Highlights

  • The Canada Revenue Agency has revoked the registration of several charities at their request.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold a hearing on the classification of prefabricated metal sheds and garages.
  • The Tribunal found evidence of dumping of concrete reinforcing bar from certain countries harming the domestic industry.
  • The CRTC has posted regulatory documents and applications, including a broadcasting license renewal and telemarketing fees.
  • New environmental guidelines for BTEX have been issued.
  • A ministerial condition has been placed on a specific chemical substance to ensure safe management.
  • A report on PFAS highlights their environmental persistence and proposes regulatory action.
  • An Interim Order restricts carrying certain oils in Arctic waters to protect marine safety and the environment.
  • The Government of Canada is seeking diverse candidates for various Governor in Council positions.
  • Raymond James Trust (Québec) Ltd. plans to become a federally incorporated trust company and merge with Solus Trust Company.
  • Santander Consumer entities plan to merge into a single bank, pending regulatory approval.

Recent Announcements on Charity Revocations, Trade Tribunal Hearings, and CRTC Regulatory Updates

The Canada Revenue Agency has announced the revocation of registration for several charities at their request, effective immediately upon publication. The list includes various religious organizations, health auxiliaries, educational foundations, and community service groups across multiple provinces.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold a public hearing via videoconference to consider an appeal by Transcan Motorsports Group Inc. regarding the classification of prefabricated metal sheds and garages under the Customs Act. The dispute is whether these goods should be classified under tariff item 9406.90.90 as prefabricated buildings or under tariff item 7308.90.00 as other structures of iron or steel.

The Tribunal also determined that there is reasonable evidence suggesting that the dumping of concrete reinforcing bar from Bulgaria, Thailand, and the UAE is causing or threatening injury to the domestic industry.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has posted several regulatory documents and applications on its website. These include a renewal application for a broadcasting license in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, and a notice of consultation for a hearing in the National Capital Region. Additionally, an order regarding telemarketing regulatory costs and fees for the years 2024-25 and 2023-24 has been published. [Source]

New Environmental Guidelines and Regulations Announced for BTEX, PFAS, and Arctic Oil Transport

The Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are now available, following consultations with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments. The Minister of the Environment has issued these guidelines to help preserve environmental quality.

A ministerial condition has been placed on the substance 1,1′-(isopropylidene)bis[3,5-dibromo-4-(polysubstitutedmethylalkoxy)benzene], allowing its manufacture or import under strict conditions. These include restrictions on its use, handling, disposal, and record-keeping to prevent environmental release and ensure safe management.

The Updated Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report has been published, highlighting the widespread use and environmental persistence of PFAS. These substances are found in various consumer and industrial products and have been detected globally, including in remote regions. PFAS are highly persistent, bioaccumulative, and can cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. The report proposes adding PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, to Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, due to their potential harmful impacts.

An Interim Order has been issued prohibiting the carrying of certain oils on vessels in Arctic waters to mitigate risks to marine safety and the environment. Exceptions are made for vessels engaged in emergency operations and those carrying oil as cargo or residues from previous voyages.

The Government of Canada is seeking diverse and talented individuals for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing the importance of a transparent, merit-based appointment process that reflects Canada’s diversity and promotes a healthy, respectful workplace. Current opportunities include positions in organizations such as the Bank of Canada, Canada Infrastructure Bank, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, among others. [Source]

Raymond James Trust and Solus Trust Amalgamation Plans; Santander Consumer Bank Merger Proposal

Raymond James Trust (Québec) Ltd. (RJTQ) has filed a draft application with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to continue as a federally incorporated, non-deposit taking trust company under the Trust and Loan Companies Act (TLCA). The company will retain its current name in both English and French. RJTQ, currently a trust company under Quebec’s Trust Companies and Savings Companies Act (TCSCA), will formalize its application upon approval from Quebec’s Minister of Finance.

Additionally, RJTQ and its parent company, Solus Trust Company, have jointly applied for letters patent of amalgamation to merge into a single entity named Solus Trust Company, which will continue to operate as a non-deposit taking trust company with its head office in Toronto, Ontario.

Objections to these applications can be submitted in writing to OSFI by August 20, 2024.

Separately, Santander Consumer Bank, Santander Consumer Finance Inc., and Santander Consumer Inc. plan to apply for letters patent of amalgamation to merge into a single bank under the name Santander Consumer Bank, with its head office in Edmonton, Alberta. This amalgamation is contingent upon receiving an Order to Commence and Carry On Business from the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. [Source]

Source