Highlights

  • The Canada Revenue Agency is revoking the charitable status of several charities at their request.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is reviewing an appeal on the classification of airsoft rifles and has upheld a complaint against PWGSC for improper bid evaluation.
  • The CRTC has made decisions on broadcasting licenses for certain Canadian channels.
  • Parks Canada is protecting habitat for the Chimney Swift in Riding Mountain National Park under the Species at Risk Act.
  • Employment Insurance premium rates for 2024 have been set, with a reduced rate for Quebec residents.
  • Amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 involve changes to substance lists.
  • Solus Trust Company Limited has merged with Raymond James Trust (Canada) and is authorized to start operations.
  • The Government of Canada is seeking diverse applicants for various Governor in Council positions.
  • Indemnity National Insurance Company from the USA is applying to operate in Canada, with plans to insure various risks and establish its chief agency in Toronto.

Recent Decisions and Actions by Canadian Agencies on Charities, Trade, Construction Bidding, Broadcasting Licenses, and Wildlife Protection

The Canada Revenue Agency has announced its intention to revoke the charitable status of numerous charities following requests from the charities themselves. The revocation is effective upon publication in the Canada Gazette. A comprehensive list of affected charities, including their names and addresses, has been provided.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a public hearing via videoconference to review an appeal by Trigger Airsoft Sport Ltd. regarding the classification of airsoft rifles. The dispute is whether the rifles should be classified as “prohibited firearms” or as “guns and pistols, spring or gas.” The hearing date is set, and interested parties are invited to register.

The CITT has also made a determination on a complaint by EllisDon Corporation alleging that Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) did not properly evaluate bids for a project according to the criteria set in the tender. The Tribunal found the complaint to be valid.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has posted decisions regarding the licensing of CHOC-FM in Saint-Raymond-de-Portneuf, Quebec, and the status of VRAK and ESPN Classic across Canada.

Parks Canada has identified critical habitat for the Chimney Swift, a species at risk, within Riding Mountain National Park of Canada. Protection under the Species at Risk Act will apply to this habitat 90 days after the notice’s publication. [Source]

Canada Announces 2024 Employment Insurance Rates and Regulatory Updates

The Employment Insurance premium rate for 2024 has been set at $1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings. For Quebec residents covered under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, the rate is reduced to $1.32 per $100 of insurable earnings due to a $0.34 premium reduction.

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 has been amended to remove certain substances from the Non-domestic Substances List, which will take effect concurrently with amendments to the Domestic Substances List.

Solus Trust Company Limited has been continued under the Trust and Loan Companies Act and amalgamated with Raymond James Trust (Canada), which is now authorized to commence business.

The Government of Canada is seeking applications from Canadians for various Governor in Council positions across different organizations, emphasizing a transparent, merit-based process that strives for diversity, gender parity, and representation of Indigenous peoples and minority groups. The aim is to create a government reflective of Canada’s diversity and to ensure a respectful and harassment-free work environment. [Source]

Indemnity National Insurance Company Expands to Canada with Property, Casualty, and Surety Insurance Services

Indemnity National Insurance Company, based in Mississippi, USA, plans to apply for permission to operate in Canada, intending to insure property, casualty, and surety risks. The application will be filed with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, and upon approval, the company will operate under both English and French names. The Canadian branch will have its chief agency in Toronto, Ontario. [Source]

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