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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Federal Government Commits $1.55 Billion to Renew Jordan's Principle Until 2027

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced a federal investment of $1.55 billion to renew Jordan’s Principle through March 31, 2027. The measure ensures uninterrupted access to essential health and social supports for First Nations children. Meeting sustained demand from recent years, the funding provides stability as federal and First Nations partners continue reform efforts. According to the government, this renewal gives communities confidence in funding reliability while reforms progress. Continued partnership with First Nations leadership and families is presented as central to ongoing changes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Department of Finance Releases 2026 Report on Federal Tax Expenditures

The Department of Finance Canada issued its annual estimates on federal tax expenditures, capturing the projected fiscal costs of tax measures, including those from Budget 2025 and the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The report includes details on accelerated depreciation for manufacturing buildings, support measures like the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate, and enhanced credits such as the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Incentive. This edition also includes two analytical papers: an income distribution analysis focusing on diverse population groups using GBA Plus, and an evaluation of the Canada Child Benefit. According to the Department, findings confirm the federal personal income tax system reduces market income disparities, and the Canada Child Benefit has produced reductions in child poverty and increased household spending on essentials.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and North Slave Métis Alliance Mark Section 35 Rights Recognition

The Government of Canada officially recognized the North Slave Métis Alliance’s Aboriginal rights, affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, during an event in Yellowknife with Minister Rebecca Alty present. The announcement initiates a new phase of collaborative dialogue between the government and the NSMA to define and operationalize these rights. Federal officials signaled commitments to duty to consult, existing Treaties, and self-government agreements in the Northwest Territories. The government will coordinate further work to clarify rights implementation with Indigenous groups where overlaps exist.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support Expands Community Response to Gender-Based Violence in Toronto and Alberta

Women and Gender Equality Canada announced $871,262 to the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (WomanACT) to implement the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Pilot. The project coordinates intervention by multiple agencies to address intimate partner violence, building on a previous MARAC pilot funded at $920,917. The new funding allows for adaptation of the model to Alberta communities. The broader Gender-based Violence Program leverages $223.4 million over five years and $44.7 million in ongoing funding, signaling federal intent to sustain action on gender-based violence.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Supports Black and Equity-Deserving Entrepreneurs

Minister Evan Solomon announced a $2 million investment by FedDev Ontario in Foodpreneur Lab to provide support for up to 75 Black and equity-deserving entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector throughout Southern Ontario. This funding aims to provide hands-on product development, access to industry expertise, and resources for business growth. The measure forms part of the government’s initiatives localized to address barriers in food sector entrepreneurship and is linked to ongoing Black History Month federal activity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Action Plan and New Initiatives Advance Support for Black Public Servants

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali published updates on the Action Plan for Black Public Servants. Initiatives include the tripling of Black mental health professionals (now 122), completion of executive and leadership programs for nearly 100 Black executives and managers, expanded language training (1,200 participants, with 800 more planned), and the continuation of career counseling services. New measures include a Supporting Future Innovators Program and the Building the Pipeline initiative to enhance capacity in Ombuds and conflict management offices. The Black Mental Health Webinar Series, a partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, further extends supports for Black employees.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Assistance Provided to Address Food Insecurity in Cuba

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced $8 million in accelerated international assistance funding to Cuba, targeted at scaling up food and nutrition programming for vulnerable populations. Funds will be distributed via partnerships with the World Food Programme and UNICEF, as Cuba confronts worsening fuel shortages, blackouts, and limited access to food and health care. Federal officials said the support follows a request for urgent food security measures and will be monitored for efficacy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Approves Bill C-4, Moving Forward with Privacy Provisions for Federal Political Parties

Senators voted in favor of Bill C-4, which includes revised privacy measures for federal political parties. Debate in the Senate centered on the privacy implications, with some senators proposing modifications such as a sunset clause and deletion of certain provisions. While privacy safeguards were a point of disagreement, the bill proceeded to passage with amendments. A special joint committee will be established to review MAID eligibility. The session also saw discussions on unrelated topics, including humanitarian support for Cuba and child poverty.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

House of Commons and Senate Senate Proceedings: Reports on Gender Equality and Black History Month

The Senate commemorated the Library of Parliament's 150th anniversary and marked Black History Month with tributes to community contributions. Proceedings included a welcoming of the Women’s Health Coalition of Canada and the promotion of a national forum on women’s health. Senator Miville-Dechêne tabled a report on the human trafficking helpline’s language services, and Senator Mary Coyle advocated for improved consular communications during unrest abroad. Deliberations also involved questions on land claim delays, asylum claims, funding for Indigenous organizations, and support for Ukraine. Senator Marilou McPhedran requested a review of a potential wealth tax.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Government Launches National Consultation on Men and Boys’ Health Strategy

Health Canada has initiated a national conversation on men and boys’ health, inviting input through Canada.ca/Healthy-Men. The feedback will inform the development of Canada’s first Men and Boys’ Health Strategy, scheduled for release later in 2026. Canadians are encouraged to participate in the consultation, which seeks to address physical and mental health challenges specific to men and boys.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Introduces Amendments Enhancing Privacy and Protection for Children and Survivors

Nova Scotia announced amendments to the Children and Family Services Act prohibiting the identification of children in court proceedings via social media and extending emergency protection orders to one year. Changes also formalize supports for youth aging out of care and establish an Office of Children and Youth.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Manitoba Government Updates on Housing Investments and Homelessness Strategy

Manitoba reported funding for 1,640 new social and affordable housing units since October 2023, with 252 completed and 718 under construction. The province transitioned 186 people from encampments to housing since January 2025 under the Your Way Home strategy.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec Reviews Progress of Disability Policy Commitments

The Office des personnes handicapées du Québec’s annual report accounts for the completion of 11 out of 12 commitments from the 2021-2024 plan, with over 93% of action plans assessed as high quality. The report confirms full mobilization by public and municipal organizations to reduce barriers for people with disabilities.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Alberta Budget Outlines Investments in Workforce, Communities, and Businesses

Alberta’s 2026 budget details new allocations for skills and training ($115 million), child care ($2.1 billion), affordable housing initiatives, trade infrastructure, and supports for Indigenous-led projects. Measures include expanded post-secondary capacity and capital maintenance.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nova Scotia Legislation Accelerates Housing Project Approvals

Nova Scotia amended housing acts to grant the Minister of Housing order-making authority to reduce delays in housing projects in the Halifax region, and extended the Executive Panel on Housing by two years. Related changes aim to improve sector efficiency and coordination with municipalities on long-term infrastructure needs.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Amendments to Firearms Licences Regulations

Public Safety Canada launched a consultation on proposed changes to Protection Order Regulations within firearms licensing, seeking feedback on expanding the definition of 'protection order' and inclusion of peace bonds issued under the Criminal Code.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• A federal program to provide health care for refugees is — once again — sparking a fiery debate: Analysis of recurring controversies in federal refugee health care coverage.
• Canada will slash millions in spending meant to help immigrants. Here’s how hard Ontario is being hit: Coverage of the impact of federal cuts on immigrant settlement services in Ontario.
• Almost half of Toronto-area immigrant settlement services expect program closures: Report on anticipated closures among Toronto-area immigrant support programs.
• Opinion: Canada’s housing market has frayed our social fabric. How did this happen?: Commentary on the societal effects of housing market strains.
• Communication concerns in case of Vancouver social worker ordered to leave Canada: News story examining official communication challenges in a high-profile immigration case.
• Calgary disability advocacy group shuts down 1 year after province cuts funding: Report on the closure of a Calgary disability advocacy group following provincial cuts.
• Set Shuter: OSAP grants changed my life: Why are we robbing tomorrow's young people of the same possibility?: Opinion exploring the impact of changes to student financial aid.
• Opinion: Justin Ling: Canada has studied the problem of online harms enough. Now we need to solve it: Commentary on federal responses to online harms.
• Immigration and medical assistance in dying on agenda as Alberta legislature resumes: Overview of key legislative issues including immigration and MAID in Alberta.
• Jordan's Principle versus Inuit Child First Initiative explained: Explainer video on distinctions between Jordan's Principle and related child-first initiatives.

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