Highlights

  • The CRA plans to revoke the charitable status of three organizations for non-compliance.
  • The CITT will hold a videoconference hearing on the tariff classification of water dispensers and review the anti-dumping order on wall modules from China.
  • The CRTC has made decisions regarding various broadcasting undertakings, including television stations and radio services.
  • The Department of the Environment has set guidelines for iron, issued an order on benzene emissions, and concluded that certain aldehydes do not pose a risk.
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada released a new radio apparatus certification standard.
  • The Privy Council Office is promoting a merit-based appointment process for various government positions.
  • Manulife and TSX Trust Company are seeking approval to reduce their stated capital to distribute funds to their sole shareholders.

Canadian Regulatory Updates on Charitable Status Revocations, Trade Tribunal Hearings, and Broadcasting Decisions

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced its intention to revoke the charitable status of three organizations: Maxwell Leadership Foundation of Canada, The Attoe Foundation, and The Sigma Chi Canadian Foundation, due to non-compliance with the Income Tax Act. The revocations will take effect upon publication in the Canada Gazette.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a public hearing via videoconference to consider an appeal by Aquaterra Corporation Ltd. regarding the classification of water dispensers for tariff purposes. The dispute is whether the items should be classified under tariff items for electro-thermic appliances or refrigerating equipment.

The CITT also notifies that it will initiate an expiry review of its order on unitized wall modules from China to determine if the continuation or resumption of dumping or subsidizing these goods is likely. Interested parties must file a notice of participation by a specified deadline, and a public hearing is scheduled for January 2025.

Additionally, the CITT has continued its order concerning the dumping of hot-rolled carbon steel plate from China following an expiry review.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has posted decisions and orders regarding various broadcasting undertakings. These include decisions on English-language television stations and discretionary services owned by Corus Entertainment Inc., Quebecor Media Inc.’s CFCM-DT in Québec, First Peoples Radio Inc.’s stations in Ottawa and Toronto, and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). Orders related to APTN’s nationwide service were also published. [Source]

Recent Environmental and Regulatory Updates in Canada

The Department of the Environment has issued Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for iron, and an Interim Order concerning benzene releases from petrochemical facilities in Sarnia, Ontario. Additionally, a final decision has been published after assessing five substances in the Aldehydes Group, which were found not to pose a risk to the environment or human health and thus will not be subject to further action under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

The Aldehydes Group substances, which include Benzaldehyde, Octanal, Nonanal, Methylbenzaldehyde, and Vanilla oils, are commonly found in foods and consumer products. Their ecological and human health risks were assessed using various metrics and evidence, concluding that they are unlikely to cause ecological harm or pose a danger to human life or health.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has published Radio Standards Specification RSS-295, Issue 1, which outlines certification requirements for licence-exempt radio apparatus operating in specific high-frequency bands.

The Privy Council Office has announced a transparent and merit-based appointment process for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and a respectful work environment. Open positions span various organizations, including the Bank of Canada, Canada Infrastructure Bank, and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, among others. [Source]

Manulife and TSX Trust Company Seek Approval for Stated Capital Reduction

Manulife Assurance Company of Canada and TSX Trust Company both intend to apply for approval to reduce the stated capital of their common shares. Manulife plans to reduce its stated capital by up to $12,000,000, while TSX Trust Company aims for a reduction of up to $50 million. These reductions are to be distributed to their respective sole shareholders. The decisions were made through special resolutions passed by the sole shareholders of each company. The reductions are subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada) and will follow the review process as per the respective Acts governing insurance and trust and loan companies in Canada. The Chief Financial Officers of both companies will determine the exact amount of the reductions within the authorized limits. Directors and officers are authorized to execute necessary documents and perform required actions to effectuate the resolutions. Approval from the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is not guaranteed and is contingent upon their discretion following the review process. [Source]

Source