Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal ended an inquiry into steel dumping from Türkiye due to lack of evidence.
  • The CRTC announced applications and decisions related to broadcasting, including those involving major media companies.
  • A CUSMA panel reviewed a U.S. antidumping decision on Canadian lumber, affirming some parts and remanding others.
  • Parks Canada protected critical habitat for a bumble bee species under the Species at Risk Act.
  • A public servant was permitted to run for municipal office while employed by Parks Canada.
  • A ministerial condition was set for the manufacture or import of a potentially toxic substance, with strict usage and disposal conditions.
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is consulting on frequency bands for fixed services.
  • The Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act aims to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade and labor mobility.
  • Several credit unions and insurance companies plan to amalgamate, with set effective dates and opportunities for objections.

Canadian Trade and Regulatory Updates: Steel Inquiry, CRTC Decisions, Softwood Lumber Review, and Environmental Protection

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal terminated an inquiry into the dumping of corrosion-resistant steel sheet products from Türkiye after the Canada Border Services Agency found no evidence of dumping. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) posted several applications and decisions on its website, including a renewal application by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and decisions involving Bell Media Inc. and Corus Television Limited Partnership. A binational panel under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) reviewed a U.S. antidumping determination on Canadian softwood lumber, affirming parts and remanding others for further review. Parks Canada announced the protection of critical habitat for the Gypsy Cuckoo Bumble Bee in Kluane National Park under the Species at Risk Act. The Public Service Commission of Canada granted James-Alexander Keays permission to run for municipal office in Gaspé, Quebec, while employed by Parks Canada. [Source]

Regulatory Updates on Environmental Protection, Frequency Bands, and Trade Mobility in Canada

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, has led to a ministerial condition allowing the manufacture or import of the substance avermectin B1, subject to specific conditions. The substance is suspected to be toxic, and its use is restricted to manufacturing drugs for export or for domestic animal treatment. The notifier must prevent environmental release and dispose of waste through incineration or in a hazardous waste landfill. Any release must be reported immediately, and records of the substance’s use and distribution must be maintained for five years.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is consulting on the use of specific frequency bands to increase backhaul capacity for fixed services. Comments are invited by September 18, 2025, with replies by October 22, 2025.

The Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act aims to reduce federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labor mobility by recognizing comparable provincial/territorial requirements. It covers goods and services with both federal and provincial/territorial regulations, such as energy efficiency in appliances. The Act also facilitates labor mobility by recognizing provincial and territorial licenses for federally regulated occupations. The Privy Council Office is developing regulations to support the Act’s implementation, seeking feedback on potential exceptions and criteria for comparability. Input is requested by August 22, 2025. [Source]

Upcoming Amalgamations in Canadian Credit Unions and Insurance Companies

Innovation Federal Credit Union and ABCU Credit Union Ltd. plan to apply for letters patent to continue ABCU as a federal credit union and then amalgamate under the name Innovation Federal Credit Union, with the head office in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The effective date is set for April 1, 2026, and objections can be submitted by September 16, 2025.

Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Traders General Insurance Company, Elite Insurance Company, and Pilot Insurance Company intend to amalgamate under the name Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, with the head office in Toronto, Ontario. The effective date is January 1, 2026.

Prospera Credit Union and Sunshine Coast Credit Union plan to continue as federal credit unions to amalgamate with Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union under the name Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union, with the head office in Surrey, British Columbia. The amalgamation will proceed only if both continuances are completed, and objections can be submitted by September 16, 2025. [Source]

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