Other Items of Interest

On this page

• Live Nation
• Government of Canada Advertising
• Impact of artificial intelligence on Canadian cultural industries
• Investing in Public Service Media
• Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting
• Audiovisual sector modernization
• CBC/Radio-Canada News Services on Prime Video
• Protecting Our National Broadcaster: CBC/Radio-Canada
• Bill S-211, An Act Respecting a National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting Act
• Canada Strong Pass – Museums
• Monarchy in Canada and the 2025 Royal Visit
• Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection–Promotion–Collaboration
• Regulations under the modernized Official Languages Act and under the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act
• Information Commissioner ruling on ATIP (Deschênes Part II Report)
• Court Challenges Program
• Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028
• Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate
• Sport Canada funding programs
• The Future of Sport in Canada Commission
• Discrimination and racism in sport
• Program integrity
• Spring Economic Statement 2026: Canada Strong for All

Live Nation

Issue

Live Nation

New

February 5, 2026

Source

Enquête (Radio-Canada): Episode airing February 5, 2026 entitled Voler le show

Synopsis

Live Nation and its ticketing service, Ticketmaster, are accused in the United States of having established a monopoly in the live entertainment industry. In 2019, the United States entertainment multinational acquired nearly half of evenko, the entertainment subsidiary of the Groupe CH.

Recommended response

• Festivals and presenters play an essential role in bringing Canadians together. They provide the public with access to Quebec and Canadian culture and support the livelihood of artists who bring our stories and identities to life.
• Government funding has allowed major festivals to take risks on emerging artists, ensuring that meaningful cultural work continues even when it is not commercially driven.
• However, as these festivals grow in popularity and generate increased revenues, program funding has been, and continues to be adjusted. As a result, resources are being redirected toward sustaining small and mid sized festivals and events and toward supporting a broader and more diverse range of presenters and communities across the country.

Background

• Live Nation Entertainment is a public, foreign-owned entertainment company operating in the sports and entertainment industry in 40 countries worldwide. Their activities include venue ownership and operation, along with the booking, promotion, and ticketing of sporting and live events.
• In 2024, Live Nation reached $23.1 billion in revenue and hosted over 50,000 events attended by 151 million fans. It owns, operates, and has exclusive booking rights for (or significant equity interest/influence in) 394 venues globally.
• In 2010, Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster, which is the industry’s largest primary ticketing provider that also provides a platform for secondary (resale) ticket sales. This acquisition has raised concerns that it further entrenches Live Nation’s dominant position in the entertainment industry, limiting competitive alternatives in ticketing and event promotion.
• Live Nation is the biggest live music company in Canada, with significant operations in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. The company has expanded its presence in the Canadian market through acquisition, partnerships, and equity arrangements with local promoters and venues. Live Nation also owns and operates several venues across Canada and has recently made investments to build a new stadium in Toronto and a 2000 capacity venue in Ottawa, with support from the National Capital Commission via a lease agreement.
• In 2019, Live Nation acquired 49 percent of evenko, a Québec live events promoter and producer. evenko manages venues including Centre Bell, Place Bell, MTelus, and Théâtre Beanfield in Montréal, and also includes L’Équipe Spectra (Spectra Musique, Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Les Francos de Montréal) as one of its divisions, which produces events like Osheaga and îleSoniq. evenko is also part of Groupe CH, who own the Montréal Canadiens.
• In October 2025, Concertium, a Quebec based Canadian-owned and -controlled company, acquired majority ownership of Spectra Musique.

Canadian Heritage Financial Implications

• L’Équipe Spectra operates two not-for-profit professional arts festivals that are current recipients of the Canada Music Fund and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, and their funding is as follows:
  • Through the Canada Music Fund via Musicaction in 2025-26:
  • Festival International de Jazz de Montréal - $29,000
  • Les Francos de Montréal - $122,700
  • Through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund in 2025-26:
  • Festival International de Jazz de Montréal - $700,000
  • Les Francos de Montréal - $253,750
• In addition, L’Équipe Spectra operates Spectra Musique, which receives support totaling $410,787 in 2025-26 from the Canada Music Fund through Musicaction’s comprehensive envelope funding.
• The Canada Music Fund is the federal government’s main financial support program for commercially driven Canadian music. Live Nation Canada has not received support from the Canada Music Fund through its regular programs, but some Canadian artists whose concerts are promoted by the company do receive support from the Fund.
• Due to pressures on the Canada Arts Presentation Fund budget (program supported 600 recipients in 2008-09 versus more than 800 in 2025-26) and a policy priority to support organizations representing a wider variety of disciplines and diversity of presenters (i.e. Indigenous arts, culturally diverse music, etc.) and communities, all large festivals have seen their funding levels reduced to varying degrees, which is not a reflection of the quality of their programming or performance, but rather, their lack of demonstrated financial need when compared to other applicants.

Stakeholder Concerns

• Stakeholders in Quebec’s live music sector have voiced concerns that Live Nation’s growing presence in the province could undermine the sustainability of local venues and the careers of Quebec’s artists. They argue that Live Nation should make a financial contribution to Quebec's live music sector, citing the voluntary support model adopted in the United Kingdom as a potential precedent. Stakeholders have also suggested that access to public funding be limited to live event organizations that are fully Canadian-owned.

Government of Canada Advertising

Issue

Government of Canada Advertising

New

April 23, 2026

Source

The Hill Times Federal ad spending down on X, TikTok, but up on Meta's Facebook, Instagram

Synopsis

Government advertising decisions are increasingly important in the context of actions taken by large online platforms such as Meta, trade negotiations, and calls for greater federal spending in Canadian media, rather than foreign media. The publication of the Annual Report on Government of Canada Advertising Activities (2024–25) has received attention with notable references to increased spending on Meta platforms and decreased spending on X and TikTok. Of note, Budget 2025 increased the Government’s Central Advertising Fund from $25 million to $80 million annually; since 2026, the fund has grown to $115 million.

Recommended response

• Advertising is used to communicate important information to Canadians in both official languages. Media purchase decisions are made on this basis.
• The Government of Canada’s advertising policy is governed by the Treasury Board Secretariat. The Privy Council Office is responsible for whole-of-government strategic oversight.
• The Government uses a variety of techniques and media to communicate efficiently and effectively with Canadians.
• Canadian Heritage is committed to working with its government partners to explore ways that federal advertising can best leverage the value of Canadian media.

Background

Government of Canada Advertising

• The Government uses advertising to fulfill its communication obligations, including informing Canadians about policies, programs, and initiatives.
• It is governed by the Policy and the Directive on Communications and Federal Identity, both of which establish objectives, procedures and requirements. Among other objectives, it is designed to be cost-effective, non-partisan and effective in reaching Canadians.
• The issue of Government ad spending has been studied by the Standing Committees on Canadian Heritage (2017, 2026), Government Operations and Estimates (2017), and Official Languages (2018).
• There is currently no requirement that Canadian media be prioritized in procurement decisions, which stakeholders have long requested, including through representations to PCH and these committees.

Trends

• Advertising budgets fluctuate substantially each year in accordance with Government priorities. Expenses in 2024-25 totaled $78.15 million. Since 2018, the proportion of advertising directed to traditional media has ranged from a low of 29% in 2022-23 to a high of 52% in 2020-21 (remainder was allocated to digital). In 2024-25, 37% was directed to traditional media (i.e., radio, tv and physical newspapers) and 63% to digital media.
• While digital platforms such as Meta account for a substantial portion of digital ad spending, the category also includes ads on the websites of traditional media companies. This prevents differentiation between the amount directed to Canadian and foreign media; however, it is estimated that Canadian media receive 40-60% of GC advertising in any given year.
• Of note, Canadian media is not defined under the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity.
• Between 2023-24 and 2024-25, advertising on TikTok dropped from $1.1 million to $180,000 and spending on X decreased from $207,000 to $40,000. Conversely, spending on Meta increased from $500,000 to $1.4 million, following declines that coincided with Meta blocking news on its platforms.

Online News Act and Meta

• The Online News Act, which came into force on December 19, 2023, was enacted to address the growing imbalance between digital platforms and news businesses in Canada by establishing a bargaining regime to ensure news businesses are fairly compensated for the news they produce.
• In July 2023, the Government suspended all advertising on Facebook and Instagram in response to Meta's decision to ban news content on their platforms. Government advertising gradually returned in late 2024 after departments reported detrimental impacts on the reach and costs of campaigns.

Stakeholder Calls

• Over the years, news media stakeholders have called for a greater proportion of federal ad spending to be directed to Canadian media and/or local media, often 25% of the total advertising budget. Stakeholders have included the Public Policy Forum, News Media Canada, Consortium of Official Language Minority Community Media, Canadian Association of Broadcasters, the Canadian Magazine Coalition, Community Radio Fund of Canada, Friends of Canadian Media and Hebdos Quebec.
• Historically, the measure has been rejected for being inconsistent with the goals of the Policy on Communications, namely cost effectiveness and ability to reach Canadians on the platforms they use.

Provincial and Public Sentiment

• Last year, the Government of Ontario directed its four largest agencies (i.e. the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Ontario Cannabis Store, Metrolinx and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) to direct 25% of their advertising budgets to Ontario publishers, to promote Ontario-made products, services businesses and workers. Similarly, an all-party Manitoba legislative committee recommended in December 2025 that at least 25% of provincial advertising spending go to local journalism outlets.
• A recent IPSOS survey found 83% of Canadians support GC advertising being primarily directed to Canadian media; 88% supported Ontario’s decision to direct 25% to Ontario publishers.

Impact of artificial intelligence on Canadian cultural industries

Issue

Impact of artificial intelligence on Canadian cultural industries

Update

April 15, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as a transformative force across all sectors of the economy. While artificial intelligence presents the cultural industries with immense opportunity to drive innovation, open new markets, and expand the global reach of Canadian content, it also disrupts traditional business models, challenges established labour structures, and raises complex issues around copyright, transparency, and the integrity of creative work. Given the speed and scale of these changes, governments are called to respond in a way that ensures artificial intelligence adoption supports both economic growth and cultural sovereignty, while protecting the rights of creators and sustaining the diversity of cultural expressions.

Recommended response

• The Government recognizes that artificial intelligence is transforming Canada’s cultural sector—creating challenges for business models and job security, while also opening new opportunities for innovation and productivity.
• Over the past two years, the Government has engaged directly with the sector to better understand these impacts and is committed to supporting it through this transition.
• To this end, the Government of Canada and the Banff Centre convened the National Summit on AI and Culture in March 2026 to foster cross-sector collaboration and generate new ideas for action. Here, Minister Solomon and I announced the creation of a new advisory council to continue advancing this work.

Background

• The Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation have distinct but complementary mandates on artificial intelligence. Canadian Heritage leads on the cultural dimension—supporting content creation, protecting copyright and fair remuneration, promoting cultural diversity and discoverability, and advancing Canada’s voice internationally. The Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation leads the broader economic and societal framework, including infrastructure and competitiveness. Copyright is a shared responsibility with the Minister of Industry. Together, these roles ensure that Canada’s approach to AI integrates cultural sovereignty with economic growth and innovation.
• Based on extensive consultations and engagements undertaken by the Government of Canada, the following key issues are top of mind for cultural stakeholders:
  • AI adoption barriers: Financial, technical, and regulatory constraints, particularly for small and medium-sized organizations
  • Copyright: Use of protected content to train AI systems without negotiated licenses or compensation
  • Transparency: Limited visibility into training data and a need for clearer labelling of AI-generated content
  • Digital replicas and deepfakes: Unauthorized use of image and voice, with implications for film, music, and news
  • Labour and business model disruption: Risks of market saturation and displacement of creators and cultural workers
• To better understand these issues, as well as the impacts of AI impacts on the cultural sector, more generally, the Government of Canada has pursued the following recent research and engagement initiatives:
  • October 2024: Canadian Heritage partnered with Mila to host a roundtable on AI and the cultural sector, bringing together experts, stakeholders, and provincial and territorial partners to examine impacts on cultural data.
  • October 2023 – January 2024: Public consultations on copyright and generative AI generated over 1,000 responses, with findings published in February 2025; next steps are under consideration.
  • September 2025: Roundtables with unions and professional associations provided direct insights on impacts on artists and cultural workers.
  • March 2026: The Government of Canada and the Banff Centre hosted the first-ever National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture, convening leaders from across cultural, technology, academic, and policy sectors to advance a shared vision.
  • At the Summit, participants highlighted several key actions, including investing in Canadian-led infrastructure and shared platforms, improving governance and transparency in AI systems, and strengthening licensing and compensation for creators. They also emphasized the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration and support to scale solutions, alongside building skills and capacity so organizations can adopt AI confidently and responsibly.
  • The Summit is informing the development of Canada’s National AI Strategy and resulted in the announcement of a new Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence and Culture. This Council will support ongoing collaboration and provide advice on AI and culture.
• The Government continues to advance work on artificial intelligence and the cultural industries through:
  • The development of a new National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, led by the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, focusing on trust, adoption, infrastructure, talent, and literacy, with Canadian Heritage actively working to ensure cultural sector considerations are included
  • On April 14th, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage study released its report on AI and its impacts on the creative industries. The government response will be delivered by September 21, 2026.
  • Active international engagement, including through UNESCO, to strengthen protections for the diversity of cultural expressions in the digital environment.
  • In February 2026, UNESCO members reached consensus on advancing stronger measures, including updated guidelines and exploring a potential binding protocol.
  • Canada supports this work and will continue collaborating with partners, with next steps focused on contributing to the adoption of revised guidelines in 2026 and advancing discussions toward a potential protocol decision at the 2027 Conference of Parties.

Investing in Public Service Media

Issue

Investing in Public Service Media

Update

April 15, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) may order cable and satellite TV providers to include channels in their basic subscription packages when it is satisfied that it would be in the public interest for it to do so. Currently, there are fourteen public service media channels that have been granted mandatory distribution by the CRTC. In Budget 2024, the Government of Canada provided $ 15 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to the Department of Canadian Heritage (the Department) to support some of these programming services, including $5 million to support the Cable of Public Affairs Channel’s (CPAC) capital requirements. On December 18, the Minister announced that the Government of Canada will extend its temporary financial support for public service media, providing $8 million over two years – equivalent to $4 million annually – beginning in 2026–2027.

Recommended response

• Public Service Media provide programming of exceptional importance to all Canadians.
• The Government is proud to extend its temporary funding to support for $8 million over two years which is equivalent to $4 million per year beginning in 2026–2027.
• This funding ensures that public service media can maintain their programming and service levels until the CRTC establishes a new regulatory framework.

Background

Public Service Media

• Public service media include 9.1(1)(h) services, are channels that contribute in an exceptional manner to the policy objectives of the Broadcasting Act (the Act). In granting 9.1(1)(h) status, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) ensures that cable and satellite TV providers include these services in their basic subscription packages, ensuring that these channels have access to a reliable revenue stream without which they may struggle. The CRTC sets the monthly wholesale fee that cable and satellite providers are required to pay to 9.1(1)(h) services for the carriage of their programming.
• In determining whether a programming service is of exceptional importance, an applicant must provide evidence that, in an exceptional manner, its service helps achieve one or more key objectives of the Act. This can include furthering Canadian identity and cultural sovereignty, ethno-cultural diversity, including the special place of Indigenous Peoples in Canadian society, as well as reflect and serve persons with disabilities, or Canada’s linguistic duality.
• The service must also make exceptional commitments to original, first-run Canadian programming, as well demonstrate that its business plan and implementation of its specific commitments are dependent on receipt of broad national distribution on the digital basic service.

Broadcasting Act Modernization

• The Online Streaming Act (C-11) received Royal Assent on April 27, 2023. It updates the Broadcasting Act for the digital age, by ensuring that streaming services contribute to supporting Canadian music and storytelling. Under subsection 11.1(1), the updated Broadcasting Act also provides the CRTC with the new ability to make regulations on expenditures to support broadcasting undertakings that offer programming services that are of exceptional importance to the achievement of broadcasting policy objectives.
• This provision effectively enables the CRTC to help support the sustainability of these broadcasters. Further, the policy directions to the CRTC, issued on November 9, 2023, also direct the regulator to consider how to support the sustainability of broadcasting undertakings that are of exceptional importance to the achievement of broadcasting policy objectives.
• As the independent public authority responsible for regulating and supervising Canada’s broadcasting system, the CRTC is working on implementing the new broadcasting framework and has published a roadmap, outlining the key milestones to implement the legislation.

Gap Funding

• While the CRTC continues its phased approach to implementation of the Online Streaming Act, public interest broadcasting services have requested short-term funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage to help them maintain their operations.
• These programming services have been facing a number of challenges in recent years. Among other things, this includes a decline in overall subscriptions to basic cable or satellite TV services given the migration to digital platforms, increasing level of expenditures, diminishing level of advertising revenues, and an overall difficulty to diversify sources of revenues.
• Budget 2024 highlighted the importance of public interest programming services, notably CPAC, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), Accessible Media Inc (AMI), ICI Television, and TV5 Québec Canada. It proposed to provide $15 million over two years starting in 2024-25 to the Department to support public interest programming services, including $5 million in 2024-25 to support CPAC’s capital requirements.
• In addition, a certain amount from Budget 2024 could be allocated to six beneficiaries for 2025-26, such as Canal M, an audio broadcasting service for persons with disabilities.
• While the CRTC is continuing its work to update the broadcasting system, it has delayed the implementation timeline, with certain consultations continuing into 2026. It is therefore unlikely that the updated broadcasting framework will be ready in time to help support Canada’s public interest programming services after 2025-26, some of which may require additional short-term support from the Government for 2026-27.
• On December 18, the Minister announced that the Government of Canada is extending its temporary financial support for public service media to the tune of $8 million over two years, or $4 million per year starting from 2026–2027. Details of this financial assistance will be put in place later in 2026.

Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting

Issue

Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting

Update

April 14, 2026

Source

N/A

Synopsis

The Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component of the Indigenous Languages Program provides funding and supports the production and distribution of Indigenous radio and television content, with a focus on distribution in the North. Annual funding for Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting has remained static at $7.9 million since 1997. Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting currently supports 22 clients for the 2026-28 fiscal years.

Recommended response

• Broadcasting and media are essential platforms for Indigenous representation, cultural resilience, and language revitalization.
• Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting provides a critical service in the North, supported by $7.9 million in ongoing annual funding to create and distribute Indigenous radio and television programming.
• In 2024–25, this program supported the creation of 98,538 hours of new radio content, including 45,641 hours in Indigenous languages such as Cree, Michif, Dene, Inuktitut, and Ojibway.
• Modernization of the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting is underway to advance and strengthen support for the Indigenous broadcasting sector in Canada; advancing Indigenous self-determination and fulfilling commitments under the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Background

• The Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting (NAB) program was created in 1983 as the former Northern Native Broadcast Access Program. The program became permanent in 1987 with 13 founding Indigenous communications societies that serve the North.
• The NAB provides programming funding and supports the production and distribution of Indigenous radio and television content, with a focus on distribution in the North. NAB’s objectives are to support the production of culturally relevant Indigenous programming; facilitate the establishment and maintenance of production facilities; ensure availability of a significant amount of radio and television programming; contribute to the protection and enhancement of Indigenous languages and cultures; and provide venues to articulate issues of relevance to Indigenous audiences and communities. The NAB is a direct-support grants and contributions program administered by Canadian Heritage (PCH).
• The program has stable funding of $7.9 million, which has remained unchanged since 1997. NAB is the only dedicated federal funding mechanism for Indigenous broadcasting and remains the primary source of funding for broadcasters in the North. Applicants must provide broadcast communications north of the Hamelin line which is drawn at the 55th parallel and defines the Canadian North for policy purposes.
• In 2012, PCH determined organizations in the South could be eligible for support if they broadcast programming north of the 55th parallel.
• In 2015, the program introduced a funding formula to increase objectivity that considers the number of hours of new content and the number of hours of Indigenous language content.
• In 2023, NAB was included in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan under Shared Priority 106, which commits Canadian Heritage to “provide increased ongoing funding for Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting and expand nationally to support Indigenous broadcasting and the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures.”
• In 2024-25, NAB supported 25 clients for a total of $8.6M in funding. Supplementary funding of $500,000 was provided to some recipients in 2024-25.
• In 2024-25, 20 organizations produced 98,538 hours of new radio content, which included 45,641 hours of new Indigenous language programming. The component also funded 5 organizations to produce 205 hours of new Indigenous language television content.
• NAB Program modernization is underway, beginning with a May 2026 engagement exercise led by the Indigenous Media Association of Canada to strengthen direct support to Indigenous media.

Audiovisual sector modernization

Issue

Audiovisual sector modernization

Update

January 19, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

The Department is considering options to modernize federal support for the audiovisual sector, including tax credits and funding programs, with the aim to create a more efficient, effective, responsible and nimble support system. Consideration is being given to recalibrating federal support across the value chain, modernizing the federal institutions that support the sector and reforming the tax credits.

Recommended response

• Canada’s audiovisual industry is a major source of economic activity and jobs for Canadians across the country, as well as a key contributor to reinforcing Canada’s cultural identity and sovereignty.
• The audiovisual sector has gone through major changes over the last decade, and the federal support system needs to adapt to align with the needs of the sector.
• The Government of Canada remains committed to the success of Canada’s audiovisual sector as it works to modernize the institutions and funding tools that support the sector.
• On January 29, 2026, an expert panel was announced to advise on modernizing federal supports for the audiovisual sector in response to rapid technological change, shifting audience habits, globalization, and emerging threats to cultural sovereignty.

Background

• The audiovisual sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital disruption, global competition and evolving regulations. These shifts challenge traditional support models and highlight gaps in how federal tools currently address the full audiovisual value chain.
• In 2020, the federal Broadcasting & Telecommunications Legislative Review Panel released Canada’s Communications Future: Time to Act, its final report and recommendations to government. Recommendation 65 stated “We recommend that the government establish a single public institution tasked with funding the creation, production, and discoverability of Canadian productions on all screens. This institution will combine the functions of the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada.”
• In November 2020, the Minister of Canadian Heritage tabled legislation to amend the Broadcasting Act, to modernize it for the digital age. The Online Streaming Act received Royal Assent on April 27, 2023. The Online Streaming Act will make sure Canadians can see themselves in the stories and music available in the new online reality and will reinvest in future generations of artists in Canada. As part of its implementation, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is modernizing its broadcasting regulatory framework.
• On November 18, 2025, the CRTC released its new definition of Canadian Content. The new definition expands the point system to include new key creative positions and include the opportunity for bonus points for being based on a Canadian written work; inclusion of Canadian musical works; and the use of recognizably Canadian characters and settings.
• The Department is considering options to modernize federal support for the audiovisual sector with the aim to create a more efficient, effective, responsible and nimble support system. Consideration is being given to recalibrating federal support across the value chain, including reforming the tax credits and the creation of a single federal institution to support the Canadian audiovisual sector.
• The consolidation of audiovisual support activities into a more modern, harmonized and efficient approach via a single institution would allow the government to reduce administrative costs and focus on strategic reinvestments in the sector.

CBC/Radio-Canada News Services on Prime Video

Issue

CBC/Radio-Canada News Services on Prime Video

Update

April 15, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

On March 5th, 2026, CBC/Radio-Canada announced a new partnership with Amazon Prime Video whereby its all-news channels CBC News Network and ICI RDI would be available on the streaming service as add-on subscriptions for $4.99/month each.

Radio-Canada’s Executive Vice-President announced that this deal allows the national public broadcaster to “provide greater access to the country’s only national French-language 24/7 channel”, thereby responding to the strong demand among francophones across Canada for trusted and reliable news sources.

However, the announcement sparked a strong reaction among French-language stakeholders, particularly those in Quebec, including Quebec’s Minister of Culture and Communications. On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Bloc Quebecois MP Martin Champoux tabled a motion at CHPC requesting that Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, appear before the committee to explain the decision to make ICI RDI available on Prime Video before a Canadian-owned streaming platform.

On March 13, 2026, CBC/Radio-Canada announced that it paused the availability of RDI on Prime Video.

Recommended Response

• CBC/Radio-Canada is a pillar of our cultural identity, a cornerstone of our sovereignty and a key player in our news ecosystem.
• As an independent Crown corporation, CBC/Radio-Canada operates at arm’s length from the government and makes business decisions that respond to its mandate in the Broadcasting Act. This includes ensuring its programming is available throughout Canada.
• As indicated in Budget 2025, the Government is working to modernize CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate and strengthen its role as a public service broadcaster.

Background

CBC/Radio-Canada’s deal with Amazon Prime Video

• CBC/Radio-Canada currently offers two subscription Video on Demand digital services: CBC Gem and ICI.TOU.tv. Both services have a free, ad-supported section, and a paid subscription level, that makes the content ad-free and better quality ($5.99/month for CBC Gem and $8.99/month for TOU.TV). While CBC Gem provides paid subscribers with access to CBC News Network, ICI.TOU.TV does not offer ICI RDI on either its free or its paid service.
• On March 5, 2026, CBC/Radio-Canada announced a new partnership with Amazon Prime Video whereby its all-news channels CBC News Network and ICI RDI would be available on the streaming service as add-on subscriptions for $4.99/month each, with a 7-day free trial period.
• CBC/Radio-Canada is the first and only Canadian public broadcaster to make some of its services available on Prime Video. However, several private Canadian broadcasters already have their programming services available on that platform, including Bell Media (Crave, The Sports Network), Groupe TVA (TVA Sports Direct) Rogers Sports & Media (Citytv+), Corus Entertainment Inc. (STACKTV) and OUTtv Media Global (OUTtv).
• In the announcement, Dany Meloul, Executive Vice-President of Radio-Canada stated that “There is a strong demand among francophones across the country for trusted and reliable news sources, such as ICI RDI” and the agreement with Prime Video allows them to “provide greater access to the country’s only national French language 24/7 news channel.” The Corporation also indicated that making RDI and CBC News Network available on Prime Video allows these news channels to reach a wider domestic audience, given that fewer Canadians are subscribing to cable providers and prefer watching shows on digital platforms.
• While reactions were muted from English-language media in Canada, French-language stakeholders reacted quite negatively to the announcement. Several French-language outlets, including La Presse and Le Journal de Montréal, were particularly critical of CBC/Radio-Canada making a deal with a foreign tech giant before a Canadian service.
• Provincial parties, including the Parti Québécois and Québec Solidaire were particularly critical of the decision to entrust ICI RDI to a US tech giant. Quebec’s Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, also indicated on X that the agreement made “no sense”.
• In response, CBC/Radio-Canada has publicly indicated that they have a mandate to reach all French-speaking Canadians across the country, and distributing ICI RDI on Prime Video is a very powerful way to do that. They have also indicated that deals with domestic streaming services are currently underway and that they were also working on making ICI RDI accessible on ICI TOU.TV.
• Nevertheless, and because of the controversy, CBC/Radio-Canada announced on Friday, March 13, 2026, that they have paused the availability of RDI on Prime Video for any new subscribers until it is also made available on ICI TOU.TV. RDI is not yet available on TOU.TV due to the terms of an existing agreement with another distributor, while CBC News Network is not subject to the same contractual restrictions and is therefore already available on CBC Gem.

Budget 2025

• Budget 2025 provided $150 million in 2025-26 for CBC/Radio-Canada to strengthen its mandate to serve the public and to better reflect the needs of Canadians. The government is also exploring modernizing CBC/Radio-Canada's mandate to strengthen its independence.

2025 Green Paper

• On February 20, 2025, a green paper titled The Future of CBC/Radio-Canada was published on the Department of Canadian Heritage’s website. Changes proposed in the document would emphasize the role of CBC/Radio-Canada in the broadcast of trustworthy, local and impartial news, ensure reliable information during emergencies, an end to subscription fees for CBC/Radio-Canada’s streaming platforms and advertising during TV news; strengthened independence from the Government; an emphasis on innovation and collaboration; an Indigenous strategy; and increased and stabilized funding written into law.
• The Green Paper was also critical of CBC/Radio-Canada's dependence on advertising and subscription revenues, as it risks compromising its public service remit by favouring revenue-generating content to the detriment of the social, cultural, and democratic benefits intended in its mandate. The Green Paper notes that while public service broadcasters do supplement their public funding with certain forms of commercial revenue, some critics maintain that commercial considerations could increasingly encroach on their programming incentives.

Protecting Our National Broadcaster: CBC/Radio-Canada

Issue

Protecting Our National Broadcaster: CBC/Radio-Canada

Update

April 13, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

Budget 2025 announced an additional $150 million in 2025-26 for CBC/Radio-Canada to strengthen its mandate to serve the public and to better reflect the needs of Canadians in both official languages. The government is also exploring options to modernize CBC/Radio-Canada's mandate, with a focus on independence, accountability, local news, emergency communications, Indigenous perspectives, and combating misinformation.

This delivers on the Government’s commitment to increase public funding for CBC/Radio-Canada by $150 million and work with the Corporation to explore ways to modernize their mandate with emphasis on culture, innovation, and service to communities.

Recommended Response

• CBC/Radio-Canada is a pillar of our cultural identity and a cornerstone of our sovereignty. For nearly a century, it has brought us together, shared our stories, and strengthened our national dialogue.
• That is why in 2025-26 the Government provided an additional $150 million to CBC/Radio-Canada, to protect our national broadcaster by ensuring it has the resources it needs to better deliver vital programming for Canadian in both French and English.
• These commitments will ensure that CBC/Radio-Canada is to modernize and strengthen its mandate to serve the public and to better reflect the needs of Canadians. This will enable the Corporation to strengthen local news, combat disinformation, and create entertainment that reflects Canadians, their communities and their country.

Background

• Budget 2025 announced an additional $150 million in 2025-26 to strengthen CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate to serve the public and to better reflect the needs of Canadians in both official languages.
• In May 2025, the new government identified two priorities that directly relate to CBC/Radio-Canada: protect Canadian sovereignty and keep Canadians safe and protect the institutions that bring Canada’s cultures and identity to the world, like CBC/Radio-Canada (Speech from the Throne). In July, the Government also announced a comprehensive expenditure review of all spending. This includes Crown corporations such as CBC/Radio-Canada.
• During the 2025 federal election, the Liberal Party proposed to strengthen CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate by developing a governance plan to improve accountability; equipping CBC/Radio-Canada to further promote and support Canadian and Quebec culture; strengthening local news with more local bureaus and reporters; adding to its mandate the clear and consistent transmission of life-saving information during emergencies; fully equipping CBC/Radio-Canada to combat disinformation; and bolstering innovation and investing in new digital tools so that CBC/Radio-Canada can deliver the news when and how Canadians want it.
• The Liberal Party also proposed to enhance CBC/Radio-Canada’s available resources and secure stable, long-term funding by providing an initial $150 million funding increase, making funding statutory in legislation; and move towards a long-term funding level in line with the average funding of other national public broadcasters.
• On February 20, 2025, former Minister of Canadian Heritage released her vision for the future of CBC/Radio-Canada. Changes proposed in the document, The Future of CBC/Radio-Canada, would mean trustworthy, local and impartial news, reliable information during emergencies, an end to subscription fees for CBC/Radio-Canada’s streaming platforms and advertising during TV news; strengthened independence from the Government; an emphasis on innovation and collaboration; an Indigenous strategy; and increased and stabilized funding written into law.
• Budget 2024 announced an additional $42 million in 2024-25 for CBC/Radio-Canada news and entertainment programming, to ensure that Canadians across the country, including rural, remote, Indigenous, and minority language communities, have access to high-quality, independent journalism and entertainment.

CBC/Radio-Canada’s financial pressures

• In recent years, CBC/Radio-Canada has been grappling with a range of financial pressures that are challenging its ability to maintain programming and service levels. The primary drivers include the cumulative impact of inflation; escalating production and rights costs driven by intensifying competition with large global streaming platforms; and the ongoing structural deterioration of advertising and subscription revenues from traditional television.
• On December 4, 2023, CBC/Radio-Canada announced reductions to manage projected financial pressures of approximately $125 million. This included $40 million in programming cuts and the elimination of 800 positions (approximately 10% of its workforce). CBC and Radio-Canada would each cut an estimated 250 jobs each, suppress an additional 200 vacant positions, cut 100 positions from the technology and infrastructure division and eliminate other corporate services.
• In April 2024, CBC/Radio-Canada announced that due to improvements in its financial position and the additional funding provided in Budget 2024, the Corporation will be able to “address its remaining forecast shortfall and balance its budget without significant additional reductions this year.” In 2023-24, CBC/ Radio-Canada reduced its workforce by 141 employees and cut 205 vacant positions.

Current funding model and contributions to the media landscape

• CBC/Radio-Canada relies on a combination of public funding and earned revenues to deliver its mandate. In 2024-25, it received a parliamentary appropriation of $1.4 billion and reported $588.7 million in earned revenues, including $343.9 million in advertising and $125.4 million in subscriber fees.
• CBC/Radio-Canada is a pillar of Canada’s media landscape, news ecosystem, and creative economy. In 2024, it accounted for 41% ($585.6 million) of all expenditures on Canadian programming produced for conventional (over-the-air) television, including 24% ($146 million) of all expenditures on news and information; 61% ($176.1 million) of all expenditures on drama and comedy made by and for Canadians; and 54% ($331.8 million) of all expenditures by Canadian broadcasters on independent productions, making it the single most important domestic partner to Canada’s independent production sector.

Other relevant developments

• CBC/Radio-Canada is eligible to receive up to $7 million of the $100 million annual compensation that will be provided by Google to Canadian news outlets under the Online News Act (Bill C-18). On January 15, 2025, CBC/Radio-Canada announced that they will use these funds to hire 22 journalists in underserved communities across Canada.

Bill S-211, An Act Respecting a National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting Act

Issue

Bill S-211, An Act Respecting a National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting Act

Update

April 22, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

In May 2025, Bill S-211, An Act Respecting a National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting was tabled that would provide for the development of a national framework to regulate sports betting ads in Canada to address risks to vulnerable persons; and, for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to review its regulations and policies to assess their adequacy in addressing related harms. It would further set out requirements to promote research on prevention and diagnosis of minors involved with problematic gambling, as well as national standards for the prevention and diagnosis of problematic gambling and measures to address these concerns.

Recommended response

• Since the legalization of sports betting in 2021, there has been a significant rise in the number of gambling ads being presented to Canadians.
• This exposure has been reported to risk increased gambling participation among minors and others at a heightened risk from harmful gambling behaviours.
• The Government is carefully examining the issue to ensure that the best solution is put forward, including the potential elements contained in Bill S-211.

Background

• Bill S-211, An Act Respecting a National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting would provide for the development of a national framework to regulate sports betting ads in Canada to address risks to vulnerable persons; and, for the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to review its regulations and policies to assess their adequacy in addressing related harms. It would further set out requirements to promote research on prevention and diagnosis of minors involved with problematic gambling, as well as national standards for the prevention and diagnosis of problematic gambling and measures to address these concerns.
• Bill S-211 is ultimately a response to the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, Bill C-218, which came into force in August 2021, and made betting on single games of football, hockey, and other sports legal in Canada. Bill C-218 enabled the provincial and territorial governments to establish regulatory regimes for sports betting within their respective jurisdictions with a view to redirecting and securing revenues being lost to illegal offshore betting websites and black-market bookmakers. No extensive debate on the issue of advertising or its associated harms occurred as part of this process. Ontario was the first province to introduce such a framework for sports gambling.
• Bill S-211 is identical (except for its short title) to Bill S-269, the National Framework on Advertising for Sports Betting Act, introduced by Senator Marty Deacon. That bill was introduced in June 2023 but died on the Order Paper when Parliament was prorogued in January 2025.
• A major proponent of S-269 and S-211 is the highly publicized “Campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling.” Starting in the spring of 2023, the Campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling began seeking a governmental response to the growing number of advertisements for gambling. It urged the federal government to ban online gambling advertisements across all forms of media to proactively grapple with the financial and addiction (mental health) issues of some Canadians, particularly young people, who may be more susceptible to advertisements. There is significant concern regarding young people viewing major sporting events – e.g., the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the upcoming Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in 2026 – that generate significant attention and advertising revenue.
• The bill tasks the Minister of Canadian Heritage with developing a national framework on advertising for sports betting. This means that should the bill proceed, the Department would be responsible for carrying out the policy work to support the Minister, since regulating broadcasting and the potential impact on sporting events is under the purview of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
• Bill S-211 was introduced in the Senate in May 2025. It passed the Senate in October 2025. It had second hour of debate at second reading on April 15, 2026.
• The CRTC currently does not have any advertising policies relating to gambling advertising in general or sports betting in particular.
• Ad Standards is the not-for-profit advertising self-regulatory organization in Canada that oversees advertising in Canada, including for broadcasting. In a committee appearance for S-269, representatives of the CRTC said that Ad Standards is working with the Canadian Gaming Association to develop and administer a code for responsible gaming and advertising. No such code has been released yet.
• The regulation of advertising in Canada takes many forms, depending on the product being advertised, with most regulations working independently from one another. Some advertising subjects are controlled through Health Canada legislation (tobacco, vaping, drugs etc.), some are self-regulated by advertising associations (1-900 telephone numbers for specific services, such as adult phone lines, psychic consultations, and horoscopes), while others are enforced by the CRTC (alcohol).

Canada Strong Pass – Museums

Issue

Canada Strong Pass – Museums

Update

April 23, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

The Canada Strong Pass is a Government of Canada initiative aimed at strengthening national unity and pride across the country by promoting a sense of belonging, encouraging youth and young families to discover Canadian heritage for free or at a reduced cost, making cultural institutions, natural spaces, and travel experiences more affordable.

Recommended response

• The Canada Strong Pass offered visitor discounts and free admission at select locations in the summer and winter holiday period, which encouraged exploration across the country, increased access to cultural experiences, and fostered connections with nature.
• More than 2.3 million people visited participating Canadian museums over the 2025 summer period, including almost 580,000 children who benefited from free admission and more than 115,000 youth who accessed discounted rates. In total, approximately 30% of all museum visits were offered at no cost or at a reduced price.
• For winter 2025-26, almost 500,000 people visited participating Canadian museums. This included almost 108,000 children admitted for free and more than 28,000 youth who received a discount. In total, approximately 27% of all museum visits were provided for free or at a discount.
• The Canada Strong Pass will be continued for summer 2026. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting initiatives that make it more affordable to discover and enjoy Canada.

Background

• The Canada Strong Pass offers the opportunity for Canadians to discover and celebrate Canada. It was implemented in collaboration with the six National Museums, the National Battlefields Commission, VIA Rail, Parks Canada and 86 provincial and territorial museums and heritage organizations.
• In total, 86 organizations from nine different jurisdictions participated during summer 2025. Nunavut and the Northwest Territories did not have qualifying museums, and Quebec and Prince Edward Island chose not to participate. For summer 2026, most of the same museums are expected to return. Quebec and Prince Edward Island have again chosen not to participate.
• Given that summer and winter holidays are peak revenue earning season for many museums, participating provincial and territorial museums and heritage organizations are able to apply under a temporary initiative of the Museums Assistance Program for funding to help offset lost revenues. Funding is determined by a formula calculated at 15% of the previous year’s ticket revenue, up to a maximum of $1 million for the summer 2025 and 2026 editions, and 7% of the previous year’s ticket revenue, up to a maximum of $500,000 for the winter 2025-26 edition. The national museums and the National Battlefields Commission are also provided funding to compensate for lost revenues.
• In summer 2025, participating provincial and territorial museums reported an overall increase of up to 20% for visitors aged 0-17 and nearly 13% for visitors aged 18-24 when compared to the same period in 2024. In total:
  • More than 379,000 children enjoyed free admission (about 21% of total visits)
  • Over 78,000 youth benefitted from reduced admission (4% of total visits)
  • Over 1.6 million people in total visited participating provincial and territorial museums
• Compared to 2024, the National Museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum experienced up to 20% increases in paid visits and an overall average increase in paid visits of 13% during summer 2025.
  • Almost 200,000 children enjoyed free admission (about 31% of total visits)
  • Almost 37,000 youth benefited from reduced admissions (6% of total visits)
  • This represented over $3.8 million in visitor savings.
  • The total number of visits across all National Museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum was 635,216.
• Highlights for the winter 2025-26 period for the National Museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum showed an increase in children and youth in many museums compared to the previous year:
  • A total of 41,435 children under 18 visited for free (savings of about $633,902).
  • A total of 10,691 young adults (18-24) received a 50% discount (savings of about $146,482).
  • $780,000 in visitor savings.
  • The total number of visits across all National Museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum was 170,093.
• Provincial and territorial museums and heritage organizations reported in winter 2025-26:
  • A total of 65,886 children under 18 visited for free (about 20% of total visits)
  • A total of 17,333 young adults (18-24) received a 50% discount (about 5% of total visits)
  • Over 327,329 people in total visited participating provincial and territorial museums.

Monarchy in Canada and the 2025 Royal Visit

Issue

Monarchy in Canada and the 2025 Royal Visit

Update

January 20, 2026

Source

N/A

Synopsis

The Royal Visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 26-27, 2025, during which The King delivered the Speech from the Throne, served to reaffirm Canada’s sovereignty and unique identity. As a constitutional monarchy, the Sovereign is Canada’s Head of State.

Recommended response

• The May 2025 Royal Visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla was a landmark moment reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty and unique identity.
• The total cost to the Department of Canadian Heritage for the May 2025 Royal Visit is $442,958.26, as of January 2026.
• Canada is a constitutional monarchy, where the authority to govern lies with the Crown. The Sovereign, as the embodiment of the Crown, is our Head of State and an essential part of our system of governance.

Background

2025 Royal Visit

• Royal Tours and Visits are initiated at the request of the Prime Minister.
• Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Ottawa on May 26 and 27, 2025. While the primary focus of the visit was His Majesty King Charles III delivering the Speech from the Throne, Their Majesties also engaged with a variety of individuals and groups that reflect the geographic and cultural richness of the country.
• The visit marked a powerful gesture affirming Canada’s sovereignty and its unique character as a constitutional monarchy and provided an opportunity to better understand the unique role of the Crown in our democracy.
• The last time a Sovereign delivered the Speech from the Throne in Canada was in 1977, when Queen Elizabeth II opened the third session of the 30th Parliament. She had previously delivered the Speech from the Throne in 1957, to open the 23rd Parliament.
• This was The King’s first visit to Canada since his accession on September 8, 2022, and was otherwise The King’s 20th visit to Canada, and The Queen’s 6th visit to Canada.
• The previous official Royal Tour to Canada was by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2022 (then as Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall), in the context of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.
• Royal Visits and Royal Tours demonstrate the enduring ties between the Royal Family and Canadians and offer a unique opportunity to celebrate this important aspect of our shared heritage, culture and identity.
• The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for the overall management of official Royal Visits and Royal Tours and shares the responsibility for developing and executing a program with provincial and territorial governments, as the case may be.
• Royal Tours and Visits are supported by many organizations, including several federal institutions, lieutenant governors and territorial commissioners, provincial/territorial and municipal governments, as well as non-profit organizations.
• Costs for a Royal Tour are shared between contributing partners. In addition to Canadian Heritage, other federal departments include the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Some of the costs are also shared between the federal and provincial/territorial governments, based on the duration and the number of events taking place in each jurisdiction.
• Costs incurred by federal departments and agencies that were covered by the Department of Canadian Heritage for the May 2025 Royal Visit included: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (ceremonial costs only; $20,605), Office of the Secretary to the Governor General ($27,750), Global Affairs Canada ($2,500), Public Services and Procurement Canada ($140,451), Health Canada ($14,489), and the National Capital Commission ($12,039). An official finalized cost will be available after the end of the federal fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2026.
• The Department of Canadian Heritage currently has no information regarding the timing for the next Royal Tour of Canada by His Majesty King Charles III or another member of the Royal Family acting on his behalf.

The Crown in Canada

• Canada has important traditions and institutions that are integral to the country’s identity. One such institution is the Canadian Crown.
• As a constitutional monarchy, the power to govern in Canada resides with the Crown and is entrusted to our democratically elected government for the administration of day-to-day politics. As the embodiment of the Crown, the Sovereign plays a crucial role in our system of governance.
• The role of the Canadian Crown continues to evolve and remains an essential component of our history. Over the past several decades, it has adapted to reflect our regional, bilingual, and multicultural character.
• Non-partisan and independent of day-to-day politics, the Crown in Canada contributes to a sense of continuity, stability, unity, and pride among Canadians.
• The Crown is a living symbol of Canada’s history, sovereignty, and traditions. It is vital to reconciliation as it represents the historic treaty relationships with Indigenous Peoples and supports ongoing nation-to-nation dialogue, recognition of Indigenous rights, and efforts toward meaningful self-determination and partnership.
• In addition to being Canada’s monarch and Head of State, His Majesty is patron or president of several Canadian organizations, which reflect His Majesty’s diverse interests, ranging from youth and education to organic agriculture and architecture. The King has a long history and a special relationship with Canada that spans 50 years of visits to every province and territory.

Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection–Promotion–Collaboration

Issue

Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection–Promotion–Collaboration

Update

April 15, 2026

Sources

• Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration
• Accountability Framework - Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028: Protection–Promotion–Collaboration

Synopsis

The Government of Canada has implemented all 33 of the new or enhanced initiatives in Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028. When combined with the 49 ongoing initiatives from previous Action Plans, the 19 federal partners of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028 are delivering 82 initiatives in support of official languages, worth $4.1 billion over 5 years.

Recommended response

• The implementation of the Action Plan 2023-2028 continues to pursue its main objective of protecting and promoting our two official languages.
• This significant investment of 4.1 billion dollars over five years supports Francophone immigration objectives, promotes learning opportunities in both official languages, and supports the delivery of essential services to official language minority communities
• The mid-term review of the Action Plan 2023-2028 is nearing completion and reveals that all the initiatives have been implemented, that they have a positive impact on official language minority communities, but that improvements should be considered to reduce processing times at the beginning of the fiscal year. A report will be made public soon.

Background

• The 19 federal institutions partnering in Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028 (Action Plan 2023-2028) continue to implement the initiatives in that five-year government strategy, which represents a historic official languages investment of $4.1 billion over five years—including $1.4 billion in new funding—shared among 82 initiatives.
• By the end of Year 1 (2023–2024), 29 of the 33 new or enhanced initiatives had been put in place, for a total new-funding disbursement of $183 million. This new funding was in addition to the $549 million in ongoing funding for 49 renewed historical initiatives, bringing total Year 1 disbursements to $732 million. Canadian Heritage’s Annual Report on Official Languages 2023-2024, released in June 2025, reports on the progress and key results of this first year of implementation.
• In Year 2 (2024–2025), all 82 initiatives were fully in place, with a total of over $780 million in funds disbursed.
• From Year 3 to Year 5, annual disbursements of between $840 million to $850 million per year (20 to 22% of the total $4.1 billion envelope) are anticipated.
• Here are some of the key milestones reached during the first two years of implementation of Action Plan 2023-2028:

1. Since 2023–2024, Canadian Heritage prioritized the intergovernmental agreements on the distribution of funding to the provinces and territories, both for education and for services, and the increase in core funding for community organizations.
2. On January 16, 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a series of initiatives to support Francophone immigration outside Quebec, including a new Policy on Francophone Immigration.
3. On March 1, 2024, the Minister responsible for Official Languages announced an immediate 12.5% increase, until 2028, in Canadian Heritage’s funding for over 300 organizations working to enhance the vitality of official language minority communities and protect and promote the official languages in Canada. This funding could be increased by up to 25% in the coming years in the case of organizations whose work aligns with Action Plan 2023-2028 priorities.
4. Action Plan 2023-2028 provides funding for a portion of the network of over 400 non-governmental organizations working to support the official languages and the communities that speak to them across Canada. Of the $1.4 billion in new funding, some $304 million is going directly to community organizations and stakeholders to foster the development of their communities.
5. In 2023–2024, Canadian Heritage, launched the Partnerships to Strengthen Part VII of the Official Languages Act (formerly known as the Centre for Strengthening Part VII of the Official Languages Act). This partnership between Canadian Heritage and the Treasury Board Secretariat will help strengthen leadership within the federal administration, ensure coordination of federal efforts, and foster greater collaboration with Canadians, for the benefit and increased visibility of our official languages—and the protection and promotion of French across Canada.
6. In 2024–2025, dialogue sessions were undertaken with community organizations and official languages stakeholders to work out how the new or improved initiatives could be implemented “by and for” communities.
7. An Accountability Framework covering the overarching societal objectives of Action Plan 2023-2028 was made available to Canadians via Canada.ca on June 4, 2025.
8. Annual reporting on the Action Plan as a whole and on its 82 individual initiatives will continue to be improved, including by way of a public dashboard showing the status of implementation (disbursements and tangible results for Canadians).
9. The mid-term review exercise for Action Plan 2023-2028 was launched in fall 2025 with dialogue sessions that provided an opportunity to take stock of the first years of implementation. A report on the mid-term review will then be published on Canada.ca in spring 2026.
   • Action Plan 2023-2028 is structured around four pillars, each with its own initiatives and associated funding amounts:
10. Francophone Immigration: Towards the Re-Establishment of the Demographic Weight of Francophones –This pillar features 7 new or enhanced initiatives totalling $137.2 million over 5 years in new investments.
11. Promoting Lifelong Learning Opportunities – This pillar features 10 new or enhanced initiatives totalling $763.8 million over 5 years in new funding.
12. Strong Measures in Support of Community Vitality – This pillar features 14 initiatives totalling $465.9 million in new funding.
13. Leading by Example: Acting and Collaborating to Strengthen Communities – This pillar features 2 initiatives totalling $22.1 million in new funding.

Regulations under the modernized Official Languages Act and under the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act

Issue

Regulations under the modernized Official Languages Act and under the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act

Update

April 15, 2026

Source

N/A

Synopsis

On December 9, 2025, draft regulations for Part VII were tabled in the House of Commons, following the tabling on November 26, 2025, of draft regulations on the new regime of administrative monetary penalties. The latter was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 7, 2026, following a mandatory 30-day sitting period in the House of Commons prior to publication, allowing Members of Parliament to familiarize themselves with the Bill. As for the regulations on the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act, it was tabled at the House of Commons on April 15, 2026.

Recommended response

• The three regulations required to fulfil our commitment to implement the modernised Official Languages Act have all been tabled in Parliament.
• The regulation on administrative monetary penalties has been published in the Canada Gazette and could come into force in the coming months.
• These regulations are key to fully implementing our language reform and once again demonstrate our commitment to substantive equality of English and French.

Background

• On December 9, 2025, draft regulations for Part VII were tabled in the House of Commons, following the tabling on November 26, 2025, of draft regulations on the new regime of administrative monetary penalties (AMP). The latter was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 7, 2026, following a mandatory 30-day sitting period in the House of Commons prior to publication, allowing Members of Parliament to familiarize themselves with the Bill. As for the regulations on the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses (UFPBA), it was tabled at the House of Commons on April 15, 2026.
• The draft AMP regulations will be subject to a 30-day official public consultation period during a joint sitting of both Houses, ending on 17 June 2026. The draft UFPBA regulations will follow the same process once tabled.
• An online consultation was conducted in 2024, and over 1,300 Canadians responded. Other mandatory consultations were held in 2025, including with the provinces and territories and with groups representing Indigenous Peoples. Public participation has informed the development of impact analyses and regulatory options.

Regulations on the use of French in federally regulated private businesses – led by Canadian Heritage

• The regulations on federally regulated private businesses are the responsibility of Canadian Heritage. They are intended to prescribe the way the UFPBA is to be implemented, including by defining “region with a strong Francophone presence” and establishing the minimum number of employees that a business must have to be subject to the UFPBA.

Regulations for the new administrative monetary penalties regime – led by Canadian Heritage

• The regulations for the new administrative monetary penalties regime are the responsibility of Canadian Heritage. They are intended to provide a framework for the use of the Commissioner of Official Languages’ new power to impose administrative monetary penalties in respect of violations of Part IV (Communications with and Services to the Public) of the Official Languages Act. The purpose of this power is to strengthen the compliance of federal institutions – particularly those in the passenger transportation sector – with their communications with and services to the public obligations.

Regulations under Part VII of the modernized Official Languages Act – led by Treasury Board Secretariat

• The Part VII regulations are the responsibility of the Treasury Board Secretariat, though Canadian Heritage will be playing a supporting role. The purpose of the regulations is to clarify and circumscribe the duties of federal institutions with respect to promoting official languages and supporting the development of official language minority communities.

Steps in the regulatory process

• Step 1: Carry out pre-consultations with various stakeholders, develop regulatory options and organize information sessions.
• Step 2: Follow the mandatory consultation process set out in sections 84, 85 and 86 of the Official Languages Act and the similar process for federally regulated private businesses set out in sections 34, 35 and 36 of the UFPBA.
  • Section 84: The minister of the Crown who is responsible for the provision shall, at a time and in a manner appropriate to the circumstances, seek the views of members of the English and French linguistic minority communities and, if appropriate, members of the public generally on the proposed regulations.
  • Section 85: The minister of the Crown who is responsible for the provision shall lay a draft of the proposed regulations before the House of Commons at least 30 days before a copy of the regulations is pre-published in the Canada Gazette under section 86.
  • Section 86: A copy of each regulations that the Governor in Council proposes to make under the Official Languages Act shall be published in the Canada Gazette at least 30 days before its proposed effective date, and a reasonable opportunity shall be afforded to interested persons to make representations to the minister of the Crown who is responsible for the provision with respect to the proposed regulations. In calculating the 30-day period, only the days on which both Houses are sitting are to be counted.
• Step 3: Final approval of the regulations by the Treasury Board; coming into force of the regulations and publication of the approved regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II; and organization of information sessions on next steps.
• Step 4: The timing of the order-in-council needs to reflect the state of the regulatory work. Moreover, the order-in-council must be timed to coincide with or follow the pre-publication of the sets of draft regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II. This step applies to both regulations on the administrative monetary penalties regulations and the regulations on the use of French in federally regulated private businesses regulations.
• Step 5: Negotiation, with the Government of Quebec, of an agreement supporting the harmonious coexistence of the federal (UFPBA) and provincial (Charter of the French Language) regimes covering federally regulated private businesses with workplaces in Quebec.
• In the event of a dissolution of Parliament, all ongoing legislative and regulatory work will be suspended, including work related to the implementation of the draft regulations under the UFPBA and the Official Languages Act.

Information Commissioner ruling on ATIP (Deschênes Part II Report)

Issue

Information Commissioner ruling on ATIP (Deschênes Part II Report)

New

January 27, 2026

Source

Library and Archives Canada

Synopsis

Library and Archives Canada is awaiting the Final Report and decision from the Information Commissioner on this file.

Recommended response

• In November 2024 the Part II Report from the Commission of Inquiry into War Criminals in Canada (Deschênes Commission) was not released, following a comprehensive analysis including input from multiple government departments and external stakeholders.
• It was found that this document remained sensitive more than thirty years after it was originally deemed confidential by the Deschênes Commission in 1986.
• The final report from the Information Commissioner on their year-long investigation into this matter has not yet been received. The government is awaiting the findings and therefore cannot comment any further.

Background

• The Deschênes Commission of Inquiry on War Criminals Part I Report was released to the public in 1987 and examined whether war criminals had entered Canada. It treated these cases anonymously, using case number rather than names, and provides the methodology for its investigation, explored legal remedies available at the time, and assessed the number of war criminals alleged to have been in Canada. This Report is available online Commission of Inquiry on War Criminal Part I.
• The Commission issued a Part II Report. This report contains:
  • accounts of in-camera proceedings;
  • the master list of all individuals that were investigated, including individual assessments of the 29 most serious cases; and,
  • Justice Deschênes’ findings and recommendations.
• When he completed the report, Deschênes noted that Part II was “destined to remain confidential” due to the sensitive information it contained. All of this information was withheld in full in the decision of November 4, 2024.

Timeline of Events

• January 2022: Library and Archives Canada (LAC) received an Access to Information (ATI) request to review the Deschênes Commission of Inquiry on War Criminals, Part II Report (DP2).
  • Due to a backlog of overdue ATIP requests at LAC following Covid and severe volume overload (for which LAC began receiving significant temporary funding to address in 2022), LAC did not address this request within legislated timeframes.
• December 2022: LAC receives a delay complaint through the Information Commissioner, due to the fact that this request was not addressed within legislated timeframes.
  • In June 2023, B’nai Brith addresses the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) with a call to the Government of Canada to publicly release all Holocaust related material. B’nai Brith also has several other active ATI requests underway with LAC for other related material, such as the Rodal Report.
• September 2023: Incident in Parliament where Yaroslav Hunka was applauded. This brings more public attention to Holocaust related material that has not yet been publicly released and renews B’nai Brith’s public calls for this to be released.
  • LAC becomes engaged in an interdepartmental GC consultation process on this matter.
• February 2024: LAC releases to its website a version of the Rodal Report with fewer redactions than previously released versions. LAC begins its analysis of the Part II report.
  • The analysis conducted on the Rodal Report informs the analysis and way forward for DP2. This file was also under investigation with the IC, and the IC concluded that LAC’s exercise of discretion on the Rodal Report was appropriately applied. This matter is now before the courts, initiated by B’nai Brith.
• February to October 2024: LAC conducts extensive analysis, including interdepartmental consultation, and targeted external stakeholder consultations, to inform its analysis and discretion under the Access to Information Act (ATI) on the DP2 Report.
• November 4, 2024: LAC communicates the decision to the various ATI requesters that the DP2 report will be withheld in full in accordance with Sections 15 of the ATI Act (international relations).
  • Certain parts of the DP2 Report are also withheld under other provisions of the ATI Act including but not limited to: 13(1)(a) information obtained in confidence from a foreign government, 17 safety of individuals, 19(1) personal information, 23 solicitor-client privileged information, 24(1) other statutory prohibitions.
• January 2025: LAC receives the Notice of Intent to investigate from the Information Commissioner (IC).
  • LAC cooperates fully with the IC.
• May 2025: LAC provides 902 pages of case file documentation to the IC’s investigator.
  • LAC consults with Justice Canada for support through the investigation process
• November 4, 2025: LAC receives a request for representations from the IC to address specific details in relation to the exercise of discretion around s. 15, international relations.
  • LAC consults with Justice Canada for support through the investigation process
• December 12, 2025: LAC officially replies to the IC providing its representations.
• January 21, 2026: LAC receives an initial, informal heads up that the IC investigation is nearing completion and that the initial findings would appear to support LAC’s decision.
  • LAC is also informed that the clients will have 10 days to provide the IC with any further representations, after which point the IC will conclude their investigation. LAC is advised we should expect to receive the Final Report in February 2026. LAC anticipates that should any information in this report continue to be withheld, that one or more of the clients may initiate Federal Court proceedings for a Judicial review of the matter.

Court Challenges Program

Issue

Court Challenges Program

Update

April 22, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

Since January 2019, the modernized Court Challenges Program (CCP) has funded 463 cases, of which 185 cases were related to official language rights and 278 were related to human rights. The Program's budget has been doubled following an announcement in Budget 2023. The Court Challenges Program benefits from a legislative protection as its official language rights component is included in the Official Languages Act, and the human rights component in the Department of Canadian Heritage Act.

Recommended response

• The Court Challenges Program provides individuals and groups in Canada with financial support to bring cases of national importance related to certain constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights before the courts.
• The budget of the Court Challenges Program for 2026-27 is $10.4 million.
• The Court Challenges Program is administered independently by the University of Ottawa. Funding decisions are made by two independent Expert Panels.

Background

• Reinstated in 2017, the modernized Court Challenges Program (CCP) has been fully operational since January 2019. The CCP funds test cases of national significance related to official languages rights and human rights protected under the Charter and the Official Languages Act. Two independent expert panels, each composed of seven experts, are responsible for funding decisions.
• An evaluation of the CCP covering the period from 2017–18 to 2022–23 confirms the program's effectiveness. It highlights the crucial role of the University of Ottawa in its independent management and compliance with the terms and conditions of the contribution agreement.
• Total funding for the CCP has been doubled in 2023 to $10.4 million per year, of which a minimum of $3 million is allocated to the clarification of language rights. It is up to the Expert Panels to agree on how to allocate the remainder to human rights or official language rights.
• A new contribution agreement has been established between the Government of Canada and the University of Ottawa for the period 2025–2030. This agreement provides a framework for the implementation of the CCP and formalizes the University's role in administering the program.
• In 2024-25, the Panels had awarded funding for 118 cases, of which 48 cases for official language rights and 70 cases for human rights. In 2023-24, the Panels awarded funding for 71 cases, of which 22 for official language rights cases and 49 for human rights cases.
• Funding may be provided to any person; group of persons or organization incorporated in Canada that requires financial assistance to present a test case of national importance concerning the rights and freedoms covered by the Program.
• The rights covered by the modernized Program include freedom of religion, expression, assembly, and association (section 2 of the Charter), democratic rights (section 3 of the Charter) and the right to life, liberty, and security of the person (section 7 of the Charter). Justiciable parts of the Official Languages Act are also eligible for funding. These parts include Part IV (communications with and services to the public), Part V (language of work) and Part VII (advancement of English and French in Canada).
• The Program’s official language rights component can support cases challenging provincial and territorial laws if they relate to linguistic rights protected by the Charter.
• Since 2017, media attention has focused on various challenges to Quebec laws funded by the CCP. In 2020, it was reported that the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) had obtained funding to challenge the Act respecting the laicity of the State (Bill 21), although it ultimately decided not to use the funds. For its part, the Quebec English School Board Association (QESBA) confirmed in its 2021-2022 annual report that it had received JCP funding to challenge Bill 21.
• In 2020, funding from the CCP enabled the EMSB to challenge Bill 40 on school governance jointly with the QESBA, according to QESBA's 2019-2020 annual report. The EMSB is also challenging the Act respecting the official and common language of Quebec (Bill 96). In 2024, it obtained a partial stay of certain provisions of this Act and the Charter of the French Language, following two favorable appeals, which benefited other English-language school boards and associations awaiting a ruling on the constitutionality of Bill 96.
• The CCP contributes to enhancing minority human rights, including Indigenous rights, as exemplified in a 2021-22 criminal appeal that provided crucial guidance on section 15 of the Charter, emphasizing reconciliation principles to combat systemic discrimination, particularly against Indigenous women in the Canadian justice system.
• In July 2025, the Fédération des associations de juristes d’expression française de common law (FAJEF) and the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF), have asked in a correspondence to the Minister responsible for Official Languages and the Minister of Justice for an expansion of the scope of the CCP to include more litigation in the areas of education, justice, public services and broadcasting, as well as a strengthening of the protection of language rights.
• In response to these correspondences, it was recalled that the scope of the CCP was expanded in 2017 to include the justiciable parts of the Official Languages Act, and its budget doubled in 2023. The CCP therefore has the necessary means to meet the needs of official language minority communities.

Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028

Issue

Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028

Update

April 22, 2026

Recommended response

• The Government of Canada is committed to diversity and inclusion. Despite the progress made, racism remains an unacceptable reality for far too many people in Canada.
• Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 is part of the Government of Canada’s plan to build a stronger, safer and more inclusive Canada by advancing multiculturalism and anti-racism, strengthening social cohesion, and supporting communities.
• The Strategy includes a $110.4 million investment aimed at driving action in employment, justice and law enforcement, housing, healthcare and immigration systems. It encompasses over 70 federal initiatives designed so that federal policies, programs and services reflect the Canada it serves.

Background

• Statistics Canada projects that, by 2036, between 31% and 36% of the population will belong to a racialized group, largely attributable to a rise in immigration.
• Statistics Canada also projects that, by 2041, the proportion of immigrants or children of immigrants born in Canada could account for 52.4% of the population.
• The two above projections should be understood in a context of growing opposition to immigration, as suggested by a recent survey where 57% of respondents believed that there were “too many” immigrants entering Canada.
• Recent years have seen horrific hate-motivated incidents, including the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting that killed six, the 2020 murder of a Muslim man outside a Toronto mosque, and the 2021 London, Ontario, truck attack that claimed four members of a Muslim family. Antisemitic incidents have also spiked, with Jewish institutions the target of vandalism, with threats directed against synagogues, and bullets fired at a Jewish girls school in Toronto. In addition, since October 2023, there has been an explosion in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism at levels not seen since the aftermath of 9/11. Asian Canadians also faced verbal and physical assaults fueled by xenophobic narratives during the COVID-19 pandemic and since. In June 2024, in Ottawa, a home security camera filmed two people targeting the house of a family with South Korean roots. The incident made national news with footage of the convicted individuals shouting anti-Asian slurs in front of their homes.
• Using the 2023-24 Survey Series on People and their Communities, Statistics Canada (2025) reports that:
  • 45% of racialized Canadians aged 15 years and older reported that they faced racism and discrimination in the past five years. Eight in ten (81%) victims reported experiencing discrimination more than once in the last five years;
  • Racialized Canadians under the age of 45 were most likely to experience discrimination;
  • The rate of fair or poor mental health was almost double among racialized Canadians who faced discrimination (24%), compared to other racialized Canadians (13%); and,
  • Over one-quarter (26%) of sports participants in athletic roles reported feeling that racism and discrimination are problems in community sports in Canada.
• The 2022 and 2023 federal budgets provided a total of $110.4 million for Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.
• The Strategy’s priority areas include:
  • Promoting economic, social, and cultural empowerment;
  • Advancing racial equity in immigration, health, and housing systems;
  • Driving justice, law enforcement, intelligence, and public safety systems reform; and
  • Using international engagement to inform advancement on racial equity and inclusion at home.
• Budget 2022 provided $85 million over four years, starting in 2022-23, to Canadian Heritage to support the work to launch Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024–2028 and Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. Of this $85 million, approximately $70 million was allocated for the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program to deliver community funding.

Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate

Issue

Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate

Update

April 27, 2026

Source

Various

Recommended response

• Hate has no place in Canada. Hate divides us, incites violence, and puts our collective safety at risk. Every person in Canada deserves to feel safe and to be treated with dignity.
• Canada’s official data shows that hate crimes have increased dramatically over the past six years. Hate crimes are an attack on a person’s human rights and on the fundamental values that underpin our society. They are also an attack on our sense of unity and common Canadian identity.
• In 2024, the Government launched Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate to address this troubling rise in hate. Since then, Canadian Heritage has provided to date, approximately $18 million in funding to support over 115 anti-hate projects across the country. The Government will continue to invest in communities so that all Canadians can feel safe in their neighbourhoods.

Background

• Overall, the number of police-reported hate crimes has increased for six years in row, more than doubling (+169%) since 2018. Police-reported hate crimes increased only slightly (+1%) from 4,828 incidents in 2023 to 4,882 in 2024 but this followed a 34% increase from 2022 to 2023.
• The 1% increase in 2024 was in large part the result of more hate crimes targeting a race or ethnicity (+8%; up to 2,377 incidents) combined with fewer hate crimes targeting a sexual orientation (-26%; down to 658 incidents). The number of hate crimes targeting a religion was essentially stable, dropping from 1,345 incidents to 1,342 incidents.
• Hate crimes are underreported, particularly by communities that have had negative experiences with the police. Statistics Canada further notes that police-reported hate crime data “reflect[s] only incidents that come to the attention of police and are subsequently classified as confirmed or suspected hate-motivated crimes.”
• Government action is needed to confront hate because hate crimes affect more than just the individuals who experience them. Beyond the targeted population, the effects of hate crimes may also negatively impact social cohesion and the sense of belonging for other people living in affected areas. While victims and survivors share the heaviest burden, witnessing hate and living in fear has a negative social impact.
  • Individuals subjected to hate crimes who were targeted because of their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender expression may experience heightened psychological distress. This is because such incidents represent an assault on a fundamental part of the victim's personal identity.
  • Communities that identify with the individual may feel vulnerable and fearful that they could be targeted next. People living in areas with high rates of hate crimes report lower feelings of social inclusion and belonging, which in turn can weaken physical and mental health, costing victims, survivors, and health systems.

Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate

• Budget 2024 provided $273.6M over six years, starting in 2024-25, and $29.3M ongoing to support the Action Plan.
• The Action Plan lays out the Government of Canada’s vision for addressing emerging and evolving manifestations of hate in Canadian society using a horizontal policy approach. It aims not only to do prevention work, but also to improve intergroup relations within Canada, fostering connection, safety, belonging, and trust by providing support to a range of programs and policy initiatives in key federal government organisations.
• The Action Plan also takes an intersectional approach and is informed by evidence that victims of hate crimes and incidents are often targeted because of racism as well as other parts of their identity, including their gender, sexual orientation, and disability.
• The Action Plan identifies concrete measures to prevent and address hate, with funds allocated as follows:
  • Pillar 1: Empowering communities to identify and prevent hate:
  • $25M to support community-based anti-hate activities through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (Canadian Heritage). To date, the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program has provided approximately $18M in funding to support over 115 community-based anti-hate projects across the country;
  • $10M to support the Changing Narratives Fund (Canadian Heritage);
  • $5M towards construction of the Montreal Holocaust Museum (Canadian Heritage);
  • $5M, and $2M ongoing, to create the National Holocaust Remembrance Program (Canadian Heritage);
  • $12M to fund projects aimed at combatting hate against 2SLGBTQI+ communities (Women and Gender Equality); and
  • $19.5M for the Community Resilience Fund at the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence (Public Safety).
  • Pillar 2: Supporting victims and survivors, and protecting communities:
  • $12.9M, with $900,000 ongoing, to improve the collection and availability of hate crime data in Canada (Statistics Canada);
  • $28M for the Victims Fund to support to victims of hate-motivated crime (Justice Canada);
  • $32M over six years and $11M ongoing, to enhance the Security Infrastructure Program and relaunch it as the new Canada Community Security Program (Public Safety); and
  • $3M over two years for security needs for Pride festivals (Women and Gender Equality).
  • Pillar 3: Building community trust, partnerships and institutional readiness:
  • $20.2M, and $3.2M ongoing, for the Hate Crimes Task Force (Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Race Relations Foundation);
  • $18M, and $3M, to create a standalone Combatting Hate: Community Information Resource Hub (Canadian Race Relations Foundation);
  • $45M, and $9M ongoing, to support organisational capacity (Canadian Race Relations Foundation);
  • $26.8M to support police colleges to increase training on handling hate crimes (Public Safety); and
  • $1.5M for developing and delivering specialized training to Crown prosecutors and to raise awareness in the judiciary about the unique dynamics of hate crime (Justice Canada);
  • Leadership and coordination measures through federal-provincial-territorial collaboration and creation of an advisory council (Canadian Heritage)
• The Action Plan also provided additional funding to support the Special Representative for Combatting Islamophobia and the Special Envoy for Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism ($7.3M and $1.1Mn ongoing for each). These positions were dissolved following the February 4, 2026, announcement of the Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion.

Sport Canada funding programs

Issue

Sport Canada funding programs

Update

April 27, 2026

Source

Main Estimates 2026-27

Synopsis

The Sport Support Program supports the development of the Canadian sport system and provides funding to eligible organizations. The Athlete Assistance Program provides direct financial support to over 1,900 Canadian high-performance athletes, across more than 94 sport disciplines. The Hosting Program supports sporting events hosted in Canada.

Recommended response

• The Government of Canada supports the development of Canadian athletes and coaches and provides funding that create opportunities for all Canadians, including those in Indigenous communities, to participate in sport. In 2026-27, up to $172.9 million will be provided to eligible organizations through the Sport Support Program.
• The Athlete Assistance Program will provide up to $40 million in 2026-27 to offset basic living, training and education costs to more than 1,900 Canadian athletes and para-athletes who are training and competing in high performance sport.
• In 2026-27, the Hosting Program will provide up to $92 million to support the FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup, the Canada Games, and the hosting of international single sport events in Canada including the 2026 UCI Road World Championships.
• The Hosting Program delivers economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadian communities by supporting the hosting of major sport events, which act as economic drivers, attract tourism and investment, and create jobs, while also fostering community pride, volunteerism and citizen engagement.

Background

Sport Support Program

• The current 2026-27 Sport Support Program budget is $172,9 million, including $8 million for Safe Sport.
• The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for athletes, from amateur to Olympian and Paralympian.
• The Sport Support Program supports the development of the Canadian sport system. Funding is provided to eligible organizations for programming that is aligned with the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy.
• The Sport Support Program is delivered through these components:
  • National Sport Organizations
  • National Multisport Services Organizations
  • Canadian Sport Centres
  • Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities
  • Federal-Provincial/Territorial Bilateral Agreements on sport participation

Athlete Assistance Program

• The Athlete Assistance Program provides direct financial support to more than 1,900 Canadian high performance (carded) athletes, across more than 94 sport disciplines.
• The 2026-27 Athlete Assistance Program budget is $40 million.
• The gender breakdown of the Athlete Assistance Program athletes is approximately 50/50.
• Carded athletes receive funding for living and training expenses and are eligible for tuition support.
• National Sport Organizations are responsible to produce and publish their own Athlete Assistance Program compliant, sport specific carding criteria that athletes must meet to be nominated for the Athlete Assistance Program support.

Hosting Program

• The 2026-27 Hosting Program’s budget is $92 million including $71.3 million to support FIFA 2026.
• The Hosting Program delivers economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadian communities through four delivery components: International Single Sport Events, the International Multisport Games for Aboriginal Peoples and Persons with a Disability, the Canada Games, and the Major Multisport Games.

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission

Issue

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission

Updated

April 13, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

In December 2023, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission in response to an increase of reports of maltreatment and the concerns raised by victims and survivors through two Parliamentary studies. The Commission released its final report on March 24, 2026.

Recommended response

• Sport has the power to unite and build our country. Canadians want a safe and inclusive sport system.
• We welcome the Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s report and commend everyone who took part in its work. The voices of survivors were heard, and we recognize the courage it took for them to come forward.
• The report makes clear that systemwide action is urgently needed to address longstanding gaps in safety, governance, and accountability.
• We accept the findings and are developing our response and implementation plan. We will do so, working closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, athletes, underrepresented communities, sport organizations, and private sector stakeholders across the country.

Background

• In June 2022, the Standing Committee on the Status of Women began its study on Women and Girls in Sport and the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage began its study on Safe Sport.
• In December 2023, it was announced that the Future of Sport in Canada Commission will undertake an independent and forward-looking review of safe sport in Canada over 18 months.
• The Government of Canada invested $10.6 million over two years, starting in 2024-25, to support the operations of the Future of Sport in Canada Commission in its review of the Canadian sport system.
• In May 2024, it was announced that the Commission will be led by Justice Lise Maisonneuve as Commissioner and Noni Classen and Dr. Andrew Pipe as Special Advisors.
• The Commission engaged the sport community, including survivors and victims of maltreatment in sport. The process was trauma-informed, human rights-based and forward-looking.
• A Preliminary Report was released on August 28, 2025, and a National Summit on the Future of Sport was held in September 2025, to give stakeholders the opportunity to deliberate on the preliminary report’s findings and recommendations.
• The Commission released its final report on March 24, 2026. The final report contains 98 recommendations spread across five themes: 1) system alignment and efficiency, 2) funding and investment needs, 3) centralization of functions, 4) oversight and governance, and 5) safe sport.

Discrimination and racism in sport

Issue

Discrimination and racism in sport

Update

April 27, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

Sport Canada is working with partners in the Canadian sport system to implement measures to address discrimination and racism, and to ensure that all Canadians can access, experience, and contribute to the broad range of social, community, economic, and cultural benefits of sport.

Recommended response

• The Government of Canada condemns all forms of racism and discrimination.
• The Government knows that concrete action is required to identify and address systemic racism within the Canadian sport system.
• We will continue to collaborate with the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, as well as support the important initiatives like the work of Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network, who are helping to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive sport system that reflects the diversity of the Canadian population.

Background

• Sport Canada recently collaborated with Statistics Canada, through their Survey Series on People and their Communities to explore experiences of racism in Canadian sport. The survey results, released in March 2025, revealed that 6% of individuals reported having experienced unfair treatment, racism or discrimination in community sport, with a higher prevalence among under-represented groups, notably 2SLGBTQI+, racialized populations, and persons with a disability.
• In addition, 26% of individuals who had participated during the previous twelve months in sport identified racism and discrimination as problems in community sport, while a quarter of respondents lacked confidence in the training of sport personnel to prevent or address incidents of racism and discrimination in community sport.
• As part of efforts to prevent and address maltreatment, including discrimination in sport, the Government of Canada funds Sport Integrity Canada to administer the Canadian Safe Sport Program. This independent safe sport mechanism is responsible for administering the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport by receiving and responding to complaints, and by developing and carrying out education, prevention and policy activities.
• Sport Canada has also invested in initiatives intended to advance equity, including:
  • Gender Equity and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion funding of $30 million, announced in Budget 2018, and renewed funding of $25.3 million announced in 2022 to support initiatives through to 2025.
  • Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities: $9.5 million per year announced in Budget 2018, and additional funding, following the release of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, announced in Budget 2021 totaling $14.3 million over five years, and $2.9 million ongoing.
  • Funding to the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network, a non-profit organization supporting racial equity in sport, towards key initiatives including delivering their annual Diversity in Sport Conference and their Anti-Racism in Sport Toolkit to help sport organizations take meaningful steps toward equity and inclusion.
  • Community Sport for All Initiative: Budget 2024 announced $15 million over two years through Community Sports for Everyone, continuing the Community Sport for All Initiative to remove barriers and increase sport participation rates among under-represented groups.
• Sport Canada works with federal, provincial, and territorial governments to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in sport. In 2019, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers responsible for Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation, through the Red Deer Declaration, committed to working together to address harassment, abuse and discrimination.
  • At the August 2025 Federal-Provincial/Territorial Minister’s Conference held in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Ministers approved the recommendation to explore how their jurisdictions can work together to further address racism and discrimination in Canadian sport through the maltreatment in sport working group.
• Sport Canada funds bilateral agreements with provinces and territories, with objectives including providing opportunities for persons from under-represented and/or marginalized populations to participate in sport; strengthening Indigenous Capacity and Leadership for Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies; and increasing culturally relevant sport programming for Indigenous children and youth at the community level.
• From an international perspective, the Government of Canada is involved in several fora, such as the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Inclusion in sport is a key topic of interest at these various multilateral meetings.
• In November 2024, the Government of Canada successfully obtained membership within the Centre for Sport and Human Rights Advisory Council, a group which envisions a world of sport that fully respects human rights by sharing knowledge, building capacity, and strengthening the accountability of all actors within the sport ecosystem.

Program integrity

Issue

Program integrity

New

April 7, 2026

Source

Various

Synopsis

Canadian Heritage’s program integrity risk management to mitigate and respond to risk of providing funding to organizations and projects that do not adhere to Canadian values.

Recommended response

• Canadian Heritage rejects, and remains committed to taking the necessary measures to combat, hate and discrimination in all their forms.
• Organizations receiving funding must act in line with the values of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.
• Preventive measures are in place to reduce risks of funding organizations that would detract from Canadian values, recognizing that these risks cannot be fully eliminated.
• Any allegations of hateful conduct and discrimination involving funded organizations are treated with the utmost seriousness.

Background

Program Integrity Framework

• Ensuring that public funds are used in appropriate ways by recipients has been a long-standing concern of the Department.
• PCH relies on a department-wide Response Protocol that includes measures to prevent and address risks to the Department, in relation to funding or otherwise supporting an organization having speech or behaviors that don’t align with Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy or don’t respect the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or the Canadian Human Rights Act.
• To ensure strong oversight and management of program integrity risks and allegations, the Department created a central function and assigned a Senior Designated Official at the Assistant Deputy Minister level responsible for program integrity for PCH, supported by a multi-function advisory board and relying on structured governance.
• PCH has implemented measures to reinforce grant and contribution recipients’’ obligations and consequences of non-compliance, following the integration of changes to all publicly facing program application guidelines to include conditions related to anti-racism and anti-hate expectations and obligations for funding recipients.
• Funding applicants are required to attest to understanding and complying with those specific expectations and obligations.
• As part of funding application reviews, departmental staff may conduct research on applicants and recipients using publicly available online information for evidence of non-compliance with departmental funding requirements or conditions, including evidence of hate speech or discrimination.

Canadian Anti-Hate Network

• The Department of Canadian Heritage has awarded an amount of $440,000 paid over three fiscal years ending in 2025-26 for Canadian Anti-Hate Network’s project entitled: Informing, Connecting, and Encouraging Anti-Hate Activities in Canada through the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program.
• The Canadian Anti-Hate Network’s work to research and publicize information on far-right and extremist movements supports Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate.
• This work contributes to fostering inclusion and combating systemic racism and hate, including protecting and promoting the equal rights of women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and other minority communities.
• The project was delivered in compliance with program objectives and the organization’s funding obligations.
• The Department does not have a current funding agreement with the organization.

Spring Economic Statement 2026: Canada Strong for All

Issue

Spring Economic Statement 2026: Canada Strong for All

New

April 28, 2026

Source

Spring Economic Statement 2026

Synopsis

The Spring Economic Statement was tabled on April 28, 2026

Recommended response

• The Spring Economic Statement is about building Canada strong, fostering independence and resilience, and bringing Canadians together through sport, arts and culture.
• Canada is a sporting nation, and the Government is making a generational investment in Canadian sport with $755 million over five years, and $118 million ongoing.
• This funding will increase sport participation, support our world-class athletes, and help host sporting events that leave lasting economic, social and community benefits.
• We are also investing to ensure national arts, culture, heritage and news institutions remain trusted sources of information and inspiration, driving Canada’s growth at home and abroad.

Background

The Spring Economic Statement, tabled April 28, 2026, announces several relevant investments and activities.

Department of Canadian Heritage

• $755 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, and $118 million ongoing, to Canadian Heritage to support Canada’s sport system to:
  • Host and compete with the best: $50 million over five years to bring more world-class sporting events to Canada.
  • Support our athletes in performing at the highest levels: $45 million over five years and $8 million ongoing to help our athletes train, compete, and perform, including support for better mental health and funding that will be linked to robust safe sport measures and frameworks.
  • Get more Canadians involved in sport: $660 million over five years and $110 million ongoing for National Sport Organisations, increasing funding that has remained largely unchanged since 2005, so that they can invest in a strong and safe sport system and grow participation among children and youth nationwide.
• Intention to seek the views of Canadians and stakeholders on extending the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit to audio and audiovisual news production.
• Proposal to amend the Red Tape Reduction Act to add the Official Languages Act to the list of exempted statutes for regulatory sandboxes.

Portfolio Organizations

• $81.9 million over four years, starting in 2027-28 and $22.4 million ongoing for extending Support for Access to Information and Privacy with funding to Library and Archives Canada.
• Focusing on lower mobile and Internet plan prices by building on the 2023 direction to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that places stronger emphasis on competition, affordability, and consumer interests with a decision to uphold a CRTC ruling on third-party access to fibre infrastructure in August 2025.

The Spring Economic Statement also confirms the renewal of sunsetting initiatives:

Department of Canadian Heritage

• $42.5 million over five years to the Harbourfront Centre Funding Program to help maintain operating support for the Centre’s arts, cultural, educational and recreational programming and for time-limited funding for capital repairs.
• $4.3 million in 2027-28 and $4.0 million in 2028-29 for the Digital Citizen Initiative.
• $95 million over five years, and $19 million ongoing for the Creative Export Strategy.
• $66 million over two years for the Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.
• $4 million in 2026-27 for the Canadian Safe Sport Program.
• $8 million annually for two years, starting in 2026-27 (for the Sport Support Program (safer sport environment).

Portfolio organizations

• $18 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, with $1.4 million in remaining amortization ($19.4 million in 2026-27 on a cash basis) for the National Museums and historical institutions.