Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 155, Number 13: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

March 27, 2021

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Final guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality for 1,4-dioxane

Pursuant to subsection 55(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of Health hereby gives notice of the final guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality for 1,4-dioxane. The technical document for these guidelines is available on the Water Quality website. This document underwent a public consultation period of 60 days in 2018 and was updated to take into consideration the comments received.

March 27, 2021

David Morin
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Guideline value

A maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 0.050 mg/L (50 µg/L) is established for 1,4-dioxane in drinking water.

Executive summary

1,4-Dioxane is a chemical that is not found naturally in the environment. It is produced in Canada and imported from other countries, primarily to be used as an industrial and commercial solvent. It can also be present as a contaminant in cosmetics, food additives, and food packaging materials, or on food crops treated with pesticides containing 1,4-dioxane. Its release to the environment is mainly from chemical waste disposal practices, leaks from landfills, or wastewater discharges. Because of its chemical properties, 1,4-dioxane travels rapidly, partitioning from soil to groundwater sources.

The guideline technical document reviews and assesses all identified health risks associated with 1,4-dioxane in drinking water. It incorporates available studies and approaches and takes into consideration the availability of appropriate treatment technology. Based on this review, the guideline for 1,4-dioxane in drinking water is a maximum concentration of 0.050 mg/L (50 μg/L).

Health effects

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified 1,4-dioxane as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (group 2B) based on sufficient evidence in laboratory animals and inadequate evidence in humans.

The MAC of 0.050 mg/L is based on studies of liver effects in rats that occur before the development of cancer, and is protective of both cancer and non-cancer health effects of 1,4-dioxane. Studies in humans are limited to the non-cancer health risks associated with exposure via inhalation, which affects the liver and kidneys, and support the observations in laboratory animal studies.

The most severe health effect associated with exposure to 1,4-dioxane in animals is cancer. Science indicates that 1,4-dioxane only causes cancer above a certain level of exposure. As the non-cancer health effects on the liver are the most sensitive health effects and are precursors of the cancer effects, they are deemed appropriate as the basis for a MAC that is protective of both cancer and non-cancer health effects.

Exposure

The primary sources of exposure to 1,4-dioxane are inhalation of outdoor air or vapours during cleaning activities, ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water, and dermal contact with consumer products. 1,4-Dioxane is generally not detected in water supplies in Canada. In some cases, it has been found in groundwater located near landfills and industrial sites as it can migrate rapidly in the subsurface.

Although skin contact and inhalation are potential routes of exposure to 1,4-dioxane, the intake of 1,4-dioxane from drinking water through these routes (e.g. while bathing or showering) is not significant and is not considered in this assessment.

Analysis and treatment considerations

Because of its chemical properties, analysis of 1,4-dioxane can be challenging. Therefore, appropriate sample preparation methods are needed for 1,4-dioxane to be measured in drinking water at levels well below the MAC.

Since the physical and chemical properties of 1,4-dioxane make it difficult to remove using conventional drinking water treatment at the municipal level, alternative treatment technologies, such as advanced oxidation processes and, to a lesser extent, synthetic adsorbents, need to be considered. These alternative technologies are capable of effectively removing 1,4-dioxane, achieving treated water concentrations below the MAC. Recent research also indicates that reverse osmosis membranes may be capable of removing a large proportion of 1,4-dioxane from water.

At the residential level, there are no certified residential treatment units for the reduction of 1,4-dioxane from drinking water. However, available data suggest that 1,4-dioxane may be effectively removed by reverse osmosis at the point of use.

Application of the guidelines

Note: Specific guidance related to the implementation of drinking water guidelines should be obtained from the appropriate drinking water authority in the affected jurisdiction.

The main use of 1,4-dioxane has historically been in industrial applications as a stabilizer of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA). It commonly co-occurs in groundwater contaminated with the chlorinated solvent TCA and its degradation product 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE) as well trichloroethylene (TCE) at sites with long operating histories where both TCA and TCE were used. 1,4-Dioxane also occurs as a by-product in the production of ethoxylated surfactants and polyethylene terephthalate plastics, and it is used directly in pharmaceutical and other industries. Landfills and solvent recycling facilities are among the most common sources of 1,4-dioxane contamination in groundwater. Effluents from industrial facilities and wastewater treatment plants have also been found to be sources of 1,4-dioxane in surface water.

Due to the chemically persistent nature of 1,4-dioxane, the impact of release events (such as historical waste disposal practices) are typically long-lasting on the receiving environment. Since 1,4-dioxane is resistant to natural degradation and other attenuation processes once it enters the subsurface, it can reach drinking water wells through the migration of a contaminated groundwater plume.

Monitoring

Utilities should characterize their source water to determine the concentration of 1,4-dioxane. Semi-annual monitoring should be conducted for sources that are known to be impacted by industrial wastes, landfill leachate, wastewater effluent and/or sources that contain chlorinated solvents. Utilities with baseline data indicating that 1,4-dioxane is not present in source water may conduct less frequent monitoring.

Drinking water systems can treat source water using specific treatment processes (i.e. advanced oxidation processes) to remove 1,4-dioxane from drinking water. 1,4-Dioxane is not effectively treated by technologies usually employed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Therefore, these treatment systems should be carefully designed and maintained to ensure that they are effective for treating 1,4-dioxane. When treatment is in place for 1,4-dioxane, compliance monitoring of the treated water should be conducted semi-annually and in conjunction with monitoring of the source water to confirm the efficacy of treatment. Drinking water samples should be collected after treatment and prior to distribution (typically at the entry point to the distribution system). The operational monitoring frequency will depend on the treatment technology the utility employs.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Proposed Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality for Malathion

Pursuant to subsection 55(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of Health hereby gives notice of the proposed Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality for Malathion. The proposed guideline technical document is available from March 27, 2021, to May 26, 2021, on the Health Canada consultation webpage. Any person may, within 60 days after publication of this notice, file with the Minister of Health written comments on the proposed document. Comments must be sent by email at HC.water-eau.SC@canada.ca.

March 27, 2021

David Morin
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Proposed guideline value

A maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 0.29 mg/L (290 μg/L) is proposed for malathion in drinking water.

Executive summary

This guideline technical document was prepared in collaboration with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water and is based on assessments of malathion completed by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and supporting documents.

Exposure

Malathion is a registered insecticide and acaricide used on a wide variety of sites including agricultural and non-agricultural sites. In 2018 (the most recent year for which data are available), over 25 000 kg of malathion was sold in Canada (Health Canada, 2020a). Malathion may be released into surface water or soils as runoff from the application site.

Malathion is not usually found in drinking water sources in Canada. Low levels of malathion have been found in several Canadian provinces. The maximum reported concentrations are well below the proposed MAC. Malathion is rarely detected in foods.

Health effects

Animal studies indicate that the kidney is the most sensitive target organ for malathion toxicity. There are no human studies on the effects of malathion on the kidney. The proposed MAC of 0.29 mg/L (290 µg/L) is based on an increase in severity of chronic kidney effects seen in a two-year rat study.

Analytical and treatment considerations

The establishment of drinking water guidelines takes into consideration the ability to both measure the contaminant and remove it from drinking water supplies. Several analytical methods are available for measuring malathion in water at concentrations well below the proposed MAC.

At the municipal level, treatment technologies are available to effectively decrease malathion concentrations in drinking water supplies. Activated carbon adsorption, membrane filtration, oxidation, and advanced oxidation processes can all be used in the treatment of malathion in drinking water. Advanced oxidation processes achieve the highest removal, with lower removals achieved through oxidation. When using degradation processes like oxidation or advanced oxidation processes, water utilities should be aware of the potential for the formation of degradation by-products (e.g. malaoxon). Pilot- and/or bench-scale testing is recommended prior to full-scale implementation.

In cases where malathion removal is desired at a small-system or household level, for example, when the drinking water supply is from a private well, a residential drinking water treatment unit may be an option. Although there are no treatment units currently certified for the removal of malathion from drinking water, activated carbon adsorption and reverse osmosis technologies are expected to be effective. When using a residential drinking water treatment unit, it is important to take samples of water entering and leaving the treatment unit and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis to ensure that adequate malathion removal is occurring.

Application of the guidelines

Note: Specific guidance related to the implementation of drinking water guidelines should be obtained from the appropriate drinking water authority.

The proposed guideline value for malathion is protective against health effects from exposure to malathion in drinking water over a lifetime. Any exceedance of the proposed MAC should be investigated and followed by the appropriate corrective actions if required. For exceedances in source water where there is no treatment in place, additional monitoring to confirm the exceedance should be conducted. If it is confirmed that source water malathion concentrations are above the proposed MAC, then an investigation to determine the most appropriate way to reduce exposure to malathion should be conducted. This may include the use of an alternate water supply or the installation of treatment. Where treatment is already in place and an exceedance occurs, an investigation should be conducted to verify the treatment and determine if adjustments are needed to lower the treated water concentration below the proposed MAC.

INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA

RADIOCOMMUNICATION ACT

Notice No. SLPB-001-21 — Consultation on a Streamlined Framework for Auctioning Residual Spectrum Licences

The intent of this notice is to announce Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's (ISED) initiation of a public consultation on a streamlined framework for auctioning residual spectrum licences through the release of the document entitled Consultation on a Streamlined Framework for Auctioning Residual Spectrum Licences.

Submitting comments

To ensure consideration, parties should submit their comments no later than May 17, 2021. Respondents are asked to provide their comments in electronic format (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) by email at ic.spectrumauctions-encheresduspectre.ic@canada.ca. Soon after the close of the comment period, all comments will be posted on ISED's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. ISED will review and consider all comments in order to arrive at its decisions regarding the above-mentioned consultation.

All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, the publication date, the title and the reference number of this notice (SLPB-001-21).

Obtaining copies

Copies of this notice and of documents referred to herein are available electronically on ISED's Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.

Official versions of notices can be viewed on the Canada Gazette website.

March 27, 2021

Matthew Kellison
Senior Director
Spectrum Licensing Policy 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
Member	Atlantic Pilotage Authority Canada
Commissioner	British Columbia Treaty Commission
Member	Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority
Director	Business Development Bank of Canada
President and Chief Executive Officer	Business Development Bank of Canada
President and Chief Executive Officer	Canada Development Investment Corporation
Commissioner for Employers	Canada Employment Insurance Commission
Director	Canada Infrastructure Bank
President and Chief Executive Officer	Canada Lands Company Limited
Director	Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Member of the Board of Directors	Canada Post
Member	Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board
Director	Canadian Energy Regulator
Federal Housing Advocate	Canadian Human Rights Commission
Chairperson	Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
Member	Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
Member	Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Chairperson	Canadian Museum of History
Director	Canadian Museum of History
Chairperson	Canadian Transportation Agency
Temporary Member	Canadian Transportation Agency
Chairperson	Destination Canada
Director	Destination Canada
Director	Farm Credit Canada
Chairperson	Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board
Vice-Chairperson	Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board
Director	Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation
Member	Great Lakes Pilotage Authority Canada
Director (Federal)	Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority
Member, Yukon	Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Assistant Deputy Chairperson	Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Governor	International Development Research Centre
Member (appointment to roster)	International Trade and International Investment Dispute Settlement Bodies
Chairperson	Laurentian Pilotage Authority Canada
Director	Marine Atlantic Inc.
Chairperson	Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada
Member	Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada
Member	National Arts Centre Corporation
Member	National Seniors Council
Commissioner and Director	Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages
Superintendent	Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada
Member	Payments in Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel
Commissioner	Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission
Chairperson	Standards Council of Canada
Registrar	Supreme Court of Canada
Member	Telefilm Canada
Director (Federal)	Toronto Port Authority
Chairperson and Member	Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
Vice-Chairperson	Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
Director (Federal)	Trois-Rivières Port Authority

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

CANADA TRANSPORTATION ACT

Levy on shipments of crude oil by rail

Pursuant to subsection 155.4(4) ^{footnote 1} of the Canada Transportation Act (the Act), the amount of the levy in respect of payments into the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods required by subsection 155.7(1) ^{footnote 1} of the Act is $1.80 per tonne during the year commencing April 1, 2021.

March 10, 2021

Omar Alghabra, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Transport

BANK OF CANADA

Statement of financial position as at February 28, 2021

(Millions of dollars) Unaudited

ASSETS	Amount	Total
Cash and foreign deposits		6.0
Loans and receivables
Securities purchased under resale agreements	153,292.6
Advances	0.0
Other receivables	7.7
		153,300.3
Investments
Government of Canada treasury bills	45,437.4
Government of Canada bonds — carried at amortized cost	110,349.3
Government of Canada bonds — carried at fair value through profit and loss	221,910.4
Canada Mortgage Bonds	9,675.5
Other bonds	17,201.3
Securities lent or sold under repurchase agreements	8,189.2
Other investments	2,461.7
Shares in the Bank for International Settlements (BIS)	492.2
		415,717.0
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada		6,714.7
Capital assets
Property and equipment	561.4
Intangible assets	86.1
Right-of-use leased assets	48.6
		692.1
Other assets		48.6
Total assets		576,478.7

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	Amount	Total
Bank notes in circulation		104,737.4
Deposits
Government of Canada	66,200.7
Members of Payments Canada	386,974.5
Other deposits	8,925.2
		462,100.4
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		7,507.1
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada		0.0
Other liabilities		1,549.6
		575,894.5
Equity
Share capital	5.0
Statutory and special reserves	125.0
Investment revaluation reserve	454.2
		584.2
Total Liabilities and Equity		576,478.7