Highlights

  • The CBSA is investigating potential circumvention of trade regulations involving container chassis from China through Vietnam.
  • The CRA revoked a charitable foundation’s status due to non-compliance.
  • The CITT is reviewing the expiry of an order on aluminum extrusions from China and investigating a procurement complaint.
  • The CRTC made decisions on broadcasting in Ottawa.
  • Public Service Commission allowed two individuals to run in the federal election.
  • Regulations for certain chemical substances and fee increases for drug-related services were announced.
  • A petition was submitted regarding a CRTC decision on internet service competition.
  • The government is seeking candidates for leadership roles and consulting on a trade agreement with the Philippines.
  • BNY Trust Company plans to reduce its capital, and Chang Hwa Commercial Bank intends to open a branch in Toronto.
  • Green Shield Canada received approval for liquidation and business transfer.
  • Re:Sound and SOCAN tariffs outline royalties for satellite radio and CBC’s internet communications, respectively, with specific reporting and payment requirements.

Canadian Trade Investigations and Regulatory Updates

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has initiated an investigation into the alleged circumvention of a Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) finding regarding the dumping and subsidizing of container chassis from China, now allegedly being circumvented through Vietnam. The investigation will determine if the imports are circumventing the CITT’s finding, with a decision expected within 180 days. Interested parties can submit written submissions by March 14, 2025.

The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a notice of revocation for the VIVA VOCE Charitable Foundation in Vancouver, B.C., due to non-compliance with the Income Tax Act.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) is conducting an expiry review of its order concerning the dumping and subsidizing of aluminum extrusions from China. The CBSA will first assess the likelihood of continued dumping and subsidizing if the order expires, followed by the Tribunal’s determination of potential injury to the domestic industry. The Tribunal will hold a hearing on July 21, 2025.

The CITT is also investigating a complaint from Busch Vacuum Technics Inc. regarding a procurement by the National Research Council of Canada, alleging arbitrary technical specifications.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has released decisions regarding broadcasting undertakings in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission and leave for Kethlande Pierre and Amanda Rosenstock to seek nomination and be candidates in the upcoming federal election, with leave of absence without pay during the election period. [Source]

Regulatory Updates on Environmental Protection, Health Fees, and Trade Consultations

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, outlines conditions for the manufacture or import of a specific substance, quaternary ammonium compounds, for use as an antistatic agent in fibreglass and plastics. The notifier must adhere to conditions such as informing the Minister of the Environment before manufacturing, ensuring proper disposal, and maintaining records. A Significant New Activity Notice requires notification for using phosphoric acid, mixed decyl and octyl esters, in cosmetics above certain concentrations, to assess potential toxicity. Health Canada announces a 2% fee increase for Drug Master Files and Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product services, effective April 2025. Dealer’s licences for human and veterinary drugs will also see fee adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. The Fees in Respect of Drugs and Medical Devices Order will be adjusted similarly. The Certificate of Supplementary Protection fee will increase by 2%. A petition regarding a CRTC decision on internet service market competition has been submitted to the Governor in Council. The Government of Canada seeks diverse candidates for various leadership positions and is consulting on a potential free trade agreement with the Philippines, inviting input on trade and investment interests, barriers, and opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups. [Source]

Financial Institutions Announce Capital Reduction, New Branch, and Liquidation 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 by its sole shareholder. The reduction will be distributed to the sole shareholder, and the Chief Financial Officer will determine the exact amount within the authorized limit.

Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, Ltd., based in Taipei, Taiwan, intends to apply for permission to establish a full-service branch in Toronto, Canada, under the name Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, Ltd., Toronto Branch. Objections to this proposal can be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions by January 20, 2025.

Green Shield Canada has received approval from the Minister of Finance for its voluntary liquidation and dissolution. The company plans to transfer its business, including prepayment plans, to Green Shield Canada Insurance through an assumption reinsurance agreement, with remaining assets distributed to Green Shield Association. [Source]

Satellite Radio Royalties and Reporting Guidelines for Canada 2019-2021

Re:Sound Tariff 4 sets the royalties for satellite radio services in Canada for the years 2019 to 2021. It defines key terms such as “service revenues,” “subscriber,” and “simulcast,” and specifies that the tariff applies to the communication of sound recordings for private use by subscribers. The tariff excludes commercial subscribers and internet-based communications. Royalties are calculated as a percentage of service revenues, with a minimum fee per subscriber, and vary slightly between two periods: January 1, 2019, to April 28, 2020, and April 29, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Services must report subscriber numbers and revenue details monthly and provide detailed information about each broadcasted sound recording. Records must be kept for six months to six years, depending on the type of information, and Re:Sound may audit these records. Information shared with Re:Sound is confidential, with some exceptions, and adjustments for errors in royalty payments are made in subsequent payments. Late payments incur interest, and specific procedures are outlined for delivering notices and payments. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 22E CBC Internet Royalties 2014-2018

SOCAN Tariff 22.E sets the royalties for the communication of works in SOCAN’s repertoire by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) over the Internet for the years 2014-2018. It applies to audio and audiovisual content transmitted online by CBC, excluding uses covered by other SOCAN tariffs. Key definitions include terms like “audio page impression,” “file,” “Internet-related revenues,” and “stream.” Royalties are calculated based on Internet-related revenues from CBC’s online audiovisual and music services, with specific percentages and formulas for different types of services. Payments are due monthly, with interest applied to late payments. Reporting requirements mandate CBC to provide detailed monthly reports to SOCAN, including information on audiovisual files, subscribers, and Internet-related revenues. CBC must also maintain records for six years, subject to SOCAN audits. Confidentiality provisions protect the information shared between SOCAN and CBC, with exceptions for legal requirements and royalty distribution. [Source]

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