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.

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

Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Government Launches Expanded Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

Health Canada announced $600,000 in funding to support sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services tailored for underserved populations, including 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, and racialized communities. The Association for New Canadians will receive $210,000 for an online portal serving women, youth, and LGBTQI+ newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Black, African and Caribbean HIV/AIDS Network is allocated over $375,000 to create SRH learning resources for African, Caribbean, and Black youth. The projects focus on reducing barriers related to cultural sensitivities and language and are supported through the SRH Fund.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Bill C-22: New Digital Tools for Law Enforcement to Combat Emerging Threats

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and Justice Minister Sean Fraser introduced Bill C-22, the Keeping Canadians Safe Act, aiming to update the Criminal Code in line with the Five Eyes lawful access regimes. The legislation targets digital crime, providing law enforcement and CSIS with tools to address threats including child sexual exploitation, money laundering, and foreign interference. The bill facilitates efficient investigation and faster responses in urgent cases, as stated in the March 12 and 13 releases. Recent government actions build stronger protections against hate crimes, human trafficking, and intimate partner violence.

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

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Invests $94.5 Million in Labour Market Tools

Employment and Social Development Canada committed $94.5 million over five years for the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to generate foundational labour market information (LMI) across key sectors. Fourteen organizations, including BuildForce Canada, BioTalent Canada, and CAHRC, will develop sector-based reports and training curricula to connect workers with job vacancies and anticipate sector-specific growth. The investment targets construction, trucking, manufacturing, aerospace, tourism, forestry, agriculture, energy, environment, and the bio-economy.

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

Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response Provides $228.8 Million for Worker Retraining

A joint federal-provincial initiative will deliver $228.8 million for workers impacted by global tariffs, focusing on the softwood lumber, steel, and automotive sectors. Through the Canada–Ontario Labour Market Development Agreement, approximately 27,000 Ontario workers are expected to access retraining, upskilling, and employment supports. Programs offered include Skills Advance Ontario and support for those in Work-Sharing agreements. The investment aims to stabilize local economies and reduce skills shortages in health care, skilled trades, clean energy, and natural resources.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Immigration Measures Support Quebec's Skilled Workforce and Rural Employers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a new temporary measure supporting Quebec’s transition of skilled workers to permanent residence. Eligible individuals will receive employer-specific work permits under the International Mobility Program for up to 12 months while awaiting Quebec Selection Certificate review. Employment and Social Development Canada is also raising the low-wage temporary foreign worker cap in rural regions from 10% to 15% for one year. The federal government targets reducing the temporary population below 5% by end of 2027.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Dedicated Investment Supports Jewish Institutions Against Hate-Motivated Crimes

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced $10 million for the Canada Community Security Program, targeting security upgrades for Jewish gathering spaces. Funds support enhanced security equipment, emergency planning, licensed security personnel, and organizational capacity for monitoring and safeguarding against hate-motivated violence. Applications are open year-round for eligible institutions through the CCSP.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Measures Address Rural Labour Shortages

Employment and Social Development Canada introduced time-limited adjustments for rural employers using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The allowable share of low-wage temporary foreign workers rises from 10% to 15% for rural regions, effective April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Sector-specific caps for health care, construction, and food processing remain at 20%. Employers must continue recruiting Canadians and comply with TFW Program safeguards.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Debates Bills Related to Justice, Immigration, and Inclusion

Senate sittings from March 9–12 examined multiple bills, including C-12 (immigration reform), C-14 (criminal justice), and S-212 (national strategy for children and youth). Senators raised concerns about amendments related to oversight and sunset clauses, impacts on marginalized communities, and measures for non-carceral solutions. Debate on fiscal projections and debt ceilings accompanied the Budget Implementation Act (C-15). Gender-based violence, food inflation, and privacy in elections were also discussed.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Standing Senate Committees Examine Policing, Transport, Justice, and AI Governance

Committee sessions addressed labour disruptions in transport, regulatory frameworks in official languages, and emerging issues in AI safety and Indigenous data sovereignty. Minister Hajdu discussed strategies for resolving labour disputes, including end of replacement workers and formal trust-building approaches. LCJC considered Bill S-209 and S-205, focusing on accountability for organizations and access to mental health care. SOCI’s study on AI covered risk mitigation, international cooperation, and standards development.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

StatsCan Data: Decline in Online Child Sexual Exploitation Incidents and Non-Profit Activity in Rural Canada

Statistics Canada released figures showing 16,905 police-reported incidents of online child sexual exploitation in 2024, a 16% decrease from 2023. In 2023, 136,225 non-profit organizations operated nationwide, with rural and small town areas accounting for 21.2% (28,892) of activity. This highlights ongoing social program delivery and child protection concerns.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Opens Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in Durham Region

Ontario launched a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Whitby, as part of a $550 million initiative to establish 28 HART Hubs across the province. Services include mental health care, addiction support, primary care, transitional housing, and peer support.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Reinstates $53.6 Million in Grants for Disabilities, Seniors, and Education Initiatives

The Nova Scotia government restored $53.6 million for seniors, people with disabilities, and education supports for African Nova Scotian and Indigenous students in 2026-27. Community and disability programs will receive both grant and operational funding.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Manitoba and Manitoba Métis Federation Expand Safe Transitional Housing for Indigenous Women and 2SLGBTQIA+ Relatives

Manitoba is investing $4 million to create ten additional transitional housing spaces in the Interlake region. This expansion targets Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals leaving violence or emergency shelters, with wraparound services and culturally grounded support.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Commits $200 Million for Seniors Lodge Modernization

Alberta’s government allocated more than $200 million to modernize and build seniors lodges, supporting over 1,000 units in rural communities. Budget 2026 includes $150 million over three years, plus $54 million already assigned to specific projects.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Invests $47 Million to Expand Non-Profit Community Programs

Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario is providing $47 million to 153 organizations, First Nations, and municipalities. Initiatives cover active living, arts, culture, youth employment, food security, and inclusion.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• This woman is suing Canada for its ban on adoption under Muslim law: Laws around adoption and Muslim family law face a legal challenge.
• Daycare centre first subject to Quebec’s new public well-being strike law: New strike legislation applies to Quebec daycare centres.
• Immigration cuts have left her no path to stay in Canada — even though she’s exactly the type of worker the country needs: Foreign care workers face barriers under current immigration measures.
• Lakehead Social Planning Council marks success of pilot program in Thunder Bay, Ont.: Thunder Bay pilot program recognized for its impact.
• N.S. grant cuts will harm Mi’kmaq programs that address historic inequities: chiefs: Mi’kmaq chiefs warn of effects from provincial grant reductions.

.