Part 2, Volume 159 #22
Highlights
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan addresses eligibility errors, granting remission to those incorrectly deemed eligible, preventing repayment for dental services.
- The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency updates egg quotas and levy rates for producers, effective in 2025.
- Amendments to the Criminal Code provide pathways for disposing of prohibited firearms, extending the amnesty period and facilitating compliance.
- Employment Insurance Regulations extend temporary measures to support workers amid economic uncertainty, including extra benefits for long-tenured workers.
- First Nations Fiscal Management Act regulations enable self-governing Indigenous groups to access pooled borrowing for infrastructure and development.
- An error in a government order regarding the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act has been corrected.
- Regulations for shipping prohibited firearms are amended to facilitate participation in a compensation program.
- Amendments to the Status of the Artist Act Procedural Regulations address technical issues and update technological references.
- Canada amends regulations to comply with UN sanctions on Iran, focusing on nuclear non-proliferation and arms restrictions.
Remission Order for CDCP Eligibility Errors and Financial Relief
The Remission Order addresses issues with the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) eligibility, specifically related to errors in calculating adjusted family net income and unclear communication about eligibility criteria. It grants remission to individuals who were incorrectly deemed eligible for dental coverage due to these errors, preventing them from having to repay amounts paid for dental services. The first issue involved a programming error affecting income calculations, which has since been corrected. The second issue involved seniors who applied before May 1, 2024, when eligibility criteria were not clearly communicated. The Order aims to alleviate financial hardship for affected individuals by remitting their debts. The estimated cost of this remission is up to $29 million. No consultations were conducted as the Order corrects an internal system error, and relevant government agencies collaborated to resolve the issues. [Source]
Canadian Egg Quota Regulations Amended for 2025
The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency has amended its Quota Regulations to establish the number of dozens of eggs that producers can market under federal quotas for a specified period. The amendments have been approved by the National Farm Products Council, ensuring they align with the marketing plan authorized for implementation. The new quotas are specified for each province and territory, detailing the limits on the number of dozens of eggs that can be marketed. These changes are set to take effect in early October 2025. [Source]
Canadian Egg Marketing Agency Updates Levy Rates for 2025
The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency has amended the Canadian Egg Marketing Levies Order, adjusting the levy rates paid by egg producers in various provinces and territories. The new levy rates are specified for Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories. These changes have been approved by the National Farm Products Council as necessary for implementing the marketing plan authorized for the Agency. The updated levy rates will take effect on November 2, 2025. [Source]
Canadian Government Extends Amnesty and Offers Disposal Options for Prohibited Firearms
The Canadian government has amended orders under the Criminal Code to provide additional pathways for individuals to dispose of prohibited assault-style firearms (ASFs) and ensure safe transportation for disposal. The amendments extend the amnesty period for affected owners to comply with the law until October 30, 2026. The changes allow individuals to deliver prohibited firearms to Mobile Collection Units (MCUs) for destruction or to use licensed carriers to ship firearms for deactivation. These amendments aim to facilitate compliance with the law, maintain public safety, and provide fair compensation for the destruction or deactivation of prohibited items. The amendments respond to recommendations to reduce the number of prohibited firearms in circulation and address public safety concerns related to gun violence and mass shootings. The government has engaged with provincial, territorial, and police stakeholders to support these measures, which are expected to have a positive impact, particularly in rural areas where firearm ownership is more common. The amendments are remedial, do not impose new restrictions, and are not subject to public comment. Compliance relies on voluntary participation, and those who do not comply by the end of the amnesty period may face criminal liability. [Source]
Canada Extends Employment Insurance Measures to Support Workers Amid Economic Uncertainty
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission has amended the Employment Insurance Regulations to extend temporary measures in response to ongoing economic uncertainty and foreign tariffs. These measures, part of Pilot Project No. 24, include waiving the one-week waiting period for benefits and suspending the treatment of separation payments, now extended until April 11, 2026. Additionally, a new measure provides 20 extra weeks of regular benefits to long-tenured workers who meet specific criteria. These changes aim to support workers affected by tariffs and economic shifts, offering a financial bridge during unemployment and facilitating job transitions. The amendments are expected to increase EI claims and costs, with an estimated net cost of $208.5 million over three years. The measures are designed to test the effectiveness of these EI adjustments in mitigating employment impacts due to economic changes. The amendments are informed by previous consultations and aim to provide timely support to affected workers, with no additional burden on businesses. [Source]
Expanding Access to Pooled Borrowing for Self-Governing Indigenous Groups in Canada
The First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FNFMA) Adaptation Regulations enable self-governing and modern treaty First Nations and Indigenous groups to access the pooled borrowing regime under the FNFMA, which was previously available only to First Nations who are bands under the Indian Act. This allows these groups to benefit from long-term fixed-rate financing for infrastructure and economic development through the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA). The regulations adapt provisions of the FNFMA and its related regulations to accommodate the legal frameworks of self-governing and modern treaty First Nations and Indigenous groups, who exercise powers under their treaties rather than the FNFMA.
To participate, these groups must request to be added to one of two schedules, depending on when their agreements were concluded. They must secure an opinion from the First Nations Financial Management Board (FNFMB) that their laws comply with the Act and meet established standards, obtain a financial performance certificate, and apply to become a borrowing member of the FNFA. The regulations ensure that the same borrowing process and safeguards apply to these groups as to First Nations under the Indian Act, including obligations to replenish the debt reserve fund and potential intervention by the FNFMB in case of default.
The regulations were developed in consultation with self-governing and modern treaty First Nations, the FNFA, FNFMB, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment with existing legal frameworks and the needs of these communities. The initiative supports Indigenous self-determination and aims to promote the social, economic, and cultural well-being of Indigenous communities in Canada. [Source]
Correction of Ministerial Designation Order Error
An error was identified in an order designating the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons as the Minister for the purposes of the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act. The error was in the title section of the order, which incorrectly referenced the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act. It has been corrected to state “Other Than Statutory Authority.” The HTML version of the document has already been updated to reflect this correction. [Source]
Regulations Update for Shipping Prohibited Firearms for Destruction
The regulations amend the rules for shipping certain prohibited firearms and devices by post, allowing businesses in lawful possession of newly prohibited assault-style firearms (ASFs) to ship them for destruction under the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. This change applies to firearms prohibited in December 2024 and March 2025, ensuring businesses have the same shipping options as those under previous amnesty orders. The amendments specify conditions for shipping, such as entering an agreement with the government, using secure packaging, and ensuring firearms are unloaded and inoperable. The regulations aim to facilitate participation in the compensation program by providing more shipping options, particularly benefiting businesses in rural and remote areas. The changes do not impose additional administrative burdens on businesses, and Canada Post is not required to meet specific storage and transportation measures during the shipping process. Compliance with the regulations is mandatory, and failure to meet conditions could result in penalties under the Criminal Code and other relevant laws. [Source]
Amendments to Status of the Artist Act Regulations for Clarity and Modernization
The Canada Industrial Relations Board has amended the Status of the Artist Act Procedural Regulations to address technical issues identified by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations and to incorporate minor technical amendments due to technological changes. Key amendments include ensuring consistency between the French and English versions, harmonizing terms with the enabling statute, and removing obsolete provisions. The amendments also aim to add clarity, simplify regulatory requirements, and ensure internal consistency. The Board has removed references to fax numbers due to technological updates and repealed sections with no current application. The amendments were well-received during a public comment period, with no changes made to the proposed text. The one-for-one rule and small business lens analysis determined no impact on administrative costs or small businesses. [Source]
Canada updates regulations to enforce UN sanctions on Iran
Canada is amending its regulations to comply with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that reimpose sanctions on Iran due to its non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding nuclear non-proliferation. These amendments prohibit the import, purchase, or acquisition of arms and related materials from Iran, and restrict the supply, sale, or transfer of certain items and technology to Iran. The regulations also prohibit providing services to Iranian vessels carrying prohibited items unless necessary for humanitarian purposes. The amendments aim to address the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, and conventional arms programs. The changes are expected to have minimal impact on Canadian businesses, as most affected activities are already controlled under existing regulations. The amendments ensure Canada fulfills its international obligations under the United Nations Charter, with enforcement managed by Canadian authorities such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. [Source]