Highlights

  • CRA is revoking several charities for non-compliance with the Income Tax Act.
  • Public servants have been granted permission to run for political office.
  • A substance, octanamide, N-hydroxy-, is suspected to be toxic and its use is restricted.
  • Judicial appointments have been made across various Canadian courts.
  • New Senators have been summoned to the Senate of Canada.
  • The government is seeking applications for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
  • PACICC plans to incorporate a new insurance company, and Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. seeks to release its assets in Canada.
  • Western Assurance Company, Intact Insurance Company, and 13130126 Canada Inc. plan to amalgamate.
  • Westport Insurance Corporation seeks to release its assets in Canada.
  • Canada Post proposes increasing postage rates due to financial challenges.
  • Amendments to the Public Service Employment Regulations aim to improve fairness, transparency, and support diversity and inclusion in the public service.

CRA Charity Revocations and Public Servants Granted Political Leave

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has issued notices of proposed revocation for several charities due to non-compliance with the Income Tax Act. The revocations will be effective upon publication in the Canada Gazette. The charities listed include organizations from various regions and sectors, such as educational institutions, community services, religious groups, and cultural associations.

Additionally, the Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission and leave for public servants to seek political office. Zbigniew Strycharz from the CRA has been granted leave to run in the federal by-election for Elmwood–Transcona, Manitoba. Victor Veiga from Transport Canada has been permitted to seek nomination and run in the federal election for Vaughan–Woodbridge, Ontario, with leave effective upon candidacy. Jennifer McDonald from Employment and Social Development Canada has been granted permission to run for Councillor in the municipal election for the Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. [Source]

Regulations on Octanamide Use and Judicial Appointments in Canada

The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have assessed the substance octanamide, N-hydroxy- (CAS RN 7377-03-9) and suspect it may be toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Minister of the Environment permits its manufacture or import under specific conditions: it cannot be used in cosmetics, and any transfer of the substance must be to individuals who agree to these terms. The notifier must inform recipients of these conditions and obtain written confirmation of compliance. Detailed records of the substance’s use, quantity, and distribution must be maintained for at least five years.

Several judicial appointments have been made across various courts in Canada, including the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan, and the Court of Appeal of New Brunswick, among others. Notable appointments include judges for the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.

The Governor General has summoned new Senators to the Senate of Canada, including representatives from New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

The Government of Canada is seeking applications for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and a harassment-free workplace. Open positions include roles at the Bank of Canada, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, Canada Industrial Relations Board, and many others. [Source]

Insurance Company Applications and Amalgamations in Canada

Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation (PACICC) plans to apply for letters patent to incorporate a new property and casualty insurance company named PACICC-SIMA General Insurance Company, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company will only operate under special circumstances as determined by the PACICC Board. Objections to this application can be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) by October 22, 2024.

Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. intends to apply for the release of its assets maintained in Canada. Policyholders or creditors opposing this release must file their objections with OSFI by October 7, 2024.

Western Assurance Company, Intact Insurance Company, and 13130126 Canada Inc. plan to amalgamate into a single entity named Intact Insurance Company, with its head office in Toronto. The proposed amalgamation is subject to approval and is expected to take effect on January 1, 2025. Policyholders can inspect the independent actuary’s report upon request.

Westport Insurance Corporation also seeks to release its assets maintained in Canada. Objections to this release must be filed with OSFI by September 30, 2024. [Source]

Canada Post Proposes Postage Rate Hikes to Address Financial Losses

Canada Post is facing financial challenges due to a significant decline in letter mail volumes, which have dropped by 60% since 2006, while the number of addresses it serves has increased. This has led to rising delivery costs and six consecutive years of financial losses totaling over $3 billion. To address these issues, Canada Post proposes increasing postage rates for domestic and international mail.

The proposed amendments include raising the price of a single domestic stamp for letters up to 30 grams from $1.15 to $1.44, and from $0.99 to $1.24 when purchased in booklets, coils, or panes. Rates for heavier domestic mail and international mail to the U.S. and other countries will also see similar increases. For example, the rate for a basic letter to the U.S. will rise from $1.40 to $1.75, and for international letters from $2.92 to $3.65. Registered Mail within Canada will increase from $10.50 to $13.15.

These changes aim to generate an estimated $78.4 million in additional revenue for 2025, helping to offset rising operational costs. The average Canadian household is expected to see an annual increase of $2.26 in postage costs, while small businesses may face an average annual increase of $42.17. The proposed rate increases are designed to ensure Canada Post can continue providing postal services to all Canadians, including those in rural and Indigenous communities, and seniors, who may rely more on traditional mail services.

The amendments are subject to a consultation period, during which stakeholders can provide feedback. The new rates are scheduled to take effect on January 13, 2025. [Source]

Modernizing Public Service Employment Regulations for Fairness and Inclusion

The Public Service Employment Regulations are being amended to better align with the evolving needs of the staffing system and to support the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA). Key objectives include increasing fairness and cohesion in priority entitlements, clarifying the intent of certain entitlements, defining acting appointments, and refining the lay-off process to foster a competent and inclusive public service.

The amendments propose ending priority entitlements upon accepting or declining indeterminate placement without good reason, harmonizing surplus entitlements, and extending the entitlement period for employees unable to carry out their duties and for those discharged from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for medical reasons from two to five years. Additionally, the period for surviving spouses or common-law partners to request priority entitlement is extended from two to five years.

The reinstatement priority entitlement is clarified to apply only to positions at a higher level than the employee’s current position, and Canadian Forces members are excluded from this entitlement. Obsolete transitional provisions are repealed.

For acting appointments, the definition of rotational positions is clarified to include an international component. Lay-off provisions are refined to distinguish between direct identification for lay-off and the selection of employees for retention or lay-off. Increased transparency and communication requirements are introduced, including written notices to employees about lay-offs and the reasons for their selection or retention.

The amendments also require deputy heads to identify and mitigate biases or barriers in assessment methods used for lay-offs, ensuring fair treatment of equity-seeking groups. The use of seniority in lay-off decisions is harmonized across all occupational groups, and the requirement to inform the Public Service Commission of lay-off details is removed.

Consultations with stakeholders, including federal public service organizations, unions, and subject-matter experts, informed these changes. The amendments aim to modernize the regulations, support diversity and inclusion, and ensure the regulations remain relevant and effective. The proposed changes are expected to have minimal cost impact and will be implemented with supporting documents and information sessions to assist organizations. Compliance will be monitored through oversight activities and organizational assessments. [Source]

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