Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is hearing appeals on CBSA’s classifications of a dairy-based food product and a folding knife.
  • The CRTC has made decisions on broadcasting licenses for radio and television stations in various Canadian provinces.
  • A public servant has been authorized to run for federal election in Nepean, Ontario, and will be on leave during the campaign.
  • Health Canada proposes to classify certain synthetic opioids as Schedule I substances, seeking public input on their potential legitimate uses.
  • The Privy Council Office is advertising diverse and inclusive Governor in Council positions.
  • Markel International Insurance Company Limited seeks to insure risks in Canada, with plans to operate from Toronto.
  • Portfolio Stewards Inc. aims to establish a new life and health insurance company, Insurance Stewards Inc., also based in Toronto.

Canadian Tribunal Hearings, CRTC Decisions, and Public Service Commission Correction

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has scheduled public hearings for two appeals. The first involves 9311-3652 Québec Inc. challenging the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) classification of La Jeune Vache dairy-based food preparations. The dispute centers on whether the product should be classified under a tariff item for food preparations with a specific range of milk solids content. The second appeal concerns G. Rappos contesting the CBSA’s classification of a folding knife as a “prohibited weapon.”

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has released decisions regarding various broadcasting undertakings across Canada, including approvals for radio stations in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, as well as a television channel and a correction notice for a radio station in British Columbia.

The Public Service Commission has issued a correction regarding a previous notice about Cole Jones, an Acting Assistant Director at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Jones has been granted permission to seek nomination and be a candidate in the federal election for the electoral district of Nepean, Ontario, before the election period, with the election to occur by October 20, 2025. Jones has also been granted a leave of absence without pay for the duration of the election period once they become a candidate. [Source]

Health Canada Proposes Scheduling Synthetic Opioids as Controlled Substances and Announces Diverse Appointment Opportunities

Health Canada intends to classify 2-methyl-AP-237 and related synthetic opioids, including AP-237, para-methyl-AP-237, and AP-238, as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR). This action follows the World Health Organization’s recommendation and the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs’ decision to control 2-methyl-AP-237 internationally. These substances, which have been found in seizures by Canadian law enforcement and at the Canadian border, are not known to have any legitimate medical, industrial, or commercial uses in Canada. The proposed scheduling would make unauthorized possession, trafficking, importation, exportation, and production of these substances illegal in Canada. Health Canada is seeking public comments on this proposal, inviting input on any legitimate uses for these substances within the country. Comments can be submitted to Health Canada’s Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs within 30 days of the notice’s publication.

Additionally, the Privy Council Office announces various appointment opportunities reflecting Canada’s diversity and values, including gender parity and representation of Indigenous peoples and minority groups. A range of positions across different organizations are open for applications, with the aim of creating a respectful and harassment-free work environment. Interested and qualified Canadians are encouraged to apply for these Governor in Council positions. [Source]

Markel International Seeks Canadian Market Entry; Insurance Stewards Inc. Proposes New Life Insurance Company in Canada

Markel International Insurance Company Limited, an insurance company based in England and Wales, is planning to apply for permission to insure risks in Canada. The company operates mainly in the UK, Europe, and Asia and is a subsidiary of Markel Corporation from the United States. They intend to offer services in various insurance classes including accident, sickness, and liability, among others. The Canadian branch will be located in Toronto, Ontario.

Portfolio Stewards Inc., along with Stewardship Alternative Income Fund and individuals Paul and Peggy Tyers, are proposing to establish a new life insurance company in Canada named Insurance Stewards Inc. This company will offer life and health insurance products with its headquarters also in Toronto, Ontario. They will be submitting an application for this incorporation, and objections to this proposal can be submitted to the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. The issuance of letters patent for the new company will depend on the standard review process and the discretion of the Minister of Finance. [Source]

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