Procurement, Broadcasting and Merger Notices

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published three notices in its "Commissions" section on matters before federal tribunals and the broadcasting regulator. They cover: a procurement complaint and resulting inquiry about a pistol and holster system; several Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) postings and deadlines for broadcast matters; and a competition case where the Commissioner of Competition asks a tribunal to block a corporate takeover.

What it does#

• The Canadian International Trade Tribunal decided on July 5, 2021 to open an inquiry after a complaint from Rampart International Corp. about a government solicitation for a replacement pistol and holster system. Rampart says the rules favour certain bidders by requiring particular design types.
• The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission posted recent decisions, applications and consultations on its website and listed active items. One highlighted application is from TLN Media Group Inc. with a deadline for comments on August 16, 2021, and a consultation with a deadline of August 9, 2021.
• The Competition Tribunal received an application from the Commissioner of Competition asking the tribunal to block the proposed acquisition of Tervita Corporation by Secure Energy Services Inc., or to require remedies instead. Parties wishing to seek leave to intervene must act by August 24, 2021.

Who's affected#

• Suppliers and bidders for the federal pistol and holster procurement, and the departments running that procurement: the Department of Public Works and Government Services and the Department of National Defence.
• Broadcasters, specialty-channel owners and viewers who follow CRTC proceedings, including TLN Media Group Inc. and other license applicants or respondents.
• The energy-services and industrial-waste services sector, customers of those services, and the companies Tervita Corporation and Secure Energy Services Inc., because the merger could be blocked or altered.

Why it matters#

• The tribunal inquiry could affect which contractor wins a military pistol contract. That can shape what equipment the military buys and who gets the business. Rampart’s complaint raises questions about fairness in procurement rules.
• The CRTC notices point to public consultations and licensing decisions that can change what TV channels or services are available to Canadians. Deadlines listed give the public and industry a chance to comment.
• The competition case could stop or change a major industry merger. That has possible effects on prices, service quality and choice in the affected regional markets if the acquisition proceeds or is blocked.