Highlights

  • The Canadian government has amended orders related to surtax remissions on goods from China and the U.S., addressing exemptions and providing duty relief under specific conditions.
  • Amendments aim to mitigate economic impacts and align Canada’s tariffs with U.S. measures, with the Canada Border Services Agency managing remission claims.
  • The Department of Industry is designated to support the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
  • A temporary measure under Employment Insurance has been extended to support workers affected by foreign tariffs, increasing access to benefits.
  • Importation of certain steel goods is controlled to implement a joint statement with the U.S. and facilitate Customs Tariff measures.
  • The Minister of Transport is designated as responsible for the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act.
  • Provisions of the Budget Implementation Act enable automatic enrolment in the Canada Learning Bond for eligible children, aiming to increase access for low-income families.
  • The President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada is designated as the Minister responsible for the Building Canada Act.
  • A temporary surtax on certain steel imports is imposed to protect the domestic steel industry from trade diversion and global excess capacity.

Canada amends surtax remissions on US and Chinese imports to address trade challenges

The Canadian government has amended orders related to surtax remissions on goods from China and the United States. The amendments address exemptions to U.S. trade actions, providing duty relief for certain vehicle imports and goods in short supply, and for companies facing exceptional circumstances. The U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting Canada to respond with countermeasures, including tariffs on U.S. imports. The remission framework allows for relief from these surtaxes under specific conditions, such as short supply or contractual obligations. The amendments also refine the scope of remissions for Chinese goods, shifting some from product-specific to company-specific relief due to identified domestic supply. Public consultations revealed support for Canada’s countermeasures but highlighted challenges in shifting supply chains. The amendments aim to mitigate adverse economic impacts while aligning Canada’s tariffs with U.S. measures. The Canada Border Services Agency will manage remission claims, with minimal administrative costs expected for businesses and the government. [Source]

Designation of Department of Industry to Support AI and Digital Innovation Minister

The Governor General in Council, following the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has designated the Department of Industry to support the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation in fulfilling their duties. This decision also involves the repeal of a previous order from May 2025. The designation is made under specific subsections of the Salaries Act. [Source]

Canada Extends EI Pilot Project to Support Workers Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Canadian government has extended a temporary measure under Employment Insurance (EI) Pilot Project No. 24, which adjusts EI unemployment rates upward, until October 11, 2025. This extension aims to support workers affected by foreign tariffs, which have led to economic uncertainty and potential job losses. The measure increases access to EI benefits by lowering the required hours of insurable employment and providing additional weeks of benefits. The extension is expected to result in an additional 8,400 claims for regular benefits and provide $229.4 million in additional EI benefits over two years. The measure is designed to offer economic stimulus and support to workers in regions with low unemployment rates, ensuring timely access to benefits during economic downturns. The regulatory amendments were informed by stakeholder feedback and previous consultations on EI modernization. The extension will not negatively impact claimants or impose additional burdens on businesses. The expected net cost of the extension is $4.2 million, with benefits including increased economic stimulus and income stabilization for affected workers. [Source]

Canada Amends Import Control List for Steel Goods to Align with US Agreement

The Governor in Council has decided to control the importation of certain steel goods to implement the Joint Statement by Canada and the United States regarding Section 232 Duties on Steel and Aluminum. This action is also intended to facilitate the implementation of measures under the Customs Tariff and to collect information on these imports. The Import Control List has been amended to include specific steel goods classified under various tariff items, provided they are not subject to a surtax or exceed the import limits established by the Order Imposing a Surtax on Certain Steel Goods. Additionally, steel goods classified under Chapter 99 of the Customs Tariff that fall under these tariff items are also included. The amendments will come into force on June 27, 2025, with certain provisions taking effect one year later. [Source]

Minister of Transport Designated for Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act

The Governor General in Council, following the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has designated the Minister of Transport as the responsible Minister for the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. This designation is made under section 6 of the Act, which is part of the Statutes of Canada, 2025. [Source]

Automatic Enrolment in Canada Learning Bond for Low-Income Families Initiated

The Order in Council activates specific provisions of the Budget Implementation Act, 2024, No. 1, enabling the Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada to establish a regime for automatic enrolment in the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for eligible children. This initiative aims to increase access to the CLB, which provides financial support for post-secondary education to children from low-income families. The provisions include redefining the primary caregiver, mandating eligibility notifications, and opening Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) for eligible children. The Minister is authorized to collaborate with service providers and collect necessary social insurance numbers. The amendments also affect the Income Tax Act, altering definitions related to education savings plans. The automatic enrolment initiative addresses barriers faced by low-income families, including Indigenous and single-parent families, in accessing the CLB. The first RESPs under this initiative are expected to be opened in 2028, following consultations and the development of regulations. The initiative has been developed with input from various stakeholders, including community organizations, academics, and government departments. [Source]

Ministerial Designation for Building Canada Act

The President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada has been designated as the Minister responsible for the Building Canada Act. This decision was made by the Governor General in Council, following the Prime Minister’s recommendation, under the authority of section 3 of the Building Canada Act. [Source]

Canada Implements Temporary Surtax on Steel Imports to Protect Domestic Industry

The Canadian government has imposed a temporary 50% surtax on certain steel imports to protect its domestic steel industry from trade diversion due to U.S. tariffs and global excess capacity. The surtax applies to imports exceeding set quotas for five classes of steel goods, with exceptions for goods from free-trade partners and those in transit. The measure aims to stabilize the domestic market and prevent unfairly low-priced steel from affecting Canadian producers. The surtax is calculated based on the value for duty of the goods, and import permits are required to avoid the surtax within quota limits. The order will be reviewed periodically and is set to expire after one year unless extended. The initiative is part of broader efforts to address global steel market challenges and protect Canadian jobs and industry. [Source]

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