Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal addressed complaints regarding procurement processes, with one complaint dismissed and another accepted for inquiry.
  • The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced broadcasting applications and decisions.
  • The Public Service Commission of Canada granted permissions for political candidacy with provisions for leave.
  • The Employment Insurance premium rate for 2025 was set, with a reduced rate for Quebec residents.
  • Health Canada proposed new guidelines for radiological quality in drinking water, focusing on health protection and risk assessment.
  • Government appointments and leadership opportunities emphasize diversity and inclusion.
  • BNY Trust Company of Canada and Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company announced financial and reinsurance plans, respectively.
  • Equitable Bank relocated its office for enforcement notices in Alberta.
  • Regulatory amendments to the Fishery (General) Regulations aim to ensure sustainable fish stocks and align with existing policies.
  • Corrections were made to the SOCAN Tariff for Popular Music Concerts, detailing royalties and reporting requirements.

Canadian Trade Tribunal and Broadcasting Decisions, Political Candidacy Permissions

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal addressed a complaint by TYR Tactical Canada ULC regarding a procurement by the Department of Public Works and Government Services for the Department of National Defence. TYR alleged that their request for a debrief meeting was denied and that they were not properly informed about not being selected for a contract. The Tribunal found the complaint invalid. Another complaint from White Bear Industries Ltd. concerning a highway maintenance contract was accepted for inquiry. White Bear Industries claimed their bid was unfairly rejected due to alleged past misconduct, which they argue was arbitrary and breached trade agreements. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced applications and decisions related to broadcasting, including a renewal application by UFV Campus and Community Radio Society and a decision involving Maritime Broadcasting System Limited. The Public Service Commission of Canada granted John MacRae permission to seek political candidacy in Ontario and Carl Miguel Maldonado to run for a municipal position in Quebec, with provisions for leave during the election period. [Source]

2025 Employment Insurance Rates and New Radiological Water Guidelines in Canada

The Employment Insurance premium rate for 2025 is set at $1.64 per $100 of insurable earnings, with a reduced rate of $1.31 for Quebec residents due to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act allows individuals to request an assessment of substances for toxicity, with forms available on the Chemical Substances website. Health Canada has proposed new guidelines for radiological quality in drinking water, raising the reference level to 1 millisievert per year and removing the MAC for uranium. The guidelines propose MACs for lead-210, radium-226, and radium-228, and include HBVs for other radionuclides. The guidelines aim to balance health protection with risk assessment and cost considerations. Treatment methods for radionuclides in water are discussed, emphasizing the importance of preventing contamination and managing distribution systems to minimize radionuclide accumulation. The document also includes various government appointments and opportunities for Canadians to apply for leadership positions, highlighting the government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its appointment process. [Source]

Corporate Financial Moves and Office Relocation Updates

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.

Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company intends to apply for approval from the Minister of Finance to have its policy liabilities reinsured by Intact Insurance Company. The proposed reinsurance agreement will be available for inspection by CNS policyholders at its head office for 30 days following the notice’s publication.

Equitable Bank has relocated its designated office for the service of enforcement notices in Alberta to a new address in Calgary. [Source]

Regulatory Amendments for Sustainable Fish Stock Management

Regulatory amendments are being made to the Fishery (General) Regulations under the Fisheries Act to include 65 major fish stocks in Schedule IX, making them subject to specific sustainability measures. These amendments aim to ensure that major fish stocks are maintained at sustainable levels or above the limit reference point (LRP), with rebuilding plans required for stocks that fall below the LRP. The amendments also correct geographic descriptions for certain stocks and reorder the list alphabetically.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) consulted stakeholders, including provincial governments, Indigenous groups, and environmental organizations, receiving largely supportive feedback. Some stakeholders suggested additional stocks for inclusion, but only two met the criteria and were added. Concerns about outdated LRPs for certain stocks were addressed by DFO, which decided to retain them in the list after reviewing scientific data.

The proposed regulations align with DFO’s existing precautionary approach policy, with the main change being the timeline for developing rebuilding plans. There are no expected incremental costs or benefits, as the management measures are consistent with current policies. The amendments do not impact small businesses or impose administrative burdens, and they do not affect modern treaty rights or Indigenous interests. The regulations will come into force upon registration, with rebuilding plan timelines starting from that date. [Source]

The document addresses corrections to the SOCAN Tariff 4.A for Popular Music Concerts from 2018 to 2024, specifically replacing certain terms in both the French and English versions. The tariff outlines the royalties for live performances of SOCAN’s repertoire at various entertainment venues, excluding internet communications, performances in certain establishments, and events primarily for dancing. Users can choose between per event or annual royalties, both calculated as 3% of gross receipts or performer fees, with minimum fees specified. Reporting requirements include providing details about concert promoters, venue owners, acts, and musical works performed. SOCAN reserves the right to audit users’ records, and late payments incur interest. All fees are exclusive of taxes. [Source]

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