Highlights

  • The Canada Border Services Agency is investigating alleged dumping and subsidizing of pea protein from China and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal is assessing the impact on Canadian industry.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is inquiring into a complaint about a procurement process by the RCMP.
  • Canada’s immigration department has set guidelines for processing permanent resident visa applications for sponsors’ parents or grandparents and has issued instructions for the Start-up Business and Self-employed Persons classes.
  • A draft assessment of certain substances in gas oils and kerosenes suggests potential health risks, with public comments requested.
  • The Department of Finance has recognized two clearing houses under the Payment Clearing and Settlement Act.
  • Various federal appointments have been announced for different government positions.
  • The Department of Transport has implemented an interim order to protect North Atlantic Right Whales with specific vessel speed limits.
  • Opportunities for Governor in Council appointments have been listed, emphasizing diversity and a healthy workplace.
  • SOCAN Tariff 4.A outlines royalty payments for live performances of music, with specific rates and reporting requirements.

Canada Investigates Dumping of Chinese Pea Protein and CITT Examines RCMP Procurement Complaint

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has initiated investigations into the alleged injurious dumping and subsidizing of certain pea protein from China. The products under scrutiny are classified under specific tariff numbers, but the investigation may also cover goods under other classifications. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) is conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine if the imports have harmed the Canadian industry. If no injury is found within 60 days, the investigations will cease.

The CBSA invites interested parties to submit relevant information electronically by a specified deadline, with the option to mark submissions as confidential. A non-confidential version of such submissions must also be provided.

The CITT has also begun a preliminary injury inquiry into the matter, with a schedule for participants to file submissions and responses. Participants must notify the Tribunal of their intent to participate and, if represented by counsel, provide additional documentation.

Additionally, the CITT has received a complaint from eVision Inc. and SoftSim Technologies Inc. regarding a procurement by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for informatics professional services. SoftSim alleges that their bid was improperly rejected for being late. The Tribunal has decided to conduct an inquiry into the complaint. Interested parties can obtain further information from the Tribunal’s Registry. [Source]

Canadian Government Updates on Immigration, Environmental Assessments, Financial Designations, and Marine Protection Measures

The Canadian Department of Citizenship and Immigration has issued Ministerial Instructions for the processing of permanent resident visa applications for sponsors’ parents or grandparents under the family class. Applications received in 2023 will be processed in 2024 according to conditions established in July 2023. These include the use of electronic means for application submission, adherence to specified information, and meeting deadlines for documentation submission. A maximum of 37,000 sponsorship applications will be accepted in 2024, including those from 2023 and new ones in 2024. Applications are processed in the order received, and those not meeting conditions will be returned.

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has also introduced new Ministerial Instructions for the Start-up Business Class and the Self-employed Persons Class. For the Start-up Business Class, applications will be accepted if supported by a designated entity and if the cap of applications supported by that entity has not been reached. Applications will be prioritized if they meet certain investment criteria. For the Self-employed Persons Class, no new applications will be accepted for processing in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

The Department of the Environment and the Department of Health have published a draft assessment of 16 substances in the Gas Oils and Kerosenes with Uses in Products Available to Consumers Group. The assessment proposes that these substances meet criteria that may pose a danger to human life or health. Public comments are invited within 60 days.

The Department of Finance has designated Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME) and ICE NGX Canada Inc. as securities and derivatives clearing houses under the Payment Clearing and Settlement Act. This designation provides legal certainty for their operations, especially during market stress.

The Department of Industry has announced various appointments to positions such as Chair of the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization, Full-time Member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, and Comptroller General of Canada, among others.

The Department of Transport has issued an Interim Order for the Protection of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, setting speed limits for vessels over 13 meters in length in certain zones to protect the whales. Exceptions are made for vessels in distress, government vessels on duty, and vessels engaged in certain activities like commercial fishing or research. The order will be repealed on November 15, 2024.

Lastly, the Privy Council Office has listed current opportunities for Governor in Council appointments across various organizations, highlighting the government’s commitment to diversity and a healthy workplace. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 4.A: Royalty Guidelines for Live Concert Performances 2018-2024

The SOCAN Tariff 4.A covers royalties for live performances of SOCAN’s repertoire at concerts from 2018 to 2024. It applies to concerts in venues like concert halls and theatres, including outdoor events, and also to performances involving lip-synching or miming. It excludes internet broadcasts, performances in smaller venues like bars and clubs, and events primarily for dancing.

Royalties can be paid per event or annually. For per event, the fee is 3% of gross ticket sales with a $35 minimum per concert, or 3% of what performers are paid at free concerts, also with a $35 minimum. For annual royalties, the fee is the same percentage and minimum, but based on the previous year’s gross receipts or performer fees, paid by January 31st. Adjustments are made the following year based on actual receipts or fees.

Users must report various details within 30 days of the concert, including promoter and venue information, names of acts, and titles of musical works performed. SOCAN can audit users’ records to verify payments, and unpaid amounts accrue interest at 1% above the Bank Rate. All fees are exclusive of taxes. [Source]

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