Highlights

  • Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company seeks approval to export electricity to the U.S. for 30 years, with public input requested on its impact and fairness to Canadian buyers.
  • GrowthWorks Canadian Fund Ltd. has lost its status as a registered venture capital corporation.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is handling classification disputes involving BabyBjörn Inc. and Medline Canada Corporation.
  • Dumping of certain steel rebar from specific countries has been found to harm Canadian industry, with some exceptions.
  • Public Service Commission permits certain individuals to run in federal and municipal elections.
  • New instructions for processing work permits under the Construction Workers Pilot Pathway have been issued, with application limits and processing order specified.
  • A Significant New Activity Notice for trisiloxane in cosmetics has been issued to gather toxicity information.
  • Assessment of Terpene and Terpenoid Substances suggests adding some to a regulatory list due to health risks, with public comments invited.
  • Revised risk assessment for melamine proposes regulatory actions to reduce exposure, with public input sought.
  • The Privy Council Office emphasizes diversity in Governor in Council appointments.
  • Bunge Global SA’s acquisition of Viterra Limited is approved with conditions to address competition and public interest concerns, including divestitures and investments.

Canadian Regulatory Updates on Energy Export, Trade Disputes, and Election Permissions

Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator for authorization to export electricity to the United States for 30 years, starting April 2025. The Commission seeks input from interested parties on the potential impact on Canadian provinces and whether the Applicant has offered Canadian buyers a fair opportunity to purchase electricity. Submissions are due by February 24, 2025, with responses from the Applicant due by March 11, 2025.

The Canada Revenue Agency has revoked the registration of GrowthWorks Canadian Fund Ltd. as a labour-sponsored venture capital corporation as of December 2024.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will hold hearings via videoconference for appeals involving BabyBjörn Inc. and Medline Canada Corporation regarding the classification of goods under the Customs Act. BabyBjörn Inc. disputes the classification of baby bouncers, while Medline Canada Corporation challenges the classification of disposable surgical drapes.

The Tribunal has found that the dumping of certain steel rebar from Bulgaria, Thailand, and the UAE has injured the Canadian industry, excluding imports from Thai Steel Profile Public Company Limited.

The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission and leave for Bryan James Paterson and Dean Wythe to seek nomination and candidacy in upcoming federal elections, and for Lawrence Vaters to run in a municipal election in Newfoundland and Labrador. [Source]

New Regulations and Initiatives in Immigration, Environmental Protection, and Government Appointments

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration has issued new Ministerial Instructions for processing work permits under the Construction Workers Pilot Pathway. The instructions aim to support Canada’s immigration goals by capping the number of applications processed annually, with specific limits for online and alternate format submissions. Applications will be processed based on the order received, and certain applications made at entry points will not be processed. These instructions are effective for 24 months.

The Department of the Environment has issued a Significant New Activity Notice for the substance trisiloxane, requiring notification for its use in cosmetics beyond specified concentrations. This aims to gather toxicity information and ensure further assessment before new activities are undertaken. The notice includes information requirements and transitional provisions for compliance.

The Department of the Environment and the Department of Health have assessed 14 Terpene and Terpenoid Substances, proposing that 12 meet criteria for being added to Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act due to potential risks to human health. Public comments are invited on the proposed measures.

An updated risk assessment for melamine has identified new health risks, leading to a revised risk management scope. The government proposes adding melamine to Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Act and is considering regulatory actions to reduce exposure from consumer products. Public comments are invited on the proposed risk management options.

The Privy Council Office is seeking applications for various Governor in Council positions, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in the appointment process. The government aims to reflect Canada’s diversity in its leadership roles and maintain a respectful and harassment-free work environment. [Source]

Bunge’s Acquisition of Viterra Approved with Conditions to Address Competition and Public Interest Concerns

The acquisition of Viterra Limited by Bunge Global SA has been approved by the Governor in Council, subject to terms and conditions aimed at addressing public interest and competition concerns. The acquisition, valued at approximately $8.2 billion, involves Bunge acquiring all shares of Viterra, a major Canadian grain company. The transaction raised concerns about competition and public interest, particularly regarding Bunge’s influence over G3, a competitor in the grain market, and potential impacts on canola seed and oil markets.

To address these concerns, Bunge has agreed to several measures, including divesting certain grain elevators in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, implementing a price protection program for canola oil customers in Central and Atlantic Canada, and ensuring independent directors on G3’s boards. Bunge will also maintain Viterra’s head office in Regina, comply with labor agreements, and invest $520 million in Canadian infrastructure and community initiatives.

The terms and conditions also include appointing an independent monitor to ensure compliance and reporting requirements. Despite some concerns from the Commissioner of Competition about the effectiveness of behavioral measures, the Governor in Council believes the conditions will mitigate competition issues and provide public benefits, such as increased investment in Canada’s grain handling network and community support. The acquisition has received international regulatory approval, and its completion is seen as beneficial for Canada’s economic growth and regulatory reputation. [Source]

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