Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 156, Number 44: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

October 29, 2022

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Notice of intent — Consultation on proposed amendments to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (administrative update)

This notice of intent is to inform Canadians that the Department of the Environment (the Department) would like to seek feedback on proposed amendments to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR or the Regulations).

Canada’s domestic implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is through WAPTR. Since the implementation of the Regulations in 1996, Schedule I has been amended many times in order to reflect changes to the list of protected species under the Appendices of CITES made by the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to CITES, which takes place approximately every two to three years. However, other decisions related to guiding the implementation of CITES have not been incorporated into the Regulations.

The primary objectives of the proposed amendments are to ensure WAPTR remain aligned with the purposes set out in the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) in relation to decisions adopted by CITES CoPs. The proposed amendments will also address enforceability issues, update the structure of the Regulations to better reflect current drafting practices, modernize the language, address inconsistencies and finally reduce the administrative burden where possible.

Details regarding these proposed amendments are available online on the Government of Canada website.

Canadians are invited to send their comments on the proposed amendments between October 29, 2022, and December 28, 2022, to ReglementsFaune-WildlifeRegulations@ec.gc.ca.

All comments received will be carefully considered by the Department before proposing amendments to WAPTR. The proposed amendments would be anticipated to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in the spring of 2023, and Canadians would have a subsequent opportunity to provide additional comments at that time.

Julie Spallin
Director General
Wildlife Management Directorate
Canadian Wildlife Service

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Roster of review officers

The Minister of the Environment, pursuant to section 243 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999,footnote 1 hereby appoints the following person to the roster of review officers to hold office during good behaviour for a term of three years, effective October 7, 2022.

Ms. Heather McLeod-Kilmurray, Ottawa, Ontario

Gatineau, October 7, 2022

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of the Environment

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Notice of intent on the labelling of toxic substances in products, including toxic flame retardants

Purpose of notice

This notice of intent is to inform Canadians that the Government of Canada intends to propose actions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act) to require the labelling of certain substances that are listed on the List of Toxic Substances of the Act (Schedule 1) in certain products, such as cosmetics, cleaning products and flame retardants in upholstered furniture.

Background

Canadians deserve and want to know what substances are in the products they purchase and use in their everyday lives, whether at home or at work, especially if these substances can have impacts on the environment or human health.

As set out in their mandate letters, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Minister of Health Canada are committed to addressing this issue by requiring businesses to inform Canadians of the environmental impacts of consumer products, and by introducing mandatory labelling of chemicals in consumer products.

As context, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada regulate the packaging and labelling of various products containing substances listed on Schedule 1. In 2017, however, the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development published a report on strengthening the Act. Among other things, that report stated that there is a need to improve Canadians’ awareness of hazardous chemicals. In particular, it recommended mandatory labelling and greater transparency under the Act for toxic substances in products.

In recognition of this goal, Bill S-5 proposes to include in the Act’s preamble a statement recognizing the importance of Canadians having information about the risks posed by toxic substances to the environment or human health, including through the labelling of products. It also recognizes the importance of protecting Canadians and the environment, including vulnerable populations, from cumulative risks posed by multiple substances. Bill S-5 would also require consideration of these elements in the development of the Plan of Chemicals Management Priorities and in assessing the risks of substances.

Taking the actions in this notice of intent would provide Canadians with greater access to information about toxic substances to which they may be exposed and allow for more informed purchasing decisions in order to help protect the environment and human health.

Related existing actions

The Government of Canada is currently consulting interested parties on how it can take action to enhance supply chain transparency and mandatory labelling of substances in products. Launched in March 2022, these consultations are being held using a process designed to foster collaboration among interested parties to help develop solutions through a series of workshops and interactive events that will conclude in fall 2022.

Feedback received to date reflects views from various industry representatives, associations, consultants, members of the public, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, provincial government organizations, logistics and sales organizations as well as labour unions.

Views on the type of information needed by consumers have varied, for example on whether ingredient lists or risk communications would be most appropriate. Participants have highlighted the importance of applying a scientific approach to define the scope of any labelling requirements, taking existing labelling regimes into account, and considering data standardization and interoperability in addition to alignment with other jurisdictions. There is general agreement that labelling approaches should include digital considerations, for example in how information is reported, stored or provided to consumers.

Following completion of the consultations, the Government of Canada will develop and publish a strategy in 2023 to enhance supply chain transparency and labelling for substances in products. The strategy will include regulatory measures and voluntary, collaborative initiatives. Consistent with the “best placed act” approach, the strategy will take into account other federal authorities respecting labelling, such as those under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

The Government of Canada is also taking action on fragrance allergens in cosmetics and has consulted with Canadians on requiring more explicit labelling through proposed amendments to the Cosmetic Regulations.

In addition, as part of its action plan to protect firefighters from harmful chemicals, the Government of Canada is encouraging companies to support the development and use of safe, non-chemical alternatives to chemical flame retardants such as inherently flame-resistant materials or chemical-free fire barrier systems to help reduce the use of potentially harmful substances.

Labelling of toxic substances in products under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

The Act enables the Government of Canada to develop a wide range of measures to protect the environment and human health from the risks posed by substances listed on Schedule 1 of the Act. Labelling requirements for products are one possible instrument under the Act. They have been used for a variety of purposes, such as requiring the labelling of allowable product concentrations or of instructions for product disposal. Examples of such requirements can be found in the Volatile Organic Compound Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations, the Products Containing Mercury Regulations, the 2-Butoxyethanol Regulations and the Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations. There are also voluntary instruments that have labelling recommendations for household consumer products, such as the Code of Practice for 2-Butanone, oxime (Butanone oxime) Associated with the Interior Application of Consumer Alkyd Paint and Coating Products.

The proposed actions under this notice of intent will leverage best practices from existing measures, and will take into consideration other existing regulatory regimes related to consumer product labelling, such as the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act.

Substances subject to the proposed actions

The Government of Canada intends to propose labelling requirements for some of the substances that are listed on Schedule 1 of the Act in circumstances where providing information to consumers on the presence of those substances would help reduce risks to the environment or human health.

The Government will develop criteria to guide decision making. Criteria where labelling of substances listed on Schedule 1 of the Act would be required may include the following:

  1. the substance could be associated with potential concerns to the environment or human health at any stage of its life cycle;
  2. labelling can help in achieving the risk management objective;
  3. the substance is subject to a phase-down and will continue to be found in products for a period of time before being fully restricted or eliminated;
  4. there are substance concentration limits for products; and
  5. there is a need to provide disposal guidance that relates to the presence of the substance.

Criteria indicating where labelling of substances listed on Schedule 1 of the Act would not be required may include the following:

  1. when a toxic substance is entirely prohibited in products under regulations under a federal law;
  2. when another federal Act is best placed to manage the risks identified for a toxic substance; and
  3. when a substance is considered toxic under the Act but would not pose environmental or human health risks when contained in a certain product or when the product is disposed of (e.g. carbon dioxide in soda and other beverages).

Consideration will be given to requiring labelling for substances in groups or classes of substances that have characteristics of concern. For example, flame retardants are a diverse group of substances associated with environmental and human health concerns. Chemical flame retardants are added to some manufactured materials, such as plastics, foams, rubbers, textiles, and surface finishes and coatings for a common purpose: to slow ignition and the spread of fire. The Government of Canada has assessed 34 substances under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, 14 of which have been found to be harmful to the environment and/or human health and for which risk management measures have been implemented or are being developed. The Government is also currently assessing 14 additional flame retardant substances under the Act, 10 of which have been proposed to be harmful to the environment and/or human health and for which risk management actions will be taken should the proposed conclusions be upheld.

As flame retardants continue to be assessed and managed, labelling actions would systematically be imposed on those added to Schedule 1. A summary of flame retardant assessments and management conducted under the Act can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.

Labelling format

Digital technology is changing our economy and our society — the way we access information, work, and connect with each other — and digital tools offer significant opportunities to modernize and simplify regulatory interactions for the benefit of all Canadians. Therefore, the Government of Canada intends to consider the applicability of consumer-facing digital mechanisms for providing information on certain toxic substances in products, in addition to traditional physical labels.

The Government of Canada will also explore the most appropriate information to require on a label, for example either information on the presence of a substance, its concentration or its quantity.

Next steps

The Government intends to publish and consult on a product labelling strategy in 2023. This strategy will identify specific measures, including regulatory measures, informed by stakeholder input received from this notice of intent and other sources such as the national consultations on supply chain transparency and labelling. Public input on the strategy will inform any measures that the Government proposes. Such proposals will include a public consultation period to inform the publication of any final measure.

Public comments

Comments on this notice of intent can be provided during the next 75 calendar days ending on January 12, 2023.

Contact information

Please submit comments to one of the contact points provided below.

By email: Substances@ec.gc.ca

By mail:

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Products Division
Place Vincent Massey, 9th Floor
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3

Please include “Comments on NOI on labelling of toxic substances in products” in the subject line of your email or document.

By phone: 1‑800‑567‑1999 (within Canada) or 819‑938‑3232 (outside of Canada)

Nicole Folliet
Acting Director General
Industrial Sectors and Chemicals Directorate
Environment and Climate Change Canada

INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA

RADIOCOMMUNICATION ACT

Notice No. SMSE-013-22 — Publication of RSS-139, Issue 4, RSS-170, Issue 4, SRSP-513, Issue 4, and SRSP-519, Issue 2

Notice is hereby given that Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has published the following documents:

These documents are now official and available on the Published documents page of the Spectrum management and telecommunications website.

Submitting comments

Comments and suggestions for improving these documents may be submitted online using the Standard Change Request form.

September 29, 2022

Martin Proulx
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

PRIVY COUNCIL OFFICE

Appointment opportunities

We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada’s diversity. The Government of Canada has implemented an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous peoples and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.

We are equally committed to providing a healthy workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work to one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful and harassment-free work environment.

The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following positions.

Current opportunities

The following opportunities for appointments to Governor in Council positions are currently open for applications. Every opportunity is open for a minimum of two weeks from the date of posting on the Governor in Council appointments website.

Governor in Council appointment opportunities
Position Organization Closing date
Director Bank of Canada  
Director Business Development Bank of Canada  
Chairperson Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal  
Director Canada Council for the Arts  
Director Canada Development Investment Corporation  
Director Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology  
President Canada Lands Company Limited  
Director Canada Post Corporation  
Director Canada Revenue Agency  
Member Canada–Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board  
Chairperson Canadian Air Transport Security Authority  
Chief Executive Officer Canadian Air Transport Security Authority  
Director Canadian Commercial Corporation  
Member Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board  
Director Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation  
Director Canada Energy Regulator  
Chairperson Canadian High Arctic Research Station  
Member Canadian High Arctic Research Station  
Vice-Chairperson Canadian High Arctic Research Station  
Chief Commissioner Canadian Human Rights Commission  
Member Canadian Human Rights Tribunal  
Secretary Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat  
Director Canadian Museum of History  
Trustee Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21  
Chairperson Canadian Museum of Nature  
Chairperson Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission  
Vice-Chairperson Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission  
Member Canadian Statistics Advisory Council  
Member Canadian Transportation Agency  
Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia Department of Canadian Heritage  
Chairperson Export Development Canada  
Director Export Development Canada  
President Farm Credit Canada  
Director First Nations Financial Management Board  
Member Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada  
Commissioner International Commission on the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas  
President International Development Research Centre  
Director Invest in Canada Hub  
Commissioner Law Commission of Canada  
President Law Commission of Canada  
Chairperson National Arts Centre Corporation  
Chairperson National Capital Commission  
Member National Capital Commission  
Member National Farm Products Council  
Vice-Chairperson National Farm Products Council  
Government Film Commissioner National Film Board  
Trustee National Museum of Science and Technology  
Member Net-Zero Advisory Body  
Canadian Representative North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization  
Canadian Representative North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission  
Public Sector Integrity Commissioner Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner  
Member Pacific Pilotage Authority  
Member Parole Board of Canada  
Chairperson Patented Medicine Prices Review Board  
Member Payments in Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel  
Chairperson Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board  
Member Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board  
Vice-Chairperson Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board  
Deputy Registrar Supreme Court of Canada  
Executive Director Telefilm Canada