Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is reviewing a procurement complaint by ROCK Networks Inc. against Shared Services Canada.
  • The CRTC has updated its website with various communications-related decisions and public proceeding documents.
  • The Public Service Commission has approved a government official’s candidacy in a territorial election.
  • The Bank of Canada’s financial statement shows significant assets and liabilities.
  • Amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act have been made for environmental safety.
  • Government appointments across multiple sectors have been announced.
  • Transport Canada has issued an order regulating sewage and greywater discharge by cruise ships.
  • Opportunities for Governor in Council positions have been publicized, highlighting a merit-based selection process.
  • Financial institutions have announced intentions regarding asset releases and amalgamations, subject to regulatory approvals.
  • Wildlife Area Regulations have been amended to establish National Wildlife Areas in Nova Scotia, with certain restrictions to protect habitats.
  • Canada is updating its Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations to align with international standards and enhance public safety.
  • A correction has been made to the proposed amendments in the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations regarding the Richelieu River in Quebec.

Canadian Regulatory Updates: Trade Tribunal Inquiry, CRTC Decisions, and Public Service Commission Election Leave

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is conducting an inquiry into a complaint by ROCK Networks Inc. regarding a procurement by Shared Services Canada for OneWeb satellite services. ROCK Networks alleges that their bid was unfairly disqualified due to SSC overlooking important information, applying undisclosed criteria, and improperly evaluating the financial bids.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has updated its website with detailed decisions, notices of consultation, regulatory policies, information bulletins, and orders. Documents related to public proceedings and hearings can be examined at the Commission’s office or on its website.

Applications for renewal, amendment, or complaints have been posted on the CRTC website, including one from Rogers Communications Canada Inc. for various locations across Canada and another from Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique for CFCM-DT in Quebec.

Administrative decisions have been made for various broadcasting undertakings in Manitoba and British Columbia, including decisions for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Vernon Community Radio Society.

A decision was published for Sirius XM Canada Inc. regarding an unspecified undertaking that affects the entire country.

The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted Matthew Spence, Regional Director General at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, permission to seek nomination and be a candidate in the upcoming territorial election in Yellowknife Centre, Northwest Territories. He has also been granted a leave of absence without pay for the election period. [Source]

Bank of Canada Financial Update and Environmental and Governmental Regulatory Actions

The Bank of Canada’s financial statement as of May 31, 2023, shows total assets and liabilities amounting to 365,950 million dollars. The assets include cash, foreign deposits, loans, receivables, and various investments such as government bonds and shares in the Bank for International Settlements. The liabilities comprise banknotes in circulation, deposits from the government and members of Payments Canada, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other liabilities. The bank also reports a deficiency, including share capital, reserves, and an accumulated deficit.

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act has been amended to remove certain substances from the Non-domestic Substances List, ensuring environmental safety.

Several government appointments have been made, including positions in health, justice, defense, public works, cultural boards, and the judiciary. These appointments span various departments and agencies, reflecting the government’s commitment to diversity and a healthy, respectful work environment.

The Department of Transport has issued an Interim Order regarding the discharge of sewage and release of greywater by cruise ships in Canadian waters. The order sets strict limits on where ships can discharge sewage and release greywater, with specific conditions to protect the marine environment. It also outlines exceptions, reporting requirements, and testing of effluent to ensure compliance.

The Privy Council Office announces opportunities for Canadians to apply for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing a merit-based, transparent process that values diversity and inclusion. [Source]

Financial Institutions Announce Asset Release Plans and Proposed Amalgamation

Innovation Federal Credit Union has designated its office at P.O. Box 1090 Station Main, 198 1st Avenue NE, Swift Current, Saskatchewan as the location for service of enforcement notices for all provinces and territories.

Pacific Life Re Limited plans to request authorization from the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada) on August 3, 2023, to release its assets maintained in Canada. Policyholders or creditors opposed to this release must file their opposition by August 3, 2023.

Royal Bank of Canada, along with HSBC Bank Canada and its affiliates, intends to apply for letters patent of amalgamation to operate as one bank under the name “Royal Bank of Canada” after a proposed acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada shares. The amalgamation is contingent on regulatory approvals and will proceed only after the acquisition is completed.

United American Insurance Company is seeking approval to release its assets in Canada, with a request to be made to the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada) on or after July 22, 2023. Opponents to this release must submit their opposition by July 22, 2023. [Source]

Canada Designates New National Wildlife Areas in Nova Scotia for Habitat Protection

The Canadian Department of the Environment is amending the Wildlife Area Regulations and the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations to establish National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) on Country Island, Isle Haute, and St. Paul Island in Nova Scotia. These islands are critical habitats for migratory birds and species at risk, and the new protections will contribute to Canada’s commitment to conserving 30% of its land by 2030.

Country Island, an important habitat for the Roseate Tern and other seabirds, will be designated as an NWA, with entry prohibited without a permit. Isle Haute, with its historical significance and diverse bird population, will also be designated as an NWA with year-round restricted access. St. Paul Island, home to the Bicknell’s Thrush and other species, will have restricted access during the breeding season from April 1 to August 31.

The amendments will prohibit activities that could harm wildlife or their habitats within these areas unless authorized by a permit. These activities include hunting, fishing, introducing harmful organisms, and disturbing the environment. The proposed regulations also allow for certain non-commercial activities on St. Paul Island outside the breeding season.

Consultations with Indigenous communities, local stakeholders, and conservation organizations have been conducted, with general support for the designations. Concerns raised during consultations have been addressed, and ongoing discussions with the Mi’kmaq are focused on identifying Indigenous names for the NWAs and their potential role in co-managing the areas.

The amendments will not impose significant new costs on businesses or the public, as the current uses of the islands do not differ from the proposed designations. The government will incur some costs related to administration, compliance promotion, and enforcement, estimated at approximately $1.4 million over ten years.

The proposed regulations align with Canada’s biodiversity and climate change goals and have no identified negative impacts from a gender-based analysis. They will be enforced through education, permits, and penalties for non-compliance, with the Department of the Environment responsible for their implementation. [Source]

Canada Updates Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations to Enhance Laser Safety

Canada is amending its Radiation Emitting Devices Regulations (REDR) to better protect Canadians from the potential harm caused by laser products. Lasers, which are used in various sectors, can be dangerous and cause serious injuries such as skin burns and eye damage, including blindness. The current regulations are outdated and do not align with international standards, leading to an increase in laser-related injuries.

The proposed amendments aim to extend regulatory oversight to a broader range of laser products, excluding medical lasers regulated under the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR). The amendments will adopt the International Electro-technical Commission’s (IEC) classification system for laser products, which ranks lasers based on their potential hazard and prescribes safety features and labeling requirements accordingly.

The amendments will require all laser products to have clear labeling in both official languages, detailing their hazard classification, manufacturer information, and other relevant data to support safe usage and compliance monitoring. This will help Health Canada enforce prohibitions on unsafe laser products more effectively.

The regulatory changes are expected to align Canadian standards with those of international trading partners, reducing the burden on industry and facilitating trade. The costs to businesses, primarily related to bilingual labeling and Canadian-specific modifications, are estimated at $6.3 million over ten years.

The proposed regulations will come into force one year after publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II. Health Canada will provide guidance and conduct compliance promotion and verification activities to support the transition. Enforcement will follow established procedures, with non-compliant products subject to actions such as seizure or prosecution. [Source]

Proposed Amendments to Ban Towing and Wake Surfing on Richelieu River During Peak Hours

The regulatory impact analysis statement for the Regulations Amending the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations contained an error regarding restrictions on the Richelieu River in Quebec. The corrected information specifies that the proposed amendments would ban towing and wake surfing on the Richelieu River from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This prohibition applies to a 20-kilometer stretch outside the area where a speed limit of 10 km/h is already enforced. [Source]

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