Highlights

  • Changes in ministerial assignments and responsibilities have been made, affecting various government roles.
  • Amendments to chicken marketing regulations and quotas have been implemented to manage production and marketing effectively.
  • Compensation regulations for destroyed animals have been updated to address gaps and improve disease response.
  • Updates to First Nations names and their inclusion in fiscal management services have been made to support governance and economic development.
  • Amendments to tax regulations aim to provide clarity and alignment with policy objectives, particularly concerning pension plans and tax rules.
  • Land use planning regulations for national parks have been updated to ensure consistent and transparent processes.
  • Obsolete regulations and acts have been repealed or updated to eliminate redundancy and ensure clarity.
  • Wildlife area regulations have been amended to improve management and compliance without changing boundaries.

Cabinet Reshuffle: Ginette Petitpas Taylor Appointed to Multiple Ministerial Roles

The Governor General in Council, following the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has made changes under the Ministries and Ministers of State Act. The assignment of Randy Paul Andrew Boissonnault has been terminated. Ginette Petitpas Taylor has been assigned as the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Associate Minister of National Defence. She will assist the Minister of Canadian Heritage in fulfilling their responsibilities. [Source]

Canadian Chicken Licensing Regulations Amended to Include New Product Category

Chicken Farmers of Canada, established under the Farm Products Agencies Act, has amended the Canadian Chicken Licensing Regulations. The amendment involves adding a new product category, “Boneless breasts with drumettes,” to the list of product categories and coefficients. This new category has a full live weight coefficient of 350%. The amendment comes into effect upon registration. [Source]

CFC Adds New Product Category to Chicken Marketing Plan

Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC), established under the Farm Products Agencies Act, has been authorized to implement a marketing plan. The National Farm Products Council approved an amendment to the Canadian Chicken Marketing Levies Order, which adds a new product category, “Boneless breasts with drumettes,” with a full live weight coefficient of 350% to the list of product categories and coefficients. This amendment is part of CFC’s efforts to manage chicken marketing effectively. The order comes into effect upon registration. [Source]

Amendments to Canadian Chicken Production Quotas Announced

The Canadian Chicken Marketing Quota Regulations have been amended to establish new limits for chicken production and marketing for a specified period. Chicken Farmers of Canada, empowered by the Farm Products Agencies Act, has followed the necessary procedures to implement these changes, which have been approved by the National Farm Products Council. The amendments specify production quotas for each province, detailing the live weight limits for federal and provincial quotas, market development quotas, and specialty chicken quotas. The total production limits for the period are outlined, with Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia having the highest quotas. These changes are intended to regulate the chicken market effectively during the designated timeframe. [Source]

Amendments to Animal Compensation Regulations Enhance Disease Response and Support Farmers

The amendments to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations address gaps highlighted by the 2022–2024 outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Canada. The changes allow compensation for owners’ personal labor in carrying out destruction orders and for costs associated with the disposal of certain things ordered destroyed, such as animal food and non-commercial freezers. Additionally, the maximum compensation amounts for bison have been updated to reflect current market values. These amendments aim to encourage early disease reporting and cooperation from owners, ensuring a more effective disease response. The changes are expected to benefit unincorporated owners, who can now be compensated for their personal labor, and provide consistency in compensation for disposal costs. The amendments also address outdated compensation limits for bison, aligning them with current market values. Stakeholder consultations showed general support for these changes, although some concerns were raised about the adequacy of compensation for personal labor and the scope of things eligible for disposal cost compensation. The amendments are designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disease control efforts, ultimately protecting the economic viability of Canada’s farmed animal sector. [Source]

First Nations Names Updated in Elections Act Schedule

The Minister of Indigenous Services has amended the schedule to the First Nations Elections Act to update the names of certain First Nations. Specifically, the names for Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and Zagimē Anishinabēk have been updated. These changes were made in response to requests from the First Nations to ensure their names are accurately reflected in official records and to prevent confusion regarding the applicability of legislation. The amendments align with the Indian Registration System and support a respectful nation-to-nation relationship. There are no administrative costs or burdens to businesses associated with these changes. [Source]

First Nations Join Fiscal Management Act for Economic Growth

The First Nations Fiscal Management Act allows First Nations to access services for economic development, property taxation, and financial management. Four First Nations—Esk’etemc, Gitanmaax, Mississaugas of the Credit, and Poundmaker—have requested to be added to the Act’s schedule, enabling them to utilize these services. This inclusion allows them to implement property tax systems, seek financial certification, and participate in bond financing for infrastructure projects. The initiative supports First Nations’ governance capacity and economic growth without imposing costs or regulatory burdens on small businesses. The addition is based on requests from the First Nations’ councils, and no environmental or gender-based issues have been identified. [Source]

Amendments to First Nations Fiscal Management Act Schedule

The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations has issued an order to amend the schedule to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, following requests from the councils of various bands to change their names. The amendments include changing “Cowichan Tribes First Nation” to “Cowichan,” “Hagwilget First Nation Government” to “Hagwilget Village Council,” and “Lake Cowichan First Nation” to “Ts’uubaa-asatx,” among others. Some names have been repositioned in alphabetical order, such as “Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg” and “Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it.” Additionally, the French version of the Act reflects changes like “Première nation Leq’á:mel” to “Leq’á:mel First Nation” and “Zagime Anishinabek” to “Zagimē Anishinabēk.” The order takes effect upon registration. [Source]

Amendments to Income Tax Regulations for Pension Plans and Employee Benefits

The amendments to the Income Tax Regulations address technical issues identified by the Canada Revenue Agency, provincial governments, and pension plan consultants. These changes aim to provide clarity, flexibility, and alignment with policy objectives in tax rules related to registered pension plans, pooled registered pension plans, qualified investments, employee stock options, and mark-to-market rules. Key amendments include aligning tax rules with enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, reducing the employment requirement for pensionable service credit during reduced pay periods, and allowing certain pension plans to reduce benefits in line with provincial laws. The amendments also facilitate greater participation in defined benefit plans by small tax-exempt employers and align tax rules with provincial pension standards. Additionally, the regulations update names of entities and forms, accommodate Stelco’s CCAA plan, and clarify PRPP filing requirements. The amendments are generally neutral or relieving in nature, with retroactive application to provide appropriate relief. The Canada Revenue Agency will administer these changes. [Source]

Indian Bands Council Elections Order Amended with Updated Band Names

The Minister of Indigenous Services has issued an order amending the Indian Bands Council Elections Order under the Indian Act. The amendments involve changes to the names of certain bands listed in the schedules of the order. Specifically, the names of the Bonaparte First Nation, Hagwilget Village Council, Sq’éwlets, Northlands Denesuline First Nation, Washagamis Bay, and Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation have been updated in various parts of the schedules. The order takes effect upon registration. [Source]

New Land Use Planning Regulations for Canadian National Parks

The National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations establish a comprehensive framework for land use planning in national parks and park reserves, replacing outdated regulations. These regulations aim to provide consistent, transparent, and predictable processes for permits and approvals related to land use, construction, and renovation projects. They enhance inspection and compliance tools, introduce exceptions for minor repairs, and set consultation requirements, including engagement with Indigenous peoples. The regulations also address the need for public and Indigenous consultation, pre-application meetings for complex projects, and compliance orders and penalties. They aim to align with provincial building codes and national standards, ensuring projects meet safety and environmental requirements. The regulations are expected to have minimal cost impacts while providing benefits such as standardized processes and reduced administrative burdens for minor projects. They also emphasize the protection of ecological and cultural integrity in national parks. The implementation includes publishing interpretive guidelines to assist stakeholders and regulated parties in understanding the regulations. [Source]

Updating International Bridges and Tunnels Act for Clarity and Accuracy

Sections 263, 266, and 267 of the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 2 are being brought into force to repeal two obsolete acts of Parliament and update the Schedule to the International Bridges and Tunnels Act (IBTA). This update will remove outdated references, ensuring clarity and accuracy. The IBTA, enacted in 2007, governs international bridge and tunnel operations, with a Schedule listing acts of incorporation for each bridge and tunnel. The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) was established in 1998 to oversee certain international crossings, initially including the Thousand Islands Bridge. In 2013, FBCL expanded, incorporating the Blue Water Bridge and the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge, each with multiple acts of incorporation. The Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 2 aimed to repeal outdated bridge acts and amend the IBTA Schedule. However, due to oversight, some acts were not repealed. The Statutes Repeal Act mandates that provisions not enacted within ten years are automatically repealed unless deferred. Transport Canada sought a deferral to allow time for the necessary legislative changes, which Parliament granted, extending the validity of the provisions until the end of 2024. The Order will ensure the IBTA is current, eliminating potential confusion without financial or operational impacts. Transport Canada consulted with FBCL to confirm no adverse effects on operations or stakeholders. [Source]

Repeal of Sable Island Regulations under Canada Shipping Act

Sable Island, located in the Atlantic Ocean, was previously governed by the Sable Island Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. However, since 2013, the island has been protected under the Canada National Parks Act due to the establishment of the Sable Island National Park Reserve. This change rendered the Sable Island Regulations obsolete, as the administration of the island is now managed under the Canada National Parks Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act. Consequently, the Sable Island Regulations are being repealed to eliminate redundancy and ambiguity. This repeal is not expected to impact stakeholders or Canadians, as the regulations have not been enforced since 2013. Transport Canada, after consulting with Parks Canada, found no concerns regarding the repeal. The one-for-one rule applies, as a regulatory title is removed, but there is no impact on small businesses. The repeal will take effect upon registration. [Source]

Amendments to Wildlife Area Regulations for Improved Management and Clarity

The amendments to the Wildlife Area Regulations address management issues in three National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) in Canada. These include the delisting of three small parcels of land from Big Creek NWA in Ontario to transfer them to Norfolk County, simplifying boundary descriptions for Big Glace Bay Lake NWA in Nova Scotia, and the Jolicure Unit of Tintamarre NWA in New Brunswick. The delisting is necessary due to a bridge replacement project that required encroachment onto NWA land, and the transfer of these lands to the County will eliminate the need for an encroachment agreement. The boundary description updates aim to make the regulations clearer and more enforceable. Consultations were conducted with relevant First Nations, but no responses were received. The amendments are administrative and do not change the actual boundaries of the NWAs, nor do they impose new requirements. The changes are expected to improve management efficiency and facilitate compliance and enforcement without incurring additional costs. [Source]

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