Highlights

  • CBSA has determined provisional duties on dumped concrete reinforcing bar from Bulgaria, Thailand, and UAE, with CITT investigating potential injury to Canadian industry.
  • CITT is reviewing the expiry of an order on dumped structural tubing from Korea and Türkiye, with CBSA assessing the likelihood of continued dumping.
  • CITT is investigating a complaint about improper bid evaluations by the Department of Public Works and Government Services.
  • CRTC has posted regulatory documents and consultation notices, inviting public comments.
  • Public Service Commission has allowed public servants to run in elections under specific conditions.
  • The Minister of the Environment has updated the Non-domestic Substances List, moving certain substances to the Domestic Substances List.
  • The Department of Public Safety has revoked the designation of certain RCMP members as fingerprint examiners.
  • The Privy Council Office is seeking diverse candidates for various Governor in Council positions.
  • BNY Trust Company of Canada plans to reduce its common shares’ capital, distributing funds to its sole shareholder.
  • PACICC intends to incorporate a new insurance company, with objections to be submitted to the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.
  • SOCAN Tariff 22.D.3 sets royalties for online audiovisual services, with specific rates and conditions for different revenue models and usage levels.

CBSA Dumping Investigations, CITT Expiry Review, and Public Service Election Permissions

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made a preliminary determination of dumping concerning concrete reinforcing bar from Bulgaria, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Provisional duties are now payable on these goods, and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will investigate the potential injury to the Canadian industry, making a final decision within 120 days.

The CITT is also initiating an expiry review of its order regarding the dumping of structural tubing from Korea and Türkiye. The CBSA will first determine if the expiry of the order will likely result in continued dumping, followed by the Tribunal’s assessment of potential injury to the domestic industry. Key deadlines for participation and submissions are outlined, with a hearing scheduled for May 2025.

A complaint from ADGA Group Consultants Inc. against the Department of Public Works and Government Services regarding the maintenance of electronic security system equipment has led the CITT to conduct an inquiry into alleged improper bid evaluations.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has posted various regulatory documents and notices of consultation on its website, with deadlines for public interventions and comments.

The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission and leave for several public servants to seek nomination or be candidates in upcoming federal, provincial, and municipal elections, with specific conditions regarding their leave of absence during the election periods. [Source]

Government Updates on Environmental Amendments, RCMP Changes, and Leadership Opportunities

The Minister of the Environment has amended the Non-domestic Substances List by removing certain substances, which have been added to the Domestic Substances List. This amendment will take effect concurrently with the related order for the Domestic Substances List.

The Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness has revoked the designation of multiple individuals from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as fingerprint examiners, as per subsection 667(5) of the Criminal Code. The revocations were issued by Julie Thompson, Director General of the Crime Prevention Branch.

The Privy Council Office is seeking applications for various Governor in Council positions. The government emphasizes the importance of diversity, gender parity, and representation of Indigenous peoples and minority groups in leadership roles. The positions available include roles such as Director at the Bank of Canada, Chairperson at the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and several others across different organizations. The government is committed to maintaining a healthy, respectful, and harassment-free work environment for all appointees. [Source]

Capital Reduction and New Insurance Company Incorporation Plans

BNY Trust Company of Canada plans to seek approval from the Superintendent of Financial Institutions to reduce the stated capital of its common shares by up to $26.5 million, following a special resolution passed by its sole shareholder. The reduction will be distributed to the sole shareholder, and the company’s Chief Financial Officer will determine the exact amount within the authorized limit. The directors and officers are authorized to execute necessary documents to implement this resolution.

Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation (PACICC) intends to apply for letters patent to incorporate a new property and casualty insurance company named PACICC-SIMA General Insurance Company, headquartered in Toronto. The new company will only operate under special circumstances as determined by the PACICC Board. Objections to the issuance of these letters patent can be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions by a specified date. The issuance of letters patent is subject to the normal review process and the discretion of the Minister of Finance. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 22.D.3 Royalties for Online Allied Audiovisual Services 2014-2024

SOCAN Tariff 22.D.3 sets the royalties for the communication of works in SOCAN’s repertoire by online allied audiovisual services from 2014 to 2024. It applies to services that communicate audiovisual works to the public via telecommunication, excluding certain uses covered by other SOCAN tariffs. Allied audiovisual services that do not separately track subscribers for internet streams and broadcast television are exempt from certain royalties if they meet specific conditions.

Key definitions include:

  • “Allied Audiovisual Service”: A service supporting conventional services or BDUs with duplicative or complementary content.
  • “Internet-Related Revenue”: Revenue from internet activities, excluding certain fees and commissions.
  • “Rate Base”: Calculated based on Canadian AV SOCAN Revenue or other specified metrics.

Royalties are calculated based on different models:

  • Per-program fees: 1.9% of amounts paid by Canadian end users, with a minimum of 1.3¢ per program.
  • Subscription fees: 1.9% of amounts paid by Canadian subscribers, with a minimum monthly fee of 7.5¢ per subscriber.
  • Internet-related revenue: 1.9% of the Rate Base.

Services with low music use (less than 20% of total transmission time) qualify for reduced rates:

  • Per-program fees: 0.8% of amounts paid by Canadian end users, with a minimum of 1.3¢ per program.
  • Subscription fees: 0.8% of amounts paid by Canadian subscribers, with a minimum monthly fee of 7.5¢ per subscriber.
  • Internet-related revenue: 0.8% of the Rate Base.

Services with no revenue pay $15.00 per year. Reporting requirements include providing detailed information about the service, monthly sales reports, and usage data. Royalties are due 30 days after the end of each month, with interest on late payments. Services must keep records for six years, and SOCAN may audit these records. Confidentiality provisions apply to information shared under this tariff, with specific exceptions. [Source]

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