Highlights

  • Seven First Nations have been added to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, allowing them to access economic development services.
  • The Canadian government is controlling steel imports to align with a U.S. agreement and manage trade impacts.
  • The Minister of Infrastructure and Communities is now responsible for the Canada Lands Company Limited.
  • Amendments to grain regulations ensure consistency with recent regulatory changes.
  • Changes to the Species at Risk Act involve reclassification and renaming of certain species for better conservation efforts.
  • A surtax on Chinese steel and aluminum aims to protect Canadian industries from unfair trade practices.
  • Adjustments to steel import quotas and surtaxes are intended to stabilize the domestic market.
  • Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations have been streamlined to expedite local waterway restrictions.

Seven First Nations Join Fiscal Management Act for Economic Growth

The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations has amended the schedule to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act to include seven First Nations: Algonquins of Barriere Lake, Glen Vowell, Liidlii Kue First Nation, Piikani Nation, Qualicum First Nation, Spuzzum, and Tl’etinqox Government. This amendment allows these First Nations to access services under the Act, such as implementing property tax systems, seeking financial management certification, and participating in a bond financing regime. The Act aims to support economic development and well-being in First Nation communities by enhancing property taxation, creating a bond financing regime, and supporting financial management capacity. The inclusion of these First Nations was requested by their councils and does not require additional consultations. The initiative is expected to promote economic growth and attract investment on reserves, thereby improving the well-being of First Nations communities. There are no costs or compliance requirements associated with this amendment. [Source]

Steel Import Controls and Surtax Implementation

The Governor in Council has decided to control the importation of certain steel goods to implement a joint statement with the United States regarding 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 amendment specifies that steel goods classified under certain tariff items, as outlined in the Order Imposing a Surtax on the Importation of Certain Steel Goods, are subject to these controls unless they are exempted or imported within specified limits. The order is set to come into force on August 1, 2025, or upon registration if it occurs after this date. [Source]

Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Appointed to Oversee Canada Lands Company

The Governor General in Council, following the Prime Minister’s recommendation, has designated the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities as the appropriate minister for the Canada Lands Company Limited under the Financial Administration Act. This decision involves repealing a previous order from 2011 and appointing the current minister, who is a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, to oversee the company for the purposes of the Act. [Source]

Canadian Grain Commission Updates Grain and Screenings Order for Regulatory Consistency

The Canadian Grain Commission has amended the Off Grades of Grain and Grades of Screenings Order to align with recent changes in the Canada Grain Regulations and the Feeds Regulations, 2024. These amendments ensure consistency in terminology and regulatory provisions. Key changes include updating references to the Feeds Regulations, replacing terms like “seeds designated as injurious” with “seeds designated as weed seeds,” and removing the Latin name for wild mustard for consistency. Typographical corrections were made in both the French and English versions, such as updating the spelling of certain grains to match the Canada Grain Regulations. Schedule I and II of the Order were updated to reflect current grain grades, including the removal and addition of specific wheat types with defined moisture tolerances. The amendments do not impose additional administrative costs or burdens on businesses and will come into force on August 1, 2025, or upon registration if later. [Source]

Amendments to Species at Risk Act for Improved Conservation and Cost Efficiency

The Order amends Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) by removing, reclassifying, reorganizing, or renaming nine species based on assessments by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The amendments involve changes to the status of certain species, such as the Aweme Borer being struck from the list due to data deficiency, and the Cobblestone Tiger Beetle and Lakeside Daisy being reclassified as species of special concern. The Red Knot species have been restructured into distinct populations, with some being reclassified or renamed. The amendments aim to ensure appropriate protective measures and recovery efforts for these species, aligning with COSEWIC’s assessments.

The Order is expected to result in cost savings for the government and stakeholders, with total avoided costs estimated at $75,000. The total costs for the government over a 10-year period are estimated at $310,000, primarily for developing or updating recovery strategies and management plans. The Order supports the conservation of biodiversity and aligns with national and international goals for species protection. The consultation process involved Indigenous communities and stakeholders, with efforts made to address barriers to participation. The Order is not expected to have negative impacts on the Canadian population, including Indigenous peoples. [Source]

Canada imposes surtax on Chinese steel and aluminum to protect domestic industry

The Steel Goods and Aluminum Goods Surtax Order imposes a 25% surtax on steel and aluminum products that are melted and poured or smelted and cast in China, regardless of the country of export, except for the U.S. This measure aims to counteract China’s non-market policies and practices that lead to overcapacity and adversely affect Canadian industries. The surtax applies unless importers provide evidence that the goods do not contain Chinese steel or aluminum. The order excludes goods with a cumulative value for duty of $5,000 or less, goods in transit to Canada when the order comes into force, and imports from the U.S. due to existing tariffs. The order is a response to China’s practices, including subsidization and lax environmental standards, which distort global trade and threaten Canadian industry viability. The measure is intended to level the playing field for Canadian producers, protect jobs, and reduce environmental impacts by limiting imports of carbon-intensive Chinese steel and aluminum. The order will be implemented by the Canada Border Services Agency, with importers required to provide documentation to demonstrate compliance. The government consulted stakeholders, with many supporting the surtax to protect domestic industries, though some raised concerns about increased costs and availability of goods. The order aligns with actions by other countries to address similar issues and is part of broader efforts to stabilize the domestic market and support Canadian industry. [Source]

Canada amends steel import rules with new surtax and quotas to protect domestic industry

The Canadian government has amended its order on the importation of certain steel goods to address the risk of trade diversion and protect the domestic steel industry. The amendments impose a 50% surtax on steel imports exceeding specific quotas, with different rules for countries with and without free trade agreements (FTAs) with Canada. For non-FTA countries, the quota for tariff-free imports is reduced to 50% of 2024 levels, while FTA countries, excluding the US and Mexico, face a 50% surtax on imports above 100% of 2024 levels. The quotas are restructured into 23 product subcategories to provide greater market predictability and align with domestic production capabilities. The changes aim to stabilize the Canadian steel market and prevent harmful diversion of foreign steel. The government will continue to monitor and review the measures, considering market developments and trade discussions. The amendments also ensure that no other surtaxes under the Customs Tariff apply to goods subject to this order, maintaining a maximum surtax rate of 50%. The changes are expected to increase administrative burdens and costs for importers, who will need shipment-specific permits to avoid the surtax. The government has consulted with stakeholders and will continue to engage with affected groups to ensure the measures remain effective. [Source]

Streamlined Vessel Restriction Process Enhances Local Waterway Management

The Canadian government has amended the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) to streamline the process for implementing restrictions on local waterways. The changes involve moving the schedules listing all restrictions into a Transport Publication (TP 15587E), which will be incorporated by reference, allowing the Minister of Transport to update them without going through the lengthy regulatory amendment process. This is expected to expedite the approval and implementation of new restrictions, addressing longstanding concerns from local authorities about delays.

The amendments also clarify the wording around engine power limits for vessels driven by electrical propulsion to prevent misinterpretation. Section 4 of the VORR has been updated to emphasize the importance of stakeholder consultations and remove outdated references. The Guide used by local authorities for restriction applications has been revised to simplify the process, removing the need for a preliminary assessment form and the mandatory implementation of alternative measures for one boating season.

The changes aim to reduce the time required to implement restrictions, allowing local authorities to respond more quickly to safety, environmental, and public interest issues on waterways. The amendments also repeal sections 16 and 17 of the VORR, as the Minister of Transport now has the authority to designate enforcement officers under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Stakeholders, including local authorities, Indigenous communities, and boating associations, have generally supported the changes, although some concerns were raised about the potential for uncoordinated restrictions and the need for thorough consultations. The amendments are expected to benefit local authorities, boating communities, and Transport Canada by streamlining the approval process and creating a more efficient application process for vessel operation restrictions. [Source]

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