnesses from Health, Finance, Employment and Social Development, Transport, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
• Human Resources, Skills and Social Development: Housing Starts in Relation to Federal Programs (June 8, 2026): A meeting scheduled for June 8 will receive testimony from officials at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation regarding housing starts as they relate to federal programs.
• Status of Women: Role and Capacity of Women's Shelters and Transitional Housing; Labour Force Impacts of Menopause (June 9, 2026): On June 9, the committee will hear from shelter and advocacy organizations on transitional housing, as well as witnesses on workplace impacts of menopause and perimenopause.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs: Indigenous Policing and Public Safety – Consideration of Draft Report (June 9, 2026): The Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee will meet in camera on June 9 for draft report review on Indigenous policing and public safety.

Federal Government News

Federal government doubles project grants for community programs supporting seniors under NHSP

Employment and Social Development Canada launched the 2026–27 call for proposals for community-based projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), as announced by Secretary of State (Seniors) Stephanie McLean. The maximum grant for projects is now $50,000, with capital assistance capped at $25,000. Applicants must have a CRA business number and submit applications via the Grants and Contributions Online Services portal, except where alternative arrangements are requested. The funding window closes on July 14, 2026. Program objectives target volunteering, mentorship, elder abuse awareness, social participation, and capital assistance for seniors-focused initiatives. Applicant organizations must primarily focus on seniors and involve seniors in planning or delivery. The measures accompany broader initiatives supporting affording living, such as OAS increases, an expanded GIS exemption, and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. The NHSP funds a range of community projects in more than 400 communities nationwide.

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

Accessible Canada Fund opens new NAAW stream to advance disability inclusion

To coincide with National AccessAbility Week 2026, Minister Patty Hajdu invited organizations to apply for NAAW stream funding under the Accessible Canada Fund. Up to $3.6 million over three years is available, supporting up to 20 projects that promote goals of the Accessible Canada Act via awareness, accessibility, and best practices related to disability inclusion in workplaces and communities. The program aims to reduce stigma and foster sharing of lessons learned within the disability sector. The deadline for submissions is July 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Applications and eligibility information are provided on the Accessible Canada – National AccessAbility Week Funding webpage.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Landmark $51 billion Build Communities Strong Fund announced, including major infrastructure partnership with Quebec

Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF), a $51 billion, 10-year infrastructure initiative. The plan encompasses a provincial-territorial stream ($17.2B focused on housing, education, health), direct delivery for regional projects ($6B), and a $27.8B community stream for local infrastructure (including $557M to Quebec in FY 2026-27). Quebec is allocated $2.66B over ten years for housing and education and $1.01B for health infrastructure over three years, with cost-matching required from the province. The program also delivers over $5.7B through the Canada Public Transit Fund and finalized $400M in Zero Emission Transit Fund agreements for Quebec. An additional $1B from BCSF will be delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies via the Local Impact Stream for projects valued up to $1M, supporting a broad range of community assets and anticipated to create an average of 42,000 jobs per year. Additional funding details for regional allocations will be released by the agencies.

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

Immediate federal support of $600 million provided to maintain affordable Canadian content; CRTC streaming regulation review ordered

Minister Marc Miller announced $600 million in annual federal investments to provide stability to Canada’s audio and audiovisual sectors, ensuring continued support for Canadian creators, producers, and broadcasters. In response to new CRTC requirements that would require online and broadcast streaming services to increase spending on Canadian programming, the government will develop new policy directions to guide the implementation of the Online Streaming Act. Objectives include maintaining affordability, supporting a diverse sector, and flexibility for streamers and broadcasters. The CRTC's May 21, 2026 decision to regulate large foreign streaming services and Canadian broadcasters prompted concerns about cost pass-through to consumers, influencing the government's move to adjust the framework. Details of additional investments and policy adjustments will be developed after consultation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Fifth anniversary report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People released

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada released the 2025-26 Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report marking five years since the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The report details 171 initiatives by 28 departments, with 38 partnerships enhancing access to registration, 33 projects supporting Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, new shelter and transition homes through the Family Violence Prevention Program, and increased Indigenous-led storytelling. Over 8,200 Indigenous households gained high-speed internet access during the year. Legislation such as the Protecting Victims Act (Bill C-16) and culturally grounded supports for families continue advancing recommendations from the Calls for Justice.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada advances development of first Men and Boys’ Health Strategy after national consultations

Health Canada has concluded a national engagement process to inform the development of Canada's first Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, expected in fall 2026. Minister Marjorie Michel highlighted that the series of roundtables, written submissions, and stakeholder consultations surfaced insights into health challenges, barriers to support, and factors influencing men’s and boys’ well-being such as mental health, employment, and social connection. The strategy will aim to address prevention, early intervention, and access to care, integrating findings to identify collaborative opportunities for improving health outcomes across age groups.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Maison Gabrielle project selected to provide supportive housing for women and children fleeing violence in Montreal

Through the Canada-Quebec Memorandum of Understanding for housing, the Maison Gabrielle project will create 16 supportive housing units for women and children in Montreal leaving violent circumstances. The total project cost is $6 million, supported by federal, provincial, municipal, and community partners. This initiative is part of a broader $200 million commitment to deliver 865 new affordable homes province-wide, reflecting intergovernmental collaboration to address urgent housing needs among vulnerable populations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada invests $22.8 million in Indigenous sport programs

The Government of Canada committed $22.8 million through the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) program for 2026–2028, as announced by Secretary of State (Sport) Adam van Koeverden. This funding will support Indigenous-led projects targeting youth, women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+, and persons with disabilities, broadening access to culturally relevant sport and physical activity. In Edmonton, $1.2 million will be distributed to three local projects.

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

Federal government invests $11.3 million in inclusive community hub for Montreal

Through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, $11.3 million from the federal government will allow for the renovation of a heritage building into a fully accessible community hub in Montreal. The facility will bring multiple community organizations into a shared space with upgraded infrastructure for accessibility and energy efficiency, improving access to family support, food assistance, social integration, and disability services. Construction will preserve the heritage structure while enabling service expansion.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal funding boosts access to oral health care for targeted Francophone communities

Health Canada announced more than $1.6 million for Collège La Cité to operate a mobile dental clinic in Francophone regions and create a treatment room for neurodivergent or special needs children. The Oral Health Access Fund aims to address gaps in dental care among vulnerable and underserved populations. The Canadian Dental Care Plan now covers over 6.5 million Canadians, including 2.7 million residents of Ontario.

Sources: www.canada.ca

International joint declaration at Madrid Ministerial Conference commits to gender equality and protected human rights

Ministers and representatives from Canada and 27 countries participated in the 5th Ministerial Conference on Feminist Foreign Policy in Madrid, issuing a political declaration affirming commitments to gender equality, the rule of law, and inclusive democracy. The declaration addresses global instability, human rights protection, access to justice and remedies for gender-based crimes, and mechanisms for peace and multilateral engagement. It also sets out pledges for supporting civil society, advancing feminist policies, and improving representation and safety for women globally.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia launches anti-racism action plan targeting systemic barriers in public services

The Government of British Columbia introduced a three-year Anti-Racism Action Plan covering measures to address barriers in health care, education, and public safety, with actions informed by data collected under the Anti-Racism Data Act and in collaboration with Indigenous and racialized communities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta invests $2.5 million in support for survivors of gender-based violence

Alberta has allocated $2.5 million through the Community Pathways to Justice grant, funding programs that help survivors of gender-based violence access justice and related support services. The grant application period is open until June 23, 2026.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario fines temporary help agency $150,000 for failure to pay wages

Ontario’s Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development ministry confirmed that Leamington-based 12066424 Canada Inc. and its director, Son-Van Duong, were fined $150,000 after being convicted of failing to comply with government orders to pay overdue wages to hundreds of employees.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba legislative session ends with passage of bills expanding affordability and consumer protection

The Manitoba government concluded the spring session with the passage of multiple bills, including the removal of PST from groceries effective July 1, increases to housing credits, and protections against data-driven retail price discrimination in consumer sales.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia delivers $500,000 in age-friendly grants to 26 communities for senior-focused initiatives

BC awarded $500,000 in grants to support policies and projects for seniors and Elders across 26 communities, including 10 Indigenous communities, with initiatives commencing July 2026 and concluding in June 2027.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• The Star: Addressing homelessness should be considered nation-building project: big city mayors: Mayors from major cities describe efforts to tackle homelessness as a key national objective.
• CTV News: Addressing homelessness should be considered nation-building project: big city mayors: Discussion of city leaders framing homelessness as requiring coordinated national action.
• CBC: People need help accessing health care: Downtown Community Safety Partnership: The Partnership discusses barriers communities face in accessing key health services.

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