Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 158, Number 41: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

October 12, 2024

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ACT EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Resolution

Pursuant to section 66.5 of the Employment Insurance Act, notice is hereby given that the Employment Insurance premium rate for the year 2025 is $1.64 per $100 of insurable earnings.

Pursuant to sections 76.07 and 76.35 of the Employment Insurance Regulations, notice is hereby given that the Employment Insurance premium reduction rate for the year 2025 for residents of Quebec covered under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan is $0.33. Therefore, the Employment Insurance premium rate for residents of Quebec is $1.31 per $100 of insurable earnings.

Canada Employment Insurance Commission

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication of the form for requesting an assessment of a substance (section 76 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas subsection 76(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 provides that any person may request that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health assess a substance to determine whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic for the purposes of the Act;

Whereas a request under subsection 76(1) of the Act must be filed in the form and manner and contain the information specified by the Minister of the Environment pursuant to subsection 76(3),

Notice is hereby given that the Minister has published the request form and manner for the purposes of section 76 of the Act on the Chemical Substances website.

Marc D’Iorio
Assistant Deputy Minister
Science and Technology Branch
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality — Radiological

Pursuant to subsection 55(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of Health hereby gives notice of the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality — Radiological. The proposed guideline document is available from October 11, 2024, to January 10, 2025, on Health Canada’s web page Environment and workplace health consultations. Any person may file written comments on the proposed document with the Minister of Health within 60 days after publication of this notice. Comments must be sent by email to water-eau@hc-sc.gc.ca.

October 11, 2024

Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Purpose of consultation

This guideline technical document outlines the available information on radionuclides with the intent of updating the guidelines for radionuclides in drinking water. The purpose of this consultation is to solicit comments on the proposed guidelines, the approach used for their development, and the potential impacts of implementing them.

Health Canada is basing the proposed guidelines on a new reference level of 1 millisievert per year (mSv/y), which is higher than the value of 0.1 mSv/y used in past recommendations. The new reference level, and proposed maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs), are tools to support a more balanced assessment of risks, benefits and costs, without sacrificing health protection. The MAC for uranium has been removed, as it is a chemical hazard covered by the drinking water guidelines for uranium. New proposed MACs for the most significant radionuclides, including radium-228 (Ra-228), and new health-based values (HBVs) for other radionuclides of interest, including polonium-210 (Po-210) and radon-222 (Rn-222), have also been included.

Proposed guideline

Maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs) are proposed for the most significant radionuclides in the uranium- and thorium-decay chains. In addition, new health-based values (HBVs) are presented in Appendix D of the proposed guidelines for radionuclides that may be of interest, such as radon and tritium, and isotopes of polonium, strontium, iodine and cesium. The HBVs and proposed MACs are derived from a reference level of 1 millisievert per year (mSv/year) and are listed in tables 1 and 7 of the proposed guideline.

Water supplies should be screened against a gross alpha radiation level of 0.5 Bq/L (becquerel/litre) and a gross beta level of 1.0 Bq/L before individual radionuclide analysis is undertaken. The radionuclides that have been assigned a MAC should be prioritized over those with an HBV during individual analysis, based on their probability of occurrence at levels that warrant investigation. If more than one radionuclide is detected, the sum of the ratios of the observed concentration to the HBV or proposed MAC for each contributing radionuclide should not exceed 1. The proposed maximum acceptable concentrations for natural radionuclides in drinking water, measured in becquerels per litre, are as follows:

Executive summary

This guideline technical document was prepared in collaboration with the Federal Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water and assesses all relevant information on radionuclides.

This guideline technical document draws upon international assessments of the human health risks of radionuclides in drinking water and considers new studies and approaches, including dosimetric information released by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) in 2007. MACs in drinking water are proposed for the three natural radionuclides (lead-210 [Pb-210], radium-226 [Ra-226] and radium-228 [Ra-228]) that are considered to be the most significant, based on the radiation dose received from Canadian water supplies. Health-based values (HBVs) are also derived for two additional natural radionuclides (polonium-210 and radon-222) in Appendix D. Four HBVs are also included for artificial radionuclides (tritium, strontium-90, iodine-131, and cesium-137) for reference purposes. The HBVs and proposed MACs were derived using internationally accepted equations and principles. They are calculated using a reference dose level of 1 millisievert (mSv) for one year’s consumption of drinking water, assuming a consumption rate of 1.53 L/day.

Exposure

Natural radionuclides are present at low concentrations in all rocks and soils. When groundwater has been in contact with rock over hundreds or thousands of years, radionuclide concentrations may build up in the water. These concentrations are highly variable and are determined by the composition of the underlying bedrock as well as the physical and chemical conditions in the aquifer. Natural radionuclides have also been known to occur in shallow wells, although this is rare.

Increased levels of natural radionuclides in surface waters may be linked to industrial processes, such as uranium mining and milling, or to environmental processes, such as cosmogenic fallout and radon progeny washed out of the atmosphere. Sources of artificial radionuclides include fallout from above-ground nuclear weapons testing (before 1963) and emissions from nuclear reactors and activities with nuclear products (such as research, and diagnostic and therapeutic medicine). In Canada, levels of artificial radionuclides in the environment are very low.

Health effects, risk and reference level

In the field of radiation protection, the main concern associated with chronic radiation exposure is stochastic effects. When such effects occur, the probability of unrepaired DNA damage leading to cancer is assumed to increase or decrease with the dose. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommends 1 mSv/year as a reference level or target for most water treatment plants, which balances the risks against the ICRP’s justification and optimization principles.

Treatment and analytical considerations

The guideline development process considers the ability to measure (quantify) and remove (treat) a contaminant from drinking water supplies. Methods are available for screening water supplies for radioactivity, and individual radionuclides can be reliably measured to levels below the HBVs and proposed MACs.

At the municipal level, most radionuclides can be effectively removed from water supplies using treatment technologies such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange and lime softening. For radon, granular activated carbon and aeration are effective treatment technologies. For artificial radionuclides (including tritium, which cannot be removed from water), the strategy should be to prevent contamination of the source water. It should be noted that residuals from treatment may cause a low-level radioactive waste disposal problem, and water utilities should take this into consideration when choosing a treatment option.

At the residential level, multiple point-of-entry and point-of-use treatment technologies are available. These have a similar removal efficiency to that of municipal-scale technologies.

Distribution systems

Some radionuclides (for example Pb-210, Ra-226 and Ra-228) have been shown to accumulate in distribution system piping, depending on the source water characteristics, distribution system materials, and the presence of co-occurring metals. When radionuclides are present in the source water, systems should determine if the radionuclides should be included in the monitoring and distribution system management plans, to prevent accumulation of the radionuclides on corrosion scales and their subsequent release into the distributed water. It is recommended that water utilities develop a distribution system management plan to minimize the accumulation and release of radionuclides and co-occurring contaminants in the system. This typically involves reducing concentrations entering the distribution system and implementing best practices to maintain stable chemical and biological water quality throughout the system and reduce physical and hydraulic disturbances, which can release corrosion products and co-occurring contaminants (such as radionuclides).

Application of the guideline

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

MACs have been proposed for three natural radionuclides (Pb-210, Ra-226 and Ra-228), which represent the most significant radionuclides in Canadian drinking water supplies. In addition, the HBVs for six radionuclides (polonium-210, radon-222, tritium, strontium-90, iodine-131 and cesium-137) that are of interest in specific scenarios can be found in Appendix C of the proposed guideline.

Screening criteria of 0.5 Bq/L for gross alpha activity and 1 Bq/L for gross beta activity are recommended. These values are conservative, as they represent one third of the reference dose levels used in determining the HBVs and proposed MACs. Measurements of treated water and water at the point of consumption can be evaluated against the screening criteria in order to assess whether individual radionuclide measurements are required. Exceedances of the proposed MACs should be investigated with additional monitoring, and a risk assessment should be conducted to determine the most appropriate way to handle the exceedance.

Drinking water supplies that exceed the guideline values will rarely pose a health risk, especially in the short term. Discontinuing use of the water — while characterizing the radionuclide content and, if necessary, implementing remedial actions — is only necessary if levels are very high (for example, 10 times the criterion for assessment). Any decisions to discontinue the use of the water for drinking purposes must be carefully considered in light of the overall costs and benefits. Factors such as the extent to which the reference level is exceeded, the costs of remediation and the availability of other drinking-water supplies should be considered. Ensuring that a better option is available is essential before discontinuing the use of the drinking water supply (WHO, 2018).

Since the reference level is not a limit, international organizations recommend a single value, established for adults. If either screening criterion for gross alpha or gross beta is exceeded, it is recommended that an alternative source of water (such as bottled water) be used to prepare infant formula. This is a precautionary measure, because of the time it may take to characterize a water supply. The water is still acceptable for children (older than 1 year) and adults to consume and use.

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL

Appointment

Instrument of Advice dated September 19, 2024

October 4, 2024

Rachida Lagmiri
Official Documents Registrar

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL

Appointments

October 4, 2024

Rachida Lagmiri
Official Documents Registrar

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL

Senator called

Her Excellency the Governor General has been pleased to summon to the Senate of Canada, by letters patent under the Great Seal of Canada bearing the date of September 10, 2024:

October 4, 2024

Rachida Lagmiri
Official Documents Registrar

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL

Senator called

Her Excellency the Governor General has been pleased to summon to the Senate of Canada, by letters patent under the Great Seal of Canada, bearing the date of September 25, 2024:

October 4, 2024

Rachida Lagmiri
Official Documents Registrar

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL

Senators called

Her Excellency the Governor General has been pleased to summon to the Senate of Canada, by letters patent under the Great Seal of Canada, bearing the date of August 30, 2024:

October 4, 2024

Rachida Lagmiri
Official Documents Registrar

PRIVY COUNCIL OFFICE

Appointment opportunities

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

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

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

Current opportunities

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

Governor in Council appointment opportunities
Position Organization Closing date
Director Bank of Canada  
Chairperson Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation  
Chairperson Canada Industrial Relations Board  
Vice-Chairperson Canada Industrial Relations Board  
Chairperson Canada Infrastructure Bank  
Director Canada Lands Company Limited  
Director Canadian Air Transport Security Authority  
Director Canadian Commercial Corporation  
Director Canadian Energy Regulator  
Assistant Chief Commissioner Canadian Grain Commission  
Chief Commissioner Canadian Human Rights Commission  
President Canadian Institutes of Health Research  
Director Canadian Race Relations Foundation  
Director Canadian Tourism Commission  
Chairperson Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police  
Vice-Chairperson Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police  
Member Copyright Board  
Director Defence Construction (1951) Limited  
Executive Head Employment Insurance Board of Appeal  
Member Employment Insurance Board of Appeal October 24, 2024
Regional Coordinator Employment Insurance Board of Appeal October 24, 2024
President Export Development Canada  
Vice-Chairperson Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board  
Commissioner Financial Consumer Agency of Canada  
Director (Federal) Halifax Port Authority  
Member Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada  
Chairperson The Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc.  
Member National Seniors Council  
Member Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council  
Member Net-Zero Advisory Body  
Canadian Representative North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization  
Commissioner of Official Languages Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages  
Ombudsperson for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces Office of the Ombudsperson for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces  
Senate Ethics Officer Office of the Senate Ethics Officer  
Member Parole Board of Canada November 19, 2024
Member Payments in Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel  
Principal Royal Military College of Canada  
Director Sept-Îles Port Authority  
Administrator Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund and Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods  
Chief Statistician Statistics Canada  
Co-chair Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council  
Member Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council  
Chairperson VIA Rail Canada Inc.  
Chairperson Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority