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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 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

• Status of Women Committee: Bill C-225, An Act to amend the Criminal Code: The House committee will meet on February 24, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring witnesses from À coeur d’homme, National Police Federation, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, National Family and Survivors Circle Inc., and Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale.
• Citizenship and Immigration Committee: Canada's Immigration System: Committee session on February 23, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will hear from Caregivers' Action Samaritan Movement, Immitracker Inc., Sudanese Canadian Community Association, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada.
• Finance Committee Reviews Bill C-15, An Act to implement provisions of budget tabled November 4, 2025: On February 23, the Finance Committee will conduct clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-15, with witnesses from multiple departments including Agriculture, Canadian Heritage, Crown-Indigenous Relations, Employment and Social Development, Finance, and others.
• Human Resources, Skills and Social Development Committee: Youth Employment in Canada: The committee will meet on February 26, 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. to consider the draft report on youth employment, held in camera.
• Senate Committee on Human Rights: AI Implications for Human Rights and Economic Security: The Senate Human Rights Committee session on February 23 will examine AI's impact on human rights and economic security, with witnesses from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, ControlAI, Machine Intelligence Research Institute, and academic experts.
• Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples: Truth, Education and Reconciliation and Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders: On February 25, the committee will review the government's response to its interim report and the outcome of the Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders events, featuring representatives from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Library and Archives Canada.
• Senate Committee on National Finance: Study of Budget Bills and Housing Programs: On February 24, the committee will discuss Bill C-15 and Bill C-4, and hear from Alto executives regarding budget implementation and affordability measures.

Federal Government News

StatsCan Releases Insights on Internal Migration

Statistics Canada published 'Why do people move within Canada?', detailing findings from the Canadian Housing Survey. The dataset provides comprehensive information on why Canadians relocate, such as job changes, family needs, housing quality, and affordability concerns. The accompanying infographic delivers a concise snapshot of key trends. This release offers demographic details, regional variability, and potential links to urbanization and economic factors. The data can assist policymakers and service providers in understanding population movement patterns relevant to social services and community development.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Population Estimates and Demographic Dependency Ratio Data Across Health Regions

Statistics Canada published updated population estimates and demographic dependency ratios as of July 1, 2025. This dataset provides breakdowns for health regions and peer groups, offering insight into age distribution and dependency profiles. The information is pertinent for planning social programs, health services, and resource allocation. Trends indicate shifts in ratios that may affect the demand for senior care, youth services, and community health supports. Historical comparisons are also included in the release, showing changes over time.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Health Reports Detail Acute Toxicity Deaths

February's Health Reports from Statistics Canada examine acute toxicity deaths, or poisoning fatalities, nationally. The analysis covers mortality associated with narcotics (including opioids), alcohol, and other harmful substances. The report describes variances in risk levels across population groups and identifies gaps in national data regarding at-risk individuals. Findings may influence assessment of overdose prevention programs and provide a data-driven foundation for evaluating existing harm reduction and mental health initiatives.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Population Projections for Census Divisions and Subdivisions Released

Statistics Canada released new population projections at the division and subdivision level, commissioned by the Canadian Infrastructure Council for the National Infrastructure Assessment Report 1. The dataset is designed to inform all levels of government, infrastructure owners, and investors. The projections are intended to support improved decision-making in areas such as housing, transportation, and community development, offering evidence-based demographic forecasts for long-term social and economic planning.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Foreign Aid Groups Seek Continued Federal Support for Abortion and LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Foreign aid organizations appealed to the Canadian government to maintain funding for abortion services and LGBTQ+ advocacy abroad. According to media coverage, these groups warn that any reduction in support could limit access for vulnerable populations and alter Canada's international aid priorities. The requests come amid ongoing discussions regarding federal allocation for reproductive rights and inclusivity initiatives.

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

Employment Insurance Statistics for December 2025

Statistics Canada reported 569,000 Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits in December 2025, a marginal increase of 0.4% (+2,500) from the previous month. The data provides an outlook on employment trends and unemployment support, with implications for labor market analysis and the design of workforce support programs.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Trends in Reconvictions for Adults Sentenced to Provincial Custody or Community Supervision

National data on reconvictions indicate adults released from provincial custody or starting community sentences in 2019/2020 to 2020/2021 were 17% less likely to be reconvicted within one year compared to previous cohorts. This trend is reflected in policy discussions regarding restorative justice, reintegration programs, and criminal justice system effectiveness.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Immigration Department Cuts Trigger Layoffs at Settlement Agencies

A report indicates budget reductions at Canada’s immigration department are leading to layoffs at Greater Toronto Area settlement agencies. The cuts affect organizations supporting newcomers, potentially impacting integration services, language training, and employment assistance for immigrants. The move raises questions about continuity of support and resource allocation in a period of high newcomer arrivals.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Senate Report Calls for Recruitment of Bilingual Health Workers

A Senate report recommends targeted efforts to recruit bilingual health workers. The document notes challenges in providing equitable access to health services in both official languages across regions. The report’s findings inform federal and provincial strategies for addressing gaps in language-based health service delivery.

Sources: www.thestar.com

During Windsor Visit, Jobs and Families Minister Announces Worker Protection Actions

Canada’s Minister of Jobs and Families announced new measures in Windsor to safeguard workers, as covered in regional media. The announcement included steps to strengthen workforce alliances, improve labor protections, and address employment-related vulnerabilities. The actions reflect ongoing government engagement with labor unions and advocacy groups.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

Canada and Ontario Announce Funding for New Affordable Homes in Woodstock

Federal and provincial governments announced joint investment exceeding three million dollars to deliver 30 affordable housing units in Woodstock, Ontario. The funding is part of the Canada–Ontario Community Housing Initiative and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative. Projects target seniors and single women with children. The National Housing Strategy aims for over 183,200 new units and repairs of more than 328,800 units by September 2025, with ongoing quarterly updates.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Invests $64 Million in Community Grants to Strengthen Non-Profit Services

Alberta invested $64 million through the Community Facility Enhancement Program and Community Initiatives Program, supporting over 5,700 grants since 2019 for non-profit organizations’ service delivery and facility improvements.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Launches $6 Million Victim Support Grant

Ontario is distributing $6 million over two years for victim and survivor support, with allocations for specialized officer training, community outreach, and innovative response models targeting intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and gender-based violence.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Announces $2 Million to Improve Accessibility for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Ontario introduced the EASE Grant, investing over $2 million in accessible community spaces; over 40 projects benefit, including elevator installations and sidewalk upgrades, enabling broader participation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Provides Up to $800,000 per Project to Support Energy Upgrades in Social and Non-Profit Housing

The BC government is offering funding to social housing providers covering heat pump retrofits and electrical upgrades, improving the Social Housing Energy Savings Program with increased incentives and streamlined processes.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Invests $76,000 in Community Renewal and Recreational Initiatives in The Pas

Manitoba allocated $76,000 to support facility upgrades and recreation programs in The Pas, enhancing accessibility for veterans, families, and children, including funding for a community swimming program.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Federal Emergency Management Consultation Launches

Public Safety Canada initiated a targeted consultation seeking input from stakeholders to improve federal emergency management systems; feedback focuses on governance, resource integration, and capacity-building, open until February 28.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Foreign aid groups urge Canada to maintain funding for abortion, LGBTQ+ advocacy: Non-profit organizations voice concerns over the continuity of federal funding abroad.
• Canada’s immigration department cuts are triggering layoffs at groups that help newcomers settle in Toronto area, report says: Settlement agencies face workforce reductions following federal budget changes.
• ‘Increased control over immigration?’ Nine questions on Alberta referendum in October: Alberta’s proposed referendum includes questions on provincial immigration authority and constitutional reform.
• Opinion: Canada has a hidden asylum-policy problem: Discussion on gaps and challenges in Canadian asylum policy.
• Canada should work to recruit bilingual health workers, Senate report says: Senate report identifies the need for more bilingual health professionals.
• During visit to Windsor, Canada’s jobs and families minister announces actions to protect workers: Worker protection measures disclosed by federal minister in Windsor.
• Community Network Grant Announcement: Nova Scotia awards grants to organizations tackling hate, inequity and racism.
• New legislation will strengthen oversight of international education: BC enacts legal tools to enforce standards for hosting international students.
• Canada and Ontario Support New Affordable Homes for Seniors in Belleville: Federal-provincial funding advances accessible housing for seniors.
• Quebec Participates in the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions at UNESCO: Quebec engages in international cultural policy dialogue.

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