Highlights

  • Furry Creek Power Ltd. and MC Hydro Holding Corp. seek authorization from the Canada Energy Regulator to export electricity to the U.S. and are undergoing a public input process.
  • The Minister of the Environment is considering changes to the Migratory Birds Regulations, including hunting seasons and limits, with public feedback requested.
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada conducts biennial reviews of hunting regulations and annual assessments of bird populations for sustainable hunting.
  • Four substances are proposed to be added to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act due to environmental and health risk assessments, with a public comment period open.
  • The Privy Council Office is advertising various Governor in Council appointments, promoting diversity and a respectful work environment.
  • The Television Retransmission Tariff outlines royalty rates and terms for retransmitting television signals in Canada, with different rates for various types of retransmitters and provisions for reporting and payments.

Canada Energy Regulator Seeks Input on Cross-Border Electricity Export Applications

Furry Creek Power Ltd. and MC Hydro Holding Corp. have each submitted applications to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) for authorization to export up to 100,000 MWh of electricity annually to the United States for a period of 10 years. Both companies have interests in generation or transmission facilities in Canada, which are detailed in appendices to their applications.

The Commission of the CER is seeking input from interested parties on these applications to assess the potential impact of the electricity exportation on provinces other than the exporting province and to ensure that the applicants have offered Canadian buyers the opportunity to purchase electricity under conditions as favorable as those proposed for export.

Interested parties are invited to submit their views by filing written submissions with the CER and emailing the applicants by a specified deadline. The applicants are also required to respond to any submissions by a later deadline.

The CER emphasizes its commitment to safety and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages online filing through its e-filing tool, although submissions can also be sent via email if online filing is not possible. [Source]

Proposed Amendments to Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations and Substances Addition to CEPA Schedule 1

The Minister of the Environment is considering amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. The proposed changes include adjusting hunting season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and other related modifications for certain migratory game birds for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 seasons. Additionally, there is a potential establishment of a Sandhill Crane hunting season in Ontario and Quebec for the 2026–2027 season. The Department of the Environment seeks public comments on these amendments by February 12, 2024.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) reviews the hunting provisions biennially with input from various stakeholders and annually evaluates migratory game bird populations to ensure sustainable harvest rates. Three reports are produced during the consultation process: one on population status, one on proposed regulatory amendments, and one summarizing hunting regulations for the upcoming seasons. These documents are available for viewing on the ECCC website.

In another notice, the Department of the Environment and the Department of Health propose adding four substances from the Substituted Phenols Group to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), after assessing their potential environmental and health risks. Two substances are recommended for Part 1 due to their harmful environmental effects, and two for Part 2 due to their persistence in the environment. The remaining 11 substances are not considered harmful under CEPA criteria. The public can comment on these proposals within 60 days of the notice’s publication.

The Privy Council Office announces various Governor in Council appointment opportunities across different organizations, reflecting Canada’s diversity and commitment to a respectful and harassment-free work environment. Interested and qualified Canadians are encouraged to apply for these positions. [Source]

Canada’s Television Retransmission Tariff Guidelines (2014-2018)

The Television Retransmission Tariff sets the royalty rates and terms for retransmitting distant television signals in Canada from 2014 to 2018. It defines key terms such as “distant signal,” “local signal,” and “retransmitter,” and applies to systems retransmitting works controlled by listed collective societies. Small retransmission systems pay a flat annual fee of $100, while other systems pay monthly royalties based on the number of premises served. Rates vary by the number of premises, with discounts available for Francophone markets, TVA signals, and certain non-residential premises. Royalties are allocated among various collective societies, with specific percentages listed for each.

Retransmitters must report information such as system type, number of premises served, and signals retransmitted. They must also keep records for audit purposes and treat received information confidentially. Adjustments for errors and late payment interest are outlined, and payments and notices must be sent to specified addresses. Transitional provisions address the payment of additional royalties and reallocation of funds between collective societies based on new allocations. Forms are provided for reporting purposes, including general information, small system declarations, and details about premises served. [Source]

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