Highlights

  • Canadian canola farmers are receiving increased financial support through the Advance Payments Program due to trade challenges.
  • Amendments to various regulations aim to align with international standards and improve environmental protection, agricultural resilience, and competitiveness.
  • Changes to the Canadian Payments Act expand membership eligibility to include more financial entities, fostering competition and innovation.
  • Indigenous communities are transitioning to self-determined electoral systems, enhancing governance autonomy.
  • The Canadian government is updating regulations to support counter-terrorism efforts and align with international nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

Canadian Government Increases Interest-Free Loan Limit for Canola Farmers Amid Trade Challenges

Canadian canola farmers are facing significant challenges due to trade issues, including tariffs from China and potential tariffs from the United States, which could depress prices. In response, the Canadian government is temporarily increasing the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program (APP) to $500,000 for canola producers for the 2025 and 2026 program years. This measure aims to provide financial relief and flexibility, allowing producers to hold onto their products until they find better markets. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,745 producers in 2025 and 6,000 in 2026, with significant interest savings.

The APP is a federal loan guarantee program that offers low and no-interest cash advances to agricultural producers, helping them manage cash flow and marketing opportunities. The program’s interest-free limit was previously increased for other years, and this temporary measure specifically targets canola producers. The government anticipates that this change will cost $35.3 million, covering interest and default costs, while providing substantial savings to producers.

The regulatory amendment does not impose additional costs on small businesses and is expected to enhance access to credit for farming operations. The measure aligns with international obligations and does not pose environmental concerns. While the program primarily benefits older, white male farmers, it also supports under-represented groups who may have smaller-scale operations and less access to traditional loans. The government is working to address barriers to participation for these groups. The changes will be implemented promptly, with the 2025 program year already underway. [Source]

Antarctic Environmental Regulation Amendments for Compliance and Flexibility

The amendments to the Antarctic Environmental Protection Regulations and the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations aim to align Canada’s regulations with the Madrid Protocol, which governs environmental protection in the Antarctic. The amendments clarify the requirements for environmental evaluations, distinguishing between preliminary, initial, and comprehensive evaluations based on the expected environmental impact of activities. They also address concerns raised by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations regarding waste management plans and update the lists of historic sites and specially protected areas in the Antarctic. The amendments remove the prescribed format for permit applications, allowing for more flexible submissions, such as email. These changes are administrative and technical, ensuring compliance with international standards without altering the level of environmental protection. The amendments are not expected to impose additional costs on businesses or the government and do not introduce new compliance requirements. The Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue to promote compliance and enforce the regulations as needed. [Source]

Canadian Hatching Egg Quota Regulations Amended for 2025 and 2026

The Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, established under the Farm Products Agencies Act, have amended their Quota Regulations. These amendments involve setting limits for broiler hatching eggs for interprovincial, intraprovincial, and export trade across several provinces. The amendments specify the number of broiler hatching eggs allowed for trade in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta for the years 2025 and 2026. The 2025 limits are finalized, while the 2026 limits have been revised. The changes are part of the Agency’s marketing plan, which has been approved by the National Farm Products Council. The amendments will come into force upon registration, with some provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026. [Source]

Canadian Payments Association Expands Membership and Updates By-law to Include PSPs and Credit Unions

The Canadian Payments Association has amended its By-law No. 1 to align with legislative changes to the Canadian Payments Act. These amendments expand membership eligibility to include payment service providers (PSPs) supervised under the Retail Payment Activities Act, credit union locals, and operators of designated clearing and settlement systems. PSPs must be registered under the RPAA to qualify for membership. The amendments also require new members to provide specific information as part of their application process. The Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC) will now include representatives from non-member PSPs and users to maintain its representative nature. The changes aim to reduce administrative burdens, ensure continued representation of non-member entities, and reflect updated definitions in the Act. The amendments are not expected to impose significant costs and have received strong support from stakeholders during consultations. The one-for-one rule applies due to a minor increase in administrative burden, but the impact on small businesses is expected to be minimal. The amendments will come into force once related legislative sections are enacted. [Source]

Amendments to Canadian Payments Association By-law No. 3 Clarify Credit Union Membership Eligibility

The Canadian Payments Association has amended its By-law No. 3 to align with recent changes to the Canadian Payments Act. These amendments ensure consistency in terminology and clarify regulatory provisions. The changes specifically address the eligibility of credit union locals for membership in Payments Canada, distinguishing between member and non-member locals. Amendments to various sections of the By-law clarify the application of rules to non-member locals and update the list of entities considered as members. The amendments do not impose additional administrative costs or burdens on businesses and have no impact on small businesses in Canada. [Source]

CNSC Updates Regulations for Radiation Safety Officer Certification and Decertification

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has amended the Class II Nuclear Facilities and Prescribed Equipment Regulations to clarify the certification and decertification process for radiation safety officers. The amendments address concerns raised by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations regarding the discretion in certifying individuals who have passed the necessary exams and can perform the duties. The changes ensure that if the conditions of passing a recognized exam and being capable of performing duties are met, certification is mandatory. Additionally, certification must align with the purpose of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The amendments also specify that decertification can occur if these conditions are no longer met, providing clarity on the circumstances that could lead to decertification. These changes aim to align the CNSC’s powers with the legislative authority granted by Parliament, improving regulatory clarity without affecting administrative costs. [Source]

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation Joins First Nations Elections Act Schedule

The council of the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation requested the addition of their name to the schedule of the First Nations Elections Act, which was approved by the Minister of Indigenous Services. Consequently, the Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation is now included in the schedule, and their first council election is set for November 26, 2025. The order comes into effect upon registration. [Source]

Canadian Agricultural Regulations Updated to Boost Competitiveness and Reduce Red Tape

The Canadian government is amending the Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) to reduce red tape and support the agricultural sector’s resilience and competitiveness. Key changes include making the Import Reference Document (IRD) ambulatory, allowing for quicker updates to import conditions, and aligning them with international standards. This will benefit veal producers by extending the time for slaughter and increasing the import age window for feeder calves. Additionally, the amendments require Salmonella Enteritidis testing for hatching eggs imported from the U.S. to align with domestic standards, ensuring a level playing field for Canadian hatcheries.

The SFCR amendments focus on reducing prescriptive labelling requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV), such as removing unnecessary net quantity statements and allowing more flexibility in font size requirements. The responsibility for maintaining certain FFV grade standards will be transferred to the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation, allowing for more responsive updates to industry needs. The amendments also remove mandatory grading requirements for FFV intended for processing, reducing regulatory burdens and costs for the industry.

These changes aim to enhance the agility of regulatory frameworks, support innovation, and align with international practices, ultimately benefiting Canadian producers and businesses without imposing new costs. The amendments are supported by stakeholders and are expected to improve the competitiveness and resilience of Canada’s agricultural sector. [Source]

Tax Deferral for Livestock Sales in Adverse Weather Conditions

The Income Tax Regulations have been amended to allow for a tax deferral on the sale of breeding livestock in regions affected by drought, flood, or excess moisture in 2023 and 2024. This deferral helps farmers who are forced to sell breeding livestock due to adverse conditions by allowing them to exclude a portion of the sale proceeds from taxable income until the following year or until conditions improve. The deferral applies if the breeding livestock population is reduced by at least 15%, with varying deferral percentages based on the extent of the reduction. The amendments designate specific regions eligible for this deferral, as determined through consultations with various agricultural stakeholders. The changes aim to provide financial relief to farmers, allowing them to use sale proceeds to replenish livestock without immediate tax obligations. The amendments are expected to have a positive economic impact by stabilizing the livestock farming industry during challenging weather conditions. The regulatory changes do not impose new administrative burdens on businesses and are aligned with international obligations. The amendments are retroactive to the beginning of the respective taxation years. [Source]

Income Tax Regulation Updates for Automobile Costs in 2024 and 2025

The amendments to the Income Tax Regulations address changes in the costs associated with acquiring, financing, and operating automobiles, ensuring that tax treatment reflects these costs. Key changes include adjustments to capital cost ceilings, interest expense limits, leasing limits, tax-exempt per-kilometre allowance limits, and operating expense benefit rates for the 2024 and 2025 taxation years. The capital cost ceiling for passenger vehicles increased to $37,000 in 2024 and $38,000 in 2025, while the interest expense limit rose to $350 per month. Leasing limits increased to $1,050 per month in 2024 and $1,100 in 2025. The tax-exempt per-kilometre allowance increased by two cents each year, with higher rates for northern regions. The operating expense benefit rate for employees increased by one cent per kilometre. These changes aim to align tax regulations with market conditions and inflationary pressures, ensuring appropriate deductions and benefits for businesses and employees. The amendments are generally relieving in nature, with potential increases in taxable income for employees using employer-provided vehicles for personal purposes. The changes are implemented retroactively for the 2024 and 2025 taxation years, with compliance mechanisms in place through the Income Tax Act. [Source]

Bridge River Band Adopts Independent Election Code for Greater Autonomy

The council of the Bridge River Band in British Columbia has opted to select its Chief and Council through its own community election process, moving away from the Indian Act’s election regime. This decision follows a resolution by the council and the development of a community election code. The Minister of Indigenous Services has approved this change, as the community’s election rules comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and have been supported by the community members. The transition aims to enhance governance autonomy and better address community needs. A ratification vote showed strong support for adopting the Xwísten Election Code. The change means Bridge River will now manage its electoral process independently, without federal involvement, aligning with broader goals of self-determination and traditional governance restoration. The new system is expected to promote inclusivity and accessibility in leadership roles. [Source]

Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation Adopts First Nations Elections Act for Enhanced Governance Autonomy

The Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation in Nova Scotia has decided to change its electoral system from the Indian Act to the First Nations Elections Act. This decision was made following a resolution by the First Nation’s council and a consultation with community members. The change aims to enhance governance autonomy and better address community needs. The transition involves removing the First Nation from the Indian Bands Council Elections Order and adding it to the First Nations Elections Act schedule. This shift allows for elections every four years instead of two, potentially reducing costs and enabling longer-term planning. The First Nations Elections Act supports greater self-determination and the restoration of traditional governance, which historically included diverse voices such as women, youth, and elders. The Act also provides mechanisms for contesting elections and enforcing penalties for election-related offenses. [Source]

Canada Designates Bishnoi Gang as Terrorist Entity to Enhance Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The Canadian government has amended its Regulations Establishing a List of Entities to include the Bishnoi Gang, also known by several other names, as a terrorist entity. This decision was made based on evidence that the group has engaged in terrorist activities. The listing allows for the seizure and forfeiture of the entity’s property and imposes reporting requirements on financial institutions to prevent the group from accessing its assets. The amendment supports Canada’s counter-terrorism efforts and aligns with international obligations, including United Nations resolutions. The process involved consultations with various federal agencies, but no public consultation was conducted to prevent the group from dispersing its finances. The amendment is administrative, with minimal costs to financial institutions, and does not impact small businesses. Compliance is enforced through criminal law sanctions, with severe penalties for those who knowingly support terrorist activities. [Source]

CNSC Updates Regulations to Enhance Nuclear Non-Proliferation Compliance

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has amended regulations under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act to align with international nuclear non-proliferation obligations. The amendments to the General Nuclear Safety and Control Regulations (GNSCR) introduce new reporting requirements for individuals and organizations possessing small amounts of nuclear material or engaged in nuclear fuel cycle-related research and development or nuclear-related manufacturing. These entities must now file annual reports, report inventory changes within one business day, consent to verification activities, and retain records for at least five years. The requirement to present a licence at the border for importing or exporting prescribed information has been removed.

The Nuclear Non-proliferation Import and Export Control Regulations (NNIECR) have been updated to reflect the latest international control lists, introduce new licence exemptions for low-risk items, enhance licensing information requirements, and harmonize record retention periods with other domestic statutes. These changes aim to ensure Canada’s regulatory framework is consistent with international safeguards agreements and export controls, supporting the CNSC’s oversight responsibilities.

The amendments are expected to result in a net benefit of $2.3 million, despite some costs to licensees, non-licensees, and the CNSC. The changes will improve compliance with international obligations, facilitate trade by reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, and align Canada’s regulations with those of international partners. The CNSC plans to engage with stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of the new requirements. [Source]

Expansion of Payments Canada Membership to Include PSPs and Credit Unions

The Order in Council, based on the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023, activates sections 219 to 228 of the Act, which amend the Canadian Payments Act. These amendments expand membership eligibility in the Canadian Payments Association (Payments Canada) to include payment service providers (PSPs) under the Retail Payment Activities Act, credit union locals, and operators of designated clearing and settlement systems. This change allows these entities to access Payments Canada’s systems directly, fostering competition and innovation in the payments ecosystem. The amendments also clarify that members of Payments Canada cannot serve on its Stakeholder Advisory Council, although PSPs who opt not to join can still participate. The Department of Finance consulted extensively with various stakeholders, who broadly support these changes. [Source]

Source