Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 158, Number 2: GOVERNMENT NOTICES
January 13, 2024
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
MIGRATORY BIRDS CONVENTION ACT, 1994
Notice of intent to amend the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022
Notice is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment is considering amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 pursuant to section 12 of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
The purposes of the proposed amendments to Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 are to change hunting season dates, set daily bag limits and possession limits, as well as make other related modifications for certain species of migratory game birds for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 hunting seasons. The proposed amendments also include minor administrative changes mainly to Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.
The proposed regulatory amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 will ensure the sustainable harvest of migratory game bird populations in Canada. In addition, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is considering the establishment of a Sandhill Crane season in Ontario and Quebec. The earliest implementation date would be for hunting season 2026–2027. The Department is seeking comments on this potential amendment.
The hunting provisions of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 are reviewed every second year with input from the provinces and territories and a range of other stakeholders. However, ECCC evaluates the status of migratory game bird populations on an annual basis to ensure that harvest rates remain sustainable and to ensure that urgent regulatory amendments can be made if necessary.
The Department produces three reports as part of its consultation process when the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 are reviewed. The first report, titled Population Status of Migratory Game Birds in Canada, contains population and other biological information on migratory game birds, thus providing the scientific basis for informing management decisions that ensure the long-term sustainability of their population. The second report, titled Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations, outlines the proposed changes to the hunting provisions of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, as well as proposals to amend the special conservation measures for the management of overabundant species and other proposed amendments to the Regulations. These two reports are distributed to organizations, as well as to some individuals with an interest in migratory game bird conservation, and provide the opportunity for input regarding the proposed regulatory amendments. The third report, Migratory Birds Regulations in Canada, summarizes the hunting regulations for the upcoming two hunting seasons and is also provided to organizations and individuals with an interest in migratory game bird conservation.
Electronic copies of the above-mentioned documents may be viewed on the web page for the Consultation process on Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations.
Interested parties who wish to comment on the proposed regulatory amendments as outlined in the report titled Proposals to Amend the Canadian Migratory Birds Regulations are invited to submit their comments by February 12, 2024.
Comments on the amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 can be submitted to
Caroline Ladanowski
Director
Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard, 15th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Email: MbregsReports-Rapports-Omregs@ec.gc.ca
Chris Evans
Director General
Wildlife Management Directorate
Canadian Wildlife Service
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Publication after assessment of 15 substances in the Substituted Phenols Group specified on the Domestic Substances List (section 77 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)
Whereas a summary of the draft assessment conducted on 8 substances pursuant to paragraphs 68(b) and (c) of the Act is annexed hereby;
And whereas it is proposed to conclude that the 4 substances bearing Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RNs)footnote 1 118-82-1, 128-37-0, 36443-68-2, and 61788-44-1 meet 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 the substances bearing CAS RNs 118-82-1 and 61788-44-1 be added to Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Act and that the substances bearing CAS RNs 128-37-0 and 36443-68-2 be added to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Act.
Notice is furthermore given that the ministers have released a risk management scope document for these 4 substances to initiate discussions with stakeholders on the development of risk management options.
And whereas it is proposed to conclude that the remaining 11 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 on the 11 substances at this time.
Notice is further given that options are being considered for follow-up activities to track changes in exposure to the substances bearing CAS RNs 96-69-5 and 98-54-4.
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 email to substances@ec.gc.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 Reporting Assessment Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment
Cécile Siewe
Director General
Industrial Sectors and Chemicals Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment
Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health
ANNEX
Summary of the draft assessment of the Substituted Phenols Group
Pursuant to section 68 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted an assessment of 15 substances referred to collectively under the Chemicals Management Plan as the Substituted Phenols Group. The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RNs) and Domestic Substances List (DSL) names of these substances are listed in the table below.
| CAS RN | DSL name |
|---|---|
| 85-60-9 | Phenol, 4,4′-butylidenebis[2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-methyl- |
| 96-69-5 | Phenol, 4,4′-thiobis[2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-methyl- |
| 96-76-4 | Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- |
| 98-54-4 | Phenol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)- |
| 118-82-1 | Phenol, 4,4′-methylenebis[2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- |
| 128-37-0 | Phenol, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl- |
| 128-39-2 | Phenol, 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- |
| 1843-03-4 | Phenol, 4,4′,4″-(1-methyl-1-propanyl-3-ylidene)tris[2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-methyl - |
| 2082-79-3 | Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, octadecyl ester |
| 4221-80-1 | Benzoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- 4-hydroxy-, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl ester |
| 6386-38-5 | Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, methyl ester |
| 35958-30-6 | Phenol, 2,2′-ethylidenebis[4,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)- |
| 36443-68-2 | Benzenepropanoic acid, 3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-, 1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy-2,1-ethanediyl) ester |
| 41484-35-9 | Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, thiodi-2,1-ethanediyl ester |
| 61788-44-1 table 1 note a | Phenol, styrenated |
Table 1 note(s)
|
|
All substances in this group have been subject to at least one survey issued pursuant to section 71 of CEPA since 2008. Imports in Canada above the 100 kg reporting threshold and within the range of 1 000 kg to 10 000 000 kg have been reported for all substances; manufacturing in Canada above the 100 kg threshold and within the range of 100 kg and 1 000 kg was reported for three substances in the group. Based on information reported in these surveys, these substances are used in a variety of industrial, commercial and consumer applications, including in lubricant and fuel additives, plastic and rubber additives, paints and coatings, and in personal care products, and as a component in the manufacture of food packaging materials, plastics and rubber products, adhesives and sealants, and fabric and textiles.
Available data and model predictions indicate that one substance (CAS RN 98-54-4) can undergo some degradation in the environment and that the other 14 substances do not readily degrade in the environment. Two substances (CAS RNs 118-82-1 and 61788-44-1) in this group are expected to have high potential for bioaccumulation, while the other 13 substances are not expected to significantly bioaccumulate in organisms.
The ecological risks associated with 4 substances in the Substituted Phenols Group were characterized using the ecological risk classification of organic substances (ERC), 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 the ecological risk classification. Based on the outcome of the ERC analysis, these 4 substances (CAS RNs 85-60-9, 2082-79-3, 6386-38-5, and 41484-35-9) are considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.
Of the remaining 11 substances, the ecological effects assessment was conducted on the basis of available empirical toxicity data for the aquatic compartment or using the critical body residue (CBR) approach. Aquatic predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) were calculated for 9 substances, and the PNECs calculated suggest that they are capable of causing adverse effects to aquatic organisms below their solubility limit. Among these 9 substances, the potential for endocrine effects via estrogen receptor binding was identified for the substance bearing CAS RN 98-54-4 and the monostyrenated phenol component of the UVCB substance bearing CAS RN 61788-44-1; both are non-hindered phenols. The 2 additional substances (CAS RNs 4221-80-1 and 1843-03-4) are not expected to demonstrate any adverse effect on aquatic organisms at or below their water saturation levels. Empirical sediment toxicity data is not available for any of the 11 substances, and empirical soil toxicity data is only available for 5 substances (CAS RNs 96-76-4, 118-82-1, and 128-39-2, and for the analogues of the substances bearing CAS RNs 35958-30-6 and 36443-68-2). Given the uncertainties associated with using the CBR approach for the derivation of PNECs for sediment and soil organisms, PNECs for sediment organisms were not calculated, and PNECs for soil organisms were only developed using empirical soil toxicity data.
An environmental exposure assessment was conducted for these 11 substances by considering the major industrial applications and the reported import quantities of these substances. Given that few companies reported manufacturing and that reported quantities were small, manufacturing sources were not considered in the development of exposure scenarios. The aquatic compartment is considered to be the key receiving environmental compartment; therefore, the ecological risk characterization focused on this compartment. Exposure in soil was also estimated for 5 substances for which PNECs were derived. The aquatic and soil predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) were initially calculated based on generic assumptions reflecting different industrial sectors. Where generic scenarios indicated risk, refinements were further applied to inform the potential for environmental exposure. Risk quotients were calculated by comparing the PECs with the PNECs for the aquatic and soil compartments, and outcomes were considered as key lines of evidence in the ecological risk characterization.
Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft assessment, there is a risk of harm to the environment from the substances bearing CAS RNs 118-82-1, 128-37-0, 36443-68-2, and 61788-44-1. It is proposed to conclude that the substances bearing CAS RNs 118-82-1, 128-37-0, 36443-68-2, and 61788-44-1 meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) of CEPA as they are entering or may enter 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. However, it is proposed to conclude that the substances bearing CAS RNs 118-82-1, 128-37-0, 36443-68-2, and 61788-44-1 do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(b) of CEPA as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends. It is also proposed to conclude that the substances bearing CAS RNs 85-60-9, 96-69-5, 96-76-4, 98-54-4, 128-39-2, 1843-03-4, 2082-79-3, 4221-80-1, 6386-38-5, 35958-30-6, and 41484-35-9 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 human health, potential exposure of the general population of Canada to substances in this group can occur through drinking water, food, potential use of the substances as a component in the manufacture of food packaging materials, and products available to consumers. Specifically, exposure to the substance bearing CAS RN 128-37-0 may occur through the use of cosmetics, paints, plastics and rubber, and lubricants. Exposure to the substance bearing CAS RN 2082-79-3 may occur from the use of plastics and rubber, paints, and cosmetics. In addition, exposure to the substances bearing CAS RNs 96-76-4, 98-54-4, 118-82-1, 128-37-0, 128-39-2, and 41484-35-9 may occur from the use of lubricants and automotive products. Liver and thyroid effects were reported for the substances bearing CAS RNs 128-37-0, 35958-30-6, and 36443-68-2. The critical health effects for the substance bearing CAS RN 35958-30-6 were determined to be testis toxicity in males, and liver and thyroid effects in females, based on information from the analogue substances bearing CAS RNs 88-24-4 and 119-47-1. Liver, spleen, and adrenal effects were reported for the substance bearing CAS RN 1843-03-4. Liver effects as well as altered hematological parameters were reported for the substances bearing CAS RNs 85-60-9, 96-76-4, 118-82-1, 128-39-2, and 2082-79-3. The effects from the substance bearing CAS RN 96-76-4 were read-across from those of the substance bearing CAS RN 128-39-2. It was also noted that the substances bearing CAS RNs 96-69-5, 98-54-4, and 35958-30-6 displayed reproductive and/or developmental toxicities. Finally, no toxicological effects were identified for the substances bearing CAS RNs 4221-80-1, 6386-38-5, 41484-35-9, and 61788-44-1. A comparison of the critical effects levels with the levels of the substances in this group to which the general population may be exposed (through drinking water, food and food packaging, use of products available to consumers) resulted in margins of exposure that are considered adequate to account for uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.
The human health assessment took into consideration those groups of individuals within the Canadian population who, due to greater susceptibility or greater exposure, may be more vulnerable to experiencing adverse health effects. These subpopulations were taken into account in the risk assessment outcomes of certain substances in the Substituted Phenols Group.
Considering all the information presented in this draft assessment, it is proposed to conclude that the 15 substances in the Substituted Phenols Group 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 a danger in Canada to human life or health.
Proposed overall conclusion
It is proposed to conclude that the substances bearing CAS RNs 118-82-1, 128-37-0, 36443-68-2, and 61788-44-1 meet one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA and that the other 11 substances in the Substituted Phenols Group do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.
It is also proposed to conclude that the substances bearing CAS RNs 118-82-1 and 61788-44-1 meet the persistence and bioaccumulation criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA, while the substances bearing CAS RNs 128-37-0 and 36443-68-2 meet the persistence but not the bioaccumulation criteria.
Consideration for follow-up
While exposure of the environment to the substances bearing the CAS RNs 96-69-5 and 98-54-4 is not of concern at current levels, the substances are associated with effects of concern. Therefore, there may be concerns if exposure to these substances were to increase. Follow-up activities may be considered in future initiatives to track their commercial status or identify new uses or exposures.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide, during the 60-day public comment period on the draft assessment, any information pertaining to the substances that may help inform the choice of follow-up activity. This could include information on new or planned import, manufacture or use of the substances if the information has not previously been submitted to the ministers.
The draft assessment and the risk management scope document for these substances are available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Bank of Canada | |
| Director | Canada Foundation for Innovation | |
| Director | Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology | |
| Director | Canada Infrastructure Bank | |
| Chairperson | Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation | |
| Director | Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation | |
| President | Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization | |
| Director | Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization | |
| Director | Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse | |
| Director | Canadian Commercial Corporation | |
| Commissioner | Canadian Energy Regulator | |
| Director | Canadian Energy Regulator | |
| Chief Commissioner | Canadian Grain Commission | |
| Chief Commissioner | Canadian Human Rights Commission | |
| Member | Canadian Human Rights Tribunal | |
| Member | Canadian Institutes of Health Research | |
| President | Canadian Institutes of Health Research | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Museum for Human Rights | |
| President | Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission | |
| Director | Canadian Race Relations Foundation | |
| Director | Canadian Tourism Commission | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Transportation Accident Investigation and Safety Board | |
| Member | Copyright Board | |
| Director | Export Development Canada | |
| Director | First Nations Financial Management Board | |
| Commissioner | First Nations Tax Commission | |
| Director (Federal) | Halifax Port Authority | |
| Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel | House of Commons | |
| Member | Independent Advisory Board on Eligibility for Journalism Tax Measures | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Independent Advisory Board on Eligibility for Journalism Tax Measures | |
| Chairperson | Laurentian Pilotage Authority | |
| Commissioner | Law Commission of Canada | |
| Parliamentary Librarian | Library of Parliament | |
| Chairperson | Military Grievances External Review Committee | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Military Grievances External Review Committee | |
| Chairperson | National Advisory Council on Poverty | |
| Member (Children’s Issues) | National Advisory Council on Poverty | |
| Commissioner | National Battlefields Commission | |
| Chairperson | National Gallery of Canada | |
| Chairperson | National Seniors Council | |
| Member | National Seniors Council | |
| Canadian Representative | North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization | |
| Canadian Representative | North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission | |
| Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner | Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner | |
| Director of Public Prosecutions | Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions | |
| Member | Public Service Pension Advisory Committee | |
| Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments | Senate | |
| Member | Social Sciences and Humanity Research Council | |
| Chairperson | Telefilm Canada | |
| Member | Telefilm Canada | |
| Director | VIA Rail Canada Inc. |