Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is holding a hearing to determine the duty status of Smart Wi-Fi LED recessed light fixtures.
  • Anti-dumping measures on certain transformers from South Korea have been extended.
  • The CRTC has updated its website with various communications-related documents and decisions.
  • New Ministerial Instructions for the Student Direct Stream Program aim to expedite study permit applications for residents of specific countries.
  • The Minister of the Environment has removed restrictions on a substance previously suspected of being toxic and is seeking input on a new plastics reporting requirement.
  • Health Canada is updating the registration process for veterinary drugs to match that of human drugs, with fees to be introduced.
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has published documents on RF exposure compliance for radiocommunication apparatus.
  • Changes in the insurance sector include the amalgamation of two companies and authorization for a foreign company to insure risks in Canada.
  • The Privy Council Office has announced various federal appointment opportunities.
  • The Canadian government proposes an exemption order for the RCMP to use radiocommunication jammers under specific conditions, inviting public comments on the proposal.

Canadian Trade Tribunal Schedules Hearing for Smart LED Fixtures and Continues Anti-Dumping Measures on Korean Transformers

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has announced a public hearing for an appeal by Bazz Inc. against the President of the Canada Border Services Agency regarding the classification of Smart Wi-Fi LED recessed light fixtures. The hearing will determine if these goods qualify for duty-free treatment under tariff item 9948.00.00. The hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2024, and will be conducted via videoconference.

Additionally, the CITT has continued its order concerning the anti-dumping measures on liquid dielectric transformers with a power handling capacity of 60,000 kilovolt amperes or more from the Republic of Korea. This continuation follows an expiry review process.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has updated its website with detailed decisions, notices of consultation, regulatory policies, information bulletins, and orders. These documents are available for public viewing both online and at the Commission’s office. The CRTC has also released an abridged version of a decision regarding MusiquePlus inc., which pertains to the ELLE Fictions and MAX channels across Canada. [Source]

Recent Government Updates on Student Direct Stream, Environmental Regulations, Veterinary Drug Registration, RF Exposure Compliance, and Insurance Company Operations

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has issued Ministerial Instructions for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program to prioritize the processing of study permit applications. The SDS is designed for legal residents of specific countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, and several others. Applicants must provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution, proof of tuition payment, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), a medical exam, a police certificate, transcripts, and language test results. Language tests accepted include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, and others, with minimum score requirements. Online language tests are not accepted. The Instructions take effect on January 1, 2024, and applications not meeting these conditions will not receive priority processing.

The Minister of the Environment has rescinded conditions on the manufacture or import of a substance known as ethane, 1,2-dichloro-, polymer with ammonia, due to no longer suspecting the substance is toxic. Additionally, the Minister is seeking feedback on a notice of intent to issue a section 46 notice for the Federal Plastics Registry, which would require reporting of certain plastic products for 2024, 2025, and 2026. The notice would apply to various plastic products and resins, with reporting requirements phased in over the three years.

Health Canada is updating the master file (MF) registration process for veterinary drugs to align with human drugs, requiring submissions via the Common Electronic Submission Gateway (CESG) using an XML format. Fees will be charged for veterinary drug MFs starting January 2, 2024, with different fees for new registrations, updates, and letters of access.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has published RSS-102, Issue 6, and associated documents, which detail requirements and techniques for evaluating RF exposure compliance of radiocommunication apparatus. The documents cover both measurement and simulation procedures for nerve stimulation and specific absorption rate compliance.

The Superintendent of Financial Institutions has issued various letters patent and orders related to insurance companies. Echelon Insurance and Orion Travel Insurance Company have been amalgamated under the name Echelon Insurance. Europ Assistance S.A. has been authorized to insure risks in Canada. Orion Travel Insurance Company has been continued as a company under the Insurance Companies Act.

The Privy Council Office has announced various appointment opportunities for positions in different organizations, including the Bank of Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Human Rights Commission, and others. The government seeks applications from diverse Canadians and emphasizes a merit-based, transparent process that supports a respectful and harassment-free work environment. [Source]

Proposed Exemption Order for RCMP Use of Radiofrequency Jammers

The Canadian government is proposing an exemption order to allow Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) employees to lawfully use radiocommunication jammers, which are generally prohibited under the Radiocommunication Act. This exemption is necessary for the RCMP to fulfill its mandate related to national security, public safety, international relations, investigation and prosecution of offenses, and protection of property and persons. The exemption will apply to RCMP’s Technical Investigation Services employees and others who need to install, use, possess, manufacture, or import jammers as part of their duties or training.

The order sets conditions to minimize unintended radiofrequency interference and ensure spectrum management. These include specialized training for RCMP employees, access to relevant directives, efforts to limit interference, minimizing unwanted emissions, and secure storage of jammers. The RCMP must also maintain records of jammer use and provide contact information for those responsible for jammers to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The exemption will replace a previous order from 2019 and is designed to be cost-neutral. It does not impact small businesses or administrative costs. The order is not part of any international agreement or formal regulatory cooperation forum. A strategic environmental assessment and gender-based analysis plus indicate no significant impact from the exemption. The order will be effective for five years from the date of registration. Public comments on the proposal are invited within 30 days of the notice’s publication. [Source]

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