Highlights

  • The CBSA is extending the transition period for importers to meet new financial security requirements under the CARM system to avoid border delays.
  • The CDIC has revised its premium categories to better differentiate member institutions by risk, aligning with updated guidelines and reducing filing requirements.
  • Temporary increases in student grants and loans have been extended to address financial challenges and improve access to education.
  • Levies for broiler hatching eggs have been adjusted to support marketing plans.
  • The China Surtax Remission Order has been amended to expand goods eligible for surtax remission, aiding businesses affected by tariffs.
  • An error in the Cost Recovery Regulations was corrected regarding a date.
  • A pilot project for Employment Insurance aims to support workers affected by tariffs with temporary measures.
  • Energy efficiency regulations have been updated to align with North American standards, aiming to reduce emissions and energy consumption.
  • Errors in the registration date of certain housing loan regulations were corrected.
  • The Canadian Parliament has been dissolved, leading to a general election.
  • Election writs have been issued, initiating the federal electoral process.
  • Sanctions have been imposed on individuals undermining Haiti’s stability and on Venezuelan officials for human rights violations.

CBSA Extends Deadline for Importers to Meet CARM Financial Security Requirements

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is extending the transition period for importers to meet new financial security requirements under the CARM system. Initially set to end on April 19, 2025, the transition period will now conclude on May 20, 2025. This extension is necessary because 86% of importers have not yet posted the required security, which could lead to operational challenges and delays at the border. The CARM system, launched in October 2024, modernizes the importation process by providing a central portal for commercial import accounting and revenue management. Importers are encouraged to participate in the Release Prior to Payment (RPP) Program, which allows goods to be released at the border before duties are paid, by posting financial security electronically. The extension aims to give importers more time to comply and to allow the CBSA to continue outreach efforts. The CBSA is addressing concerns about the transition period’s adequacy and is working to mitigate potential border disruptions. The extension does not impose new costs on stakeholders, but it does delay some benefits of the CARM regulations and extends the period of financial risk for the government. The CBSA is actively engaging with importers to encourage compliance and ensure a smooth transition. [Source]

CDIC Updates Premium Categories and Aligns with OSFI Guidelines

The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) has amended its Differential Premiums By-law to increase the number of premium categories from four to five, allowing for more precise differentiation of member institutions based on risk levels. This change aims to ensure fairer premium allocation and incentivize institutions to achieve better classifications. The amendments also align with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ (OSFI) updated guidelines for Small and Medium-Sized Deposit-Taking Institutions (SMSBs), reducing regulatory filing requirements for Category III SMSBs. Technical updates have been made to ensure consistency with OSFI’s Basel Capital Adequacy Reporting. The amendments were developed following consultations with stakeholders, who generally supported the addition of a fifth risk category. The changes are set to take effect in the 2025 premium year, with no significant compliance or enforcement issues anticipated. [Source]

Extension of Increased Student Financial Aid for 2025–2026 Academic Year

The Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations have been amended to extend temporary increases in grants and loans for the 2025–2026 academic year. This decision addresses ongoing financial challenges faced by students due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising education costs, and increased living expenses. The amendments aim to improve access to post-secondary education for 684,000 students by maintaining a 40% increase in grants and a weekly loan limit of $300 for full-time students. These measures are expected to reduce the number of students with unmet financial needs and support better economic outcomes and lower income inequality.

The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program provides grants, loans, and repayment assistance to eligible students from certain provinces and territories. The program has been crucial in helping students from low- and middle-income families afford post-secondary education. Despite recent investments, federal financial assistance has not kept pace with rising costs. The temporary measures, including increased grants and loan limits, have been positively received by stakeholders, although there is a call for more predictable, long-term funding solutions.

The amendments are expected to benefit various groups, including women, persons with disabilities, students with dependants, and Indigenous students. The changes will also support the creation of skilled workers, reduce unemployment rates, and enhance health and longevity. The regulatory amendments are not expected to impact small businesses or have environmental effects. The measures will come into force for the 2025–2026 academic year, with the aim of sustaining progress in affordability and access to post-secondary education. [Source]

Canadian Broiler Hatching Egg Levy Adjustments

The Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, established under the Farm Products Agencies Act, has amended the Canadian Broiler Hatching Egg Marketing Levies Order. The amendments adjust the levies for broiler hatching eggs marketed in interprovincial or export trade. Specifically, the levy for producers in Quebec is set at $0.012450 per egg. Additionally, a levy of $0.016471 is imposed on producers, dealers, or hatchery operators in non-signatory provinces for eggs marketed in interprovincial trade into signatory provinces. These changes are intended to support the implementation of the marketing plan authorized for the Agency. [Source]

Canada Expands Surtax Remission for Chinese Goods to Aid Businesses

The Canadian government has amended the China Surtax Remission Order to expand the scope of goods eligible for surtax remission, addressing challenges faced by Canadian businesses due to surtaxes on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. The amendments include additional aluminum goods found to be in short supply and specific companies facing contractual obligations or exceptional circumstances. The surtaxes, initially imposed to counteract unfair Chinese trade practices, were met with concerns about supply chain adjustments. The remission allows relief from surtaxes under specific conditions, such as short supply, pre-existing contracts, or significant economic impacts. The amendments also correct administrative errors and exclude items subject to domestic production findings. The remission process involves minimal administrative costs for businesses and the government, with claims processed by the Canada Border Services Agency. The changes aim to provide Canadian companies time to adjust supply chains without undue burden, ensuring a level playing field while supporting domestic industry. [Source]

Correction in Cost Recovery Regulations Date

An error was identified in the Cost Recovery (Online News Act) Regulations, specifically in the date mentioned in the first paragraph. The incorrect date, February 20, 2024, was replaced with the correct date, February 20, 2025. The HTML version of the document has already been updated to reflect this correction. [Source]

Canadian Government Launches EI Pilot Project to Support Workers Affected by Tariffs

The Canadian government has introduced a six-month Employment Insurance (EI) pilot project to address potential job losses due to tariffs imposed by the United States and other trading partners. The project includes three temporary measures: waiving the one-week waiting period for EI benefits, suspending the deduction of separation monies from EI benefits, and artificially boosting regional unemployment rates to improve access to EI benefits. These measures aim to provide timely income support to workers affected by economic changes, particularly in trade-exposed sectors like manufacturing and transportation.

The pilot project is expected to result in 415,000 additional EI claims in the first year, with an estimated net cost of $55.9 million over two years. The measures will help claimants receive benefits more quickly and potentially increase the duration and amount of benefits received. The project is designed to test the effectiveness of these temporary changes in response to economic shocks, with the goal of improving the EI program’s responsiveness during downturns.

The pilot project is informed by consultations with stakeholders, including employers and labor groups, and aims to address concerns about access to EI benefits during economic downturns. The project is expected to provide economic stimulus by increasing income support for affected workers, which could help stabilize local economies. The measures will be implemented by Service Canada, with an evaluation planned to assess their impact. [Source]

Energy Efficiency Regulation Update for Harmonized Standards and Emission Reduction

The Amendment to the Energy Efficiency Regulations introduces or updates energy efficiency and testing standards for various energy-using products to align with provincial, state, or U.S. federal regulations, facilitating interprovincial and North American trade. It includes new products like air compressors, faucets, line voltage thermostats, pool pumps, and showerheads, and updates standards for existing products such as room air conditioners, large air conditioners, central air conditioners, portable air conditioners, large heat pumps, central heat pumps, gas furnaces, electric water heaters, gas-fired storage water heaters, oil-fired water heaters, gas-fired instantaneous water heaters, and general service lamps. The Amendment aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, while also reducing regulatory differences within Canada and with the U.S. It incorporates ambulatory references to U.S. standards and NRCan technical standards documents to maintain harmonization and introduces more stringent standards for some products where evidence supports significant efficiency savings. The Amendment is expected to provide significant net benefits, including energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and economic benefits for consumers and businesses. It also includes transitional provisions for voluntary early compliance and positions NRCan to respond quickly to changes, maintaining harmonization with trading partners. [Source]

Correction of Registration Date for Housing Loan Regulations

An error was identified in the publication of certain regulations related to the Insurable Housing Loan Regulations and the Eligible Mortgage Loan Regulations. The error pertained to the registration date of the regulations, which was initially published incorrectly. The correct registration date is February 27, 2025, and this correction has been made in the HTML version of the document. [Source]

Dissolution of Canadian Parliament for General Election

The proclamation announces the dissolution of the Canadian Parliament. This action is taken under non-statutory authority, meaning it is not based on a specific law or statute. The dissolution of Parliament typically leads to the calling of a general election, allowing citizens to elect new representatives. This process is a standard part of the parliamentary system, ensuring the government remains accountable to the electorate. [Source]

Initiation of Federal Election Process in Canada

The proclamation announces the issuance of election writs under the Canada Elections Act, signaling the start of the electoral process. This formal declaration initiates the procedures for conducting federal elections, including setting the date for voting and outlining the responsibilities of election officials. The writs serve as official orders for returning officers to organize and manage the election in their respective electoral districts, ensuring the democratic process is carried out efficiently and fairly. [Source]

Proclamation Summons House of Commons for May 2025 Session

A proclamation has been issued under the Constitution Act, 1867, summoning the House of Commons to convene on May 26, 2025. [Source]

Canada imposes sanctions on individuals destabilizing Haiti

The Canadian government has amended the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations to impose additional sanctions on individuals involved in activities undermining Haiti’s peace, security, and stability. This decision is in response to the grave situation in Haiti, characterized by gang violence, human rights violations, and political instability. The amendments target three individuals, including a gang leader and two people providing logistical support to gangs and political figures aiming to destabilize the government. These individuals are now subject to a broad dealings ban, prohibiting Canadians from engaging in transactions with them or providing them with services. The sanctions aim to pressure these individuals to cease their activities and send a strong message against impunity for such actions. The amendments align with international efforts, including United Nations Security Council resolutions, to address the crisis in Haiti. The Canadian government anticipates minimal impact on Canadian businesses and citizens, as the targeted individuals have limited ties to Canada. The sanctions are part of Canada’s broader strategy to promote human rights, democracy, and regional stability in collaboration with the international community. [Source]

Canada imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials for human rights violations

The Canadian government has amended its Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations to add eight senior Venezuelan officials to its list of sanctioned individuals. This decision is in response to gross human rights violations and the erosion of democratic institutions under Nicolas Maduro’s regime, particularly following his illegitimate inauguration as President of Venezuela. The sanctions prohibit Canadians from engaging in transactions with these individuals and render them inadmissible to Canada. The amendments aim to pressure the Maduro regime to respect democratic processes and human rights, aligning with Canada’s foreign policy and international efforts to address the crisis in Venezuela. The sanctions are targeted to minimize impact on the general Venezuelan population and Canadian businesses, with limited anticipated economic repercussions. The Canadian government continues to engage with international partners and stakeholders to address the situation in Venezuela. [Source]

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