EDC’s 2010 “Let’s Talk Exports” Tour: April-June

(EDC)

Let’s Talk Exports is an annual, cross-Canada tour designed to provide you with the most up-to-date information available on the global economy and its implications for Canadian trade and investment opportunities. The 27th annual cross-Canada tour will be held in 21 cities between April 27 and June 1, 2010.

Join EDC’s Peter Hall, Vice President and Chief Economist, as well as an impressive cross-section of business professionals at this year’s Let’s Talk Exports event and find out:

• where the risks and opportunities are for businesses in 2010-2011
• what the export outlook is for your industry
• which provinces will fare better in the current environment
• how you can succeed in the global marketplace

Plus, each attendee will get access to EDC’s sought-after Global Export Forecast, 2010 Spring Edition.

Don’t make critical business decisions without attending this event!

Let’s Talk Exports is scheduled in the following cities: Burlington, Calgary, Drummondville, Edmonton, Fredericton, Halifax, Kitchener Waterloo, Moncton, Montréal, Montréal-West Island, Ottawa, Québec, Regina, St. John’s, Sudbury, Surrey, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, Vaughan and Winnipeg.

Sign up now to receive notification when event information becomes available for the Spring 2010 tour.

Health Canada Seeks Public Input on Changing Regulations for Food Colouring

(Health Canada via The Canadian Press)

Health Canada is seeking public input on proposed changes to improve labelling requirements for colouring agents in food products. A consultation forum will be posted on the Health Canada website and open for comments from February 18 until May 4, the federal department said Thursday.

Canadian Food and Drug Regulations currently allow manufacturers to use the general term "colour" to specify one or more food colours. For the majority of prepackaged foods, manufacturers may voluntarily declare individual colours by name at their own discretion.

"However, there is some evidence suggesting a link between consumption of certain food colours and adverse reactions in sensitive individuals," the department said in a release. "More recently, certain food colour mixtures have been associated with behavioural effects in children. For these reasons, Health Canada considers it prudent to improve labelling requirements for food colours."

Proposed changes would eliminate the option of using the general term "colour" and require that individual colours be identified on food ingredient labels, enabling consumers to make informed choices that could reduce adverse reactions.

Health Canada said it will update progress on the issue once the consultation period has ended.

Comments on proposals may be submitted by regular mail to:

Bureau of Chemical Safety
251 Sir Frederick Banting Drive
Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture
Address Locator: 2203B
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

To comment electronically, email bcs-bipc@hc-sc.gc.ca, using the words "Food Colour Labelling" in the subject box.

Government of Canada Continues to Invest in the Future of the Port of Montreal

(MarketWire)

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced today [Thursday] that the Government of Canada will be investing in a project to optimize infrastructure at the Port of Montreal, which will have a positive impact on the economic development of the region in the short, medium and long terms.

This investment will be used to improve the electrical facilities, control equipment and network management, so as to increase access point capacity along Hydro-Quebec’s network in the Port of Montreal.

The Government of Canada will provide up to $4,648,500 for this project under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Montreal Port Authority will cover the remaining costs of the project, which is estimated to total $9,297,000.

“With this second Infrastructure Stimulus Fund investment in the Port of Montreal, our Government is investing in the economic futures of Quebec and of Canada,” said Minister Lebel. “As we begin the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our priority will be to continue the rapid implementation of projects such as this one. At the same time, we look forward to meeting future challenges, including restoring the fiscal balance once our economy is fully recovered, as well as building a solid foundation for our economic future.”

D17-1-8 Release Prior to Payment Privilege

(CBSA)

This departmental memorandum explains the Release Prior to Payment Privilege that was previously found in D17-1-5. This memorandum is revised as a result of the Paper Burden Reduction Initiative; the revisions are aimed at eliminating obsolete and duplicated requirements, streamlining certain commercial processes and modifying complex policies and forms.

The following sections have been expanded for further clarification of the subjects: a) The Direct Security and GST Options; b) Procedures related to late payment and non-compliance; and c) Maintaining security for importers and customs brokers.

Revised: D17-1-5 Registration, Accounting and Payment for Commercial Goods

(CBSA)

This memorandum has been revised to:

a) Remove the section regarding release of commercial goods, which can now be found in D17-1-4; b) Remove the section regarding release prior to payment privilege, which can now be found in D17-1-8; c) Incorporate related customs notices; CN384, CN412, CN503; d) Update related forms; e) Update various web site references and contact information; and, f) Reflect the organizational changes resulting from the creation of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Export USA Webinar: How to Get Your Medical Products and Services Reimbursed by U.S. Healthcare Insurers – March 4

(Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada)

In order for your medical products and services to be successful south of the border, U.S. insurance companies must include them in their reimbursement schemes. Canadian businesses wishing to seek U.S. opportunities in this niche market need to understand the relationship between healthcare providers, patients and insurance companies.

This webinar will provide insight into various aspects of the U.S. insurance industry’s healthcare coverage. You’ll learn all about the industry’s coding, coverage and reimbursement practices in order to develop an effective business strategy for this market.

By participating in the webinar, you will:

• Learn about the different types of coverage and various codes required by healthcare institutions (e.g., clinics and hospitals);

• Understand what your clients need to do to get your products and services reimbursed;

• Learn more about the various claim delivery forms available; and what is required to secure the payment of a healthcare claim.

Date: Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST (Ottawa Time)
Cost: Free

The presentations will be followed by a 20-minute Q&A period. The presentations will be in English but the speakers will take questions in both English and French.

Through the Virtual Trade Commissioner, the webinar will be made available for on-demand viewing following the live session. Participants may also download the presentation slides, in both French and English.

Please register by March 3, 2010, here. For additional information, please email TCS-Webinar.GNC@international.gc.ca.

CFIA: Importation of Fresh Tomatoes from Countries Infested by the Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta Absoluta)

(CFIA)

Effective February 24, 2010, shipments of tomato fruits from countries infested by the insect pest, Tuta absoluta, will be required to be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate with an additional declaration stating: “This consignment originated from a place where Tuta absoluta is known not to occur and was inspected and found free of Tuta absoluta”. Shipments not meeting this requirement will be refused entry to Canada. The new phytosanitary import requirement for tomatoes will soon be available in a new policy directive (D-10-01).

Regulated countries: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France, Greece, Kuwait, Italy, Libya, Malta, Morocco, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

For all questions relating to these changes please contact:

Johanne Coulombe
Import Control and Enforcement Officer
Import control and Export Market information
Telephone: (613) 221-4331 Fax: (613) 228-6605
Johanne.Coulombe@inspection.gc.ca

Enforcement Guidelines – “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” Claims

(Industry Canada)

This publication is not a legal document. It contains general information and is provided for convenience and guidance in applying the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and the Textile Labelling Act.

This publication replaces the following Competition Bureau publications: Enforcement Guidelines – Guide to “Made in Canada” Claims – January 22, 2002 [and] Enforcement Guidelines – Enforcement Guidelines Relating to “Product of Canada” and “Made in Canada” Claims, Draft for Public Consultation, July 10, 2009

Revised: D19-7-2 Requirements Concerning the Importation & Exportation of Ozone-Depleting Substances & Products

(CBSA)

Memorandum D19-7-2 has been updated and replaces the previous Memorandum D19-7-2, dated April 16, 1997. Memorandum D19-7-2 reflects the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998. In addition, Appendices F and G have been added to this memorandum.

This memorandum outlines procedures for the importation and exportation of ozone-depleting substances.

The Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998 reflect Canada’s commitment to meet its requirements under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol). The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement signed by 194 countries to control the production and exchange of certain ozone-depleting substances. The Regulations are intended to further reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances.

Border Commercial Consultative Committee (BCCC)

(CBSA)

Record of Meeting September 29 and 30, 2009

Action items and summaries of various issues affecting customs commercial operations at the border.

CN10-001 Strengthening the CBSA's Procedure Respecting Importation of Goods Contaminated with Soil

(CBSA)

1. This notice announces that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be strengthening its commercial importation process respecting goods contaminated with soil.

2. Goods contaminated with soil are not admissible into Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for establishing the policy regarding the importation of goods contaminated with soil. The CBSA is responsible for administering and enforcing that policy to the extent it applies at the border.

3. Beginning February 1, 2011, non-compliant goods, i.e. goods contaminated with soil, arriving at the Canadian border will be restricted to a CBSA-controlled area and may be cleaned on-site by a mobile wash facility approved by the CFIA, provided certain conditions can be met, e.g. there is no risk of soil dislodgement during transport, operational capacity exists, availability of a CFIA-approved mobile wash facility. If a CFIA-approved mobile wash facility is not available, or if other conditions listed above are not met, the contaminated goods will be refused entry into Canada under the authority of the Plant Protection Act and the Health of Animals Act.

4. The costs associated with cleaning or removal from Canada will be paid for by the importer.

5. This strengthened approach is in line with the CBSA's existing commercial processes and procedures, as well as the CFIA's policy regarding the importation of foreign soil. It will further ensure that the CBSA maintains appropriate control over the contaminated goods, thereby preserving the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

6. February 1, 2010 marks the launch of a twelve-month transition period culminating with the full implementation and enforcement of the strengthened process in 2011. This period will allow industry an opportunity to adjust their operations and ensure that goods arriving in Canada are clean and free of soil.

7. Under the current process, the CBSA may allow contaminated goods to be transported to either a stationary or mobile CFIA-approved treatment facility. However, treatment may only occur if certain conditions can be met, e.g. there is no risk of soil dislodgement during transport, operational capacity exists, availability of a CFIA-approved stationary or mobile wash facility. If the conditions listed above cannot be met, the shipment is refused entry into Canada and ordered removed at the importer's expense.

8. Inquiries and comments about this notice should be directed to:

Food, Plant and Animal Programs
Admissibility Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 613-957-6868, Fax: 613-946-1520