Highlights

  • BP Energy Company seeks authorization to export electricity to the U.S. for 10 years, with public input requested.
  • Canada Revenue Agency plans to revoke charitable status for organizations not complying with tax laws.
  • Canadian International Trade Tribunal reviews potential impacts of ending anti-dumping measures on Turkish pasta imports.
  • CRTC announces regulatory amendments and broadcasting license decisions.
  • Certain substances are now regulated under different Canadian environmental and health acts, leading to changes in their oversight.
  • Health guidelines for iron concentration in recreational water are proposed to ensure quality.
  • Consultations on telecom carrier conditions in the TTC subway and technical requirements for Broadband Radio Service are open.
  • Opportunities for Governor in Council positions are available, promoting a merit-based selection process.
  • Financial and insurance entities announce office relocations, intentions to operate in Canada, and reinsurance agreements.

Recent Regulatory Updates and Reviews in Canada’s Energy, Charity, Trade, and Broadcasting Sectors

BP Energy Company has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator for authorization to export up to 400,000 MWh of electricity to the United States annually for 10 years. Interested parties are invited to submit their views on the application. The application details are available upon request and on the CER website. Submissions must be filed by September 5, 2023, and any responses to submissions by September 19, 2023. The Commission is particularly interested in the export’s effect on other provinces and whether Canadian buyers have been offered the electricity on competitive terms.

The Canada Revenue Agency has announced its intention to revoke the charitable status of various organizations for failing to meet the Income Tax Act’s requirements. The revocation is effective upon publication in the Canada Gazette.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has initiated an expiry review of its 2018 finding on the dumping and subsidizing of dry wheat pasta from Turkey. The review will determine if the expiry of the finding is likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping or subsidizing, and if such actions would injure the domestic industry. The Canada Border Services Agency will make its determination by October 12, 2023, and the Tribunal will issue its order by March 20, 2024. Participants must file a notice of participation by May 30, 2023, and the Tribunal will distribute the record on November 30, 2023, with a public hearing scheduled for January 15, 2024.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has posted various decisions and notices of consultation, including amendments to the Television Broadcasting Regulations, 1987, and the Discretionary Services Regulations, which will come into force on September 1, 2023. These amendments pertain to the treatment of stock footage costs in Canadian program certification. Several decisions regarding broadcasting licenses for undertakings in different Canadian cities have also been published. [Source]

Updates on Canadian Environmental Regulations and Telecommunications Licensing Consultations

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 has led to the rescinding of Ministerial Conditions No. 19317 and No. 20267, which previously allowed the import of bentonite, lanthanian under certain conditions. This action was taken because the substance is now regulated under the Pest Control Products Act, which exempts it from the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers).

Additionally, Ministerial Condition No. 21574 has been issued, permitting the manufacture or import of the substance 1-octanesulfonic acid, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluoro- under specific conditions due to concerns about its potential toxicity. The conditions include notifying the Minister of the Environment before manufacturing begins in Canada, informing any person to whom the substance is transferred of the conditions, and maintaining records related to the substance’s use and transfer.

The Non-domestic Substances List has been amended by removing four substances, coinciding with the addition of these substances to the Domestic Substances List.

The Department of Health has released Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality – Iron, proposing an aesthetic objective for total iron concentration in drinking water to be less than or equal to 0.1 mg/L to minimize discolored water and improve consumer confidence. The document assesses iron exposure, health effects, and aesthetic considerations, and provides guidance on analytical methods, treatment technologies, and distribution system management to maintain water quality.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has announced a consultation on conditions of license for telecommunications carriers providing service in the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system. Comments on the consultation are invited.

The department has also published RSS-199, Issue 4, and SRSP-517, Issue 2, which outline technical requirements for Broadband Radio Service equipment and the use of the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band.

Lastly, the Privy Council Office has listed current opportunities for Canadians to apply for various Governor in Council positions across different organizations, emphasizing a merit-based, transparent process that reflects Canada’s diversity. [Source]

Recent Insurance Operations and Notices in Toronto

Comerica Bank has relocated its designated office for the service of enforcement notices in Canada to TD Bank Tower, Toronto.

Markel International Insurance Company Limited plans to apply to operate a Canadian branch to insure various classes of risks, with its Canadian chief agency located in Toronto.

Natixis Canada Branch has designated an office in Toronto for the service of enforcement notices in Ontario.

Portfolio Stewards Inc., along with Stewardship Alternative Income Fund and individuals Paul and Peggy Tyers, intend to apply to establish a new life and health insurance company named Insurance Stewards Inc., headquartered in Toronto.

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (RSA Canada) seeks approval for three separate assumption reinsurance agreements with Intact Insurance Company, covering various lines of insurance excluding structured settlements. Policyholders can review the agreements at RSA Canada’s Toronto office.

Western Assurance Company also intends to apply for ministerial approval to be reinsured by Intact Insurance Company against all its policy liabilities, excluding structured settlements. Policyholders can inspect the agreement at Western Assurance’s Toronto office. [Source]

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