CPTPP Accession Consultation and Notices

Summary#

This Canada Gazette issue (published February 15, 2025) contains several government notices. Key items include an environmental order that moves a chemical off the Non‑domestic Substances List, a public consultation on Costa Rica joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trust-company amalgamation approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, and a list of open federal appointment opportunities from the Privy Council Office.

What it does#

• Order 2025-87-02-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List (under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999) deletes the chemical identified by CAS number 70879-47-9 from Part I of the Non‑domestic Substances List. The order comes into force when a related Domestic Substances List order takes effect, or on registration if that already happened.
• Global Affairs Canada is asking Canadians for input on the possible accession of Costa Rica to the CPTPP. Written comments are invited on trade and regulatory issues, and on how accession could affect Canadian businesses and interests. Submissions are due by March 16, 2025 and will be treated as public unless the sender requests otherwise.
• The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions approved letters patent to continue Raymond James Trust (Québec) Ltd. as a federal trust company and to amalgamate it with Solus Trust Company. The amalgamation and the order allowing the new entity to begin business took effect December 16, 2024.
• The Privy Council Office published a range of open Governor in Council appointment opportunities. Each posting will be open for at least two weeks from its listing on the appointments website.

Who's affected#

• Companies and people who make, import, or handle the chemical with CAS 70879-47-9 — they may see different regulatory treatment now that it is moved from the Non‑domestic list to the Domestic list.
• Canadian exporters, importers, service firms, investors, and advocacy groups with interests in Costa Rica or in CPTPP rules — especially small and medium enterprises, Indigenous groups, women‑led businesses, and other under‑represented groups that the government specifically invites to comment.
• Customers, employees, and counterparties of Solus Trust Company and Raymond James Trust (Québec) Ltd., because their legal and regulatory status changed through the amalgamation effective December 16, 2024.
• Canadians interested in public service leadership roles — the Privy Council Office listings name many boards and agencies accepting applications.

Why it matters#

• Moving a chemical onto the Domestic list can trigger Canadian risk assessment or management actions. That can affect how the substance is used, reported, or regulated in Canada.
• If Costa Rica joins the CPTPP, it could change market access, tariffs, and rules for Canadian exporters and service providers. The consultation is a chance for businesses and stakeholders to shape Canada’s negotiating positions.
• The trust-company amalgamation changes which federal body supervises the combined entity and can affect clients’ contracts, reporting, or where regulatory complaints are sent.
• The appointment postings shape who runs public agencies and boards. Wider public outreach can influence the diversity and priorities of those bodies.