Canada Gazette Highlights: July 12, 2025 Edition
A straightforward recap of official government notices, straight from the source—covering environmental conditions, energy bids, appointments, and more.
Hello, fellow Canadians! Whether you're juggling city life in Toronto, raising a family in rural Alberta, or enjoying retirement in coastal Nova Scotia, staying informed about government proceedings shouldn't be complicated. That's why we're here—to break down the latest Canada Gazette in simple terms, using only the facts from the official record. Let's dive into the key updates from July 12, 2025. 🇨🇦 If something catches your eye, remember these are public notices meant to keep everyone in the loop.
Environmental Protections and Species at Risk
The Department of the Environment issued several notices focused on safeguarding our natural world. These include conditions on potentially harmful substances and protections for wildlife.
Ministerial Condition on a Chemical Substance: Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, a condition was placed on the substance "bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 2-[[[[(isocyanatophenyl)methyl]phenyl]aminocarbonyl]oxy]ethyl ester" (CAS Registry Number 2410511-02-1). The ministers suspect it could be toxic, so restrictions apply to its manufacture and import. Verbatim from the notice: "The notifier shall not import the substance (a) if it is present in an uncured form in a consumer product, or (b) to manufacture a consumer product, unless the substance is chemically reacted into a stable matrix and cured during the manufacture of the consumer product."
Ivory Gull Critical Habitat: The notice describes protections for the Ivory Gull under the Species at Risk Act in the Naujaat Bird Sanctuary. It states: "The Recovery Strategy for the Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) in Canada identifies critical habitat for the species in a number of areas, including a federally protected area." This applies 90 days after publication, ensuring the bird's breeding sites are shielded from terrestrial predators. The gull is found in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador, but breeds only in Nunavut.
These steps highlight ongoing efforts to balance industry with environmental safety—think of it as rules to keep our air, water, and wildlife healthy for generations to come.
Industry and Innovation Updates
From appointments to technical delegations, these notices cover how government operations are managed.
Appointments by the Office of the Registrar General: Several key roles were filled via Orders in Council. Here's a summary of the main ones:
Associate Deputy Minister of Finance: Alison O'Leary (Order in Council 2025-521)
Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet: Michael Jonathan Sabia, O.C. (Order in Council 2025-523)
Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change: Mollie Johnson (Order in Council 2025-520)
President of the Public Health Agency of Canada: Nancy Hamzawi (Order in Council 2025-519)
Other appointments include commissioners for oaths in various courts and deputy judges.
Delegation Under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act: The President of Measurement Canada delegated authorities for tasks like maintaining registers of contractors and granting permissions for meters. For example: "Director, Trade Sector - Register of contractors 6(2) Maintain, in accordance with the regulations, a register of contractors."
Radiocommunication Notice: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada published BPR-2, Issue 4, on rules for AM broadcasting stations in the 525–1705 kHz band. Comments can be submitted via a standard change request form.
These ensure fair practices in utilities and communications, which affect everything from your energy bills to radio signals.
Transport and Marine Regulations
Transport Canada addressed safety and pollution in northern waters and oil spill funds.
Interim Order on Oils in Arctic Waters: Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, this prohibits carrying certain oils on vessels in Arctic waters to protect marine environments. It applies to vessels over 400 gross tonnage, with exceptions for emergencies or spill response. Verbatim: "It is prohibited for a vessel to use or carry an oil referred to in regulation 43.2 of Annex I to MARPOL or for its authorized representative to permit such an oil to be used or carried." Effective July 1, 2025, and repeals after six months.
Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund Levy: The levy for contributions to the fund would be 63.05 cents per tonne if imposed starting April 1, 2025, under the Marine Liability Act.
These measures aim to prevent spills and ensure accountability, especially important for coastal communities and Indigenous groups in the North.
Energy and Trade Commissions
Regulatory bodies handled exports, bids, and appeals.
Electricity Export Application: Trafigura Canada Limited applied to export up to 50,000 MWh annually for 10 years. The Canada Energy Regulator seeks views by August 11, 2025, focusing on impacts to other provinces and fair access for Canadian buyers.
Offshore Petroleum Call for Bids: The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator called for bids on 13 exploration licences (NS25-1P). Bids due April 28, 2026; sole criterion is work expenditure in the first period. Lands cover areas like 42°20'N 61°00'W, with total hectares detailed per parcel.
Trade Tribunal Appeal: Dollarama appeals classification of rubber tennis balls (paw print design) under tariff item 4016.99.90, claiming 9506.61.00 or 9506.69.00. Hearing August 12, 2025.
CRTC Notices: Includes Part 1 applications (e.g., Radio 1540 Limited for CHIN in Toronto) and decisions on radio licences in Ontario.
These support energy development and fair trade, impacting jobs and resources in Atlantic Canada.
Miscellaneous Business Notices
Corporate changes were announced, including amalgamations.
BMO Life Insurance and Assurance Companies: Intend to amalgamate as "BMO Life Assurance Company" effective November 1, 2025.
Fiduciary Trust Company of Canada: Plans to reduce stated capital by up to $22 million.
Motus Bank: Seeks continuance under the Canada Business Corporations Act.
Royal & Sun Alliance, Intact Insurance, and 13130100 Canada Inc.: Amalgamate as "Intact Insurance Company" effective January 1, 2026.
These are routine business updates, often involving insurance—areas where regulatory compliance ensures stability for policyholders.
Parliamentary Proceedings
A quick note on Parliament:
Private Bills: Standing Order 130 for notices, contact the House of Commons Private Members' Business Office.
Royal Assent: On June 26, 2025, assent was given to bills like C-202 (supply management), C-5 (free trade and workforce mobility), and appropriation acts for fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.
That's the wrap-up—straight facts to help you connect the dots in your daily life.
How might these environmental or energy updates play out in your province? Share in the comments below; your insights build our community. For bite-sized updates, follow @OnHansard on X or tune into our podcast. Stay informed and engaged, Canada! 🏞️⚡