Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is handling appeals and inquiries related to goods classification and procurement complaints.
  • The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has made decisions regarding CBC radio stations.
  • CUSMA Secretariat is reviewing requests related to duties on Canadian softwood lumber.
  • The Public Service Commission of Canada has allowed individuals to seek political office with employment conditions.
  • The Canadian Environmental Protection Act has been updated to enhance environmental protection, with public consultations on new frameworks and plans.
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is seeking feedback on new standards for wireless power transfer devices.
  • The Government of Canada is recruiting diverse candidates for leadership roles in various organizations.
  • BNY Trust Company of Canada plans to reduce its capital, and Equitable Bank has changed its office location for enforcement notices.
  • Updates to CPP and OAS Regulations aim to modernize the application process, allowing electronic submissions and reducing administrative burdens.

Canadian Trade Tribunal Hearings, CRTC Decisions, and Political Candidacy Permissions

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is set to hold public hearings via videoconference for appeals concerning the classification of goods under the Customs Act. Aquaterra Corporation Ltd. is disputing the classification of water dispensers, while BabyBjörn Inc. is challenging the classification of baby bouncers. Additionally, the Tribunal is conducting an inquiry into a complaint by Keverest Technologies Inc. regarding a procurement process by the Department of Public Works and Government Services for a LIDAR sensor. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has released decisions involving the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s radio stations in British Columbia and Ontario. The CUSMA Secretariat has received requests for panel reviews concerning antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber products, with the panel reviews to be conducted under CUSMA’s rules. The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission for several individuals to seek political office, including Pierre-Benoit Fortin, Jean-Sébastien Blais, and Cody Garbutt, with conditions regarding their employment during the election periods. [Source]

Canada Strengthens Environmental Protection and Seeks Public Input on New Initiatives

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, has been updated following the royal assent of Bill S-5, which aims to strengthen environmental protection in Canada. The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health are required to develop an implementation framework for the right to a healthy environment and have published a draft for public consultation. Comments can be submitted within 60 days, with confidentiality requests available under certain conditions.

Additionally, a proposed Plan of Priorities has been published, outlining timelines for environmental protection actions, also open for public comment within 60 days. A proposed Watch List Approach has been introduced to manage substances suspected of becoming toxic, with a similar comment period.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has released a new Radio Standards Specification for wireless power transfer devices, inviting feedback through an online form.

The Government of Canada is seeking diverse candidates for various leadership positions, emphasizing a transparent, merit-based appointment process that reflects Canada’s diversity and promotes a healthy, respectful workplace. Current opportunities include roles in organizations such as the Bank of Canada, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Canadian Energy Regulator, among others. [Source]

BNY Trust Capital Reduction and Equitable Bank Office Relocation

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. Directors and officers are authorized to execute necessary actions to implement this resolution. Additionally, Equitable Bank has relocated its designated office for the service of enforcement notices in Alberta to a new address in Calgary. [Source]

Modernization of CPP and OAS Application Process with Digital Solutions

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) Regulations are being updated to modernize the application process for benefits, moving away from the requirement for original or certified paper documents. This change is driven by the need to adapt to digital solutions, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when temporary measures allowed for electronic submissions. The proposed amendments will allow applicants to upload electronic copies of supporting documents through the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) and enable the use of third-party government data sources for verification of age, identity, marital status, and death. The amendments aim to reduce administrative burdens for applicants, such as seniors, survivors, students, and disabled persons, by eliminating the need for in-person submissions and certified documents. The changes will also allow for the acceptance of electronic evidence of full-time student status and death information from funeral homes. The regulatory amendments are expected to incur minimal costs, primarily related to updating policy guidance, forms, and training for Service Canada staff. The amendments will not impact small businesses and are not related to any formal regulatory cooperation forum. Compliance will be ensured through random audits and administrative investigations, with the Minister retaining the right to request original documents if necessary. The changes are intended to make the application process more accessible and efficient, particularly benefiting disadvantaged groups. [Source]

Amendments to Old Age Security Regulations on Relationship and Age Verification

The proposed amendments to the Old Age Security Regulations involve changes to how the relationship between applicants and their spouses or common-law partners is verified. The Minister may require a marriage certificate or a statutory declaration for common-law partners. If there are doubts about the validity of these documents, the original may be requested. If unavailable, other evidence may be used to determine the relationship. The amendments also address determining an applicant’s age and identity, primarily using a birth certificate or information from the Canada Employment Insurance Commission. If these are unavailable or questionable, other evidence or information from Statistics Canada may be used. The amendments specify conditions under which the Minister can request age-related information from Statistics Canada, ensuring confidentiality and consent. The regulations will take effect upon registration. The document also outlines terms of use and privacy notices for submitting comments on the proposed changes, emphasizing confidentiality and the protection of personal information. [Source]

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