Highlights

  • The CFIA has updated its Fees Notice to simplify fish import inspection fees, benefiting most importers and enhancing transparency.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is addressing issues related to weapon classification and trade practices.
  • The CRTC has made decisions on broadcasting services in various cities.
  • The Public Service Commission has allowed public servants to participate in elections.
  • The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has set limits and conditions for specific immigration applications in 2025.
  • The government is promoting diversity in leadership roles across various organizations.
  • BNY Trust Company of Canada seeks approval to reduce its common shares’ capital.
  • The Canadian Transit Company will hold its annual shareholders’ meeting to elect directors and discuss business matters.

CFIA Updates Fish Import Fees and Regulatory Changes in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has amended its Fees Notice to align fish import inspection fees with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and address stakeholder fairness. The amendments establish a single fee for fish import inspections, removing the previous two-tier fee structure based on the type of import licence. This change is expected to reduce fees for 95% of fish and seafood importers, benefiting small and medium enterprises. The amendments also remove obsolete fees for services no longer provided and update table headers for clarity. These changes are part of the CFIA’s service modernization efforts and aim to improve transparency and clarity for stakeholders. The amendments do not introduce additional costs to regulated parties and have received neutral feedback from public consultations. Additionally, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold a public hearing regarding the classification of a folding knife as a “prohibited weapon.” The Tribunal has also continued its order concerning the dumping and subsidizing of carbon steel welded pipe from China. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has posted decisions regarding broadcasting undertakings in various Canadian cities. The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission and leave for several public servants to seek nomination and candidacy in upcoming federal and municipal elections. [Source]

Immigration Application Limits and Leadership Diversity Initiatives for 2025

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has issued instructions for processing applications under the Agri-Food Immigration Class and for family class sponsorships of parents and grandparents. For the Agri-Food Immigration Class in 2025, a maximum of 1,000 electronic applications and 10 alternate format applications for permanent residency will be accepted. Applications must meet specific requirements to be processed, and incomplete applications will be returned with fees. Humanitarian requests accompanying unaccepted applications will not be processed.

For family class sponsorships, no new applications for parents or grandparents will be accepted in 2025 unless further instructions are issued. Only applications received in 2024 will be processed, with a cap of 15,000 sponsorship applications. These applications must meet specific conditions, including being submitted electronically and within deadlines. Applications not meeting these conditions will be returned. The government is also seeking diverse candidates for various leadership positions, emphasizing a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a respectful work environment. Current opportunities include roles in organizations such as the Bank of Canada, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Canadian Human Rights Commission, among others. [Source]

BNY Trust Capital Reduction Plan and Canadian Transit Shareholders Meeting Announcement

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. This decision follows a special resolution passed by the company’s 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. The directors and officers are authorized to execute necessary actions to implement this resolution. Approval from the Superintendent is not guaranteed.

The Canadian Transit Company will hold its annual shareholders’ meeting at the Detroit International Bridge Company offices in Warren, Michigan, on December 27 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting’s agenda includes electing directors and addressing other shareholder business. [Source]

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