Highlights

  • Sparta Energy seeks authorization to export electricity to the U.S., with input requested on its impact and terms offered to Canadian buyers.
  • The Canada Revenue Agency plans to revoke a Montreal charity’s registration for non-compliance.
  • Complaints about procurement processes by Canada Post and Public Works were dismissed by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.
  • Appeals regarding the classification of certain products under the Customs Act are scheduled for hearings.
  • The CRTC is handling applications and decisions related to broadcasting licenses.
  • Public Service Commission permits three public servants to run for municipal elections.
  • An Interim Order regulates vessel activities to protect killer whales in Southern British Columbia.
  • ABCU Credit Union and Prospera Credit Union are considering transitioning to federal credit unions, affecting deposit insurance coverage.
  • Trafalgar Insurance plans to reinsure its policy liabilities with Belair Insurance, with the agreement available for policyholder inspection.

Regulatory Updates on Energy Export, Charity Revocation, Trade Tribunal Decisions, and Broadcasting Licenses

Sparta Energy, Inc. has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator for authorization to export electricity to the United States, seeking to export up to 2,190,000 MWh annually for ten years. The Commission is seeking input from interested parties regarding the impact on other provinces and whether Sparta Energy has offered Canadian buyers the opportunity to purchase electricity on similar terms. Written submissions are due by July 8, 2025, and responses from the applicant are due by July 22, 2025.

The Canada Revenue Agency intends to revoke the registration of a charity in Montreal for failing to meet certain Income Tax Act requirements.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal dismissed complaints from Unisync Group Limited and Buller Crichton Environmental Inc. regarding procurement processes by Canada Post Corporation and the Department of Public Works and Government Services, respectively.

The Tribunal will consider appeals involving the classification of a 2018 Subaru Impreza and Qolsys IQ Panels under the Customs Act, with hearings scheduled for July 3 and July 8, 2025.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has posted several applications for renewal or amendment of broadcasting licenses and issued decisions on various broadcasting undertakings.

The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission to three individuals to seek nomination and run for municipal election positions while employed in the public service. [Source]

Killer Whale Protection and Vessel Regulations in Southern BC

The Interim Order for the Protection of the Killer Whale in Southern British Columbia aims to address risks to marine safety and the environment by regulating vessel activities around killer whales. Vessels must not approach within 400 meters of a killer whale, with exceptions for vessels in transit or carrying authorized personnel. Positioning vessels in the path of killer whales is prohibited unless the vessel is anchored, aground, or carrying authorized personnel. Certain waters are designated as vessel-restricted zones, with exceptions for accessing private residences or fishing under specific licenses. Speed restrictions of 10 knots apply in designated areas, with exceptions for non-motorized vessels. The Minister of Transport can issue authorizations for commercial whale-watching or ecotourism, provided they do not compromise whale protection or marine safety. Authorized vessels must report sightings of Southern Resident killer whales and display an authorization flag. The order includes provisions for modifying, suspending, or revoking authorizations if necessary for whale protection or compliance with relevant laws. [Source]

Credit Union Amalgamations and Insurance Transitions

ABCU Credit Union Ltd. is planning a vote on a special resolution to apply to become a federal credit union under the Bank Act and immediately amalgamate with Innovation Federal Credit Union. If approved, ABCU will transition from being insured by the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) to the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). This change will affect deposit insurance coverage, with CDIC insuring eligible deposits up to $100,000 per category, unlike CUDGC, which insures the full amount of deposits. The transition will include a period where pre-existing deposits will maintain their current insurance coverage before fully transitioning to CDIC’s standard coverage.

Prospera Credit Union is also considering a similar transition to become a federal credit union and amalgamate with Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union and Sunshine Coast Credit Union. This would result in a change from CUDIC to CDIC insurance, with similar transitional arrangements and coverage limits as described for ABCU.

Sunshine Coast Credit Union is involved in the same potential amalgamation as Prospera, with the same implications for deposit insurance coverage transitioning from CUDIC to CDIC.

Trafalgar Insurance Company of Canada intends to apply for approval to have its policy liabilities reinsured by Belair Insurance Company Inc. on an assumption basis. A copy of the proposed agreement will be available for inspection by policyholders at TIC’s head office. [Source]

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