Highlights

  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has amended its order on aluminum extrusions from China and dismissed a procurement complaint.
  • The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has posted various applications and decisions.
  • The Public Service Commission of Canada has allowed several individuals to run for municipal elections.
  • The Employment Insurance premium rate for 2026 has been set, with a reduced rate for Quebec.
  • A ministerial condition allows the controlled manufacture or import of a potentially toxic substance.
  • Several government appointments have been made.
  • A petition regarding a CRTC decision is open for submissions.
  • Certain fingerprint examiner designations have been revoked.
  • An amalgamation of insurance companies is set to occur.
  • Computershare Trust Company of Canada has relocated its office for enforcement notices.
  • The Canadian Payments Association is proposing amendments to streamline compliance processes and increase penalties.
  • Amendments to the Canadian Payments Association Election of Directors Regulations aim to broaden the pool of independent directors.
  • SOCAN has outlined tariffs for royalties on music performances in various settings from 2026 to 2028.

Canadian Trade Tribunal and Regulatory Updates on Aluminum, Procurement, and Elections

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has continued, with amendments, its order regarding the dumping and subsidizing of aluminum extrusions from China, with certain products excluded. The Tribunal also determined that a complaint by The British Columbia Corps of Commissionaires about a procurement process by the Department of Public Works and Government Services was not valid. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has posted various applications and decisions on its website, including applications for renewal or amendment and decisions regarding First Peoples Radio Inc. The Public Service Commission of Canada has granted permission to several individuals from various government agencies to seek nomination and run for municipal election positions across Canada. [Source]

Government Updates on Employment Insurance, Environmental Regulations, Appointments, and Corporate Amalgamations

The Employment Insurance premium rate for 2026 is set at $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings, with a reduced rate of $1.30 for Quebec residents due to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. A ministerial condition under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act allows the manufacture or import of a potentially toxic substance, spiro[6H-cyclopenta[b]pyridine-6,3′-[3H]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine]-3-carboxamide, under specific conditions to prevent environmental release and ensure record-keeping. Several appointments have been made across various government departments, including new roles in the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, Canada Industrial Relations Board, and the Privy Council Office. A petition has been filed regarding a CRTC decision on telecommunications services, with submissions open until November 12, 2025. The designation of certain individuals as fingerprint examiners has been revoked. Intact Insurance Company, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, and 13130100 Canada Inc. will amalgamate into Intact Insurance Company, effective January 1, 2026, and are authorized to conduct business in various insurance classes. [Source]

Computershare Trust Company of Canada Updates Ontario and Territories Enforcement Notice Address

Computershare Trust Company of Canada has relocated its designated office for the service of enforcement notices in Ontario and the territories of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. The new address is 320 Bay Street, 14th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4A6. [Source]

Canadian Payments Association Proposes By-law Amendments to Streamline Compliance and Increase Penalties

The Canadian Payments Association is proposing amendments to its By-law No. 6 to streamline the process for investigating simple or uncontested contraventions and to increase the maximum penalty for contraventions from $250,000 to $1,000,000. These changes aim to make the compliance process more efficient and ensure penalties remain an effective deterrent. The amendments would allow the President to investigate straightforward cases without referring them to a committee, reducing the need for hearings and expediting resolutions. If a case becomes complex, it can still be referred to a committee. Members can request an independent review of the President’s decision by a compliance panel. The proposed increase in penalties reflects inflation and aims to encourage compliance. Technical updates to definitions and references are also included. Consultations with stakeholders showed support for these changes, which are expected to reduce administrative burdens and promote compliance without imposing additional costs on small businesses or the government. The amendments will come into force following the implementation of related legislative sections. [Source]

Amendments to Canadian Payments Association Election Regulations Expand Director Eligibility

The Canadian Payments Association Election of Directors Regulations are being amended to address issues arising from recent changes to the Canadian Payments Act, which expanded eligibility for Payments Canada membership. The amendments will allow directors, senior officers, and employees of eligible entities that are not members of Payments Canada to serve as independent directors on its Board, provided these entities are not majority-owned or controlled by members. Additionally, the cooling-off period for qualifying as an independent director will be reduced from three years to one. These changes aim to broaden the pool of qualified candidates for independent directors while maintaining strong independence criteria. The amendments are expected to enhance Payments Canada’s ability to recruit individuals with relevant expertise and increase diversity among independent directors. The proposed changes do not impose new administrative burdens or costs and are intended to support the Canadian payments ecosystem by ensuring access to up-to-date expertise. The amendments will come into force upon registration, and Payments Canada will communicate the changes to relevant stakeholders. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 3C Royalties for Adult Entertainment Clubs 2026 to 2028

SOCAN Tariff 3.C outlines the royalties payable by adult entertainment clubs for the performance of recorded music from SOCAN’s repertoire from 2026 to 2028. The royalty is calculated at 6.71¢ per day, multiplied by the club’s authorized capacity. A “day” is defined as any period between 6:00 a.m. on one day and 6:00 a.m. the next during which the club operates. Clubs must estimate and report royalties by January 31 of the tariff year and adjust them by January 31 of the following year based on actual operations. Interest is charged on late payments, and SOCAN can audit the club’s records. Information provided under this tariff is confidential, with specific exceptions for sharing with agents, service providers, and legal entities. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 10A Royalties for Public Performances 2026-2028

SOCAN Tariff 10.A outlines the royalties for performances of works in SOCAN’s repertoire by strolling musicians, buskers, or through recorded music in public areas such as parks and streets for the years 2026 to 2028. The fee is $45.33 per day of performance, with a maximum of $310.44 per three-month period. Users must report the number of performance days and pay royalties within 30 days after each quarter. SOCAN can audit users’ records to verify payments. The tariff excludes concert performances and specifies that late payments incur interest. All fees are exclusive of taxes. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 10.B Marching Band and Parade Royalties 2026-2028

SOCAN Tariff 10.B covers royalties for performances by marching bands or floats with music in parades from 2026 to 2028. The royalty fee is $12.23 per participating band or float, with a minimum daily fee of $45.33. Users must report parade details and pay royalties within 30 days after each quarter. SOCAN can audit users’ records to verify payments. Late payments incur interest at 1% above the Bank Rate, calculated daily. All fees exclude taxes. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 13B Royalties for Music on Passenger Ships 2026-2028

SOCAN Tariff 13.B outlines the royalties for the performance and communication of recorded music on passenger ships from 2026 to 2028. The royalty is set at $1.46 per person per year, based on the ship’s authorized passenger capacity, with a minimum annual royalty of $87.37. If a ship operates for less than 12 months in a year, the royalty is reduced proportionally. Users must report passenger capacity and pay the royalty by January 31 each year. SOCAN can audit the user’s records to verify payments. Late payments incur interest at a rate 1% above the Bank Rate, calculated daily. All royalties are exclusive of taxes or levies. [Source]

SOCAN Tariff 13C Royalties for Music in Public Transport 2026 to 2028

SOCAN Tariff 13.C outlines the royalties for the performance and communication of recorded music in railroad trains, buses, and other public conveyances, excluding aircraft and passenger ships, for the years 2026 to 2028. The royalty is set at $1.46 per person per year, based on the authorized passenger capacity, with a minimum annual royalty of $87.37. Users must report passenger capacity and pay the royalty by January 31 of the covered year. SOCAN reserves the right to audit users’ records to verify royalties. Late payments incur interest at a rate 1% above the Bank Rate, calculated daily. All royalties are exclusive of taxes or levies. [Source]

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