Highlights

  • The Canada Revenue Agency has corrected the registration status of three charities, with two revocations rescinded and one published in error.
  • The federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources has suspended an offshore petroleum exploration licence.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is addressing appeals on goods classification by Bridgestone Canada Inc. and an individual regarding folding knives.
  • The CRTC is processing a renewal application for a CBC radio station and has renewed licenses for several television stations.
  • Interest rates for Canada Student Loans have been set, with no interest required on guaranteed student loans due to recent legislation.
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is consulting on RF field guidelines and has made decisions on spectrum licensees’ site information requirements, also releasing two Standard Radio System Plans.
  • The Privy Council Office is accepting applications for Governor in Council positions.
  • The Department of the Environment is consulting on genetically modified fish and proposing to reclassify the Eastern Wolf as threatened under SARA.
  • The Canadian Transit Company is holding its annual shareholders’ meeting.
  • The reclassification of the Eastern Wolf aims to enhance its protection and recovery, with consultations showing majority support despite some concerns about socio-economic impacts.

Recent Updates on Canadian Charities, Offshore Petroleum Licensing, Trade Tribunal Hearings, and Broadcasting License Renewals

The Canada Revenue Agency has issued corrections regarding the revocation of registration for three charities. The revocation of FONDATION SANTHUM and YOUTH EMERGENCY SHELTER OF PETERBOROUGH INCORPORATED has been rescinded after reconsideration, and they are no longer revoked. The notice of intention to revoke NEW WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was published in error, as the church had requested revocation.

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board’s decision to issue Exploration Licence 2437 to Inceptio Limited has been suspended by the federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources until December 2, 2023.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold a public hearing via videoconference for Bridgestone Canada Inc.’s appeal against the Canada Border Services Agency’s classification of goods. Bridgestone contests the classification of racks with mesh decks under “other articles of iron or steel” and argues they should be classified as parts for machinery. Another appeal by K. Cooper regarding the classification of Rite Edge folding knives as “prohibited weapons” will be considered through written submissions.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has posted a renewal application from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for CBMR-FM in Fermont, Quebec, with a deadline for public comment by November 27, 2023. Additionally, decisions have been made regarding the renewal of licenses for CFTF-DT, CHAU-DT, CIMT-DT, and their transmitters operated by Télé Inter-Rives ltée, CHAU-TV Communications ltée, and Télévision MBS inc. in various locations in Quebec and New Brunswick. [Source]

Canada Government Updates on Student Loan Interest Rates, RF Guidelines, Spectrum Licenses, and Public Consultations

The Department of Employment and Social Development has set the interest rates for Canada Student Loans for the loan year August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. The Class “A” rate is 2.125%, and the Class “B” rate is 3.125%. However, borrowers are not required to pay interest on guaranteed student loans due to the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has announced a consultation, DGSO-003-23, to update the Radio Frequency (RF) Fields — Signs and Access Control guidelines. Comments on the consultation can be submitted electronically or by mail by January 4, 2024, and will be posted on ISED’s website.

ISED has also released a decision document, DGSO-004-23, detailing revisions to the requirements for spectrum licensees to submit technical information about sites. This follows a previous consultation process.

Additionally, ISED has published two Standard Radio System Plans: SRSP-303.65, Issue 3, for Wireless Broadband Services in the 3650-3700 MHz band, and SRSP-521, Issue 1, for Non-Competitive Local Licensed Services in the 3900-3980 MHz band. Comments and suggestions for these documents can be submitted online.

The Privy Council Office is seeking applications from Canadians for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing a transparent, merit-based process that reflects Canada’s diversity.

The Department of the Environment has opened a consultation for four genetically modified fish under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The public can submit comments and information related to potential environmental or health risks from November 13 to December 13, 2023. Information can be sent via email or mail, and requests for confidentiality can be made. [Source]

Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of the Canadian Transit Company Scheduled

The Canadian Transit Company is holding its annual shareholders’ meeting at the Detroit International Bridge Company’s offices in Warren, Michigan, on November 22, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. The agenda includes electing the company’s directors and addressing other authorized business matters. Dan Stamper, the President, has issued the notice. [Source]

Proposed Reclassification of Eastern Wolf to Threatened Status Under SARA

The Eastern Wolf, previously listed as a species of special concern, is proposed to be reclassified as threatened under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) due to its small population size and restricted range. The reclassification aims to provide the species with a higher level of protection to support its survival and recovery. The Eastern Wolf is an intermediate-sized canid primarily found in central Ontario and southwestern Québec, with an estimated population of fewer than 1,000 mature individuals.

The main threats to the Eastern Wolf include human-caused mortality from hunting and trapping, habitat loss and fragmentation, negative public attitudes, and hybridization with Eastern Coyotes. The proposed Order would trigger mandatory recovery planning, including the identification of critical habitat and the development of action plans to address threats and promote recovery.

Consultations were held with over 3,200 individuals and organizations, including Indigenous groups, provincial governments, and environmental NGOs. The majority supported the proposed reclassification. Concerns were raised about the potential socio-economic impacts, particularly on trapping and hunting activities, and the difficulty in distinguishing the Eastern Wolf from hybrids. The Department of the Environment conducted a cost-benefit analysis, which estimated the overall costs to society to be low.

The proposed Order supports the federal government’s responsibility to prevent species extinction and aligns with international commitments to biodiversity conservation. It is expected to have positive environmental effects by contributing to ecosystem health and resilience. A gender-based analysis indicated that First Nations male trappers might be disproportionately affected due to changes in trapping activities on reserves.

The Order would come into force on the day it is registered, and compliance promotion initiatives would be implemented to encourage voluntary compliance through education and outreach. Enforcement measures under SARA would apply for any contraventions. [Source]

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