Highlights

  • The Canada Border Services Agency is investigating alleged dumping of steel from Türkiye, and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal is assessing potential injury to Canadian industry.
  • Castleton Commodities Energy Trading LLC and Hydro-Québec are seeking authorization to export electricity to the U.S., with public input requested.
  • The Canada Revenue Agency is proposing to revoke Eventing Canada’s registration for non-compliance.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is investigating procurement complaints and potential steel dumping.
  • The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and Canadian Transportation Agency have issued regulatory updates.
  • The Competition Tribunal is addressing anti-competitive practices by Google in online advertising.
  • The Public Service Commission has allowed a Parks Canada employee to run for municipal office.
  • New immigration classes aim to support economic establishment in Canadian communities, excluding Quebec.
  • An equivalency agreement for greenhouse gas emissions control has been announced with Saskatchewan.
  • Financial institutions are seeking regulatory approvals for capital reduction and branch establishment.
  • Green Shield Canada is undergoing voluntary liquidation and business transfer.
  • The Canadian Energy Regulator is updating its regulatory framework to align with new legislation, aiming to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens.
  • The Government of Canada is reforming the Employment Insurance appeal process to improve efficiency and user-friendliness.
  • New railway regulations are being introduced to update training standards and enhance safety.

Canadian Regulatory and Trade Investigations Update

The Canada Border Services Agency has initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping of corrosion-resistant steel sheet from Türkiye by Borçelik Çelik Sanayi Ticaret A.Ş. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will conduct a preliminary inquiry to assess potential injury to the Canadian industry. Interested parties can submit written submissions by April 15, 2025.

Castleton Commodities Energy Trading LLC and Hydro-Québec have applied to the Canada Energy Regulator for authorization to export electricity to the United States. The regulator seeks public input on these applications, focusing on the impact on Canadian provinces and the opportunity for Canadian buyers to purchase electricity under similar conditions.

The Canada Revenue Agency has proposed revoking the registration of Eventing Canada for failing to meet certain Income Tax Act requirements.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is conducting a preliminary injury inquiry into the dumping of corrosion-resistant steel sheet from Türkiye and has initiated inquiries into complaints regarding procurement processes by the National Battlefields Commission and the Department of Public Works and Government Services.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has issued several administrative decisions and regulatory updates.

The Canadian Transportation Agency has published regulated interswitching rates for 2025.

The Competition Tribunal received an application from the Commissioner of Competition against Google Canada Corporation and Google LLC, alleging anti-competitive practices in online advertising technology services. The Commissioner seeks orders for divestiture, prohibition of anti-competitive practices, and monetary penalties.

The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission to Wanda Lee Carver to run for a municipal election position while employed by Parks Canada. [Source]

New Immigration Classes and Regulatory Updates in Canada

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has issued Ministerial Instructions for the Francophone and Rural Community Immigration Classes under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These classes aim to facilitate the economic establishment of foreign nationals in designated Canadian communities, excluding Quebec. Applicants must meet specific requirements, including having a valid certificate of recommendation, a genuine offer of employment from a designated employer, language proficiency, and education credentials. Economic development organizations play a key role in designating employers and issuing certificates of recommendation. They must also establish priority occupations to support local economic development. Employers must meet criteria such as having a genuine business, completing intercultural competency training, and supporting the settlement of applicants. The instructions prohibit charging fees for designating employers or issuing certificates. The Francophone Community Immigration Class requires language proficiency in French, while the Rural Community Immigration Class allows proficiency in English or French. Both classes have a five-year effective period. Additionally, the Department of the Environment has announced an equivalency agreement with Saskatchewan for greenhouse gas emissions control, and the Department of Transport has issued supplementary letters patent for the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is consulting on a fee framework for spectrum licences, and the Privy Council Office is seeking diverse candidates for various government positions. [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., headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, intends to apply for permission to establish a full-service branch in Toronto, Canada. The branch will operate under the names Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, Ltd., Toronto Branch, and Banque commerciale Chang Hwa Ltée, succursale de Toronto. Objections to this proposal can be submitted to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions by January 20, 2025.

Green Shield Canada 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]

Streamlined Energy Export and Import Regulations Under CER Act

The Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) replaced the National Energy Board Act, necessitating updates to the export and import regulatory framework. This involves repealing and replacing four outdated regulations with new ones that align with the CER Act’s authorities and reflect current industry practices and technology. The changes aim to streamline application processes, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) obtains necessary information for effective market monitoring and decision-making on energy exports and international power line permits.

The proposal includes two new regulations: the Export and Import (Orders, Licences and Permits) Regulations and the International Power Lines (Permits) Regulations. These regulations consolidate and update requirements for oil, gas, and electricity exports, including exemptions from certain authorizations and revised conditions for export orders and permits. The changes also address inconsistencies in application requirements and modernize terminology.

Consultations conducted in 2013 informed the proposed changes, with feedback from industry stakeholders leading to modifications in the regulations. The proposal is expected to decrease administrative costs for businesses and the CER, with no impact on small businesses. The one-for-one rule applies, resulting in a net decrease in administrative burden. The regulations are not part of a formal regulatory cooperation forum and are not expected to have significant environmental or gender-based impacts. Compliance and enforcement will follow CER’s risk-based approach, with existing service standards maintained. [Source]

Canadian Energy Regulator Updates Export and Import Framework

The Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) is updating its export and import regulatory framework following the replacement of the National Energy Board Act with the Canadian Energy Regulator Act. This involves repealing and replacing four existing regulations to align with the new Act, which has narrowed the scope of matters considered in export applications and removed certain import authorization requirements. The changes aim to modernize the regulations, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure the CER obtains necessary data for effective market monitoring. The proposed regulations include the Export and Import Reporting Regulations and the Toll Information Reporting Regulations, which streamline reporting requirements and reflect current industry practices and technology. Consultations conducted in 2013 informed these changes, and further feedback is being sought. The proposal is expected to decrease administrative costs for businesses, improve data quality for market monitoring, and align reporting deadlines with other agencies. The CER will implement compliance promotion activities and enforce the regulations using a risk-based approach. [Source]

Streamlined Energy Export Regulations Under CER Act

The Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) replaced the National Energy Board Act, necessitating updates to the regulatory framework for energy exports and imports. Four existing regulations under the NEB Act need to be repealed and replaced to align with the CER Act’s new authorities and criteria. The CER Act has narrowed the scope of considerations for oil, gas, and electricity export applications, focusing on surplus criteria for oil and gas and reliability and fair market access for electricity. The proposed Export Applications (Licences and Permits) Regulations aim to streamline application requirements, removing outdated or irrelevant information and reducing administrative burdens. The proposal consolidates sections from previous regulations and specifies necessary information for oil, gas, and electricity export applications. Consultations in 2013 informed the proposed changes, and while no further consultations have occurred, feedback remains relevant. The proposal is expected to decrease administrative costs for businesses and the CER, with no anticipated costs to Canadians. The proposed regulations will come into force alongside other related regulations, with compliance and enforcement following established CER procedures. [Source]

Regulations for International Power Line Permits in Canada

The proposed International Power Lines (Permits) Regulations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act outline the requirements for obtaining permits for constructing and operating international power lines. Applications for permits must include detailed information about the applicant, the power line’s technical specifications, environmental assessments, and any necessary approvals from Canadian provinces and authorities outside Canada. The regulations differentiate between power lines operating at 50 kV or less and those exceeding 50 kV, with more extensive requirements for the latter. Conditions for permits may include environmental protection measures, monitoring requirements, and obligations related to the reliability of interconnected power systems. The regulations also address the process for filing elections under the Act and repeal the previous National Energy Board Electricity Regulations. The document emphasizes transparency and public consultation in the regulatory process, with provisions for submitting comments and protecting confidential business information. [Source]

New Toll Reporting Regulations Proposed by Canadian Energy Regulator

The Canadian Energy Regulator proposes new Toll Information Reporting Regulations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, requiring companies that charge tolls to submit specific financial and operational data. Companies must provide quarterly reports on their rate of return compared to authorized rates, explanations for discrepancies if tolls were based on forecasts, and details on capital, traffic, revenues, and expenses. Additionally, monthly traffic information must be submitted. If the Regulator finds the information incomplete, companies must supply the missing data. The existing Toll Information Regulations will be repealed. Comments on the proposed regulations can be submitted, with guidelines ensuring comments do not contain inappropriate content. Personal information is protected under the Privacy Act, and comments will be publicly accessible on the Canada Gazette website for transparency. [Source]

Canada reforms employment insurance appeal process with new board of appeal

The Government of Canada is reforming the Employment Insurance (EI) recourse process by establishing the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal. This new board aims to address issues with the current appeal process, which is seen as complex and unresponsive to Canadians’ needs. The proposed regulations outline procedures for filing appeals, hearing formats, and decision-making processes to ensure transparency and fairness. The Board of Appeal will replace the EI Section of the Social Security Tribunal’s General Division, aiming to make the process quicker and more user-friendly. The regulations also specify the regions the Board will serve, allowing appeals to be heard by members familiar with local economic conditions. The Board will operate with a tripartite panel system, involving representatives from workers, employers, and the government, to enhance fairness and client service. The regulations include provisions for language services, reimbursement for travel expenses, and the ability to hold hearings in private under certain conditions. Consultations with stakeholders have informed these changes, emphasizing the need for regional representation and flexibility in hearing formats. The regulations are expected to incur minimal costs, with benefits including improved transparency and efficiency in the appeal process. The Board of Appeal will operate alongside the existing Tribunal for a transitional period, with performance indicators and client satisfaction surveys planned to ensure the new system meets its objectives. [Source]

Repeal of Railway Employee Qualification Standards and Introduction of New Training Regulations

The Governor in Council plans to repeal the Railway Employee Qualification Standards Regulations under the Railway Safety Act. This repeal will coincide with the implementation of the new Railway Personnel Training and Qualifications Regulations. Interested parties have 30 days to submit comments on the proposed order, preferably through the Canada Gazette website. Comments must adhere to guidelines prohibiting personal information, hate speech, and other inappropriate content. The Department of Transport is responsible for managing the proposed regulatory change, and comments will be publicly available for at least 10 years. Personal information is protected under the Privacy Act, and individuals have rights to access and correct their information. [Source]

Updated Railway Training Regulations Enhance Safety and Modernize Standards

The Railway Personnel Training and Qualifications Regulations aim to update the training and certification standards for federally regulated railway workers, addressing changes in the industry since 1987. Key updates include recognizing new safety-critical positions like remote control locomotive operators and rail traffic controllers, requiring less experienced employees to be paired with more experienced ones, and integrating crew resource management (CRM) into training. The regulations also introduce new training types, such as continuing and familiarization training, and mandate maintaining training records. These changes respond to recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and aim to enhance railway safety by ensuring employees are well-trained and supervised. The regulations are expected to cost $32.01 million over 12 years, with anticipated safety benefits outweighing these costs. The proposal does not increase administrative burdens and aligns with modern railway operations, providing flexibility for companies to tailor training programs. The regulations will come into force two years after publication, allowing time for companies to comply. [Source]

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