Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is investigating a complaint by PwC against the awarding of an IT services contract to Deloitte by the Department of Public Works and Government Services.
  • Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has suspended new permanent resident visa applications for sponsors’ parents or grandparents for 2024, with some exceptions for 2023 applications.
  • Appointments have been made to various government positions, and new senators have been summoned.
  • Fee structures for non-competitive local spectrum licenses have been updated.
  • The Privy Council Office is seeking applicants for Governor in Council positions, focusing on diversity and inclusion.
  • The Canadian government has approved the NEBC Connector Project, which involves constructing pipelines for transporting natural gas liquids and condensate.
  • The project underwent a comprehensive review, including environmental assessments and consultations with Indigenous groups, and is expected to provide economic and environmental benefits while adhering to regulatory conditions.

Canadian Tribunal Investigates PwC Complaint Against RCMP IT Services Bid Award to Deloitte

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is conducting an inquiry into a complaint filed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) regarding a procurement process conducted by the Department of Public Works and Government Services on behalf of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The procurement was for information technology professional services. PwC is contesting the decision that named Deloitte Inc. as the winning bidder. The Tribunal decided to proceed with the inquiry on December 20, 2023, and further details can be obtained from the Tribunal’s Registry. [Source]

Canadian Immigration Updates and Government Appointments for 2024

The Canadian Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has issued instructions to halt the acceptance of new permanent resident visa applications from sponsors’ parents or grandparents under the family class for 2024, unless received in 2023. These instructions also apply to related sponsorship applications. The Department of Citizenship and Immigration will only process applications received in 2023 that meet specific conditions, such as being invited to apply after expressing interest during a specified period in 2020. A maximum of 15,000 such applications will be processed in 2024. Applications must be submitted electronically, with exceptions for those unable to do so due to disability. Applications are processed in the order received, and those not meeting conditions will be returned.

Various appointments have been made to government positions, including roles in public works, business development, revenue management, health research, trade, transportation safety, and immigration boards. New senators have been summoned, and fee orders for non-competitive local spectrum licenses have been established, effective April 1, 2024. These fees are based on the spectrum amount and geographic licence area, with different rates for metropolitan, urban, rural, and remote areas. A minimum annual fee is set, and prorated fees apply for partial-year licenses.

The Privy Council Office has announced opportunities for Canadians to apply for various Governor in Council positions across different organizations, emphasizing a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a respectful work environment. [Source]

Canadian Government Approves NEBC Connector Project for NGL and Condensate Transport

The Canadian government has authorized NorthRiver Midstream NEBC Connector GP Inc. to construct and operate the NEBC Connector Project, which includes two parallel pipelines and related infrastructure for transporting natural gas liquids (NGL) and condensate across approximately 215 km from British Columbia to Alberta. This decision follows a comprehensive review process, including a public hearing and environmental assessment by the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER), which concluded that the project is necessary for public convenience and will not likely cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The project aims to support the growth of the Montney Resource Play by providing additional transportation capacity for NGL and condensate, which is currently limited and often relies on truck transport. The NEBC Connector Project is expected to enhance market access, improve transportation efficiency and safety, reduce emissions from trucking, and contribute to Canada’s energy security and net-zero emissions goals.

The CER’s review process included extensive consultation with Indigenous groups, considering their rights and interests under Treaty 8 and the Constitution Act, 1982. The CER also took into account the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Yahey v. British Columbia decision, ensuring that the hearing process facilitated deep consultation and addressed concerns about cumulative effects and traditional land use.

The project is anticipated to have economic benefits, including increased labor income, contributions to GDP, and property tax revenues for local governments. It will also provide employment opportunities for local and Indigenous communities. Conditions have been set to ensure the proponent maximizes these opportunities and participates in construction and environmental monitoring.

The CER assessed the project’s environmental impacts, including potential effects on vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, air quality, and GHG emissions. Mitigation measures and monitoring plans have been recommended to minimize these impacts. The project’s contribution to GHG emissions was found to be negligible in hindering Canada’s climate commitments.

The CER also addressed the project’s potential effects on species at risk and their habitats, recommending specific surveys and measures to protect them. The project’s cumulative effects were a significant concern, but the proponent’s offset plan, refined by the CER, aims to achieve no net loss or a net gain relative to the project’s contribution to new disturbances.

The project’s approval includes conditions related to safety, environmental protection, and the involvement of Indigenous groups in monitoring activities. The CER’s regulatory oversight will ensure compliance throughout the project’s lifecycle.

The consultation process with Indigenous groups was thorough, with the CER acting as Crown Consultation Coordinator and providing funding to facilitate participation. The process was deemed to uphold the honor of the Crown, fulfilling the duty to consult and reasonably accommodating concerns.

The decision also considered input from landowners, federal and provincial governments, and other stakeholders, ensuring a fair and balanced approach to the project’s approval. [Source]

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