Highlights

  • The CBSA has determined that PET resin from China and Pakistan is being dumped and subsidized, leading to provisional duties.
  • The CITT is investigating the impact of these actions on Canadian industry and is also examining other trade issues.
  • The CRA is revoking the registration of two charities for non-compliance.
  • The CRTC has released decisions related to broadcasting.
  • New regulations under the Canada Labour Code introduce leaves for pregnancy loss, bereavement, and child placement.
  • Amendments to drug regulations aim to combat illegal fentanyl production.
  • The government is consulting on a potential digital trade agreement with the EU.
  • Financial institutions are planning mergers and capital reductions, subject to approval.
  • SOCAN has set tariffs for music performances in various venues.
  • Parks Canada corrected a fee error for land use planning services.

Canadian Trade and Regulatory Updates on PET Resin, Charities, and Public Service Elections

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has made preliminary determinations of dumping and subsidizing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin from China and Pakistan. Provisional duties are now payable on these goods. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will conduct a full inquiry into the injury to the Canadian industry. The CBSA will release a Statement of Reasons for these decisions.

The Canada Revenue Agency has proposed the revocation of registration for two charities due to non-compliance with the Income Tax Act.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will hold a public hearing regarding the classification of a bed frame by GoodMorning.com Inc. The Tribunal has also continued its order on circular copper tubes from several countries and initiated an inquiry into the dumping and subsidizing of PET resin from China and Pakistan. Additionally, the Tribunal has determined that the dumping of certain steel wire from multiple countries has caused injury to the domestic industry and has initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into thermal paper rolls from China.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has posted decisions and notices of consultation on its website, including administrative decisions and orders related to broadcasting undertakings.

The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission to several individuals to seek nomination and be candidates in upcoming municipal elections while maintaining their public service employment. [Source]

Canadian Environmental and Maritime Regulations and Digital Trade Consultation

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act permits the manufacture or import of the substance 1-hexene, 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-nonafluoro- under specific conditions, including providing detailed information about manufacturing processes and environmental exposure. In case of environmental release, immediate measures must be taken to prevent further release, and records must be maintained for five years. The Department of Transport has issued an Interim Order to protect North Atlantic Right Whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, imposing speed limits on vessels over 13 meters in length in designated zones to prevent harm to the whales. Exceptions apply to vessels in distress or government vessels on specific missions. Another Interim Order addresses the discharge of sewage and greywater by cruise ships in Canadian waters, prohibiting discharge within three nautical miles of shore unless specific conditions are met. Global Affairs Canada is seeking public input on a potential Canada-European Union digital trade agreement to modernize digital trade rules and support the digital economy. The consultation aims to gather views from various stakeholders, including traditionally underrepresented groups, to shape Canada’s negotiating positions. [Source]

Proposed Amalgamations and Capital Reduction Plans in Canadian Insurance Sector

BMO Life Insurance Company and BMO Life Assurance Company plan to apply for letters patent of amalgamation to merge into one company named BMO Life Assurance Company, with the head office in Toronto, Ontario. The proposed effective date is November 1, 2025, subject to approval.

Fiduciary Trust Company of Canada intends to apply for approval to reduce the stated capital of its common shares by up to $22 million, following a special resolution passed by its sole shareholder. This reduction is subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, Intact Insurance Company, and 13130100 Canada Inc. plan to apply for letters patent of amalgamation to merge into one company named Intact Insurance Company, with the head office in Toronto, Ontario. The proposed effective date is January 1, 2026, subject to approval. An independent actuary’s report will be available for policyholders upon request. [Source]

Canadian Labour Code Amendments Introduce New Leave Policies for Pregnancy Loss and Child Placement

The Canadian government is amending regulations under the Canada Labour Code to introduce new leaves of absence for pregnancy loss, enhance bereavement leave, and add leave for the placement of a child through adoption or surrogacy. These changes aim to provide job protection for employees during significant life events. The amendments will affect federally regulated workplaces, which include industries like transportation, telecommunications, and banking, covering about 6% of Canadian employees.

The new regulations will allow employees to take leave after experiencing a pregnancy loss, with up to eight weeks for stillbirths and three days for other types of pregnancy loss. Bereavement leave will be extended to eight weeks for the death of a child, and employees will have rights typical of long-term leaves, such as job protection and benefit retention. A new 16-week leave for the placement of a child will also be introduced.

Supporting regulatory amendments are required to ensure these changes are enforceable, including updates to record-keeping requirements and the calculation of wages during leave. The amendments will also extend certain leave rights to student interns, though without pay. The changes are expected to have minimal negative impact on businesses due to the small population projected to use these leaves. The amendments align with some provincial policies and are coordinated with changes to the Employment Insurance Act to provide wage replacement benefits during these leaves. The Labour Program will oversee compliance and enforcement, with penalties for violations. [Source]

Proposed Amendment to Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Schedule IX

The Governor in Council is proposing an amendment to Schedule IX of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, under the authority of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The amendment involves replacing items 1 and 2 of Schedule IX with new descriptions of devices and components used in the production of tablets and capsules. These include manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic devices for compacting or molding materials into tablets and filling capsules, as well as dies, molds, and punches suitable for use with these devices. Interested parties have 45 days to submit comments on the proposed order, with a preference for using the online commenting feature on the Canada Gazette website. Comments must adhere to specific terms of use, avoiding personal information, hate speech, and other inappropriate content. Personal information is protected under the Privacy Act, and comments will be publicly accessible on the Canada Gazette website for at least 10 years. [Source]

Canada strengthens regulations to combat illegal fentanyl production

The overdose crisis in Canada, driven by illegally produced fentanyl, has led to increased domestic production by organized crime groups. In response, Canadian law enforcement has targeted precursors and drug manufacturing equipment entering the country. Proposed amendments to the Precursor Control Regulations aim to enhance oversight by mandating the reporting of suspicious transactions, requiring dealers to prevent precursor diversion, and expanding sale restrictions on health products containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The amendments also seek to increase Health Canada’s regulatory flexibility and include import registration requirements for component parts of pill presses and encapsulators. The repeal of a previous order will prevent regulatory duplication. These changes are intended to disrupt illegal fentanyl production, protect public health, and align with international obligations. The amendments are expected to impose costs on dealers and importers, with benefits discussed qualitatively. The one-for-one rule applies, with an administrative burden increase. The amendments are part of Canada’s strategy to adapt to evolving drug operations by organized crime, aiming to reduce the risks associated with illegal synthetic drugs. [Source]

Repeal of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine Sale Rules Under Food and Drugs Act

The Minister of Health proposes to repeal the order that established supplementary rules for the sale of natural health products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, under the authority of the Food and Drugs Act. This repeal will take effect when the Regulations Amending the Precursor Control Regulations (Increased Regulatory Oversight) come into force. Interested parties have 45 days to submit comments on the proposed order, preferably through the online commenting feature on the Canada Gazette website. Comments must adhere to guidelines prohibiting personal information, hate speech, and other inappropriate content. Personal information is protected under the Privacy Act, and comments will be publicly available for at least 10 years. The federal institution managing the regulatory change reserves the right to review and remove inappropriate content. [Source]

Non-Commercial Radio Reproduction Tariff Guidelines 2020-2023

The CMRRA/SOCAN Non-Commercial Radio Reproduction Tariff outlines the royalties and conditions for the reproduction of musical works by non-commercial radio stations in Canada for the years 2020 to 2023. It defines key terms such as “audio track,” “collective societies,” “non-commercial radio station,” and “webcast.” The tariff applies to radio broadcasting operations, including simulcasting and transmitting musical works via the Internet, and allows stations to authorize others to reproduce musical works for private use.

Royalties are determined based on the station’s gross operating costs, with different rates for French-language and non-French-language stations. Additional royalties apply for transmitting files to end users. Payments are due by January 31 of the following year, and stations must provide financial statements or reports of gross operating costs. Stations must also provide CRTC logs and detailed information about transmitted files upon request.

The tariff includes provisions for audits, confidentiality, and the delivery of notices and payments. Adjustments for errors in royalty payments must be made within 30 days of agreement. A transitional provision requires any outstanding amounts to be paid by September 29, 2025, with interest factors applied for each year. [Source]

2018 Non-Commercial Radio Station Music Reproduction Royalties

The tariff sets royalties for the reproduction of musical works by non-commercial radio stations for radio broadcasting, including simulcasting, for the year 2018. It defines key terms such as “copy,” “gross operating costs,” “network,” “non-commercial radio station,” “repertoire,” “reproduction,” “simulcasting,” and “year.” Royalties are calculated based on a percentage of the station’s gross operating costs, with different rates applied to different cost brackets. Payments are due by January 31 of the following year, and stations must provide a certified declaration of their gross operating costs. CSI can request CRTC logs for musical works broadcast, and stations must maintain records for specified periods. CSI may audit these records, and if underpayment is found, the station must cover audit costs. Interest applies to late payments, and adjustments for errors must be made within 30 days. CSI must keep information confidential, with exceptions for legal or royalty distribution purposes. Notices and payments to CSI can be sent by mail, email, or fax, and communications are presumed received within specified timeframes. A transitional provision requires payments due by September 29, 2025, with interest factors applied. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 7 Skating Rink Royalties 2026-2028

SOCAN Tariff 7 for the years 2026 to 2028 outlines the royalties for performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at skating rinks. If an admission fee is charged, the royalty is 1.2% of gross receipts from admissions, excluding sales and amusement taxes, with a minimum annual royalty of $145.24. If no admission fee is charged, the annual royalty is $145.24. Users must estimate and pay royalties based on the previous year’s gross receipts by January 31 of the tariff year, accompanied by a report of those receipts. Adjustments based on actual receipts are due by January 31 of the following year, with any additional royalties paid or overpayments credited. SOCAN can audit users’ records to verify royalties, and late payments incur interest. All amounts are exclusive of taxes. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 11.B for Comedy and Magic Shows 2026-2028

SOCAN Tariff 11.B covers royalties for performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire during comedy and magic shows from 2026 to 2028. A royalty of $50.97 per event is payable for performances where music is incidental, not the primary focus. This tariff excludes shows that are primarily musical acts. Users must report event details to SOCAN within 30 days and allow SOCAN to audit their records. Late payments incur interest, calculated daily at 1% above the Bank Rate. All payments exclude taxes or levies. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 21 for Recreational Facilities 2026 to 2028

SOCAN Tariff 21 applies to recreational facilities operated by municipalities, schools, colleges, universities, agricultural societies, or similar community organizations for the years 2026 to 2028. It covers performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire during recreational activities that would otherwise fall under specific other tariffs. The annual royalty fee is $246.64 per facility if the gross revenue from these events does not exceed $21,735.86. Payment is due by January 31 of the covered year, with a report confirming revenue submitted by January 31 of the following year. SOCAN can audit the user’s records to verify statements and royalties. Facilities paying under this tariff are exempt from paying under the other specified tariffs for the covered events. Late payments incur interest, and all amounts are exclusive of taxes. [Source]

Correction to Parks Canada Land Use Planning Fees Notice

An error was identified in a previous notice regarding the fees for land use planning services by Parks Canada. Specifically, the fee for new construction projects with a gross floor area greater than 465 m² was incorrectly stated. The correct fee should be $4,250 plus an additional $1.20 per m² of gross floor area. The HTML version of the notice has already been updated to reflect this correction. [Source]

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