Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 154, Number 5: GOVERNMENT NOTICES
February 1, 2020
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Ministerial Condition No. 20160
Ministerial condition
(Paragraph 84(1)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)
Whereas the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) have assessed information pertaining to the substance 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, compd. with (Z)-N-9-octadecenyl-1,3-propanediamine, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 40027-38-1;
And whereas the ministers suspect that the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic within the meaning of section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act),
The Minister of the Environment, pursuant to paragraph 84(1)(a) of the Act, hereby permits the manufacture or import of the substance in accordance with the conditions of the following annex.
Nancy Hamzawi
Assistant Deputy Minister
Science and Technology Branch
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment
ANNEX
Conditions
(Paragraph 84(1)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)
1. The following definitions apply in these ministerial conditions:
- “notifier” means the person who has, on October 1, 2019, provided to the Minister of the Environment the prescribed information concerning the substance, in accordance with subsection 81(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;
- “substance” means 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, compd. with (Z)-N-9-octadecenyl-1,3-propanediamine, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 40027-38-1.
2. The notifier may manufacture or import the substance in accordance with the present ministerial conditions.
Restrictions
3. (a) The notifier may manufacture or import the substance only to manufacture engine or transmission lubricant.
(b) The notifier may also import the substance when it is contained within engine or transmission lubricant.
4. The notifier shall transfer the physical possession or control of the substance to a person who agrees to use it only to manufacture engine or transmission lubricant.
Environmental release
5. When there is a release to the environment of the substance that is not contained within engine or transmission lubricant, the person who has the physical possession or control of the substance shall immediately take all measures necessary to prevent any further release, and to limit the dispersion of any release. Furthermore, the person shall as soon as possible in the circumstances, inform the Minister of the Environment by contacting an enforcement officer designated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Application
6. Sections 4, 8, and 9 and paragraph 7(1)(c) do not apply if the physical possession or control of the substance is transferred while the substance is contained within engine or transmission lubricant.
Record-keeping requirements
7. (1) The notifier shall maintain electronic or paper records, with any documentation supporting the validity of the information contained in these records, indicating
- (a) the use of the substance;
- (b) the quantity of the substance that the notifier manufactures, imports, purchases, sells and uses; and
- (c) the name and address of each person to whom the notifier transfers the physical possession or control of the substance.
(2) The notifier shall maintain electronic or paper records mentioned in subsection (1) at their principal place of business in Canada, or at the principal place of business in Canada of their representative, for a period of at least five years after they are made.
Other requirements
8. The notifier shall inform any person to whom they transfer the physical possession or control of the substance, in writing, of the terms of the present ministerial conditions.
9. The notifier shall obtain, prior to the first transfer of the substance, written confirmation from this person that they were informed of the terms of the present ministerial conditions and that they agree to comply with them. This written confirmation shall be maintained at the principal place of business in Canada of the notifier or of their representative in Canada for a period of at least five years from the day it was received.
Coming into force
10. The present ministerial conditions come into force on January 22, 2020.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Notice of intent to amend the Domestic Substances List under subsection 87(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to indicate that subsection 81(3) of that Act applies to the substance benzene, 1-chloro-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-, also known as mitotane
Whereas the substance benzene, 1-chloro-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]- (Chemical Abstracts Service [CAS] Registry No. 53-19-0) is specified on the Domestic Substances List; footnote a
And whereas the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) suspect that the information concerning a significant new activity in relation to the substance may contribute to determining the circumstances in which the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic within the meaning of section 64 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, footnote b
Therefore, notice is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment intends to amend the Domestic Substances List pursuant to subsection 87(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to indicate that subsection 81(3) of that Act applies to any significant new activities relating to mitotane, as set out in this notice.
Public comment period
Any person may, within 60 days of publication of this notice, file with the Minister of the Environment comments with respect to this proposal. All comments must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice and can be submitted using the online reporting system available through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window, sent by mail to the Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division, Department of the Environment, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3, by fax to 819‑938‑5212, or by email to eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca.
The final screening assessment document for the substance may be obtained from the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.
In accordance with section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person who provides information in response to this notice may also submit with the information a request that it be treated as confidential.
Nancy Hamzawi
Assistant Deputy Minister
Science and Technology Branch
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment
John Moffet
Assistant Deputy Minister
Environmental Protection Branch
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment
ANNEX
1. Part 1 of the Domestic Substances List is proposed to be amended by deleting the following:
- 53-19-0
2. Part 2 of the Domestic Substances List is proposed to be amended by adding the following:
| Column 1 |
Column 2 |
|---|---|
53-19-0 S′ |
1. In relation to the substance in Column 1, opposite to this section, any activity involving any use of the substance. 2. Despite section 1, the use of the substance as a therapeutic drug approved by Health Canada is not a significant new activity, including the use of the substance in a clinical trial application or new drug submission that is to be submitted to Health Canada for authorization. 3. For each proposed significant new activity, the following information must be provided to the Minister at least 180 days before the day on which the significant new activity begins:
4. The above information is to be assessed within 180 days after the day on which it is received by the Minister. |
COMING INTO FORCE
2. The Order comes into force on the day on which it is registered.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This explanatory note is not part of the notice of intent.)
Description
The notice of intent (NOI) is an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed amendment to the Domestic Substances List (DSL) to apply the significant new activity (SNAc) provisions of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) footnote c to the substance benzene, 1-chloro-2-[2,2-dichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]- (also known as mitotane, Chemical Abstracts Service [CAS] Registry No. 53-19-0), pursuant to subsection 87(3) of that Act.
Mitotane was proposed to be added to Schedule 1 of CEPA on November 11, 2017, following the publication of the final screening assessment, published in October 2017, which concluded that mitotane meets the criteria under paragraph 64(a) of CEPA, as it is 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. Concurrently with the final screening assessment, the Risk Management Approach for mitotane was also published, outlining the proposed risk management option to apply the SNAc provisions to mitotane.
Within 60 days of publication of the NOI, any person may submit comments to the Minister of the Environment (the Minister). These comments will be taken into consideration during the development of the Order amending the DSL to apply the SNAc provisions to this substance.
The DSL amendment is not in force until the Order is adopted by the Minister pursuant to subsection 87(3) of CEPA. The Order must be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
Applicability of the proposed Order
It is proposed that the Order amending the DSL requires any person (individual or corporation) engaging in a significant new activity in relation to the substance to submit a Significant New Activity Notification (SNAN) containing all of the information prescribed in the Order at least 180 days prior to the import, manufacture or use of the substance for the significant new activity.
In order to address the environmental effects of concern related to the high toxicity of mitotane to aquatic organisms, the Order would target any activity involving, in any calendar year, any quantity of the substance. Given that small changes in exposure to the environment could result in potential harm, a 0 kg threshold is proposed. The significant new activities would exclude therapeutic drugs approved by Health Canada; this includes when the substance is to be used in a clinical trial application or a new drug submission that are to be submitted to Health Canada for authorization. The proposed Order is not intended to limit current uses or impede patient access to treatment.
The use of the substance as a research and development substance, a site-limited intermediate substance, or an export-only substance, with a quantity of more than 0 kg per calendar year, would also be targeted by the proposed Order. The terms “research and development substance” and “site-limited intermediate substance” are defined in subsection 1(1) of the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers). An export-only substance is a substance that is manufactured in, or imported into, Canada and destined solely for foreign markets.
Activities not subject to the proposed Order
The proposed Order would not apply to the use of mitotane as a therapeutic drug approved by Health Canada.
The proposed Order would not apply to uses of the substance that are regulated under the Acts of Parliament listed in Schedule 2 of CEPA, including the Pest Control Products Act, the Fertilizers Act and the Feeds Act. The Order would also not apply to transient reaction intermediates, impurities, contaminants, partially unreacted intermediates or, in some circumstances, to items such as wastes, mixtures or manufactured items. footnote d
Information to be submitted
The NOI sets out the proposed requirements for information that would have to be provided to the Minister 180 days before the day on which the substance is imported, manufactured or used for a significant new activity. The Department of the Environment and the Department of Health will use the information submitted in the SNAN and other information to conduct environmental and human health assessments within 180 days after the complete information is received.
The information requirements in the proposed Order relate to general information in respect of the substance, details surrounding its use, and exposure information. Some of the proposed information requirements are set out in the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers).
Additional guidance on preparing a SNAN can be found in section 4 of the Guidelines for the Notification and Testing of New Substances: Chemicals and Polymers.
Compliance
When assessing whether or not a substance is subject to SNAc provisions, footnote e a person is expected to make use of information in their possession or to which they may reasonably be expected to have access. This means information in any of the notifier’s offices worldwide or other locations where the notifier can reasonably have access to the information. For example, manufacturers are expected to have access to their formulations, while importers or users of a substance, mixture, or product are expected to have access to import records, usage information and the relevant safety data sheets (SDS).footnote f
Although an SDS is an important source of information on the composition of a purchased product, it should be noted that the goal of the SDS is to protect the health of workers in the workplace from specific hazards of chemical products. Therefore, an SDS may not list all product ingredients that may be subject to an Order due to human health or environmental concerns. Any person requiring more detailed information on product composition is encouraged to contact their supplier.
If any information becomes available that reasonably supports the conclusion that the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic, the person who is in possession of or has knowledge of the information, and is involved in activities with the substance, is obligated, under section 70 of CEPA, to provide that information to the Minister without delay.
A company can submit a SNAN on behalf of its clients. For example, in cases where a person takes possession and control of a substance from another person, they may not be required to submit a SNAN, under certain conditions, if the activities were covered by the original SNAN. The Substances Management Advisory Note “Clarification in relation to the submission of Significant New Activity Notifications in application of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999” provides more detail on this subject.
Any person who transfers the physical possession or control of a substance subject to an order should notify all persons to whom the physical possession or control is transferred of the obligation to comply with the Order, including the obligation to notify the Minister of any significant new activity and to provide all the required information outlined above.
A pre-notification consultation (PNC) is recommended for notifiers who wish to consult during the planning or preparation of their SNAN to discuss any questions or concerns they have about the prescribed information and test plans.
Where a person has questions concerning their obligations to comply with an order, believes they may be out of compliance, or would like to request a PNC, they are encouraged to discuss their particular circumstances by contacting the Substances Management Information Line. footnote g
CEPA is enforced in accordance with the publicly available Compliance and Enforcement Policy for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. In instances of non-compliance, consideration is given to the following factors when deciding which enforcement measure to take: nature of the alleged violation, effectiveness in achieving compliance with CEPA and its regulations, and consistency in enforcement.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Notice with respect to the availability of a report summarizing any comments and notices of objection received
Pursuant to subsection 10(6) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, notice is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment makes available a summary of how any comments or notices of objection were dealt with regarding the Agreement on the Equivalency of Federal and British Columbia Regulations Respecting the Release of Methane from the Oil and Gas Sector in British Columbia, 2020. A summary of how any comments or notices of objection were dealt with regarding the Order Declaring that the Provisions of the Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector) Do Not Apply in British Columbia is also available.
The summary of how any comments or notices of objection were dealt with is available as of February 1, 2020, on the Department of the Environment Environmental Registry.
Contact
Magda Little
Director
Oil, Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Department of the Environment
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Email: ec.methane-methane.ec@canada.ca
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Publication after screening assessment of a substance — nonane, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl- (heptamethylnonane; HMN), CAS RN footnote 1 4390-04-9 — specified on the Domestic Substances List (subsection 77(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)
Whereas HMN is a substance identified under subsection 73(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;
Whereas a summary of the draft screening assessment conducted on HMN pursuant to section 74 of the Act is annexed hereby;
And whereas it is proposed to conclude that the substance does 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 this substance at this time under section 77 of the Act.
Public comment period
As specified under subsection 77(5) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, 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, or by email to eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca. Comments can also be submitted to the Minister of the Environment 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 heptamethylnonane
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 nonane, 2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl-, hereinafter referred to as heptamethylnonane (HMN). The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS RN) for HMN is 4390-04-9. This substance is among those substances identified as priorities for assessment, as it met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA.
HMN is a highly branched aliphatic hydrocarbon and is not known to occur naturally in the environment. The substance is primarily used as a skin conditioning agent, emollient, or solvent in self-care products. According to information obtained in a survey issued pursuant to a CEPA section 71 notice, the substance was reported to be imported into Canada in quantities ranging from 10 000 to 100 000 kg and was not reported to be manufactured in Canada above the reporting threshold of 100 kg.
The ecological risk of HMN was 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 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, HMN is 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 HMN. It is proposed to conclude that HMN does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA, as it is 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.
HMN is considered to be of low human hazard potential due to the lack of genotoxic, reproductive or developmental effects, and other adverse effects relevant to human health up to 1 000 mg/kg bw/day on the basis of oral studies conducted on HMN, and up to 1 393 mg/m3 on the basis of inhalation studies conducted on a structurally related substance. As HMN is considered to be of low hazard potential and the risk to human health is considered to be low, estimates of exposure to the general population were not derived.
On the basis of the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that HMN does not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA, as it is 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 conclusion
It is therefore proposed to conclude that HMN does not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.
The draft screening assessment for this substance is available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Publication of the draft science assessment of plastic pollution
Whereas the Government of Canada has conducted a draft science assessment of plastic pollution;
The executive summary of the draft science assessment conducted on plastic pollution is annexed hereby.
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 scientific considerations in the draft science assessment. 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.
Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of the Environment
Patty Hajdu
Minister of Health
ANNEX
Executive summary of the draft science assessment of plastic pollution
Plastics are among the most universally used materials in modern society. Since the 1950s, the production and use of plastics has been increasing faster than that of any other material, mostly due to their durability and low cost. However, the improper management of plastic waste has led to plastics becoming ubiquitous in all major compartments of the environment. Plastic that is discarded, disposed of, or abandoned in the environment outside of a managed waste stream is considered plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has been detected on shorelines, and in surface waters, sediment, soil, groundwater, indoor and outdoor air, drinking water and food. In Canada, it is estimated that 1% of plastic waste enters the environment, representing 29 000 tonnes of plastic pollution in 2016. Since plastic degrades very slowly and is persistent in the environment, the amount of plastic pollution is anticipated to continue to increase over time. There are growing concerns that plastic pollution may adversely impact the health of the environment and humans.
The purpose of this report is to summarize the current state of the science regarding the potential impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and human health, as well as to guide future research and inform decision-making on plastic pollution in Canada. It provides a review of the available information on plastic pollution, including its sources, occurrence, and fate, as well as on the potential effects of plastics on the environment and human health. This report is not intended to quantify the risks of plastic pollution on the environment or human health, but rather to survey the existing state of science in order to guide future scientific and regulatory activities.
Plastics are often defined by their size, with macroplastics being larger than 5 mm and microplastics being less than or equal to 5 mm. Plastic waste can be released into the environment as complete materials (e.g. discarded single-use or short-lived products, such as plastic bags and straws), as large pieces of plastics (e.g. fragments of plastic products) or as microplastics (e.g. microfibres released from washing of clothes or microbeads released through wastewater). Microplastics can also be formed through the breakdown of larger plastic items in the environment.
While plastics can degrade, the rate at which they break down is very slow and can be affected by multiple factors, such as temperature and light. In water, the rate of degradation is temperature dependent, being slower in cold water. The lack of exposure to sunlight also slows down the degradation of plastics. While oxidation can promote the degradation of plastics in soil, the rate of degradation is still slow. Although biodegradable plastics and bioplastics are increasingly being used as alternatives to conventional plastics, they may not degrade more readily than conventional plastics once in the environment.
Plastic packaging is the biggest contributor of plastic waste in Canada, followed by the automotive, textile, and electrical and electronic equipment sectors. The release of synthetic microfibres from wastewater treatment systems (WWTS) is also anticipated to represent a significant source of microplastic pollution. In WWTS, microplastics removed from wastewater settle in sewage sludge and are then released to land through the application of biosolids. The presence of microplastics in outdoor air is largely thought to be attributable to tire wear and tear, while microplastics in indoor air result from the shedding of fibres from clothing, furniture, carpeting and household goods.
It is clear that plastic pollution is found everywhere in the environment. In Canada, single-use plastics make up the bulk of plastic litter that is found in freshwater environments. The most common litter items collected on Canadian shorelines include bottle caps, plastic bags, plastic bottles, straws, and cigarette butts. Large numbers of microplastic particles are also found in fresh and marine surface waters. Globally, microfibres are the most abundant type of microplastics found in water. However, it is recognized that there is a lack of standardized, high-quality methods for sampling plastics, particularly for measuring and characterizing microplastics.
Microplastics are also found in sediment and soil. Through various mechanisms, such as the formation of biofilms — layers of microorganisms that form on a surface — microplastics in surface waters may eventually sink, leading to the accumulation of microplastics in the bottom sediment of both freshwater and marine environments. Soils are also expected to act as a major sink for plastic particles, as microplastics are likely to remain in soils for long periods due to factors such as vertical transport, which pulls particles down from the surface and thereby slows down their degradation. Microplastics may travel from soil into groundwater.
Air is also anticipated to be an important pathway for microplastic transport, and microplastics have been detected in both indoor and outdoor air. While there are no Canadian data available on the occurrence of microplastics in air, data from other parts of the world show that concentrations are higher in indoor air than in outdoor air. Indoors, microplastics are also found in settled house dust.
Current data on the occurrence of microplastics in food are limited, and most available information concerns microplastics found in seafood, specifically fish and shellfish from marine environments. In fish, microplastics have been found in both muscle tissue and the gastrointestinal tract, mostly as fragments and fibres. Microplastics have also been detected in mussels, clams, oysters, scallops and snails, and in a very small number of other foods, such as salt.
Internationally, a limited number of studies have investigated the presence of microplastics in tap and bottled water. Microplastics have been detected in up to 93% of bottled water samples from outside of Canada, with concentrations varying across bottle type (i.e. plastic, glass or cardboard) and intended use conditions (i.e. single-use versus multi-use bottles). In the case of tap water, some studies have detected microplastics while others have not. Drinking water treatment is anticipated to remove a large proportion of microplastic particles.
Plastic pollution has been shown to impact organisms and their habitats. Macroplastic pollution can cause physical harm to biota, often as a result of entanglement or ingestion. Entanglement can lead to suffocation, strangulation, or smothering, and a high frequency of reported entanglement occurrences has led to the direct harm or mortality of biota. Ingestion can lead to direct harm through physical damage; it can block airways or intestinal systems leading to suffocation or starvation. The observed effects of microplastics on biota are either primarily driven by physical effects or due to the presence of residual chemicals used to make the plastic or of other chemical pollutants from the environment that may adsorb onto the plastic. Published studies on exposure to microplastics report conflicting observations of effects, even for the same endpoint in the same species. Conflicting information on ecotoxicological effects could be attributed to the difficulties that exist in testing the effects of microplastics in organisms and the lack of standardized test methods.
Humans may be exposed to microplastics via the ingestion of food, bottled water, and tap water, as well as through the inhalation of indoor and outdoor air. However, information on the human health effects of microplastics is limited. Some associations between exposures to high levels of microplastics and adverse health effects in laboratory animals and in humans have been reported, but the health effects cannot be linked to exposure in the general population. Occupational inhalation exposure studies show associations between work in microplastic-related industries and an increased incidence of various respiratory symptoms and diseases. Conflicting observations have been made for cancers of the respiratory tract and digestive system.
Effects observed in animal studies are primarily associated with tissues related to where particles enter the body (e.g. effects on the digestive system after oral exposure and on the respiratory tract after inhalation). Effects following oral exposure include inflammation of the liver, oxidative stress, metabolic changes, and altered gut microbiota. Effects in the respiratory tract are likely related to the physical impact of microplastics as particulate matter and include oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and development of foreign body granulomas. In both ingestion and inhalation studies, movement of a small fraction of microplastic particles to lymphatic or systemic tissues has been observed. No dose-response relationship has been observed in mortality, survival time, behaviour, clinical observations, or tumour incidence from inhalation exposures.
In addition to physical impacts, there are concerns that plastics may serve as a means of transport for other chemicals. Since plastics can contain unbound monomers and chemical additives and can sorb persistent organic pollutants from the environment, it is possible that these substances may be transported to organisms or humans, where they may then be released. The extent of release is expected to depend on a variety of factors, such as the properties of the receiving environment, the plastic particle, and the bound chemical. The current literature suggests that, while the transport of chemicals via plastics is possible, the impact to biota is likely limited, and recent international reviews indicate that there is likely a low health concern for human exposure to chemicals from ingestion of microplastics from food or drinking water (EFSA 2016; FAO 2017; WHO 2019). However, further research would be required before a human health risk assessment on microplastics is possible. Many of the chemicals observed to be bound to plastic particles have been assessed by various programs at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada.
Plastics can also provide a habitat for microorganisms, including potential pathogens, through the formation of biofilms. There is currently no indication that microplastics-associated biofilms would impact human health. In addition, despite very limited data, it is anticipated that drinking water treatment would inactivate biofilm-associated microorganisms.
Given the increasing amounts of plastic pollution in the environment and the demonstrated ability of macroplastics to harm biota, it is anticipated that the frequency of occurrence of physical effects on individual environmental receptors will continue to increase if current trends continue.
There are a multitude of sources that contribute to plastic pollution. Under the precautionary principle, action is needed to reduce macroplastics and microplastics that end up in the environment.
In order to advance the understanding of the impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and human health, it is recommended that research be carried out in the following areas to address the key knowledge gaps identified in this report:
- Developing standardized methods for sampling, quantifying, characterizing, and evaluating the effects of macroplastics and microplastics;
- Furthering the understanding of human exposure to microplastics;
- Furthering the understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics;
- Furthering the understanding of the effects of microplastics on human health; and
- Expanding and developing consistent monitoring efforts to include poorly characterized environmental compartments such as soil.
The draft science assessment of plastic pollution is available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA
SPECIES AT RISK ACT
Description of American Ginseng critical habitat in the Big Creek National Wildlife Area, Eleanor Island National Wildlife Area, Îles de Contrecœur National Wildlife Area, Îles de la Paix National Wildlife Area, Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Area, Long Point National Wildlife Area, Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area, Mohawk Island National Wildlife Area, Scotch Bonnet Island National Wildlife Area, Wellers Bay National Wildlife Area, Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area, Chantry Island Bird Sanctuary, Couvée Islands Bird Sanctuary, Île aux Hérons Bird Sanctuary, Philipsburg Bird Sanctuary and Rideau Bird Sanctuary
The American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a plant species listed as endangered on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. It is a shade-tolerant species that typically requires large and relatively undisturbed mature forests. In Canada, the American Ginseng occurs in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Due to the nature of the threats affecting the species, release of information to the public with respect to the location of the American Ginseng and its critical habitat has been restricted under section 124 of the Species at Risk Act in order to protect the species.
The Recovery Strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Canada (the Recovery Strategy) identifies the critical habitat for the American Ginseng. The Recovery Strategy identifies a total of 455 critical habitat units in Canada — 334 units in Ontario and 121 units in Quebec — some of which could overlap with federally protected areas.
Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to subsection 58(2) of the Species at Risk Act, subsection 58(1) of that Act applies, 90 days after this publication, to any parts of the 455 units of critical habitat of the American Ginseng that are found on federally owned land within Big Creek National Wildlife Area, Eleanor Island National Wildlife Area, Îles de Contrecœur National Wildlife Area, Îles de la Paix National Wildlife Area, Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Area, Long Point National Wildlife Area, Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area, Mohawk Island National Wildlife Area, Scotch Bonnet Island National Wildlife Area, Wellers Bay National Wildlife Area and Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area described in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations made pursuant to the Canada Wildlife Act, and Chantry Island Bird Sanctuary, Rideau Bird Sanctuary, Île aux Hérons Bird Sanctuary, Couvée Islands Bird Sanctuary and Philipsburg Bird Sanctuary described in the schedule of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations made pursuant to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
The list above includes all federally protected areas that occur within the 100 × 100 km standardized national universal transverse Mercator (UTM) grid squares containing critical habitat for the American Ginseng, presented in Appendix A of the Recovery Strategy. Therefore, the list represents federally protected areas that are in the general location of the critical habitat. Subsection 58(1) of the Species at Risk Act only applies to federally owned land within those protected areas that overlaps with any of the 455 critical habitat units identified in the Recovery Strategy for the American Ginseng.
Interested parties are invited to contact Environment and Climate Change Canada to request clarification regarding the location, biophysical attributes and protection of this species’ critical habitat. However, some details may be withheld to protect the species and its critical habitat.
February 1, 2020
Sarah Wren
Director
Species at Risk Implementation
Canadian Wildlife Service
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA
SPECIES AT RISK ACT
Description of Spotted Turtle critical habitat in the Big Creek National Wildlife Area, Eleanor Island National Wildlife Area, Long Point National Wildlife Area, Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area, Mohawk Island National Wildlife Area, St. Clair National Wildlife Area, Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area, Chantry Island Bird Sanctuary and Rideau Bird Sanctuary
The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle that is listed as endangered on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. In Canada, the Spotted Turtle is found in southern, central and eastern Ontario, where it inhabits shallow wetlands and shoreline areas, and may also make use of upland forests and meadows. Due to the nature of the threats affecting the species, release of information to the public with respect to the location of the Spotted Turtle and its critical habitat has been restricted under section 124 of the Species at Risk Act in order to protect the species.
The Recovery Strategy for the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) in Canada (the Recovery Strategy) identifies the critical habitat for the Spotted Turtle. The Recovery Strategy identifies a total of 107 critical habitat units in Canada, within the province of Ontario, some of which overlap with federally protected areas.
Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to subsection 58(2) of the Species at Risk Act, subsection 58(1) of that Act applies, 90 days after this publication, to any parts of the 107 units of critical habitat of the Spotted Turtle that are found on federally owned land within the following protected areas: Big Creek National Wildlife Area, Eleanor Island National Wildlife Area, Long Point National Wildlife Area, Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area, Mohawk Island National Wildlife Area, St. Clair National Wildlife Area, and Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area described in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations made pursuant to the Canada Wildlife Act, and Chantry Island Bird Sanctuary and Rideau Bird Sanctuary described in the Schedule of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations made pursuant to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
The list above includes all federally protected areas that occur within the 100 × 100 km standardized national universal transverse Mercator (UTM) grid squares containing critical habitat for the Spotted Turtle, presented in the Recovery Strategy. Therefore, the list represents federally protected areas that are in the general location of the critical habitat. Subsection 58(1) of the Species at Risk Act only applies to federally owned land within those protected areas that overlaps with any of the 107 critical habitat units identified in the Recovery Strategy for the Spotted Turtle.
Interested parties are invited to contact Environment and Climate Change Canada to request clarifications regarding the location, biophysical attributes and protection of this species’ critical habitat. Note, however, that some details may be withheld to protect the species and its critical habitat.
February 1, 2020
Sarah Wren
Director
Species at Risk Act Implementation
Canadian Wildlife Service
GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA
Canada’s international agreements with the European Union post-Brexit
On March 29, 2017, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereinafter referred to as the “United Kingdom”) invoked Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon and notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the European Union. This withdrawal from the European Union is also known as “Brexit.”
The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed on a Withdrawal Agreement that sets the conditions of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. This Withdrawal Agreement comes into force on January 31, 2020. The Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom contains provisions pertaining to the applicability of the European Union’s agreements with international partners, such as Canada. The Agreement states that the United Kingdom shall be bound by the obligations stemming from these agreements during the post-Brexit transition period that is expected to last until December 31, 2020, with a possibility of being extended by one or two years. As a result, the European Union will interpret its agreements with Canada as applying to the United Kingdom for the duration of this transition period. In order to ensure an orderly transition in Canada–United Kingdom relations and to minimize the effect of Brexit on Canadian stakeholders, Canada has agreed, through a decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to continue to interpret its agreements with the European Union as applying to the United Kingdom as though the United Kingdom were still a member state of the European Union for the duration of the transition period as defined in the Withdrawal Agreement.
Therefore, through this notice, the Government of Canada wishes to inform Canadians that agreements concluded by Canada with the European Union, with Member States acting on behalf of the European Union, and with the European Union and its Member States acting jointly shall continue to apply to the United Kingdom for the duration of the transition period following its departure from the European Union. If there is any change to this situation, further communications will be published through the Canada Gazette.
For the purposes of this notice, the “European Union” includes the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).
INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA
RADIOCOMMUNICATION ACT
Notice No. SMSE-002-20 — Release of RSS-222, issue 2, and DBS-01, issue 2
Notice is hereby given that Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) has published the following standards:
- Radio Standards Specification RSS-222, issue 2, White Space Devices (WSDs), which sets out the certification requirements for licence-exempt radio apparatus operating in the frequency bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-608 MHz and 657-663 MHz.
- Database Specifications DBS-01, issue 2, White Space Database Specifications, which sets out the technical requirements for the designation of a database capable of identifying available channels for use by white space devices in the white space frequency bands (54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-608 MHz and 657-663 MHz).
These documents will come into force upon their publication on the Official publications section of the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
General information
The Radio equipment standards list and Database Specifications (DBS) list will be amended accordingly.
Submitting comments
Comments and suggestions for improving these standards may be submitted online using the Standard Change Request form.
Obtaining copies
Copies of this notice and of documents referred to herein are available electronically on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website.
Official versions of notices can be viewed on the Canada Gazette website.
January 24, 2020
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.
| Position | Organization | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | Canadian Energy Regulator | |
| Commissioner (full-time), Commissioner (part-time) | Canadian Energy Regulator | |
| Director | Canadian Energy Regulator | |
| Chairperson | Canadian International Trade Tribunal | |
| Director | Canadian Museum for Human Rights | |
| Member (Alberta and Northwest Territories) | Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission | |
| Member (Atlantic and Nunavut) | Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission | |
| Chairperson | Great Lakes Pilotage Authority Canada | |
| Chairperson | Marine Atlantic Inc. | |
| Secretary | National Battlefields Commission | |
| Auditor General of Canada | Office of the Auditor General of Canada |