Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 154, Number 33: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

August 15, 2020

DEPARTMENT OF CROWN-INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS

TIME LIMITS AND OTHER PERIODS ACT (COVID-19)

Order Extending Certain Time Limits Established by the Nunavut Mining Regulations (COVID-19)

The Minister of Northern Affairs, pursuant to subsections 7(2) and (5) of the Time Limits and Other Periods Act (COVID-19)footnote a, makes the annexed Order Extending Certain Time Limits Established by the Nunavut Mining Regulations (COVID-19).

Gatineau, August 7, 2020

Daniel Vandal
Minister of Northern Affairs

Order Extending Certain Time Limits Established by the Nunavut Mining Regulations (COVID-19)

Extension — application for lease

1 If the anniversary date of the recording of a claim — or of a claim that has the earliest recording date of any of the claims in a collection of a contiguous claims — in the year before the end of the duration of the claim falls during the period beginning on March 13, 2020 and ending on October 29, 2020, the time limit set out in paragraph 60(2)(b) of the Nunavut Mining Regulations is extended to the day that is six months before the end of the duration of the claim in question or to October 30, 2020, if that day occurs before the end of that period of six months.

Extension — due date for rent payment

2 With respect to a lease whose annual rent becomes due during the period beginning on March 13, 2020 and ending on October 29, 2020, the time limit set out in subsection 61(2) of the Nunavut Mining Regulations is extended by six months or to October 30, 2020, if that day occurs before the end of that period of six months.

Extension — notice of overdue rent

3 (1) The time limit of 30 days set out in subsection 63(1) of the Nunavut Mining Regulations is extended by 180 days or to October 30, 2020, if that day occurs before the end of that period of 180 days.

Extension — cancellation of lease

(2) The time limits in subsection 63(2) of the Nunavut Mining Regulations are each extended by 180 days or to October 30, 2020, if that day occurs before the end of that period of 180 days.

Coming into force

4 This Order is deemed to have come into force on March 13, 2020.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication after screening assessment of eight substances of the Aromatic Amines Group specified on the Domestic Substances List (paragraphs 68(b) and (c) or subsection 77(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas seven of the eight substances identified in the annex below are substances identified under subsection 73(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

Whereas a summary of the draft screening assessment conducted on 2-aminophenol pursuant to paragraphs 68(b) and (c) of the Act and on the remaining seven substances pursuant to section 74 of the Act is annexed hereby;

And whereas it is proposed to conclude that dimethylaniline meets one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to recommend to Her Excellency the Governor in Council that dimethylaniline be added to Schedule 1 of the Act.

Notice is furthermore given that the ministers have released a risk management scope document for dimethylaniline to initiate discussions with stakeholders on the development of risk management actions.

And whereas it is proposed to conclude that the remaining substances do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the ministers propose to take no further action at this time under section 77 of the Act for the six remaining substances identified under subsection 73(1) of the Act.

Notice is also given that the ministers propose to take no further action on 2-aminophenol at this time.

Notice is further given that options are being considered for follow-up activities to track changes in exposure to NDPhA and 2-aminophenol.

Public comment period

Any person may, within 60 days after publication of this notice, file with the Minister of the Environment written comments on the measure the ministers propose to take and on the scientific considerations on the basis of which the measure is proposed. More information regarding the scientific considerations may be obtained from the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website. All comments must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice and be sent to the Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division, Department of the Environment, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3, by fax to 819‑938‑5212, by email to eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca, or by using the online reporting system available through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window.

In accordance with section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person who provides information in response to this notice may submit with the information a request that it be treated as confidential.

Jacqueline Gonçalves
Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

Gwen Goodier
Director General
Industrial Sectors and Chemicals Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

Greg Carreau
Acting Director General
Safe Environments Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Summary of the draft screening assessment of the Aromatic Amines Group

Pursuant to section 68 or 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment of 8 of 15 substances referred to collectively under the Chemicals Management Plan as the Aromatic Amines Group. Benzenamine, 4,4′-methylenebis[2-chloro-] or MBOCA (CAS RNfootnote 1 101-14-4) was included in the Aromatic Amines subgroup of the Aromatic Azo and Benzidine-based Substance Grouping. However, it was removed to better align assessment with other international assessment activities focused on this substance and has been added to the Aromatic Amines Group. These 8 substances were identified as priorities for assessment as they met the categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA or were considered a priority on the basis of other human health concerns. Of the 15 substances, 7 were determined to be of low concern through other approaches, and decisions for these substances are provided in separate reports.footnote 2,footnote 3 Accordingly, this screening assessment addresses the 8 substances listed in the table below. The 8 substances addressed in this screening assessment will hereinafter be referred to as the Aromatic Amines Group. The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RNs), the Domestic Substances List (DSL) names and the common names and/or abbreviations of these substances are listed in the table below.

Substances in the Aromatic Amines Group

CAS RN

DSL name

Common name / abbreviation

86-30-6

Benzenamine, N-nitroso-N-phenyl-

NDPhA

90-30-2

1-Naphthalenamine, N-phenyl-

P1NA

95-55-6 table a1 note a

Phenol, 2-amino-

2-aminophenol

101-14-4

Benzenamine, 4,4’-methylenebis[2-chloro-

MBOCA

101-96-2

1,4-Benzenediamine, N,N′-bis(1-methylpropyl)-

44PD

121-69-7

Benzenamine, N,N-dimethyl-

Dimethylaniline

122-39-4

Benzenamine, N-phenyl-

Diphenylamine

63449-68-3

2-Naphthalenol, 2-aminobenzoyl ester

2-naphthyl anthranilate

Table a1 note(s)

Table a1 note a

This substance was not identified under subsection 73(1) of CEPA, but was included in this assessment as it was considered a priority on the basis of other human health concerns.

Return to table a1 note a referrer

The substances in the Aromatic Amines Group do not occur naturally, except for diphenylamine, which may occur naturally in certain food items.

According to information submitted pursuant to a CEPA section 71 survey, NDPhA (< 100 kg), dimethylaniline (< 100 kg) and diphenylamine (1 000 to 10 000 kg) were manufactured in Canada in 2008, while 44PD (1 000 to 10 000 kg) was manufactured in Canada in 2011. Reported Canadian imports of MBOCA in 2000 ranged from 100 000 to 1 000 000 kg. In 2008, total reported Canadian import quantities were 1 000 to 10 000 kg for NDPhA, less than 100 kg for 2aminophenol, 10 000 to 100 000 kg for dimethylaniline, and 159 800 to 698 100 kg for diphenylamine. In 2011, reported Canadian import quantities ranged from 100 000 to 1 000 000 kg for diphenylamine and totalled 41 176 kg for 44PD. In the same year, no Canadian manufacturing or importing activities were reported for 2-naphthyl anthranilate above the reporting threshold of 100 kg. Reported uses of these substances in Canada include use in adhesives and sealants, lubricants and greases, munitions, in plastic and rubber materials, and in the automotive, aircraft and transportation sectors. They may also be used in incidental additives, food packaging materials, hair dye and pest control products.

The ecological risks of the substances in the Aromatic Amines Group were characterized using the ecological risk classification (ERC) of organic substances, which is a risk-based approach that employs multiple metrics for both hazard and exposure, with weighted consideration of multiple lines of evidence for determining risk classification. Hazard profiles are based principally on metrics regarding mode of toxic action, chemical reactivity, food web–derived internal toxicity thresholds, bioavailability, and chemical and biological activity. Metrics considered in the exposure profiles include potential emission rate, overall persistence, and long-range transport potential. A risk matrix is used to assign a low, moderate or high level of potential concern for substances on the basis of their hazard and exposure profiles. Based on the outcome of the ERC analysis, substances in the Aromatic Amines Group are considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft screening assessment, there is a low risk of harm to the environment from NDPhA, P1NA, 2-aminophenol, MBOCA, 44PD, dimethylaniline, diphenylamine and 2-naphthyl anthranilate. It is proposed to conclude that the eight substances in the Aromatic Amines Group do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

With respect to the human health assessment, each substance was assessed individually. NDPhA was classified as a probable human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). The target organ for cancer and non-cancer effects is the bladder. Exposure to NDPhA is also associated with developmental effects. Exposure of the general population in Canada to NDPhA may occur from the use of products available to consumers, predominantly through the presence of the substance in the inks of children’s markers and as a contaminant in textiles, such as clothing. A comparison of levels to which the general population may be exposed from daily or intermittent use of textiles or children’s marker ink containing NDPhA with critical effect levels results in margins of exposure that are considered adequate to account for uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases for cancer and non-cancer effects.

The critical health effects for P1NA include effects on the hematological system, kidney, spleen and liver. Exposure of the general population in Canada to P1NA may occur from the use of grease and lubricants (such as motor oils and transmission fluid). The margins of exposure between estimated levels of exposure and the critical effect levels for P1NA are considered adequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.

2-Aminophenol was classified as a Category 2 mutagen by the European Union. Additional critical health effects identified for 2-aminophenol include effects in the kidney and liver, as well as decreased body weights and increased thyroid weights. Exposure of the general population in Canada to 2-aminophenol occurs predominantly through the use of hair dyes. The margins of exposure between estimated levels of exposure and the critical effect levels for 2-aminophenol are considered adequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.

MBOCA is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen with strong evidence of genotoxic mechanisms of action. Other health effects of concern include effects on the liver. Exposure of the general population in Canada to MBOCA is not expected. However, individuals living in the vicinity of facilities that release MBOCA into the environment, primarily into air, may be exposed to low levels of MBOCA. The estimated lifetime cancer risk value attributed to MBOCA does not represent a concern about human health for residents living within the vicinity of facilities using MBOCA for processing and manufacturing.

The critical health effects of 44PD are effects on the liver and red blood cells. Exposure of the general population in Canada to 44PD may occur through the use of certain greases and lubricants (such as certain motor oils for lawn trimmers). However, the critical health effects observed in the health effects database are not likely to occur after infrequent (i.e. one to two times per year) dermal exposure to 44PD from use of lawn trimmer motor oil.

Dimethylaniline is classified by the European Union as a Category 2 carcinogen (suspected human carcinogen). Other critical health effects occur in the spleen and red blood cells. Exposure of the general population in Canada to dimethylaniline occurs from the use of certain automotive products available to consumers (including a two-component adhesive, body filler and spray paint primer). The margins of exposure between estimated levels of exposure and the critical effect levels for dimethylaniline are considered to be potentially inadequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.

The critical health effects for diphenylamine are effects in red blood cells, kidneys, spleen and liver. Exposure of the general population in Canada to diphenylamine may occur from environmental media and food, as well as from the use of certain motor oils used in lawn trimmers and chainsaws. A comparison of estimated levels of exposure to diphenylamine and critical effect levels results in margins of exposure that are considered adequate to account for uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.

Limited information on the health effects of concern was identified for 2-naphthyl anthranilate, and a threshold of toxicological concern (TTC)-based approach was used. The estimate of exposure to 2-naphthyl anthranilate from its potential use as a food flavouring agent (no other exposures identified) was estimated to be lower than the TTC value assigned to 2-naphthyl anthranilate. Therefore, 2-naphthyl anthranilate is considered to be of low concern for human health at current levels of exposure.

On the basis of the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that dimethylaniline meets the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA as it is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

However, NDPhA, P1NA, 2-aminophenol, MBOCA, 44PD, diphenylamine, and 2-naphthyl anthranilate do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

Proposed overall conclusion

It is therefore proposed to conclude that dimethylaniline meets one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA and that NDPhA, P1NA, 2-aminophenol, MBOCA, 44PD, diphenylamine and 2-naphthyl anthranilate do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

It is proposed to conclude that dimethylaniline meets the persistence criteria but does not meet the bioaccumulation criteria, as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA.

Considerations for follow-up

While exposure of the general population to NDPhA and 2-aminophenol is not of concern at current levels, these substances are associated with human health effects of concern. Therefore, there may be a concern if levels of exposure were to increase. Follow-up activities to track changes in exposure or commercial use patterns are under consideration.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide, during the 60-day public comment period on the draft screening assessment, any information pertaining to these substances that may help inform the choice of follow-up activity. This could include information on new or planned import, manufacture or use of this substance, if the information has not previously been submitted to the ministers.

The draft screening assessment and the risk management scope document for dimethylaniline are available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication after screening assessment of silver and its compounds, specified on the Domestic Substances List (paragraphs 68(b) and (c) or subsection 77(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas a summary of the draft screening assessment conducted on silver and its compounds pursuant to paragraphs 68(b) and (c) or section 74 of the Act is annexed hereby;

Whereas the seven substances in the Silver and its Compounds Group identified in the annex below are substances identified under subsection 73(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

Whereas it is proposed to conclude that the seven substances in the Silver and its Compounds Group do not meet any of the criteria set out in paragraph 64(a) or 64(b) of the Act;

And whereas it is proposed to conclude that silver and its compounds do not meet the criteria set out in paragraph 64(c) of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to take no further action on the seven substances in the Silver and its Compounds Group under section 77 of the Act at this time.

Notice is further given that options are being considered for follow-up activities to track changes in exposure to silver and its compounds.

Public comment period

Any person may, within 60 days after publication of this notice, file with the Minister of the Environment written comments on the measure the ministers propose to take and on the scientific considerations on the basis of which the measure is proposed. More information regarding the scientific considerations may be obtained from the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website. All comments must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice and be addressed to the Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division, Department of the Environment, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3, by fax to 819‑938‑5212, by email to eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca, or by using the online reporting system available through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window.

In accordance with section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person who provides information in response to this notice may submit with the information a request that it be treated as confidential.

Jacqueline Gonçalves
Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

Greg Carreau
Acting Director General
Safe Environments Directorate

On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Summary of the draft screening assessment of the Silver and its Compounds Group

Pursuant to section 68 or 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment of silver and its compounds. Seven substances in this group were identified as priorities for assessment as they met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA. These seven substances are referred to collectively in this assessment as the Silver and its Compounds Group. The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RNs footnote 1), the Domestic Substances List (DSL) names and the common names of these substances are listed in the table below.

Substances in the Silver and its Compounds Group

CAS RN

DSL name

Common name

7440-22-4

Silver

Silver

7761-88-8

Nitric acid silver(1+) salt

Silver nitrate

7783-90-6

Silver chloride (AgCl)

Silver chloride

7785-23-1

Silver bromide (AgBr)

Silver bromide

10294-26-5

Sulfuric acid, disilver(1+) salt

Silver sulfate

20667-12-3

Silver oxide (Ag2O)

Silver oxide

21548-73-2

Silver sulfide

Silver sulfide

The draft screening assessment of silver and its compounds focuses on the silver moiety and therefore considers silver in its elemental form, silver-containing substances, and all forms of silver found in the environment. Therefore, all silver-containing substances beyond the seven substances identified as priorities for assessment are considered. The combined exposure of humans and other living organisms to the silver moiety, whether it is present in environmental compartments (i.e. water, sediment, soil, and air), food, or products, is considered in this assessment.

Canada is the 15th largest producer of silver in the world. According to information submitted pursuant to a CEPA section 71 survey, substances within the Silver and its Compounds Group were manufactured or imported in low to moderate quantities (i.e. less than 1 tonne [t] to less than 10 000 t) by four companies. Silver has a wide variety of uses in Canada, including the manufacturing of bars, coins, jewelry, medals, silverware, silver-containing substances and preparations, glass products, and soap and cleaning compounds. It is also used in brazing and soldering, catalysis, cloud seeding, and electronics. Silver may be used in a range of products in Canada, including drugs, natural health products, cosmetics, pesticides, food additives, food packaging, incidental additives (e.g. products used in food processing establishments), and toys.

Silver is naturally released to the environment through weathering of soils and rocks. Anthropogenic releases of silver occur during its production (i.e. mining, processing, smelting, refining), during the manufacturing of silver-containing substances, following product disposal (e.g. batteries, electronics, silver-containing films), and through other activities (e.g. cloud seeding, wastewater treatment). The National Pollutant Release Inventory data from 2012 to 2016 indicate that silver was released to the environment in low quantities (i.e. four-year total of less than 4 t to air, water, and land combined). Once released into the environment, silver in air and water will migrate to soil and/or sediments where it will persist.

Silver is not an essential nutrient for organism health or human health. Organisms exposed to silver in their habitats rapidly take up silver via their environmental media and accumulate it in internal organs and other tissues. The accumulated silver is mostly bound with sulfur-containing biomolecules and detoxified in aquatic organisms. For sediment or soil-swelling organisms, the availability of the free silver ion can be reduced by forming inert silver sulfide in these environmental compartments thus decreasing silver bioaccumulation. No evidence of biomagnification across food chains has been found for silver.

Silver causes mortality as well as growth and reproductive effects to aquatic organisms at very low concentrations and to sediment and soil-dwelling organisms at moderate concentrations. The Canadian Water Quality Guideline (CWQG) derived by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment is used as the chronic predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) for silver for freshwater organisms. The PNECs for silver for marine, sediment and soil-dwelling organisms were derived from reliable ecotoxicity studies.

Ecological exposure to silver was characterized for the following sectors based on their potential to release silver: metal mining, base metal smelting and refining, wastewater treatment (i.e. silver in the final effluent released by wastewater treatment systems, silver in land-applied biosolids), and waste disposal (i.e. landfill leachate). Risk quotient analyses were performed by comparing exposure concentrations in surface water, marine water, sediment and soil compartments to PNECs for aquatic, benthic and soil-dwelling organisms, respectively. Based on these analyses, there is a moderate potential that silver may cause harm to benthic organisms near some facilities in the metal mining and base metal smelting and refining sectors, but there is low risk to aquatic or soil-dwelling organisms. However, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the potential for ecological harm in sediment due to the paucity of data for these sectors and, to a lesser extent, the conservatism incorporated when assessing potential risk in this compartment.

Further analysis of surface water quality monitoring data consulted as part of the Ecological Risk Classification of Inorganic Substances (a classification framework that classified the silver group as having high potential for ecological concern) indicated that the majority of silver concentrations infrequently exceeded the freshwater PNEC. Exceedances of the PNEC were often associated with high background concentrations of silver, with total concentrations of silver (rather than free ion concentrations), or with the statistical approach taken to address non-detects.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft screening assessment, there is a low risk of harm to the environment from silver and its compounds. It is proposed to conclude that the seven substances in the Silver and its Compounds Group do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

Silver and its compounds were evaluated using the biomonitoring-based approach 2, which compares human biomonitoring data (exposure) against biomonitoring guidance values (health effects), such as biomonitoring equivalents (BEs), to identify substances with low concern for human health. Total silver concentrations were measured in the whole blood of Canadians as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey and a follow-up study to the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study called MIREC-Child Development Plus. Median and 95th percentile blood silver concentrations in Canadians of 0.066 and 0.27 µg/L were lower than the BE of 0.4 µg/L associated with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) reference dose for protection against the critical health effect of argyria, characterized by blue or blue-greyish staining of the skin and mucous membrane. Therefore, silver and its compounds are considered to be of low concern for human health at current levels of exposure.

On the basis of the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that silver and its compounds do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

Proposed overall conclusion

It is therefore proposed to conclude that the seven substances in the Silver and its Compounds Group do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

Consideration for follow-up

While exposure of the environment to silver and its compounds is not of concern at current levels, these substances are associated with ecological effects of concern. Therefore, there may be concern if exposure were to increase. Follow-up activities to track changes in exposure or commercial use patterns are under consideration.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide, during the 60-day public comment period on the draft screening assessment, any information pertaining to these substances that may help inform the choice of follow-up activity. This could include information on new or planned import, manufacture or use of these substances, if the information has not previously been submitted to the ministers.

The draft screening assessment for these substances is available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication of final decision after screening assessment of nine substances in the Poly(amines) Group specified on the Domestic Substances List (subsection 77(6) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas the nine substances identified in the annex below are substances identified under subsection 73(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

Whereas a summary of the screening assessment conducted on these substances pursuant to section 74 of the Act is annexed hereby;

And whereas it is concluded that the substances do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to take no further action on these substances at this time under section 77 of the Act.

Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of the Environment

Patty Hajdu
Minister of Health

ANNEX

Summary of the screening assessment of the Poly(amines) Group

Pursuant to section 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment of nine substances referred to collectively as the Poly(amines) Group. Substances in this group were identified as priorities for assessment, as they met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA. The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RNs footnote 1), the Domestic Substances List (DSL) names and the subgroups of these substances are listed in the table below.

Substances in the Poly(amines) Group

CAS RN

DSL name

Subgroup

26062-79-3

2-Propen-1-aminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-2-propenyl-, chloride, homopolymer

Poly(DADMAC)

26590-05-6

2-Propen-1-aminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-2-propenyl-, chloride, polymer with 2-propenamide

Poly(DADMAC)

25988-97-0

Methanamine, N-methyl-, polymer with (chloromethyl)oxirane

Poly(EDMA)

42751-79-1

1,2-Ethanediamine, polymer with (chloromethyl)oxirane and N-methylmethanamine

Poly(EDMA)

52722-38-0

Methanamine, N-methyl-, polymer with ammonia and (chloromethyl)oxirane

Poly(EDMA)

27967-29-9

Urea, polymer with ammonia and formaldehyde

Poly(ASPCA)

68130-99-4

Aziridine, homopolymer, ethoxylated

Poly(ASPCA)

68134-56-5

2-Oxepanone, polymer with (chloromethyl)oxirane, N-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)-N′-[2-[(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)amino]ethyl]-1,2-ethanediamine, 2-(methylamino)ethanol, 4,4′-(1-methylethylidene)bis[phenol] and 2,2′-oxybis[ethanol], acetate (salt)

Poly(ASPCA)

69418-26-4

Ethanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)oxy]-, chloride, polymer with 2-propenamide

Poly(ASPCA)

These nine substances were previously evaluated under the second phase of polymer rapid screening, which identified them as having low potential to cause harm to human health but requiring further evaluation due to their potential to cause ecological harm (ECCC, HC 2018). The present assessment summarizes the approach applied during the second phase of polymer rapid screening for characterizing the risk to human health and further elaborates on the potential for these nine substances to cause ecological harm, in order to reach an overall conclusion under section 64 of CEPA.

The nine poly(amines) do not occur naturally in the environment. In Canada, they are reported to be mainly used as coagulants and flocculants for water and wastewater treatment, pulp and paper production, and oil field applications. In addition, minor uses of both poly(DADMAC) polymers have been reported for personal care products.footnote 4 Minor uses of poly(ASPCA) polymers have also been reported in liquid laundry and dishwashing detergent formulations for the substance bearing CAS RN 68130-99-4, automotive paints and coatings for the substance bearing CAS RN 68134-56-5, and adhesives and sealants for the substance bearing CAS RN 27967-29-9. Minor uses for poly(DADMAC) [CAS RNs 26062-79-3 and 26590-05-6], poly(EDMA) [CAS RNs 25988-97-0, 42751-79-1 and 52722-38-0], and poly(ASPCA) [CAS RN 69418-26-4] in food packaging materials have also been reported.

These poly(amines) contain cationic amine functional groups which, in general, may be associated with adverse effects to fish, invertebrates, and algae. However, the assessment determined that the nine poly(amines) are expected to show moderate to low toxicity to aquatic organisms and low toxicity to sediment-dwelling species in natural environments, as they quickly form colloidal solids, which are not expected to be bioavailable. Considering the use patterns of the nine poly(amines) as noted above, releases of the unbound form of the substances are expected to be low. A high degree of removal during wastewater treatment is also common for these types of substances because of their colloidal nature. In the event of overdosing when being added to wastewater as a flocculant, any unreacted polymer residues that reach the aquatic environment are not expected to be bioavailable because they rapidly and irreversibly form colloidal solids (floc) with anionic materials in water.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this screening assessment, including the assumption that significant overdosing of waters being treated is avoided, there is a low risk of harm to the environment from the nine poly(amines). It is concluded that the nine poly(amines) do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or their biological diversity or that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

Although human exposure was established as high, the human health hazard for these polymers was concluded to be low. Therefore, on the basis of the risk classification performed in the second phase of polymer rapid screening, it is unlikely that exposure to these substances will pose a human health risk.

On the basis of the information presented in this screening assessment, it is concluded that the nine poly(amines) do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

Overall conclusion

It is concluded that the nine substances in the Poly(amines) Group do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

The screening assessment for these substances is available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CONTROLLED DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES ACT

Notice of intent to develop new regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with respect to supervised consumption sites and services

This notice of intent provides interested parties and the general public with the opportunity to comment on Health Canada’s intent to develop new regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) with respect to supervised consumption sites and services.

The opioid overdose crisis continues to be one of the most devastating public health crises in recent history. Between January 2016 and December 2019, there have been at least 15 393 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive response that recognizes the complex health and social issues involved in problematic substance use. In recent years, Health Canada has taken steps to integrate harm reduction into the federal response to problematic substance use and the opioid crisis. Harm reduction measures aim to support people who use drugs to live safer and healthier lives and reduce the negative health, social, and economic impacts associated with problematic substance use.

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canada’s response to the current opioid crisis is robust, well-coordinated and effective. Part of this response involves scaling up the most effective harm-reduction programs, such as supervised consumption sites (SCSs). Canadian and international evidence clearly demonstrates that SCSs save lives. SCSs may offer a range of evidence-based harm reduction and treatment services, such as drug checking, peer assistance, and safer supply for medication-assisted therapy. In addition, SCSs serve as a pathway to connect people who use drugs with health and social services, including housing and community services, access to primary health care, and treatment options. Overdose prevention sites, such as supervised consumption sites, provide a space for people who use drugs to consume them and receive overdose response measures if necessary, but they are temporary and do not generally have the additional services offered at an SCS.

The CDSA is the federal drug control statute that protects public health and maintains public safety by generally prohibiting activities with controlled substances (e.g. possession, production, importing, exporting and trafficking), unless authorized through regulations or exemptions. The CDSA is also the means by which Canada fulfills its obligations under the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol; the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988, which together form the basis for the global drug control system. The objective of regulations under the CDSA is to allow legitimate activities with controlled substances and precursors (for example, their use in approved prescription drugs or research projects), while minimizing the risk of their diversion to illegal markets or uses.

In 2017, the CDSA was amended to, among other things, streamline and simplify the application process for applicants who wish to open an SCS. The application criteria for an SCS were amended to align them with the five factors set out by the Supreme Court of Canada in its 2011 judgment in the case of Canada (Attorney General) v. PHS Community Services Society (i.e. impact on crime rates, local conditions indicating need, regulatory structure in place to support the facility, resources available to support its maintenance, and expressions of community support or opposition).

SCSs are a critical component of the Government of Canada’s approach to addressing the issue of problematic substance use. Current research demonstrates that SCSs reduce the transmission of communicable diseases, decrease infections, reduce emergency room use and hospital admissions related to injection drug use, and decrease overdose deaths.

To operate an SCS for medical purposes in Canada, an exemption under section 56.1 of the CDSA is necessary. Each SCS exemption application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, on its own merits, taking into consideration the information in the application and the public health and public safety objectives of the CDSA. Once an exemption has been granted, applicants are required to undergo a regular subsequent exemption process to continue operating.

As of July 2020, 38 SCSs are operating across the country. Since June 2017, Canadian SCSs have received almost 2.2 million visits, reversed almost 17 400 overdoses without a single death at a site, and made almost 84 000 referrals to health and social services. As the number of SCSs across the country continues to rise, Health Canada is looking to develop new regulations under the CDSA that would seek to

Health Canada recognizes that there is a wide range of factors that influence the operation of each supervised consumption site, and that new regulations will require flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The purpose of this consultation is to seek comments from interested parties that will inform the development of these new regulations for supervised consumption services. In particular, Health Canada is seeking input into the following questions:

The publication of this notice of intent in the Canada Gazette, Part I, initiates a 60-day comment period that will end on October 7, 2020. If you are interested in participating in this consultation or would like to provide written comments, please contact the Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Controlled Substances Directorate, Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch, Health Canada, by mail at Address Locator: 0302A, 150 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, or by email at hc.csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc.sc@canada.ca. All feedback received through this consultation will inform the development of the regulations.

Michelle Boudreau
Director General
Controlled Substances Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis 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.

Position

Organization

Closing date

Member

Atlantic Pilotage Authority Canada

  

President and Chief Executive Officer

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited

  

Director

Business Development Bank of Canada

  

Director — Board Risk Committee Chairperson

Business Development Bank of Canada

  

Chairperson

Canada Council for the Arts

  

Commissioner for Employers

Canada Employment Insurance Commission

  

Commissioner for Workers

Canada Employment Insurance Commission

  

President and Chief Executive Officer

Canada Lands Company Limited

  

President

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

  

Member (Federal)

Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board

  

President

Canadian Commercial Corporation

  

Commissioner (full-time), Commissioner (part-time)

Canadian Energy Regulator

  

Director

Canadian Energy Regulator

  

Chief Commissioner

Canadian Grain Commission

  

Commissioner

Canadian Grain Commission

  

Member

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

  

Chairperson

Canadian International Trade Tribunal

  

Director

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

  

Permanent Member

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

  

Executive Director

Canadian Race Relations Foundation

  

President

Canadian Space Agency

  

Chairperson

Canadian Transportation Agency

  

Temporary Member

Canadian Transportation Agency

  

Chief Administrator

Courts Administration Service

  

President

Destination Canada

  

Director

Export Development Canada

  

Director

Farm Credit Canada

  

Chairperson

Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board

  

Vice-Chairperson

Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board

  

Chairperson

Great Lakes Pilotage Authority Canada

  

Director (Federal)

Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority

  

Assistant Deputy Chairperson

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

  

Member (appointment to roster)

International Trade and International Investment Dispute Settlement Bodies

  

Chairperson

Marine Atlantic Inc.

  

Director (Federal)

Nanaimo Port Authority

  

Secretary

National Battlefields Commission

  

Member

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

  

Taxpayers’ Ombudsman

Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman

  

Member

Payments in Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel

  

Chairperson

Polar Knowledge Canada

  

Member

Polar Knowledge Canada

  

President

Polar Knowledge Canada

  

Director

Public Sector Pension Investment Board

  

Member

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

  

President

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

  

Registrar

Supreme Court of Canada

  

Chairperson and Member

Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada

  

Member

Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada

  

Vice-Chairperson

Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada

  

Member

Transportation Safety Board of Canada