Policy & Government Affairs

Competition Bureau Reaches Agreement with Chartwell

The Competition Bureau has reached a consent agreement with Chartwell Master Care LP to address competition concerns regarding its proposed acquisition of six retirement homes. Chartwell has agreed to sell one retirement home to preserve competition in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario area.

Andrew Bailey Speech on Cross-Border Payments Reform Progress

Andrew Bailey, Chair of the Financial Stability Board, delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, discussing progress on the G20 Cross-border Payments Roadmap. He highlighted achievements and outlined remaining challenges, calling for continued commitment from public authorities and the private sector to improve global payment outcomes.

Bank of England Weekly Report Assets and Liabilities

The Bank of England published its weekly report on 12 March 2026, detailing assets and liabilities as of 11 March 2026. The report provides data on sterling and foreign currency assets and liabilities, including reserve balances and various operational holdings.

PRA Data Collection and Dialogue Speech

Vicky White of the PRA delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, discussing the importance of data in regulatory supervision and policymaking. The speech highlighted how data facilitates dialogue between the PRA and regulated banks, and outlined the goals of the Future Banking Data programme to reduce reporting costs while ensuring data quality.

Museum Easter Holiday Activity Trail

The Bank of England Museum is hosting a free Easter holiday activity trail from March 30 to April 10, 2026. The 'Learning is Golden' trail features activities for families led by the museum's new mascot, Gary the Gold Bar.

Bell Canada Withdraws Features of Small Business Service

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved Bell Canada's application to withdraw certain features of its Bell Total Connect for Small Business service. The affected features include Soft Client, Mobile Application, and Call Dashboard, due to end-of-life equipment. The withdrawal is effective September 30, 2025.

CRTC Policy Prohibits Fees Barrier to Switching Cellphone and Internet Plans

The CRTC has issued a new policy prohibiting fees that act as a barrier for consumers switching cellphone and Internet plans. These changes, effective June 12, 2026, amend the Wireless Code and Internet Code to empower consumers and align with recent amendments to the Telecommunications Act.

Telecom Consultation on CCTS Fee Structure

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has extended deadlines for a consultation on the fee structure and dispute mechanism of the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services Inc. (CCTS). The revised deadlines for submissions are April 7, 2026, for CCTS responses, April 21, 2026, for interventions, and May 26, 2026, for replies.

International Trade Commission Investigation into Vehicle Parts

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has instituted an investigation into certain vehicle parts and components thereof under Section 337. This investigation, docketed as Investigation No. 337-TA-1491, will examine alleged unfair practices in the import trade. The notice was published in the Federal Register on March 12, 2026.

Kitchen Appliance Shelving and Racks from China: Final Sunset Review

The International Trade Administration has published the final results of the expedited third sunset review for countervailing duties on certain kitchen appliance shelving and racks from China. This notice confirms the continuation of existing trade measures.