Highlights

  • The CITT made determinations on procurement complaints, finding some valid in part.
  • An expiry review of an order on thermoelectric warmers and coolers from China is initiated.
  • Evripos Janitorial Services Ltd. filed a complaint about unfair bid rejection.
  • The CRTC approved a new FM radio station and made decisions on other broadcasting matters.
  • The Canada Revenue Agency proposed revoking the charitable status of two organizations.
  • The Minister of the Environment plans to disclose the identities of certain substances on the Domestic Substances List.
  • A new objective for Canadian Drinking Water Quality concerning PFASs was established.
  • Certification requirements for wireless microphones were updated.
  • Green Shield Canada Insurance was authorized to commence business.
  • The Government of Canada is seeking applications for various Governor in Council positions.
  • Banking Circle S.A. plans to establish a branch in Toronto.
  • RSA Canada intends to reinsure its travel insurance policy liabilities with Belair Insurance Company Inc.

CITT Procurement Complaints and Expiry Review, CRTC Decisions, and Charity Revocations

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) made determinations on two complaints regarding procurement processes. Newland Canada Corporation’s complaint about a contract for accommodation services in Québec was found valid in part, as the awarded bidder did not meet a mandatory requirement. Global Total Office’s complaint about a contract for office furniture and seating was also found valid in part, citing issues with solicitation processes and unfair treatment.

The CITT is initiating an expiry review of its order concerning the dumping and subsidizing of thermoelectric warmers and coolers from China. The Canada Border Services Agency will first determine if the expiry of the order will likely lead to resumed dumping or subsidizing. If so, the CITT will then assess if this would injure the domestic industry. Participants must file notices of participation and representation by specified dates, with a public hearing scheduled for March 2025.

Evripos Janitorial Services Ltd. filed a complaint about a cleaning services procurement, alleging unfair rejection of its bid due to its status under a vendor performance policy. The CITT decided to conduct an inquiry into this complaint.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced various administrative decisions, including the approval of a new FM radio station in Vernon, BC, and decisions on tangible benefits payments and community radio stations.

The Canada Revenue Agency issued notices of proposed revocation for two charities, the Jewish National Fund of Canada Inc. and the Ne’eman Foundation Canada, for failing to meet specific requirements of the Income Tax Act. The revocations will be effective upon publication in the Canada Gazette. [Source]

Environmental Substance Disclosure, PFAS Drinking Water Limit, Wireless Microphone Certification, New Insurance Company, and Government Job Opportunities

The Minister of the Environment intends to unmask the identities of 198 substances currently listed confidentially on Part 3 of the Domestic Substances List (DSL) under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Public comments on this proposed order are invited within 60 days. The substances will be moved to Part 1 of the DSL under their Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers. This action follows the 2018 Approach to disclose confidential information and the 2023 amendments to the Act, which include new transparency provisions. The substances have been listed confidentially since 2004 or earlier.

The Minister of Health has established a new objective for Canadian Drinking Water Quality concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), setting a limit of 30 ng/L for the sum of 25 specified PFASs. This objective replaces previous guidelines for PFOS and PFOA and nine screening values for individual PFASs. The objective aims to reduce exposure to PFASs through drinking water, considering the evolving science and treatment capabilities.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has published RSS-123, Issue 5, which outlines certification requirements for licensed wireless microphones, including wireless multichannel audio systems.

Green Shield Canada Insurance has been incorporated and authorized to commence business, insuring life and accident and sickness risks.

The Government of Canada is seeking applications for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing diversity, transparency, and merit-based appointments. Current opportunities include roles at the Bank of Canada, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other federal organizations. [Source]

Banking Circle S.A. and RSA Canada Announce Major Financial Moves

Banking Circle S.A., a foreign bank based in Luxembourg, plans to apply to the Canadian Minister of Finance for permission to establish a full-service branch in Toronto, Ontario, under the name Banking Circle S.A. - Canada Branch. The ultimate controlling shareholder is EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. Objections to this proposal can be submitted in writing to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada) by September 9, 2024. The approval process will follow the normal review procedures under the Bank Act of Canada.

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada (RSA Canada) intends to apply for approval to reinsure substantially all its policy liabilities, specifically travel insurance, with Belair Insurance Company Inc. (Belair). The proposed reinsurance agreement will be available for inspection by RSA Canada policyholders at its head office in Toronto for 30 days following the notice’s publication. Policyholders can request a copy of the agreement by writing to RSA Canada. [Source]

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