Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (S.C. 1999, c. 33)

Short Title

Marginal note:Short title

1 This Act may be cited as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Administrative Duties

Marginal note:Duties of the Government of Canada

• 2 (1) In the administration of this Act, the Government of Canada shall, having regard to the Constitution and laws of Canada and subject to subsection (1.1),

  • (a) exercise its powers in a manner that

    • (i) protects the environment and human health, including the health of vulnerable populations,

    • (ii) applies the precautionary principle, which provides that the lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation if there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, and

    • (iii) promotes and reinforces enforceable pollution prevention approaches;

  • (a.1) take preventive and remedial measures to protect, enhance and restore the environment;

  • (a.2) protect the right of every individual in Canada to a healthy environment as provided under this Act, subject to any reasonable limits;

  • (a.3) in relation to paragraph (a.2), uphold principles such as principles of environmental justice — including the avoidance of adverse effects that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations — the principle of non-regression and the principle of intergenerational equity;

  • (b) take the necessity of protecting the environment into account in making social and economic decisions;

  • (c) implement an ecosystem approach that considers the unique and fundamental characteristics of ecosystems;

  • (d) endeavour to act in cooperation with governments to protect the environment;

  • (e) encourage the participation of the people of Canada in the making of decisions that affect the environment;

  • (f) facilitate the protection of the environment by the people of Canada;

  • (g) establish nationally consistent standards of environmental quality;

  • (h) provide information to the people of Canada on the state of the Canadian environment;

  • (i) apply knowledge, including traditional aboriginal knowledge, science and technology, to identify and resolve environmental problems;

  • (j) protect the environment, including its biological diversity, and human health, from the risk of any adverse effects of the use and release of toxic substances, pollutants and wastes;

  • (j.1) protect the environment, including its biological diversity, and human health, by ensuring the safe and effective use of biotechnology;

  • (k) endeavour to act expeditiously and diligently to assess whether existing substances or those new to Canada are toxic or capable of becoming toxic and assess the risk that such substances pose to the environment and human life and health;

  • (k.1) encourage the development and timely incorporation of scientifically justified alternative methods and strategies in the testing and assessment of substances to replace, reduce or refine the use of vertebrate animals;

  • (l) endeavour to act with regard to the intent of intergovernmental agreements and arrangements entered into for the purpose of achieving the highest level of environmental quality throughout Canada;

  • (m) ensure, to the extent that is reasonably possible, that all areas of federal regulation for the protection of the environment and human health are addressed in a complementary manner in order to avoid duplication and to provide effective and comprehensive protection;

  • (n) endeavour to exercise its powers to require the provision of information in a coordinated manner; and

  • (o) apply and enforce this Act in a fair, predictable and consistent manner.

• Marginal note:Considerations

  (1.1) The Government of Canada shall consider the following before taking any measure under paragraph (1)(a.1):

  • (a) the short- and long-term human and ecological benefits arising from the environmental protection measure;

  • (b) the positive economic impacts arising from the measure, including those cost-savings arising from health, environmental and technological advances and innovation, among others; and

  • (c) any other benefits accruing from the measure.

• Marginal note:Action not limited

  (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to prevent the taking of any action to protect the environment or human health for the purposes of this Act.

Interpretation

Marginal note:Definitions

• 3 (1) The definitions in this subsection apply in this Act.

  aboriginal government

  aboriginal government means a governing body that is established by or under or operating under an agreement between Her Majesty in right of Canada and aboriginal people and that is empowered to enact laws respecting

  • (a) the protection of the environment; or

  • (b) for the purposes of Division 5 of Part 7, the registration of vehicles or engines. (gouvernement autochtone)

  aboriginal land

  aboriginal land means

  • (a) reserves, surrendered lands and any other lands that are set apart for the use and benefit of a band and that are subject to the Indian Act;

  • (b) land, including any water, that is subject to a comprehensive or specific claim agreement, or a self-government agreement, between the Government of Canada and aboriginal people where title remains with Her Majesty in right of Canada; and

  • (c) air and all layers of the atmosphere above and the subsurface below land mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b). (terres autochtones)

  air pollution

  air pollution means a condition of the air, arising wholly or partly from the presence in the air of any substance, that directly or indirectly

  • (a) endangers the health, safety or welfare of humans;

  • (b) interferes with the normal enjoyment of life or property;

  • (c) endangers the health of animal life;

  • (d) causes damage to plant life or to property; or

  • (e) degrades or alters, or forms part of a process of degradation or alteration of, an ecosystem to an extent that is detrimental to its use by humans, animals or plants. (pollution atmosphérique)

  analyst

  analyst means a person or a member of a class of persons designated as an analyst under subsection 217(1). (analyste)

  biological diversity

  biological diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, terrestrial and marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they form a part and includes the diversity within and between species and of ecosystems. (diversité biologique)

  biotechnology

  biotechnology means the application of science and engineering in the direct or indirect use of living organisms or parts or products of living organisms in their natural or modified forms. (biotechnologie)

  class of substances

  class of substances means any two or more substances that

  • (a) contain the same portion of chemical structure;

  • (b) have similar physico-chemical or toxicological properties; or

  • (c) for the purposes of sections 68, 70 and 71, have similar types of use. (catégorie de substances)

  Committee

  Committee means the National Advisory Committee established under section 6. (comité)

  ecosystem

  ecosystem means a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit. (écosystème)

  enforcement officer

  enforcement officer means a person or a member of a class of persons designated as an enforcement officer under section 217. (agent de l’autorité)

  environment

  environment means the components of the Earth and includes

  • (a) air, land and water;

  • (b) all layers of the atmosphere;

  • (c) all organic and inorganic matter and living organisms; and

  • (d) the interacting natural systems that include components referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c). (environnement)

  environmental emergency

  environmental emergency has the meaning given that expression in Part 8. (urgence environnementale)

  environmental quality

  environmental quality includes the health of ecosystems. (qualité de l’environnement)

  Environmental Registry

  Environmental Registry means the registry established under section 12. (Registre)

  federal land

  federal land means

  • (a) land, including any water, that belongs to Her Majesty in right of Canada, or that Her Majesty in right of Canada has the right to dispose of, and the air and all layers of the atmosphere above and the subsurface below that land; and

  • (b) the following land and areas, namely,

    • (i) the internal waters of Canada as determined under the Oceans Act, including the seabed and subsoil below and the airspace above those waters, and

    • (ii) the territorial sea of Canada as determined under the Oceans Act, including the seabed and subsoil below and the air and all layers of the atmosphere above that sea. (territoire domanial)

  federal source

  federal source means

  • (a) a department of the Government of Canada;

  • (b) an agency of the Government of Canada or other body established by or under an Act of Parliament that is ultimately accountable through a minister of the Crown in right of Canada to Parliament for the conduct of its affairs;

  • (c) a Crown corporation as defined in subsection 83(1) of the Financial Administration Act; or

  • (d) a federal work or undertaking. (source d’origine fédérale)

  federal work or undertaking

  federal work or undertaking means any work or undertaking that is within the legislative authority of Parliament, including

  • (a) a work or undertaking operated for or in connection with navigation and shipping, whether inland or maritime, including the operation of ships and transportation by ship;

  • (b) a railway, canal, telegraph or other work or undertaking connecting one province with another, or extending beyond the limits of a province;

  • (c) a line of ships connecting a province with any other province, or extending beyond the limits of a province;

  • (d) a ferry between any province and any other province or between any province and any country other than Canada;

  • (e) airports, aircraft and commercial air services;

  • (f) a broadcast undertaking;

  • (g) a bank or an authorized foreign bank within the meaning of section 2 of the Bank Act;

  • (h) a work or undertaking that, although wholly situated within a province, is before or after its completion declared by Parliament to be for the general advantage of Canada or for the advantage of two or more provinces; and

  • (i) a work or undertaking outside the exclusive legislative authority of the legislatures of the provinces. (entreprises fédérales)

  fuel

  fuel means any form of matter that is combusted or oxidized for the generation of energy. (combustible)

  government

  government means the government of a province or of a territory or an aboriginal government. (gouvernement)

  healthy environment

  healthy environment means an environment that is clean, healthy and sustainable. (environnement sain)

  Minister

  Minister means the Minister of the Environment. (ministre)

  movement within Canada

  movement within Canada or transport within Canada means movement or transport between provinces. (mouvement au Canada ou transport au Canada)

  pollution prevention

  pollution prevention means the use of processes, practices, materials, products, substances or energy that avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and waste and reduce the overall risk to the environment or human health. (prévention de la pollution)

  precautionary principle

  precautionary principle means Principle 15 of the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, which provides that the lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation if there are threats of serious or irreversible damage. (principe de précaution)

  prescribed

  prescribed means prescribed by regulations made under this Act. (Version anglaise seulement)

  province

  province includes a territory. (province)

  release

  release includes discharge, spray, inject, inoculate, abandon, deposit, spill, leak, seep, pour, emit, empty, throw, dump, place and exhaust. (rejet)

  sell

  sell includes to offer for sale or lease, have in possession for sale or lease or deliver for sale or lease. (vente)

  substance

  substance means any distinguishable kind of organic or inorganic matter, whether animate or inanimate, and includes

  • (a) any matter that is capable of being dispersed in the environment or of being transformed in the environment into matter that is capable of being so dispersed or that is capable of causing such transformations in the environment,

  • (b) any element or free radical,

  • (c) any combination of elements of a particular molecular identity that occurs in nature or as a result of a chemical reaction, and

  • (d) complex combinations of different molecules that originate in nature or are the result of chemical reactions but that could not practicably be formed by simply combining individual constituents,

  and, except for the purposes of sections 66 to 66.2, 80 to 89 and 104 to 115, includes

  • (e) any mixture that is a combination of substances and does not itself produce a substance that is different from the substances that were combined,

  • (f) any manufactured item that is formed into a specific physical shape or design during manufacture and has, for its final use, a function or functions dependent in whole or in part on its shape or design, and

  • (g) any animate matter that is, or any complex mixtures of different molecules that are, contained in effluents, emissions or wastes that result from any work, undertaking or activity. (substance)

  sustainable development

  sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (développement durable)

  transient reaction intermediate

  transient reaction intermediate means a substance that is formed and consumed in the course of a chemical reaction. (intermédiaire de réaction)

  transit

  transit means, except for the purposes of sections 139 and 155, the portion of an international transboundary movement of waste or material referred to in subsection 185(1) through the territory of a country that is neither the country of origin nor the country of destination of the movement. (transit)

  undertaking

  undertaking includes a business. (Version anglaise seulement)

  vulnerable population

  vulnerable population means a group of individuals within the Canadian population who, due to greater susceptibility or greater exposure, may be at an increased risk of experiencing adverse health effects from exposure to substances. (population vulnérable)

• Marginal note:Meaning of Ministers and either Minister

  (2) Where the word Ministers is used in this Act, it refers to both the Minister and the Minister of Health, and where the expression either Minister is used in this Act, it refers to either the Minister or the Minister of Health.

• Marginal note:Class of substances

  (3) For the purposes of this Act, other than subsection (1), substance includes a class of substances.

Marginal note:Aboriginal rights

4 For greater certainty, nothing in this Act shall be construed so as to abrogate or derogate from the protection provided for existing aboriginal or treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada by the recognition and affirmation of those rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Her Majesty

Marginal note:Binding on Her Majesty

5 This Act is binding on Her Majesty in right of Canada or a province.

PART 1Administration

Implementation of Right to a Healthy Environment

Marginal note:Implementation framework

• 5.1 (1) For the purposes of paragraph 2(1)(a.2), the Ministers shall, within two years after the day on which this section comes into force, develop an implementation framework to set out how the right to a healthy environment will be considered in the administration of this Act.

• Marginal note:Right to a healthy environment

  (1.1) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the implementation framework shall set out

  • (a) the process under subsection 76.1(1) in respect of the protection of the right to a healthy environment.

• Marginal note:Content

  (2) The implementation framework, in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Act, shall, among other things, elaborate on

  • (a) the principles to be considered in the administration of this Act, such as principles of environmental justice — including the avoidance of adverse effects that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations — the principle of non-regression and the principle of intergenerational equity, according to which it is important to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs;

  • (b) research, studies or monitoring activities to support the protection of the right to a healthy environment referred to in paragraph 2(1)(a.2);

  • (c) the relevant factors to be taken into account in interpreting and applying that right and in determining the reasonable limits to which it is subject, including social, health, scientific and economic factors; and

  • (d) mechanisms to support the protection of that right.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (3) In developing the implementation framework, the Ministers shall consult any interested persons.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (4) The Minister shall publish the implementation framework in the manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Report

  (5) The Minister shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report on the implementation of the framework.

Advisory Committees

Marginal note:National Advisory Committee

• 6 (1) For the purpose of enabling national action to be carried out and taking cooperative action in matters affecting the environment and for the purpose of avoiding duplication in regulatory activity among governments, the Minister shall establish a National Advisory Committee

  • (a) to advise the Ministers on regulations proposed to be made under subsection 93(1);

  • (b) to advise the Minister on a cooperative, coordinated intergovernmental approach for the management of toxic substances; and

  • (c) to advise the Minister on other environmental matters that are of mutual interest to the Government of Canada and other governments and to which this Act relates.

• Marginal note:Precautionary principle

  (1.1) In giving its advice and recommendations, the Committee shall use the precautionary principle.

• Marginal note:Composition of Committee

  (2) The Committee shall consist of the following members:

  • (a) one representative for each of the Ministers;

  • (b) one representative of the government of each of the provinces; and

  • (c) subject to subsection (3), not more than six representatives of aboriginal governments, to be selected on the following regional basis,

    • (i) one representative for all aboriginal governments, except Inuit, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,

    • (ii) one representative for all aboriginal governments, except Inuit, in Quebec,

    • (iii) one representative for all aboriginal governments, except Inuit, in Ontario,

    • (iv) one representative for all aboriginal governments, except Inuit, in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut,

    • (v) one representative for all aboriginal governments, except Inuit, in British Columbia and Yukon, and

    • (vi) one representative for all Inuit aboriginal governments.

• Marginal note:Provincial representatives

  (2.1) The representative of a provincial government shall be selected by that government.

• Marginal note:Aboriginal representatives

  (2.2) Subject to subsection (3), the representative of aboriginal governments shall be selected by the aboriginal governments he or she represents.

• Marginal note:Inuit aboriginal representatives

  (2.3) Subject to subsection (3), the representative of Inuit aboriginal governments shall be selected by those governments.

• Marginal note:Absence of aboriginal government

  (3) Where there is no Inuit aboriginal government or aboriginal government for a region referred to in any of subparagraphs (2)(c)(i) to (v), the representative of the Inuit or of aboriginal people for the region, as the case may be, may be selected in accordance with regulations made under subsection (4).

• Marginal note:Regulations

  (4) The Minister may make regulations respecting the manner of selecting a representative under subsection (3).

Marginal note:Ministerial advisory committees

• 7 (1) For the purpose of carrying out their duties under this Act, the Ministers or either Minister may

  • (a) establish advisory committees to report to the Ministers or either Minister; and

  • (b) specify the functions that the committees are to perform and the manner in which those functions are to be performed.

• Marginal note:Publication of report

  (2) The report of a committee established under subsection (1), including its recommendations and reasons, shall be made public.

Marginal note:Report of various committees

8 The Minister shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report of the activities of the Committee and of any committees established under paragraph 7(1)(a).

Agreements Respecting Administration

Marginal note:Negotiation of agreement

• 9 (1) The Minister may negotiate an agreement with a government or with an aboriginal people with respect to the administration of this Act.

• Marginal note:Publication of negotiated agreements

  (2) The Minister shall publish any agreement negotiated under subsection (1) before it is entered into, or give notice of its availability, in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Comments or objections

  (3) Within 60 days after the publication of an agreement or notice of its availability under subsection (2), any person may file with the Minister comments or a notice of objection.

• Marginal note:Publication by Minister of results

  (4) After the end of the period of 60 days referred to in subsection (3), the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a report or a notice of the availability of a report that summarizes how any comments or notices of objection were dealt with.

• Marginal note:Entering into agreements

  (5) The Minister may, after publishing a report or notice under subsection (4),

  • (a) with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into an agreement with a government or an aboriginal people with respect to the administration of this Act; and

  • (b) subject to any terms and conditions that the Governor in Council may specify in the approval, agree to amendments of the agreement.

• Marginal note:Publication of final agreements

  (6) The Minister shall publish any agreement under subsection (5), or give notice of its availability, in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Termination

  (7) An agreement made under subsection (5) terminates five years after the date on which it comes into force or may be terminated earlier by either party giving the other at least three months notice.

• Marginal note:Annual report

  (8) The Minister shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report on the administration of this Act under agreements made under subsection (5).

• Marginal note:Action not limited by Agreement

  (9) No agreement made under this section shall limit or restrict the carrying out of any action the Minister deems necessary for the administration and enforcement of this Act, including the conduct of inspections or investigations.

Agreements Respecting Equivalent Provisions

Marginal note:Non-application of regulations

• 10 (1) Except with respect to Her Majesty in right of Canada, the provisions of a regulation made under subsection 93(1), 200(1) or 209(1) or (2) do not apply within the jurisdiction of a government for which there is in force an order, made under subsection (3), declaring that the provisions do not apply within that jurisdiction.

• Marginal note:Non-application of regulations

  (2) Except with respect to a federal source, the provisions of a regulation made under section 167 or 177 do not apply within the jurisdiction of a government for which there is in force an order, made under subsection (3), declaring that the provisions do not apply within that jurisdiction.

• Marginal note:Declaration of equivalent provisions

  (3) Subject to subsections (4), (5) and (6), where the Minister and a government agree in writing that there are in force by or under the laws applicable to the jurisdiction of the government

  • (a) provisions that are equivalent to a regulation made under a provision referred to in subsection (1) or (2), and

  • (b) provisions that are similar to sections 17 to 20 for the investigation of alleged offences under environmental legislation of that jurisdiction,

  the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make an order declaring that the provisions of the regulation do not apply in an area under the jurisdiction of the government.

• Marginal note:Publication of agreements

  (4) The Minister shall publish any agreement referred to in subsection (3) before it is entered into, or give notice of its availability, in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Comments or objections

  (5) Within 60 days after the publication of an agreement or notice of its availability under subsection (4), any person may file with the Minister comments or a notice of objection.

• Marginal note:Publication by Minister of results

  (6) After the end of the period of 60 days referred to in subsection (5), the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a report or a notice of the availability of a report that summarizes how any comments or notices of objection were dealt with.

• Marginal note:Publication of final agreements

  (7) The Minister shall publish any agreement referred to in subsection (3) after it is entered into, or give notice of its availability, in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Termination

  (8) An agreement made under subsection (3) terminates five years after the date on which it comes into force or may be terminated earlier by either party giving the other at least three months notice.

• Marginal note:Revocation of order

  (9) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, revoke an order made under subsection (3) if the agreement referred to in that subsection terminates or is terminated.

• Marginal note:Report to Parliament

  (10) The Minister shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report on the administration of this section.

PART 2Public Participation

Interpretation

Definition of environmental protection action

11 In this Part, environmental protection action means an action under section 22.

Environmental Registry

Marginal note:Establishment of Environmental Registry

12 The Minister shall establish a registry, to be called the Environmental Registry, for the purpose of facilitating access to documents relating to matters under this Act.

Marginal note:Contents of Environmental Registry

• 13 (1) The Environmental Registry shall contain notices and other documents published or made publicly available by the Ministers or either Minister under this Act, and shall also include, subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act,

  • (a) notices of objection and of any approval granted under this Act;

  • (b) a copy of every policy and of every proposed regulation or order made under this Act; and

  • (c) copies of documents submitted to a court by the Minister relating to any environmental protection action.

• Marginal note:Form and manner of Environmental Registry

  (2) The Minister may determine the form of the Environmental Registry and how it is to be kept, so long as the registry is publicly accessible and searchable and is in electronic form.

Marginal note:Protection from civil proceeding or prosecution

• 14 (1) Despite any other Act of Parliament, no civil or criminal proceedings may be brought against any person mentioned in subsection (2) for the full or partial disclosure in good faith of any notice or other document through the Environmental Registry or any consequences of its disclosure.

• Marginal note:Persons protected

  (2) The persons against whom the proceedings may not be brought are Her Majesty in right of Canada, the Minister and any person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the Minister.

Rights under Other Parts

Marginal note:Additional rights

15 The rights conferred by this Part are in addition to the right to request, under section 76, that a substance be assessed, the right to file a notice of objection under Parts 1, 7 and 11 and the right to request under Parts 7 and 11 that a board of review be established under section 333.

Voluntary Reports

Marginal note:Voluntary reports

• 16 (1) Where a person has knowledge of the commission or reasonable likelihood of the commission of an offence under this Act, but is not required to report the matter under this Act, the person may report any information relating to the offence or likely offence to an enforcement officer or any person to whom a report may be made under this Act.

• Marginal note:Request for confidentiality

  (2) The person making the report may request that their identity, and any information that could reasonably be expected to reveal their identity, not be disclosed.

• Marginal note:Requirement for confidentiality

  (3) No person shall disclose or cause to be disclosed the identity of a person who makes a request under subsection (2) or any information that could reasonably be expected to reveal their identity unless the person authorizes the disclosure in writing.

• Marginal note:Employee protection

  (4) Despite any other Act of Parliament, no employer shall dismiss, suspend, demote, discipline, harass or otherwise disadvantage an employee, or deny an employee a benefit of employment, by reason that

  • (a) the employee has made a report under subsection (1);

  • (b) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has refused or stated an intention of refusing to do anything that is an offence under this Act; or

  • (c) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has done or stated an intention of doing anything that is required to be done by or under this Act.

Investigation of Offences

Marginal note:Application for investigation by Minister

• 17 (1) An individual who is resident in Canada and at least 18 years of age may apply to the Minister for an investigation of any offence under this Act that the individual alleges has occurred.

• Marginal note:Statement to accompany application

  (2) The application shall include a solemn affirmation or declaration

  • (a) stating the name and address of the applicant;

  • (b) stating that the applicant is at least 18 years old and a resident of Canada;

  • (c) stating the nature of the alleged offence and the name of each person alleged to have contravened, or to have done something in contravention of, this Act or the regulations; and

  • (d) containing a concise statement of the evidence supporting the allegations of the applicant.

• Marginal note:Form

  (3) The Minister may prescribe the form in which an application under this section is required to be made.

Marginal note:Investigation by Minister

18 The Minister shall acknowledge receipt of the application within 20 days of the receipt and shall investigate all matters that the Minister considers necessary to determine the facts relating to the alleged offence.

Marginal note:Progress reports

19 After acknowledging receipt of the application, the Minister shall report to the applicant every 90 days on the progress of the investigation and the action, if any, that the Minister has taken or proposes to take, and the Minister shall include in the report an estimate of the time required to complete the investigation or to implement the action, but a report is not required if the investigation is discontinued before the end of the 90 days.

Marginal note:Minister may send evidence to Attorney General of Canada

20 At any stage of an investigation, the Minister may send any documents or other evidence to the Attorney General of Canada for consideration of whether an offence has been or is about to be committed under this Act and for any action that the Attorney General may wish to take.

Marginal note:Discontinuation of investigation

• 21 (1) The Minister may discontinue the investigation if the Minister is of the opinion that

  • (a) the alleged offence does not require further investigation; or

  • (b) the investigation does not substantiate the alleged offence.

• Marginal note:Report

  (2) If the investigation is discontinued, the Minister shall

  • (a) prepare a report in writing describing the information obtained during the investigation and stating the reasons for its discontinuation; and

  • (b) send a copy of the report to the applicant and to any person whose conduct was investigated.

  A copy of the report sent to a person whose conduct was investigated must not disclose the name or address of the applicant or any other personal information about them.

Environmental Protection Action

Marginal note:Circumstances when an individual may bring an action

• 22 (1) An individual who has applied for an investigation may bring an environmental protection action if

  • (a) the Minister failed to conduct an investigation and report within a reasonable time; or

  • (b) the Minister’s response to the investigation was unreasonable.

• Marginal note:Nature of the action

  (2) The action may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction against a person who committed an offence under this Act that

  • (a) was alleged in the application for the investigation; and

  • (b) caused significant harm to the environment.

• Marginal note:Relief that may be claimed

  (3) In the action, the individual may claim any or all of the following:

  • (a) a declaratory order;

  • (b) an order, including an interlocutory order, requiring the defendant to refrain from doing anything that, in the opinion of the court, may constitute an offence under this Act;

  • (c) an order, including an interlocutory order, requiring the defendant to do anything that, in the opinion of the court, may prevent the continuation of an offence under this Act;

  • (d) an order to the parties to negotiate a plan to correct or mitigate the harm to the environment or to human, animal or plant life or health, and to report to the court on the negotiations within a time set by the court; and

  • (e) any other appropriate relief, including the costs of the action, but not including damages.

Marginal note:Limitation period of two years

• 23 (1) An environmental protection action may be brought only within a limitation period of two years beginning when the plaintiff becomes aware of the conduct on which the action is based, or should have become aware of it.

• Marginal note:Time during investigation not included

  (2) The limitation period does not include any time following the plaintiff’s application for an investigation, but before the plaintiff receives a report under subsection 21(2).

Marginal note:No action for remedial conduct

24 An environmental protection action may not be brought if the alleged conduct

• (a) was taken

  • (i) to correct or mitigate harm or the risk of harm to the environment or to human, animal or plant life or health, or

  • (ii) to protect national security, support humanitarian relief efforts, participate in multilateral military or peace-keeping activities under the auspices of international organizations or defend a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and

• (b) was reasonable and consistent with public safety.

Marginal note:Exception

25 An environmental protection action may not be brought against a person if the person was convicted of an offence under this Act, or environmental protection alternative measures within the meaning of Part 10 were used to deal with the person, in respect of the alleged conduct on which the action is based.

Marginal note:Notice of the action

• 26 (1) The plaintiff in an environmental protection action shall give notice of the action to the Minister no later than 10 days after the document originating the action is first served on a defendant, and the Minister shall give notice of the action in the Environmental Registry as soon as possible after receipt of the plaintiff’s notice.

• Marginal note:Notice of other matters

  (2) In an environmental protection action,

  • (a) the court may order any party to the action to give notice to the Minister of any matter relating to the action, within the time specified by the court; and

  • (b) the Minister shall give notice of that matter in the Environmental Registry as soon as possible after receipt of the party’s notice.

Marginal note:Attorney General to be served

• 27 (1) A plaintiff shall serve the Attorney General of Canada with a copy of the document originating an environmental protection action within 20 days after first serving the document on a defendant.

• Marginal note:Attorney General may participate

  (2) The Attorney General of Canada is entitled to participate in the action, either as a party or otherwise. Notice of his or her decision to participate shall be given to the plaintiff and be included in the Environmental Registry within 45 days after the copy of the originating document is served on the Attorney General.

• Marginal note:Right of appeal

  (3) The Attorney General of Canada is entitled to appeal from a judgment in the action and to make submissions and present evidence in an appeal.

Marginal note:Other participants

• 28 (1) A court may allow any person to participate in an environmental protection action in order to provide fair and adequate representation of the private and public interests involved.

• Marginal note:Manner and terms of participation

  (2) The court may determine the manner and terms of the person’s participation, including the payment of costs.

Marginal note:Burden of proof

29 The offence alleged in an environmental protection action and the resulting significant harm are to be proved on a balance of probabilities.

Marginal note:Defences

• 30 (1) The following defences are available in an environmental protection action:

  • (a) the defence of due diligence in complying with this Act and the regulations;

  • (b) the defence that the alleged conduct is authorized by or under an Act of Parliament;

  • (c) except with respect to Her Majesty in right of Canada or a federal source, the defence that the alleged conduct is authorized by or under a law of a government that is the subject of an order made under subsection 10(3); and

  • (d) the defence of officially induced mistake of law.

• Marginal note:Other defences not excluded

  (2) This section does not limit the availability of any other defences.

Marginal note:Undertakings to pay damages

31 In deciding whether to dispense with an undertaking to pay damages caused by an interlocutory order in an environmental protection action, the court may consider any special circumstances, including whether the action is a test case or raises a novel point of law.

Marginal note:Stay or dismissal

• 32 (1) A court may stay or dismiss an environmental protection action if it is in the public interest to do so.

• Marginal note:Factors to be considered

  (2) In deciding whether to stay or dismiss the action, the court may consider

  • (a) environmental, health, safety, economic and social concerns;

  • (b) whether the issues raised in the action would be better resolved in some other way;

  • (c) whether the Minister has an adequate plan to correct or mitigate the harm to the environment or human, animal or plant life or health or otherwise to address the issues raised in the action; and

  • (d) any other relevant matter.

Marginal note:Remedies

33 If a court finds that the plaintiff is entitled to judgment in an environmental protection action, it may grant any relief mentioned in subsection 22(3).

Marginal note:Orders to negotiate plans

• 34 (1) A court order to negotiate a plan to correct or mitigate the harm to the environment or human, animal or plant life or health may, to the extent that it is reasonable, practicable and ecologically sound, require the plan to provide for

  • (a) the prevention, reduction or elimination of the harm;

  • (b) the restoration of the environment;

  • (c) the restoration of all uses, including enjoyment, of the environment affected by the offence;

  • (d) the payment of money by the defendant as the court may direct to achieve the plan’s purposes; and

  • (e) monitoring the implementation of the plan and the progress made in achieving its purposes.

  Before making the order, the court must take into account any efforts that the defendant has already made to deal with the harm.

• Marginal note:Other orders

  (2) The court may also make interlocutory or ancillary orders to ensure that the negotiation of the plan runs smoothly, including orders

  • (a) for the payment of the costs of negotiation;

  • (b) requiring the plaintiff or the defendant to prepare a draft of the plan; and

  • (c) setting a time limit for the negotiations.

• Marginal note:Appointment of other person to prepare plan

  (3) The court may appoint a person who is not a party to prepare a draft plan if the parties cannot agree on the plan or the court is not satisfied with the plan that they negotiate.

• Marginal note:Order to prepare another plan

  (4) The court may order the parties to prepare another plan if it is not satisfied with the plan that they negotiate.

• Marginal note:Approval and effective date

  (5) The court may approve a plan that the parties negotiate or a plan prepared by a person appointed under subsection (3) and the approved plan comes into effect on a day determined by the court.

Marginal note:Restriction on orders to negotiate plans

35 A court may not order the negotiation of a plan to correct or mitigate the harm to the environment or human, animal or plant life or health if it determines that

• (a) the harm has already been corrected or mitigated; or

• (b) adequate measures to correct or mitigate the harm have already been ordered under this Act or any other law in force in Canada.

Marginal note:Settlement or discontinuance

36 An environmental protection action may be settled or discontinued only with the approval of the court and on terms that it considers appropriate.

Marginal note:Settlements and orders

37 If an environmental protection action results in an order of a court or a settlement approved by a court,

• (a) the resolution of any question of fact by the order or settlement is binding on a court in any other environmental protection action in which that question arises; and

• (b) no other environmental protection action may be brought with respect to the offence or alleged offence dealt with by the order or settlement.

Marginal note:Costs

38 In deciding whether to award costs in an environmental protection action, the court may consider any special circumstances, including whether the action is a test case or raises a novel point of law.

Action to Prevent or Compensate Loss

Marginal note:Injunction

39 Any person who suffers, or is about to suffer, loss or damage as a result of conduct that contravenes any provision of this Act or the regulations may seek an injunction from a court of competent jurisdiction ordering the person engaging in the conduct

• (a) to refrain from doing anything that it appears to the court causes or will cause the loss or damage; or

• (b) to do anything that it appears to the court prevents or will prevent the loss or damage.

Marginal note:Civil cause of action

40 Any person who has suffered loss or damage as a result of conduct that contravenes any provision of this Act or the regulations may, in any court of competent jurisdiction, bring an action to recover from the person who engaged in the conduct

• (a) an amount equal to the loss or damage proved to have been suffered by the person; and

• (b) an amount to compensate for the costs that the person incurs in connection with the matter and proceedings under this section.

Other Matters

Marginal note:Evidence of offence

• 41 (1) In an action under this Part, the record of proceedings in any court in which a defendant was convicted of an offence under this Act is evidence that the defendant committed the offence.

• Marginal note:Certificate evidence of conviction

  (2) In the action, evidence that a defendant was convicted of an offence under this Act may be given by a certificate stating with reasonable particularity the conviction and sentence of the defendant.

• Marginal note:Signature of certificate

  (3) The certificate shall be signed by

  • (a) the person who made the conviction; or

  • (b) the clerk of the court in which the conviction was made.

  Once it is proved that the defendant is the offender mentioned in the certificate, it is evidence without proof of the signature or the official character of the person appearing to have signed it.

Marginal note:Civil remedies not affected

• 42 (1) No civil remedy for any conduct is suspended or affected by reason only that the conduct is an offence under this Act.

• Marginal note:Remedies not repealed, etc.

  (2) Nothing in this Act shall be interpreted so as to repeal, remove or reduce any remedy available to any person under any law in force in Canada.

• Marginal note:Damages caused by a ship

  (3) No claim for damage caused by a ship may be made under this Act to the extent that a claim for that damage may be made under the Marine Liability Act or the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act.

PART 3Information Gathering, Objectives, Guidelines and Codes of Practice

Interpretation

Marginal note:Definitions

43 The definitions in this section apply in this Part.

fish

fish has the meaning assigned by section 2 of the Fisheries Act. (poissons)

hormone disrupting substance

hormone disrupting substance means a substance having the ability to disrupt the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action or elimination of natural hormones in an organism, or its progeny, that are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, reproduction, development or behaviour of the organism. (substance hormonoperturbante)

Environmental Data and Research

Marginal note:Monitoring, research and publication

• 44 (1) The Minister shall

  • (a) establish, operate and maintain a system for monitoring environmental quality;

  • (b) conduct research and studies relating to pollution prevention, the nature, transportation, dispersion, effects, control and abatement of pollution and the effects of pollution on environmental quality, and provide advisory and technical services and information related to that research and those studies;

  • (c) conduct research and studies relating to

    • (i) environmental contamination arising from disturbances of ecosystems by human activity,

    • (ii) changes in the normal geochemical cycling of toxic substances that are naturally present in the environment, and

    • (iii) detection and damage to ecosystems;

  • (d) collect, process, correlate, interpret, create an inventory of and publish on a periodic basis data on environmental quality in Canada from monitoring systems, research, studies and any other sources;

  • (e) formulate plans for pollution prevention and the control and abatement of pollution, including plans respecting the prevention of, preparedness for and response to an environmental emergency and for restoring any part of the environment damaged by or during an emergency, and establish, operate and publicize demonstration projects and make them available for demonstration; and

  • (f) publish, arrange for the publication of or distribute through an information clearing-house

    • (i) information respecting pollution prevention,

    • (ii) pertinent information in respect of all aspects of environmental quality, and

    • (iii) a periodic report on the state of the Canadian environment.

• Marginal note:Cooperation and agreements

  (2) The Minister may

  • (a) in establishing a system referred to in paragraph (1)(a), cooperate with governments, foreign governments and aboriginal people and with any person who has established or proposes to establish any such system; and

  • (b) with the approval of the Governor in Council, enter into agreements for the operation or maintenance of a system referred to in paragraph (1)(a) by the Minister on behalf of any government, aboriginal people or any person or for the operation or maintenance of any such system by the government or any person on behalf of the Minister.

• Marginal note:Cooperation with other bodies

  (3) The Minister may, in exercising the powers conferred by paragraphs (1)(b) to (e), act in cooperation with any government, foreign government, government department or agency, institution, aboriginal people or any person and may sponsor or assist in any of their research, studies, planning or activities in relation to environmental quality, pollution prevention, environmental emergencies or the control or abatement of pollution.

• Marginal note:Protection of right to healthy environment

  (3.1) The Ministers shall conduct research, studies or monitoring activities to support the Government of Canada in protecting the right to a healthy environment referred to in paragraph 2(1)(a.2).

• Marginal note:Hormone disrupting substances

  (4) The Ministers shall conduct research or studies relating to hormone disrupting substances, methods related to their detection, methods to determine their actual or likely short-term or long-term effect on the environment and human health, and preventive, control and abatement measures to deal with those substances to protect the environment and human health.

Marginal note:Role of Minister of Health

• 45 (1) The Minister of Health shall

  • (a) conduct research and studies, including biomonitoring surveys, relating to the role of substances in illnesses or in health problems;

  • (b) collect, process, correlate and publish on a periodic basis data from any research or studies done under paragraph (a); and

  • (c) distribute available information to inform the public about the effects of substances on human health.

• Marginal note:Vulnerable populations

  (2) For greater certainty, the research and studies referred to in paragraph (1)(a) may relate to vulnerable populations.

Information Gathering

Marginal note:Notice requiring information

• 46 (1) The Minister may, for the purpose of conducting research, creating an inventory of data, formulating objectives and codes of practice, issuing guidelines or assessing or reporting on the state of the environment, publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice requiring any person described in the notice to provide the Minister with any information that may be in the possession of that person or to which the person may reasonably be expected to have access, including information regarding the following:

  • (a) substances specified in the plan developed under section 73;

  • (b) substances that have not been determined to be toxic under Part 5 because of the current extent of the environment’s exposure to them, but whose presence in the environment must be monitored if the Minister considers that to be appropriate;

  • (c) substances, including nutrients, that can be released into water or are present in products like water conditioners and cleaning products;

  • (d) substances released, or disposed of, at or into the sea;

  • (e) substances that are toxic under section 64 or that may become toxic;

  • (e.1) products that contain a substance that is toxic under section 64 or that may become toxic, or products that may release such a substance into the environment;

  • (f) substances that may cause or contribute to international or interprovincial pollution of fresh water, salt water or the atmosphere;

  • (g) substances or fuels that may contribute significantly to air pollution;

  • (h) substances that, if released into Canadian waters, cause or may cause damage to fish or to their habitat;

  • (i) substances that, if released into areas of Canada where there are migratory birds, endangered species or other wildlife regulated under any other Act of Parliament, are harmful or capable of causing harm to those birds, species or wildlife;

  • (j) substances that are on the list established under regulations made under subsection 200(1);

  • (k) the release of substances into the environment at any stage of their life-cycle;

  • (k.1) activities that may contribute to pollution;

  • (k.2) hydraulic fracturing;

  • (k.3) tailings ponds;

  • (l) pollution prevention; and

  • (m) use of federal land and of aboriginal land.

• Marginal note:Other recipient

  (2) The Minister may, in accordance with an agreement signed with a government, require that a person to whom a notice is directed submit the information to the Minister or to that government.

• Marginal note:Conditions respecting access to information

  (3) An agreement referred to in subsection (2) shall set out conditions respecting access by the Minister or other government to all or part of the information that the person is required to submit and may set out any other conditions respecting the information.

• Marginal note:Period of notice and date for compliance

  (4) A notice referred to in subsection (1) must indicate the period during which it is in force, which may not exceed three years, and the date or dates within which the person to whom the notice is directed shall comply with the notice.

• Marginal note:Compliance with notice

  (5) Every person to whom a notice is directed shall comply with the notice.

• Marginal note:Extension of time

  (6) The Minister may, on request in writing from any person to whom a notice is directed, extend the date or dates within which the person shall comply with the notice.

• Marginal note:Manner

  (7) The notice must indicate the manner in which the information is to be provided.

• Marginal note:Preservation of information

  (8) The notice may indicate the period during which, and the location where, the person to whom the notice is directed shall keep copies of the required information, together with any calculations, measurements and other data on which the information is based. The period may not exceed three years from the date the information is required to be submitted to the Minister.

Marginal note:Guidelines

• 47 (1) The Minister shall issue guidelines respecting the use of the powers provided for by subsection 46(1) and, in issuing those guidelines, the Minister shall take into account any factor that the Minister considers relevant, including

  • (a) the costs and benefits to the Minister and the person to whom the notice under subsection 46(1) is directed;

  • (b) the co-ordination of requests for information with other governments, to the extent practicable; and

  • (c) the manner in which the information collected under subsection 46(1) is to be used.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (2) In carrying out the duties under subsection (1), the Minister shall offer to consult with the government of a province and the members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments and may consult with a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in the quality of the environment.

• Marginal note:Minister may act

  (3) At any time after the 60th day following the day on which the Minister offers to consult in accordance with subsection (2), the Minister may act under subsection (1) if the offer to consult is not accepted by the government of a province or members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments.

Marginal note:National inventory

48 The Minister shall establish a national inventory of releases of pollutants using the information collected under section 46 and any other information to which the Minister has access, and may use any information to which the Minister has access to establish any other inventory of information.

Marginal note:Publication in whole or in part

49 The notice published under subsection 46(1) must indicate whether or not the Minister intends to publish the information and, if so, whether in whole or in part.

Marginal note:Publication of inventory

50 Subject to subsection 53(4), the Minister shall publish the national inventory of releases of pollutants in any manner that the Minister considers appropriate and may publish or give notice of the availability of any other inventory of information established under section 48, in any manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

Marginal note:Request for confidentiality

51 A person who provides information to the Minister under subsection 46(1) may, if the Minister’s intention to publish the information has been indicated under section 49, submit with the information a written request, setting out a reason referred to in section 52, that the information be treated as confidential.

Marginal note:Reasons

52 Despite Part 11, a request under section 51 may only be based on any of the following reasons:

• (a) the information constitutes a trade secret;

• (b) the disclosure of the information would likely cause material financial loss to, or prejudice to the competitive position of, the person providing the information or on whose behalf it is provided; and

• (c) the disclosure of the information would likely interfere with contractual or other negotiations being conducted by the person providing the information or on whose behalf it is provided.

Marginal note:Additional justification

• 53 (1) The Minister may, after studying the reasons provided under section 52, require the person in question to provide, within 20 days and in writing, additional justification for the request for confidentiality.

• Marginal note:Extension of time

  (2) The Minister may extend the period mentioned in subsection (1) by up to 10 days if the extension is necessary to permit adequate preparation of the additional justification.

• Marginal note:Minister’s decision

  (3) In determining whether to accept or reject the request, the Minister shall consider whether the reasons are well-founded and, if they are, the Minister may nevertheless reject the request if

  • (a) the disclosure is in the interest of the protection of the environment, public health or public safety; and

  • (b) the public interest in the disclosure outweighs in importance

    • (i) any material financial loss or prejudice to the competitive position of the person who provided the information or on whose behalf it was provided, and

    • (ii) any damage to the privacy, reputation or human dignity of any individual that may result from the disclosure.

• Marginal note:Acceptance of request

  (4) If the Minister accepts the request, the information shall not be published.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (5) If the Minister rejects the request,

  • (a) the person has the right to ask the Federal Court to review the matter within 30 days after the person is notified that the request has been rejected or within any further time that the Court may, before the expiry of those 30 days, fix or allow; and

  • (b) the Minister shall advise the person in question of the Minister’s intention to publish the information and of the person’s right to ask the Federal Court to review the matter.

• Marginal note:Applicable provisions

  (6) Where a person asks the Federal Court to review the matter under paragraph (5)(a), sections 45, 46 and 47 of the Access to Information Act apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, in respect of a request for a review under that paragraph as if it were an application made under section 44 of that Act.

Objectives, Guidelines and Codes of Practice

Marginal note:Formulation by the Minister

• 54 (1) For the purpose of carrying out the Minister’s mandate related to preserving the quality of the environment, the Minister shall issue

  • (a) environmental quality objectives specifying goals or purposes for pollution prevention or environmental control, including goals or purposes stated in quantitative or qualitative terms;

  • (b) environmental quality guidelines specifying recommendations in quantitative or qualitative terms to support and maintain particular uses of the environment;

  • (c) release guidelines recommending limits, including limits expressed as concentrations or quantities, for the release of substances into the environment from works, undertakings or activities; and

  • (d) codes of practice respecting pollution prevention or specifying procedures, practices or release limits for environmental control relating to works, undertakings and activities during any phase of their development and operation, including the location, design, construction, start-up, closure, dismantling and clean-up phases and any subsequent monitoring activities.

• Marginal note:Scope of objectives, etc.

  (2) The objectives, guidelines and codes of practice referred to in subsection (1) shall relate to

  • (a) the environment;

  • (b) pollution prevention or the recycling, reusing, treating, storing or disposing of substances or reducing the release of substances into the environment;

  • (c) works, undertakings or activities that affect or may affect the environment; or

  • (d) the conservation of natural resources and sustainable development.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (3) In carrying out the duties under subsection (1), the Minister shall offer to consult with the government of a province and the members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments and may consult with a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in the quality of the environment.

• Marginal note:Minister may act

  (3.1) At any time after the 60th day following the day on which the Minister offers to consult in accordance with subsection (3), the Minister may act under subsection (1) if the offer to consult is not accepted by the government of a province or members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (4) The Minister shall publish any objectives, guidelines or codes of practice issued under this section, or give notice of them, in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

Marginal note:Formulation by the Minister of Health

• 55 (1) For the purpose of carrying out the mandate of the Minister of Health related to preserving and improving public health under this Act, the Minister of Health shall issue objectives, guidelines and codes of practice with respect to the elements of the environment that may affect the life and health of the people of Canada.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (2) In carrying out the duties under subsection (1), the Minister of Health may consult with a government, a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in the preservation and improvement of public health.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (3) The Minister of Health shall publish any objectives, guidelines or codes of practice issued under this section, or give notice of them, in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister of Health considers appropriate.

PART 4Pollution Prevention

Pollution Prevention Plans

Marginal note:Requirement for pollution prevention plans

• 56 (1) The Minister may, at any time, publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice requiring any person or class of persons described in the notice to prepare and implement a pollution prevention plan in respect of

  • (a) a substance or group of substances specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1;

  • (b) a substance or group of substances with respect to which subsection 166(1) or 176(1) applies; or

  • (c) a product that contains a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1 or that may release such a substance into the environment.

• Marginal note:Alternatives

  (1.1) The notice may include a requirement that the plan prioritize the identification, development or use of safer or more sustainable alternatives to the substance, group of substances or product.

• Marginal note:Contents of notice

  (2) The notice may specify

  • (a) the substance, group of substances or product in relation to which the plan is to be prepared;

  • (b) the commercial, manufacturing, processing or other activity in relation to which the plan is to be prepared;

  • (c) the factors to be considered in preparing the plan;

  • (d) the period within which the plan is to be prepared;

  • (e) the period within which the plan is to be implemented; and

  • (f) any administrative matter necessary for the purposes of this Part.

• Marginal note:Extension of time

  (3) Where the Minister is of the opinion that further time is necessary to prepare or implement the plan, the Minister may extend the period for a person who submits a written request before the expiry of the period referred to in the notice or of any extended period.

• Marginal note:Publication of notice of extension

  (4) The Minister shall publish in the Environmental Registry and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice stating the name of any person for whom an extension is granted, whether the extension is for the preparation or the implementation of the plan, and the duration of the period of the extension.

• Marginal note:Application for waiver

  (5) On a written request submitted by any person to whom a notice under subsection (1) is directed, the Minister may waive the requirement for that person to consider a factor specified under paragraph (2)(c) where the Minister is of the opinion that it is not reasonable or practicable to consider the factor on the basis of reasons provided in the request.

• Marginal note:Progress reports

  (6) A notice under subsection (1) may include a requirement that the person to whom the notice is directed file with the Minister, within the periods specified in the notice, written reports on their progress in implementing the plan.

Marginal note:Plan prepared or implemented for another purpose

• 57 (1) Subject to subsection (2), where a person who is required to prepare or implement a pollution prevention plan under a notice published under section 56 has prepared or implemented a plan in respect of pollution prevention on a voluntary basis or for another government or under another Act of Parliament that meets all or some of the requirements of the notice, the person may use that plan for the purposes of meeting the requirements of this Part and, in that case, the plan shall be considered to be a pollution prevention plan that has been prepared or implemented under this Part.

• Marginal note:Where partial requirements met

  (2) Where a person uses a plan under subsection (1) that does not meet all of the requirements of the notice, the person shall

  • (a) amend the plan so that it meets all of those requirements; or

  • (b) prepare an additional pollution prevention plan that meets the remainder of those requirements.

Marginal note:Declaration of preparation

• 58 (1) Every person who is required to prepare a pollution prevention plan under section 56 or 291 or under an agreement in respect of environmental protection alternative measures shall file, within 30 days after the end of the period for the preparation of the plan specified in the notice referred to in subsection 56(1) or extended under subsection 56(3), or specified by the court under section 291 or in the agreement, as the case may be, a written declaration to the Minister that the plan has been prepared and is being implemented.

• Marginal note:Declaration of implementation

  (2) Every person who is required to implement a pollution prevention plan under section 56 or 291 or under an agreement in respect of environmental protection alternative measures shall file, within 30 days after the completion of the implementation of the plan, a written declaration to the Minister that the implementation of the plan has been completed.

• Marginal note:Filing of amended declaration

  (3) Where a person has filed a declaration under subsection (1) or (2) and the declaration contains information that, at any time after the filing, has become false or misleading, that person shall file an amended declaration to the Minister within 30 days after that time.

• Marginal note:Form of declaration

  (4) A declaration referred to in subsection (1), (2) or (3) shall be filed in the form and manner and contain the information specified by the Minister.

Marginal note:Requirement to keep plan

59 Every person who is required to prepare a pollution prevention plan under section 56 or 291 or under an agreement in respect of environmental protection alternative measures shall keep a copy of the plan at the place in Canada in relation to which the plan is prepared.

Marginal note:Requirement to submit certain plans

• 60 (1) The Minister may publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice requiring any person or class of persons described in the notice who are required to prepare and implement a pollution prevention plan under section 56 to submit, within the period specified by the Minister, the plan or any part of the plan for the purpose of determining and assessing preventive or control actions in respect of a substance, group of substances or product.

• Marginal note:Submission of plans required by court or agreement

  (2) The Minister may publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice requiring any person or class of persons described in the notice who are required to prepare and implement a pollution prevention plan under section 291 or under an agreement in respect of environmental protection alternative measures to submit, within the period specified by the Minister, the plan or any part of the plan.

Model Plans and Guidelines

Marginal note:Model plans

61 For the purpose of providing guidance in the preparation of a pollution prevention plan, the Minister may publish in the Canada Gazette or in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a model pollution prevention plan or a notice stating where a copy of the plan may be obtained.

Marginal note:Guidelines

• 62 (1) The Minister shall, with particular consideration of paragraph 2(1)(m), develop guidelines respecting the circumstances in which and the conditions under which pollution prevention planning is appropriate.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (2) In carrying out the duties under subsection (1), the Minister shall offer to consult with the government of a province and the members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments and may consult with a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in the quality of the environment.

• Marginal note:Minister may act

  (3) At any time after the 60th day following the day on which the Minister offers to consult in accordance with subsection (2), the Minister may act under subsection (1) if the offer to consult is not accepted by the government of a province or members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments.

Other Initiatives

Marginal note:Information clearing-house

• 63 (1) The Minister may, for the purposes of encouraging and facilitating pollution prevention, establish and maintain a national pollution prevention information clearing-house in order to collect, exchange and distribute information relating to pollution prevention.

• Marginal note:Recognition program

  (2) The Minister may establish a program to publicly recognize significant achievements in the area of pollution prevention.

• Marginal note:Cooperation with other bodies

  (3) The Minister may, in exercising the powers conferred by subsections (1) and (2), act alone or in cooperation with any government in Canada or government of a foreign state or any of its institutions or any person.

PART 5Controlling Toxic Substances

Interpretation

Marginal note:Toxic substances

64 For the purposes of this Part and Part 6, except where the expression “inherently toxic” appears, a substance is toxic if it is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that

• (a) have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity;

• (b) constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends; or

• (c) constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

65 [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 12]

65.1 [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 12]

General

Marginal note:Domestic Substances List

• 66 (1) The Minister shall, for the purpose of section 81, maintain a list to be known as the Domestic Substances List and, subject to subsection 66.2(1), the List shall specify all substances that the Minister is satisfied were, between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1986,

  • (a) manufactured in or imported into Canada by any person in a quantity of not less than 100 kg in any one calendar year; or

  • (b) in Canadian commerce or used for commercial manufacturing purposes in Canada.

• Marginal note:Non-domestic Substances List

  (2) The Minister shall, for the purpose of section 81, maintain a list to be known as the Non-domestic Substances List, and the List shall specify substances, other than

  • (a) the substances referred to in subsection (1), unless the substance has been deleted from the Domestic Substances List under subsection 66.2(1); and

  • (b) living organisms within the meaning of Part 6.

• Marginal note:Amendment of Lists

  (3) Where a substance was not included on the Domestic Substances List and the Minister subsequently learns that, between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1986, the requirements set out in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) were met in respect of the substance, the Minister shall add the substance to the List and, where necessary, delete it from the Non-domestic Substances List.

• Marginal note:Amendment of Lists

  (4) Where the Minister includes a substance on the Domestic Substances List and subsequently learns that, between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1986, the requirements set out in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) were not met in respect of the substance, the Minister shall delete the substance from the List and may add it to the Non-domestic Substances List.

• Marginal note:Publication of Lists

  (5) The Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate the Domestic Substances List, the Non-domestic Substances List and any amendments to those Lists.

• Marginal note:Designation

  (6) The Minister may, by order, designate any person or class of persons to exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions set out in this section.

Marginal note:Domestic Substances List — Food and Drugs Act

• 66.1 (1) The Minister may, for the purpose of section 81, add a substance to the Domestic Substances List if

  • (a) the substance was included on the version of the Revised In Commerce List that was prepared by the Minister of Health after the end, on November 3, 2019, of acceptance of substance nominations to that List and that is referred to in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 152, Number 44, as the static list;

  • (b) the substance is not referred to in Annex I to the notice entitled “Removal of substances with no commercial activity from the Revised In Commerce List” published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 156, Number 8; and

  • (c) no conditions specified under paragraph 84(1)(a) in respect of the substance are in effect.

  If the substance appears on the Non-domestic Substances List, the Minister shall delete it from that List.

• Marginal note:Designation

  (2) The Minister may, by order, designate any person or class of persons to exercise the powers set out in subsection (1).

Marginal note:Amendment of Lists

• 66.2 (1) If the Minister is satisfied that a substance referred to in subsection 66(1) that is specified on the Domestic Substances List — or a substance added to the List under subsection 66.1(1) or 87(1) or (5) — is not being manufactured in Canada, imported into Canada, in Canadian commerce or used for commercial manufacturing purposes in Canada, the Minister may delete the substance from the List and may add it to the Non-domestic Substances List.

• Marginal note:Publication — notice of intent

  (2) Before deleting a substance from the Domestic Substances List under subsection (1), the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice indicating the Minister’s intention to delete it from the List.

• Marginal note:Comments

  (3) Within 60 days after the publication of the notice, any person may file written comments with the Minister.

• Marginal note:Designation

  (4) The Minister may, by order, designate any person or class of persons to exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions set out in this section.

Marginal note:Regulation of criteria

• 67 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make regulations

  • (a) respecting a property or characteristic of a substance, including persistence, bioaccumulation, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity;

  • (b) prescribing the substances or groups of substances in respect of which the property or characteristic may be applicable;

  • (c) prescribing the conditions under which and the circumstances in which the property or characteristic may be applicable;

  • (d) respecting the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for analysing, testing or measuring the property or characteristic, including conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for replacing, reducing or refining the use of vertebrate animals; and

  • (e) respecting, for the purpose of subsection 77(3), the classification of a substance as a substance that poses the highest risk.

• Marginal note:Condition

  (2) No regulation that is applicable to a mineral or metal may be made under subsection (1) unless, in the opinion of the Ministers, the natural occurrence, properties and characteristics of that mineral or metal in the environment have been taken into consideration.

Marginal note:Research, investigation and evaluation

68 For the purpose of assessing whether a substance is toxic or is capable of becoming toxic — or for the purpose of assessing whether to control, or the manner in which to control, a substance, a product that contains a substance or a product that may release a substance into the environment — including a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, either Minister may

• (a) collect or generate data and conduct investigations respecting any matter in relation to the substance or product including

  • (i) whether short-term exposure to the substance causes significant effects,

  • (ii) the potential of organisms in the environment to be widely exposed to the substance,

  • (iii) whether organisms are exposed to the substance via multiple pathways,

  • (iii.1) whether exposure to the substance in combination with exposure to other substances has the potential to cause cumulative effects,

  • (iii.2) whether there is a vulnerable population or environment in relation to the substance,

  • (iv) the ability of the substance to cause a reduction in metabolic functions of an organism,

  • (v) the ability of the substance to cause delayed or latent effects over the lifetime of an organism, including carcinogenic, mutagenic or neurotoxic effects,

  • (vi) the ability of the substance to cause survival impairment of an organism,

  • (vi.1) the ability of the substance to disrupt the reproductive system or endocrine system of an organism,

  • (vii) whether exposure to the substance has the potential to contribute to population failure of a species,

  • (viii) the ability of the substance to cause transgenerational effects,

  • (ix) quantities, uses and disposal of the substance,

  • (x) the manner in which the substance is released into the environment,

  • (xi) the extent to which the substance can be dispersed and will persist in the environment,

  • (xii) the existence, development and use of safer or more sustainable alternatives to the substance or product,

  • (xiii) methods of controlling the presence of the substance in the environment,

  • (xiv) methods of reducing the quantity of the substance used or produced or the quantities or concentration of the substance released into the environment, and

  • (xv) the manner in which the public may be provided with information regarding the substance or product, including, in the case of a product, by labelling it;

• (b) correlate and evaluate any data collected or generated under paragraph (a) and publish results of any investigations carried out under that paragraph; and

• (c) provide information and make recommendations respecting any matter in relation to the substance or product, including measures to control the presence of the substance or product in the environment.

Marginal note:Restriction — vertebrate animals

• 68.1 (1) The Ministers shall, to the extent practicable, use scientifically justified alternative methods and strategies to replace, reduce or refine the use of vertebrate animals in the generation of data and the conduct of investigations under paragraph 68(a).

• Marginal note:Methods and strategies to refine use

  (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), methods and strategies to refine the use of vertebrate animals include minimizing pain and distress caused to vertebrate animals used in the generation of data and the conduct of investigations under paragraph 68(a).

Marginal note:Formulation of guidelines by the Ministers

• 69 (1) Either Minister or both Ministers, as the case may be, may issue guidelines for the purposes of the interpretation and application of the provisions of this Part for which they have responsibility.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (2) In exercising the powers under subsection (1), either Minister or both Ministers shall offer to consult with the government of a province and the members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments and may consult with a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in assessing and controlling toxic substances.

• Marginal note:Saving

  (2.1) Nothing in subsection (2) shall prevent either Minister or both Ministers from exercising the powers under subsection (1) at any time after the 60th day following the day on which an offer is made under subsection (2).

• Marginal note:Guidelines public

  (3) Guidelines issued under this section shall be made available to the public, and the Minister who issued the guidelines shall give notice of them in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that that Minister considers appropriate.

Information Gathering

Marginal note:Notice to the Minister

70 Where a person

• (a) imports, manufactures, transports, processes or distributes a substance for commercial purposes, or

• (b) uses a substance in a commercial manufacturing or processing activity,

and obtains information that reasonably supports the conclusion that the substance is toxic or is capable of becoming toxic, the person shall without delay provide the information to the Minister unless the person has actual knowledge that either Minister already has the information.

Marginal note:Notice requiring information, samples or testing

• 71 (1) The Minister may, for the purpose of assessing whether a substance is toxic or is capable of becoming toxic — or for the purpose of assessing whether to control, or the manner in which to control, a substance, a product that contains a substance or a product that may release a substance into the environment — including a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1,

  • (a) publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice requiring any person who is described in the notice and who is or was within the period specified in the notice engaged in any activity involving the substance or product, as the case may be, to notify the Minister that the person is or was during that period engaged in that activity;

  • (b) publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice requiring any person who is described in the notice to provide the Minister with any information and samples referred to in subsection (2) that may be in the person’s possession or to which the person may reasonably be expected to have access; and

  • (c) subject to section 72, send a written notice to any person who is described in the notice and who is or was within the period specified in the notice engaged in any activity involving the importation or manufacturing of the substance or product, as the case may be, requiring the person to conduct toxicological or other tests that the Minister may specify in the notice and submit the results of the tests to the Minister.

• Marginal note:Contents of notice under paragraph (1)(b)

  (2) A notice published under paragraph (1)(b) may require any information and samples, including

  • (a) in respect of a substance, available toxicological information, available monitoring information, samples of the substance and information on the quantities, composition, uses and distribution of the substance;

  • (a.1) in respect of a product that contains a substance or that may release a substance into the environment, information on the quantities, composition, manufacturing, processing, packaging, labelling, uses and distribution of the product;

  • (b) in respect of a work, undertaking or activity, plans, specifications, studies and information on procedures; and

  • (c) information on the method used to quantify any information that is provided.

• Marginal note:Method and manner — notice under paragraph (1)(b)

  (2.1) A notice published under paragraph (1)(b) may specify the method to be used to quantify any information that is to be provided and the manner in which that information and any sample is to be provided.

• Marginal note:Contents of notice under paragraph (1)(c)

  (2.2) A notice sent under paragraph (1)(c) may, among other things, require the person to provide any information and samples, including

  • (a) in respect of a substance or of a product that contains a substance or that may release a substance into the environment, toxicological information, monitoring information, test samples and information on the quantities, composition, uses and distribution of the substance or product; and

  • (b) information on the methods, test procedures and laboratory practices followed for performing any required test and on the conditions under which those tests are conducted.

• Marginal note:Method and manner — notice under paragraph (1)(c)

  (2.3) The notice sent under paragraph (1)(c) may, among other things, specify

  • (a) the conditions, methods, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for conducting sampling, analyses, measurements, quantification or monitoring as part of any required test;

  • (a.1) the conditions, methods, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed to replace, reduce or refine the use of vertebrate animals;

  • (b) the manner in which the test results are to be submitted;

  • (c) the method to be used to quantify any information that is to be provided; and

  • (d) the manner in which that information and any sample is to be provided.

• Marginal note:Compliance with notice

  (3) Every person to whom a notice referred to in any of paragraphs (1)(a) to (c) is directed or sent shall comply with the notice within the time specified in the notice.

• Marginal note:Extension of time

  (4) Despite subsection (3), the Minister may, on request in writing from any person to whom a notice referred to in any of paragraphs (1)(a) to (c) is directed or sent, extend the time or times within which the person shall comply with the notice.

Marginal note:Exercise of power under paragraph 71(1)(c)

72 The Minister may not exercise the power under paragraph 71(1)(c) in relation to a substance, a product that contains a substance or a product that may release a substance into the environment unless the Ministers have reason to suspect that the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic or it has been determined under this Act that the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

Substances and Assessments of Substances

Marginal note:Plan — priorities

• 73 (1) The Ministers shall, within two years after the day on which this section receives royal assent, develop and publish a plan with timelines

  • (a) that specifies the substances to which the Ministers are satisfied priority should be given in assessing whether they are toxic or capable of becoming toxic;

  • (b) that specifies the activities or initiatives in relation to assessing, controlling or otherwise managing the risks to the environment or to human health posed by substances that are or will be undertaken under an Act of Parliament for whose administration either Minister is responsible and which the Ministers are of the opinion should be prioritized; and

  • (c) that specifies activities or initiatives to promote the development and timely incorporation of scientifically justified alternative methods and strategies in the testing and assessment of substances to replace, reduce or refine the use of vertebrate animals.

• Marginal note:Consultation and considerations

  (2) In developing a proposed plan, and in implementing the plan, the Ministers

  • (a) may consult with the Committee, a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in the quality of the environment or the preservation and improvement of public health;

  • (b) shall consider whether assessing substances by class is more advantageous than assessing them individually, with a view toward avoiding substitutions within the class that may be harmful; and

  • (c) shall take into account the matters referred to in paragraph 68(a), including the manner in which the public may be provided with information regarding substances or products including, in the case of products, by labelling them.

• Marginal note:Publication of proposed plan

  (3) The Minister shall publish the proposed plan in the Environmental Registry and shall give notice in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate of the proposed plan’s availability.

• Marginal note:Comments

  (4) Within 60 days after the publication of the notice, any person may file with the Minister written comments on the proposed plan.

• Marginal note:Consideration of comments

  (5) The Ministers shall take into account the comments and may amend the proposed plan in any manner they consider appropriate based on those comments.

• Marginal note:Publication of plan

  (6) The Minister shall publish the plan in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Review of plan

  (7) The Ministers shall review the plan within eight years after it is published and every eight years after that.

• Marginal note:Application

  (8) If after reviewing the plan the Ministers propose to amend it, subsections (2) to (7) apply to the proposed amended plan.

Marginal note:Report to Parliament

74 The Ministers shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report on the progress made in assessing the substances specified in the plan developed under section 73 and in respect of any activities or initiatives specified in the plan.

Definition of jurisdiction

• 75 (1) In this section, jurisdiction means

  • (a) a government in Canada; or

  • (b) the government of a foreign state or of a subdivision of a foreign state that is a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

• Marginal note:Procedures for exchange of information with other jurisdictions

  (2) The Minister shall, to the extent possible, cooperate and develop procedures with jurisdictions, other than the Government of Canada, to exchange information respecting substances that are specifically prohibited or substantially restricted by or under the legislation of those jurisdictions for environmental or health reasons.

• Marginal note:Review of decisions of other jurisdictions

  (3) Where the Minister is notified in accordance with procedures developed under subsection (2) of a decision to specifically prohibit or substantially restrict any substance by or under the legislation of another jurisdiction for environmental or health reasons, the Ministers shall review the decision in order to determine whether the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic, unless the decision relates to a substance the only use of which in Canada is regulated under another Act of Parliament that provides for environmental and health protection.

Marginal note:List of substances capable of becoming toxic

• 75.1 (1) The Minister shall compile and may amend from time to time a list that specifies substances that the Ministers have reason to suspect are capable of becoming toxic or that have been determined to be capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Additional information

  (2) The List may include information regarding a substance specified on the List, including an indication that

  • (a) the substance is specified on the Domestic Substances List with an indication that subsection 81(3) or 106(3) applies with respect to the substance; or

  • (b) the Minister has published a notice in the Canada Gazette indicating that subsection 81(4) or 106(4) applies with respect to the substance.

• Marginal note:Deletion of item

  (3) The Minister shall delete a substance from the List, as well as any information regarding the substance that is specified on the List, if

  • (a) an order is made under subsection 90(1) adding the substance to the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1; or

  • (b) the Ministers no longer have reason to suspect that the substance is capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (4) The Minister shall publish the List and any amendments to it in the Environmental Registry and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Statutory Instruments Act

  (5) The List is not a statutory instrument as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Statutory Instruments Act.

Marginal note:Request to assess substance

• 76 (1) Any person may file in writing with the Minister a request that the Ministers assess a substance to determine whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Consideration of request

  (2) The Ministers shall consider the request and decide whether to add the substance to the plan developed under section 73 or deny the request.

• Marginal note:Notification of decision

  (2.1) Within 90 days after the day on which the request is filed, the Minister shall inform the person who filed the request of the decision, how the Ministers intend to deal with it and the reasons for dealing with it in that manner.

• Marginal note:Form and manner

  (3) A request shall be filed in the form and manner and shall contain the information specified by the Minister.

Marginal note:Weight of evidence and precautionary principle

• 76.1 (1) The Ministers shall apply a weight of evidence approach and the precautionary principle when they are conducting and interpreting the results of

  • (a) an assessment conducted under this Part, other than under section 83, in order to determine whether a substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic; or

  • (b) a review of a decision of another jurisdiction under subsection 75(3) that, in their opinion, is based on scientific considerations and is relevant to Canada.

• Marginal note:Vulnerable population and cumulative effects

  (2) When the Ministers are conducting and interpreting the results of an assessment or review referred to in subsection (1), they shall consider available information on any vulnerable population or environment in relation to the substance and on the cumulative effects on human health and the environment that may result from exposure to the substance in combination with exposure to other substances.

Marginal note:Publication after assessment or review

• 77 (1) If the Ministers have conducted an assessment under this Part, other than under section 83, to determine whether a substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic or a review of a decision of another jurisdiction under subsection 75(3) that, in their opinion, is based on scientific considerations and is relevant to Canada, the Ministers shall publish in the Canada Gazette, and either Minister may publish in any other manner that that Minister considers appropriate,

  • (a) a statement indicating one of the measures referred to in subsection (2) that the Ministers propose to take and a summary of the scientific considerations on the basis of which the measure is proposed; and

  • (b) if the measure is one referred to in paragraph (2)(c) or (d) and the Ministers are of the opinion that the substance is regulated by any other Act of Parliament, or a regulation or instrument made under that Act, in a manner that provides sufficient protection to the environment and human health, a statement made jointly by the Minister and the Minister responsible for the administration of that Act identifying the Act, regulation or instrument and indicating the manner in which the substance is regulated by it.

• Marginal note:Proposed measures

  (2) Subject to subsection (3), for the purposes of subsection (1), the Ministers shall propose one of the following measures:

  • (a) taking no further action in respect of the substance;

  • (b) unless the substance is already on the List referred to in section 75.1, adding the substance to that List;

  • (c) recommending that the substance be added to Part 1 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1; or

  • (d) recommending that the substance be added to Part 2 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1.

• Marginal note:Mandatory proposal

  (3) The Ministers shall propose to take the measure referred to in paragraph (2)(c) if the substance is determined to be toxic and the Ministers are satisfied that

  • (a) the substance may have a long-term harmful effect on the environment and

    • (i) is inherently toxic to human beings or non-human organisms, as determined by laboratory or other studies,

    • (ii) is persistent and bioaccumulative in accordance with the regulations,

    • (iii) is present in the environment primarily as a result of human activity, and

    • (iv) is not a naturally occurring radionuclide or a naturally occurring inorganic substance;

  • (b) the substance may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health and is, in accordance with the regulations, carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction; or

  • (c) the substance is, in accordance with the regulations, a substance that poses the highest risk.

• (4) [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 21]

• Marginal note:Scientific consultation

  (5) Any person may, within 60 days after publication of the statement referred to in subsection (1), file with the Minister written comments on the measure the Ministers propose to take and the scientific considerations on the basis of which the measure is proposed.

• Marginal note:Publication of final decision

  (6) After taking into consideration in an expeditious manner the comments filed under subsection (5), the Ministers shall publish in the Canada Gazette

  • (a) a summary of the assessment or of the review, as the case may be, referred to in subsection (1);

  • (b) a statement indicating the measure that the Ministers propose to take; and

  • (c) if the measure is one referred to in paragraph (2)(c) or (d),

    • (i) a statement indicating the manner in which a proposed regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to the substance is to be developed under this or any other Act of Parliament, or

    • (ii) if the Ministers are of the opinion that the substance is regulated by any other Act of Parliament, or a regulation or instrument made under that Act, in a manner that provides sufficient protection to the environment and human health, a statement made jointly by the Minister and the Minister responsible for the administration of that Act identifying the Act, regulation or instrument and indicating the manner in which the substance is regulated by it.

• Marginal note:Exemption

  (7) If the Ministers publish a statement under paragraph (6)(b) in respect of a substance already specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, paragraph (6)(c) does not apply.

• Marginal note:Delay — publication of final decision

  (8) If more than two years have elapsed after the publication of a statement under paragraph (1)(a) without the Ministers having published a statement under paragraph (6)(b), the Minister shall publish in the Environmental Registry a statement made jointly by the Ministers indicating the reasons for the delay and an estimated time frame within which the statement under paragraph (6)(b) is to be published.

• Marginal note:Recommendation to Governor in Council

  (9) When the Ministers publish a statement under paragraph (6)(b) indicating that the measure that they propose to take is a recommendation that the substance be added to Part 1 or 2 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, the Ministers shall make a recommendation for an order under subsection 90(1), and, if the substance is already specified in the other Part, the Ministers shall make a recommendation for an order under subsection 90(2).

Marginal note:Subsequent regulations or instruments

• 78 (1) If the Ministers publish a statement under subparagraph 77(6)(c)(i) indicating that more than one proposed regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to a substance is to be developed, the Minister shall, when the first regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to the substance is published under paragraph 92(1)(a) or a statement identifying the first such regulation or instrument is published under paragraph 92(1)(b) or (c), as the case may be, publish in the Environmental Registry and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a statement respecting the development of the subsequent proposed regulations or instruments that specifies, to the extent possible, an estimated time frame within which those proposed regulations or instruments are to be developed.

• Marginal note:Amendments to statement

  (2) If the Ministers amend the statement respecting the development of the subsequent proposed regulations or instruments, the Minister shall publish that statement as amended and the reasons for the amendment in the Environmental Registry and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

• Marginal note:Progress report

  (3) The Minister shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report on the progress made in developing any subsequent proposed regulations or instruments.

• Marginal note:Update on estimated timelines

  (4) The report on progress referred to in subsection (3) shall include an update on estimated timelines and reasons for any delay.

79 [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 22]

Substances and Activities New to Canada

Marginal note:Definitions

80 The definitions in this section apply in sections 81 to 89.

significant new activity

significant new activity includes, in respect of a substance, any activity that results in or may result in

• (a) the entry or release of the substance into the environment in a quantity or concentration that, in the Ministers’ opinion, is significantly greater than the quantity or concentration of the substance that previously entered or was released into the environment; or

• (b) the entry or release of the substance into the environment or the exposure or potential exposure of the environment to the substance in a manner and circumstances that, in the Ministers’ opinion, are significantly different from the manner and circumstances in which the substance previously entered or was released into the environment or of any previous exposure or potential exposure of the environment to the substance. (nouvelle activité)

substance

substance means a substance other than a living organism within the meaning of Part 6. (substance)

Marginal note:Manufacture or import of substances

• 81 (1) Where a substance is not specified on the Domestic Substances List, no person shall manufacture or import the substance unless

  • (a) the prescribed information with respect to the substance has been provided by the person to the Minister accompanied by the prescribed fee, on or before the prescribed date; and

  • (b) the period for assessing the information under section 83 has expired.

• (2) [Repealed, 2017, c. 26, s. 23]

• Marginal note:Notification of significant new activity in respect of substance on List

  (3) Where a substance is specified on the Domestic Substances List with an indication that this subsection applies with respect to the substance, no person shall use, manufacture or import the substance for a significant new activity that is indicated on the List with respect to the substance unless

  • (a) the person has provided the Minister with the prescribed information, on or before the date that is specified by the Minister or prescribed, accompanied by the prescribed fee; and

  • (b) the period for assessing the information specified by the Minister or provided under section 83 has expired.

• Marginal note:Notification of significant new activity in respect of substance not on List

  (4) Where a substance is not specified on the Domestic Substances List and the Minister publishes a notice in the Canada Gazette indicating that this subsection applies with respect to the substance, no person shall use the substance for a significant new activity that is indicated in the notice unless

  • (a) the person has provided the Minister with the prescribed information, on or before the date that is specified by the Minister or prescribed, accompanied by the prescribed fee; and

  • (b) the period for assessing the information specified by the Minister or provided under section 83 has expired.

• Marginal note:Transfer of rights in respect of substance

  (5) Where prescribed information with respect to a substance has been provided under subsection (1), (3) or (4) by a person who subsequently transfers the right or privilege in relation to the substance for which the information was provided, the information is, subject to any conditions that may be prescribed, deemed to have been provided by the transferee of that right or privilege.

• Marginal note:Application

  (6) Subsections (1), (3) and (4) do not apply to

  • (a) a substance that is manufactured or imported for a use that is regulated under any other Act of Parliament that provides for notice to be given before the manufacture, import or sale of the substance and for an assessment of whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic;

  • (b) transient reaction intermediates that are not isolated and are not likely to be released into the environment;

  • (c) impurities, contaminants and partially unreacted materials the formation of which is related to the preparation of a substance;

  • (d) substances produced when a substance undergoes a chemical reaction that is incidental to the use to which the substance is put or that results from storage or from environmental factors; or

  • (e) a substance that is manufactured, used or imported in a quantity that does not exceed the maximum quantity prescribed as exempt from this section.

• Marginal note:Governor in Council may amend Schedule 2

  (7) For the purposes of the administration of this section, the Governor in Council has the exclusive responsibility for determining whether or not the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are met by or under an Act of Parliament referred to in that paragraph, or regulations made under that Act, and

  • (a) if the Governor in Council determines that the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are met by or under an Act of Parliament referred to in that paragraph, or regulations made under that Act, the Governor in Council may by order add to Schedule 2 the name of that Act or those regulations, as the case may be, and the fact that an Act or regulations are listed in Schedule 2 is conclusive proof that the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are met; and

  • (b) if the Governor in Council determines that the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are no longer met by or under an Act of Parliament, or regulations, listed in Schedule 2, the Governor in Council may by order delete from Schedule 2 the name of that Act or those regulations, as the case may be.

• Marginal note:Waiver of information requirements

  (8) On the request of any person to whom subsection (1), (3) or (4) applies, the Minister may waive any of the requirements to provide information under that subsection if

  • (a) in the opinion of the Ministers, the information is not needed in order to determine whether the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic;

  • (b) the substance is to be used for a prescribed purpose or manufactured at a location where, in the opinion of the Ministers, the person requesting the waiver is able to contain the substance so as to satisfactorily protect the environment and human health; or

  • (c) it is not, in the opinion of the Ministers, practicable or feasible to obtain the test data necessary to generate the information.

• Marginal note:Publication of notice of waiver

  (9) The Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette a notice stating the name of any person to whom a waiver is granted and the type of information to which it relates.

• Marginal note:Compliance with waiver

  (10) Where the Minister waives any of the requirements for information under paragraph (8)(b), the person to whom the waiver is granted shall not use, manufacture or import the substance unless it is for the purpose prescribed pursuant to regulations made under paragraph 89(1)(f) or at the location specified in the request for the waiver, as the case may be.

• Marginal note:Correction of information

  (11) A person who has provided information under this section, including for the purposes of a request for a waiver under subsection (8), or under section 82 or 84 shall notify the Minister of any corrections to the information as soon as possible after learning of them.

• Marginal note:Request for information previously waived

  (12) Where the Minister is notified of any corrections to information that was provided for the purposes of a request for a waiver under subsection (8), the Minister may, after consideration by the Ministers of the corrections, require the person to whom the waiver was granted to provide the Minister with the information to which the waiver related within the time specified by the Minister.

• Marginal note:Application of section 84

  (13) Where the Ministers suspect, after considering

  • (a) any corrections received under subsection (11), or

  • (b) the information provided under subsection (12),

  that a substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic, the Minister may exercise any of the powers referred to in paragraphs 84(1)(a) to (c).

• Marginal note:Notification of excess quantity

  (14) Where a person manufactures or imports a substance in accordance with this section in excess of any quantity referred to in paragraph 87(1)(b), the person shall, within 30 days after the quantity is exceeded, notify the Minister that it has been exceeded.

Marginal note:Prohibition of activity

• 82 (1) Where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has used, manufactured or imported a substance in contravention of subsection 81(1), (3) or (4), the Minister may, in writing, require the person to provide the information referred to in that subsection and prohibit any activity involving the substance until the expiry of the period for assessing the information under section 83.

• Marginal note:Waiver of information requirements

  (2) On the request of any person required under subsection (1) to provide information, the Minister may waive any of the requirements for prescribed information if one of the conditions specified in paragraphs 81(8)(a) to (c) is met and, in that case, subsections 81(9) to (13) apply with respect to the waiver.

• (3) [Repealed, 2017, c. 26, s. 24]

Marginal note:Assessment of information

• 83 (1) Subject to subsection (4), the Ministers shall, within the prescribed assessment period, assess information provided under subsection 81(1), (3) or (4) or paragraph 84(1)(c) or otherwise available to them in respect of a substance in order to determine whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Assessment of information

  (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the Ministers shall assess information provided under subsection 82(1) or otherwise available to them in respect of a substance in order to determine whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Time for assessment

  (3) An assessment of information under subsection (2) shall be made following the date on which the information is provided within a period that does not exceed the number of days in the prescribed assessment period.

• Marginal note:Extension of assessment period

  (4) Where the Ministers are of the opinion that further time is necessary to assess any information, the Minister may, before the expiry of the assessment period referred to in subsection (1) or (3), extend the period for assessing the information, but the extension shall not exceed the number of days in the prescribed assessment period.

• Marginal note:Notification of extension

  (5) Where the Minister extends the period for assessing information, the Minister shall, before the expiry of the assessment period referred to in subsection (1) or (3), notify the person who provided the information.

• Marginal note:Termination of period

  (6) The Minister may, before the expiry of the assessment period referred to in subsection (1) or (3), terminate the period for assessing information and, immediately before doing so, shall notify the person who provided the information.

Marginal note:Action to be taken after assessment

• 84 (1) Where the Ministers have assessed any information under section 83 and they suspect that a substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic, the Minister may, before the expiry of the period for assessing the information,

  • (a) permit any person to manufacture or import the substance, subject to any conditions that the Ministers may specify;

  • (b) prohibit any person from manufacturing or importing the substance; or

  • (c) request any person to provide any additional information or submit the results of any testing that the Ministers consider necessary for the purpose of assessing whether the substance is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Additional information or testing

  (2) Where the Minister requests additional information or test results under paragraph (1)(c), the person to whom the request is directed shall not manufacture or import the substance unless

  • (a) the person provides the additional information or submits the test results; and

  • (b) the period for assessing information under section 83 has expired or a period of 90 days after the additional information or test results were provided has expired, whichever is later.

• Marginal note:Variation of conditions and prohibitions

  (3) The Minister may vary or rescind a condition or prohibition specified or imposed under paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

• Marginal note:Expiry of prohibition

  (4) Any prohibition on the manufacture or importation of a substance imposed under paragraph (1)(b) expires two years after the day on which it is imposed unless, before the expiry of the two years, there is published in the Canada Gazette

  • (a) a regulation respecting preventive or control actions, in relation to the substance, that is proposed to be made under this Act; or

  • (b) a statement, identifying a regulation respecting preventive or control actions in relation to the substance that is proposed to be made under any other Act of Parliament,

    • (i) made jointly by the Minister and the Minister responsible for the administration of the Act of Parliament under which the regulation is to be made, if the Act is not an Act referred to in subparagraph (ii), or

    • (ii) made by the Minister of Health, if the Act of Parliament is one for whose administration that Minister is responsible.

  If such a proposed regulation — or such a statement identifying a proposed regulation — is so published, the prohibition expires on the day on which the regulation comes into force.

• Marginal note:Publication of conditions and prohibitions

  (5) Where the Minister specifies, imposes, varies or rescinds any condition for or prohibition on the manufacture or importation of a substance, the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette a notice setting out the condition or prohibition and the substance in respect of which it applies.

Marginal note:Significant new activity

• 85 (1) Where the Ministers have assessed any information under section 83 in respect of a substance that is not on the Domestic Substances List and they suspect that a significant new activity in relation to the substance may result in the substance becoming toxic, the Minister may, within 90 days after the expiry of the period for assessing the information, publish in the Canada Gazette, and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate, a notice indicating that subsection 81(4) applies with respect to the substance.

• Marginal note:Contents of notice

  (2) A notice referred to in subsection (1)

  • (a) shall indicate, by inclusion or exclusion, the significant new activities in relation to the substance with respect to which subsection 81(4) is to apply and, if regulations in respect of those significant new activities are not made under paragraphs 89(1)(c), (d) and (g), specify the information to be provided to the Minister under that subsection, the date on or before which it is to be provided and the period within which it is to be assessed under section 83; and

  • (b) may specify for the purpose of subsection 86(2) classes of persons who are not required to be notified under subsection 86(1) with respect to the substance.

• Marginal note:Classes of persons

  (3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Canada Gazette, specify for the purpose of subsection 86(2) classes of persons who are not required to be notified under subsection 86(1) with respect to a substance for which a notice was published under subsection (1), if no such class was specified in that notice.

• Marginal note:Subsequent notice

  (4) The Minister may, by notice published in the Canada Gazette,

  • (a) vary the significant new activities in relation to a substance for which a notice has been published under subsection (1) or vary the information to be provided to the Minister under subsection 81(4), the date on or before which that information is to be provided or the period within which it is to be assessed under section 83;

  • (b) indicate that subsection 81(4) no longer applies with respect to the substance;

  • (c) vary the classes of persons, if any, that are specified for the purpose of subsection 86(2) in a notice published under subsection (1) or (3); or

  • (d) indicate that a class of persons is no longer specified for the purpose of subsection 86(2).

Marginal note:Notification of persons required to comply

• 86 (1) Where a notice is published in the Canada Gazette under subsection 85(1) in respect of a substance, every person who transfers the physical possession or control of the substance shall notify all persons to whom the possession or control is transferred of the obligation to comply with subsection 81(4).

• Marginal note:Exception

  (2) A person who is within a class of persons that is specified in a notice published under subsection 85(1) or (3) — or, if the class is varied by a notice published under subsection 85(4), within the class as varied — is not required to be notified under subsection (1) with respect to the substance to which the notice relates.

Marginal note:Amendment of Lists

• 87 (1) The Minister shall add a substance to the Domestic Substances List and, if it appears on the Non-domestic Substances List, delete it from that List, within 120 days after the following conditions are met:

  • (a) the Minister has been provided with information in respect of the substance under section 81 or 82 and any additional information or test results required under subsection 84(1);

  • (b) the Ministers are satisfied that the substance has been manufactured in or imported into Canada by the person who provided the information in excess of

    • (i) 1 000 kg in any calendar year,

    • (ii) an accumulated total of 5 000 kg, or

    • (iii) the quantity prescribed for the purposes of this section; and

  • (c) the period for assessing the information under section 83 has expired; and

  • (d) no conditions specified under paragraph 84(1)(a) in respect of the substance remain in effect.

• Marginal note:Amendment of Lists

  (2) Where the Minister adds a substance to the Domestic Substances List and subsequently learns that the substance was not manufactured or imported as described in subsection (1), the Minister shall delete the substance from the Domestic Substances List, and if it has been deleted from the Non-domestic Substances List, the Minister shall add it to that List.

• Marginal note:Significant new activity

  (3) If a substance is on the Domestic Substances List or is to be added to the List under subsection (1) or 66.1(1), the Minister may amend the List to indicate that subsection 81(3) applies with respect to the substance.

• Marginal note:Contents of amendment

  (4) An amendment referred to in subsection (3)

  • (a) shall indicate, by inclusion or exclusion, the significant new activities in relation to the substance with respect to which subsection 81(3) is to apply and, if regulations in respect of those significant new activities are not made under paragraphs 89(1)(c), (d) and (g), specify the information to be provided to the Minister under that subsection, the date on or before which it is to be provided and the period within which it is to be assessed under section 83; and

  • (b) may specify for the purpose of subsection 87.1(2) classes of persons who are not required to be notified under subsection 87.1(1) with respect to the substance.

• Marginal note:Subsequent amendment

  (4.1) The Minister may amend the Domestic Substances List in respect of a substance with respect to which subsection 81(3) applies

  • (a) to vary the significant new activities in relation to the substance or vary the information to be provided to the Minister under subsection 81(3), the date on or before which that information is to be provided or the period within which it is to be assessed under section 83;

  • (b) to indicate that subsection 81(3) no longer applies;

  • (c) to specify classes of persons for the purpose of subsection 87.1(2), if no such classes are specified with respect to the substance;

  • (d) to vary the classes of persons, if any, that are specified for the purpose of subsection 87.1(2); or

  • (e) to delete any class of persons that is specified for the purpose of subsection 87.1(2).

• Marginal note:Amendments of Lists

  (5) Despite subsection (1), the Minister shall add a substance to the Domestic Substances List and, if it appears on the Non-Domestic Substances List, delete it from that List, within 120 days after the following conditions are met:

  • (a) the Minister has been provided with any information in respect of the substance under subsections 81(1) to (13) or section 82, any additional information or test results required under subsection 84(1), and any other prescribed information;

  • (b) the period for assessing the information under section 83 has expired; and

  • (c) no conditions specified under paragraph 84(1)(a) in respect of the substance remain in effect.

Marginal note:Notification of persons required to comply

• 87.1 (1) If a substance is specified on the Domestic Substances List with an indication that subsection 81(3) applies with respect to the substance, every person who transfers the physical possession or control of the substance shall notify all persons to whom the possession or control is transferred of the obligation to comply with that subsection.

• Marginal note:Exception

  (2) A person is not required to be notified under subsection (1) with respect to a substance if they are within a class of persons that is specified on the Domestic Substances List in respect of the substance for the purpose of this subsection.

Marginal note:Publication of masked name

88 Where the publication under this Part of the explicit chemical or biological name of a substance would result in the release of confidential business information in contravention of section 314, the substance shall be identified by a name determined in the prescribed manner.

Marginal note:Regulations

• 89 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make regulations

  • (a) respecting substances or establishing groups of substances for the purposes of the provision of information under section 81 or 82, including groups of inanimate biotechnology products, polymers, research and development substances and substances manufactured only for export;

  • (b) prescribing maximum exempt quantities for the purpose of paragraph 81(6)(e);

  • (c) respecting the information to be provided to the Minister under subsection 81(1), (3) or (4) or section 82;

  • (d) prescribing dates on or before which information shall be provided under subsection 81(1), (3) or (4);

  • (e) respecting the maintenance of books and records for the administration of any regulation made under this section;

  • (f) prescribing the purpose for which a substance must be used so as to permit the waiver of information requirements under subsection 81(8);

  • (g) prescribing periods within which the Ministers shall assess information under subsection 83(1);

  • (h) respecting the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed in developing test data on a substance in order to comply with the information requirements of section 81 or 82 or requests for information under paragraph 84(1)(c);

  • (i) prescribing quantities for the purpose of section 87;

  • (i.1) prescribing information that shall be provided to the Minister under subsection 87(5);

  • (j) prescribing the manner of determining a name for a substance for the purpose of section 88; and

  • (k) generally for carrying out the purposes and provisions of sections 66 to 66.2 and 80 to 88.

• Marginal note:Prescribed assessment period

  (2) For the purposes of sections 81 and 83, where no assessment period is prescribed or specified with respect to a substance, the prescribed assessment period is 90 days after the Minister is provided with the prescribed information.

• Marginal note:Prescription of quantities

  (3) Regulations made under paragraph (1)(b) or (i) may prescribe quantities in respect of a substance in terms of

  • (a) whether or not the substance is on the Non-domestic Substances List or is a member of a group of substances established by regulations made under paragraph (1)(a); or

  • (b) the purposes for which the substance is manufactured or imported.

• Marginal note:Prescription of information and assessment periods

  (4) Regulations made under paragraph (1)(c), (d) or (g) may prescribe information, dates or periods in respect of a substance in terms of

  • (a) whether or not the substance is on the Non-domestic Substances List or is a member of a group of substances established by regulations made under paragraph (1)(a);

  • (b) the purposes for which the substance is manufactured or imported; or

  • (c) the quantity in which the substance is manufactured or imported.

Regulation of Toxic Substances

Marginal note:Addition to list of toxic substances

• 90 (1) Subject to subsection (3), the Governor in Council may, if satisfied that a substance is toxic, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make an order adding the substance to Part 1 or 2 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1.

• Marginal note:Priorities

  (1.1) In developing a proposed regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions, including actions that lead to the use of safer or more sustainable alternatives for the environment or human health, in relation to a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, the Ministers shall give priority to pollution prevention actions and, in particular, in the case of a substance specified in Part 1 of the list of toxic substances in that Schedule, to the total, partial or conditional prohibition of activities in relation to the substance or of releases of the substance into the environment.

• Marginal note:Consideration of factors

  (1.2) For the purposes of subsection (1.1), the Ministers shall, in respect of a substance specified in Part 1 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, consider whether the activity or release can be undertaken in a manner that minimizes or eliminates any harmful effect on the environment or human health and whether there are feasible alternatives to the substance.

• Marginal note:Deletion from the list of toxic substances

  (2) Subject to subsection (3), the Governor in Council may, if satisfied that the inclusion of a substance specified in Part 1 or 2 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1 is no longer necessary, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make an order deleting the substance from that Part and repealing the regulations made under section 93 with respect to the substance.

• Marginal note:Order subject to conditions

  (3) Where a board of review is established under section 333 in relation to a substance, no order may be made under subsection (1) or (2) in relation to the substance until the board’s report is received by the Ministers.

Marginal note:Publication of proposed preventive or control actions

• 91 (1) Subject to subsections (2), (6) and (7), within two years after the publication of the Ministers’ statement under paragraph 77(6)(b) indicating that the measure that they propose to take, as confirmed or amended, in respect of a substance is a recommendation that the substance be added to Part 1 or 2 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1,

  • (a) the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette

    • (i) a regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions, in relation to the substance, that is proposed to be made under this Act, other than an instrument that may be made only by the Minister of Health, or

    • (ii) a statement — identifying a regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions, in relation to the substance, that is proposed to be made under any other Act of Parliament other than an Act for whose administration the Minister of Health is responsible — made jointly by the Minister and the Minister responsible for the administration of the Act under which the regulation or instrument is to be made; or

  • (b) the Minister of Health shall publish in the Canada Gazette

    • (i) an instrument respecting preventive or control actions, in relation to the substance, that is proposed to be made by that Minister under this Act, or

    • (ii) a statement identifying a regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to the substance that is proposed to be made under any other Act of Parliament for whose administration that Minister is responsible.

• Marginal note:Exceptions

  (2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of

  • (a) a substance specified in Part 1 or 2 of the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1 in relation to which the measure the Ministers propose to take, as confirmed or amended, is a recommendation that the substance be added to the other Part; or

  • (b) a substance in relation to which a statement has been published under subparagraph 77(6)(c)(ii).

• (3) [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 30]

• (4) [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 30]

• (5) [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 30]

• Marginal note:Publication of subsequent proposals

  (6) Any proposed regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to a substance that is made after the publication of a proposed regulation or instrument published within the period of two years referred to in subsection (1) shall be published in the Canada Gazette.

• Marginal note:Suspension of time where board of review

  (7) Where a board of review is established under section 333, the period of two years referred to in subsection (1) is suspended from the establishment of the board and does not recommence until the board’s report is received by the Ministers.

Marginal note:Publication of preventive or control actions

• 92 (1) Subject to subsection (2), within 18 months after the day on which a proposed regulation or instrument is published under subparagraph 91(1)(a)(i) or (b)(i) or subsection 91(6) or a statement identifying a proposed regulation or instrument is published under subparagraph 91(1)(a)(ii) or (b)(ii), unless a material substantive change is required to be made to that proposed regulation or instrument,

  • (a) a regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to a substance shall be made under this Act and published in the Canada Gazette;

  • (b) the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette a statement — identifying a regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to a substance that was made under any other Act of Parliament — made jointly by the Minister and the Minister responsible for the administration of the Act under which the regulation or instrument is made; or

  • (c) the Minister of Health shall publish in the Canada Gazette a statement identifying a regulation or instrument respecting preventive or control actions in relation to a substance that was made under any other Act of Parliament for whose administration that Minister is responsible.

• Marginal note:Suspension of time where board of review

  (2) Where a board of review is established under section 333 in relation to a substance, the period of 18 months referred to in subsection (1) is suspended from the establishment of the board and does not recommence until the board has submitted its report to the Minister under subsection 340(1).

92.1 [Repealed, 2023, c. 12, s. 32]

Marginal note:Regulations

• 93 (1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make regulations with respect to a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, including regulations providing for, or imposing requirements respecting,

  • (a) the quantity or concentration of the substance that may be released into the environment either alone or in combination with any other substance from any source or type of source;

  • (b) the places or areas where the substance may be released;

  • (c) the commercial, manufacturing or processing activity in the course of which the substance may be released;

  • (d) the manner in which and conditions under which the substance may be released into the environment, either alone or in combination with any other substance;

  • (e) the quantity of the substance that may be manufactured, processed, used, offered for sale or sold in Canada;

  • (f) the purposes for which the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment may be imported, exported, manufactured, processed, used, offered for sale or sold;

  • (g) the manner in which and conditions under which the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment may be imported, exported, manufactured, processed or used;

  • (h) the quantities or concentrations in which the substance may be used;

  • (i) the quantities or concentrations of the substance that may be imported or exported;

  • (j) the countries from or to which the substance may be imported or exported;

  • (k) the conditions under which, the manner in which and the purposes for which the substance may be imported or exported;

  • (l) the total, partial or conditional prohibition of the manufacture, use, processing, sale, offering for sale, import or export of the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment;

  • (m) the total, partial or conditional prohibition of the manufacture, import or export of a product that is intended to contain the substance;

  • (n) the quantity or concentration of the substance that may be contained in any product manufactured, imported, exported, offered for sale or sold in Canada, or that any such product may release into the environment;

  • (o) the manner in which, conditions under which and the purposes for which the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment may be advertised or offered for sale;

  • (p) the manner in which and conditions under which the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment may be stored, displayed, handled, transported or offered for transport;

  • (q) the packaging and labelling of the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment;

  • (r) the manner, conditions, places and method of disposal of the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment, including standards for the construction, maintenance and inspection of disposal sites;

  • (s) the submission to the Minister, on request or at any prescribed times, of information relating to the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment;

  • (t) the maintenance of books and records for the administration of any regulation made under this section;

  • (u) the conduct of sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring of the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment and the submission of the results to the Minister;

  • (v) the submission of samples to the Minister of the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment;

  • (w) the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for conducting sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring of the substance, a product that contains the substance or a product that may release the substance into the environment;

  • (x) the circumstances or conditions under which the Minister may, for the proper administration of this Act, modify

    • (i) any requirement for sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring, or

    • (ii) the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices for conducting any required sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring; and

  • (y) any other matter that by this Part is to be defined or prescribed or that is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Part.

• Definition of sell

  (2) In this section, sell includes, in respect of a substance, the transfer of the physical possession or control of the substance.

• Marginal note:Advice by Committee

  (3) Before a regulation is made under subsection (1), the Minister shall give the Committee an opportunity to advise the Ministers.

• Marginal note:Substances regulated under other Acts of Parliament

  (4) The Governor in Council shall not make a regulation under subsection (1) in respect of a substance if, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, the regulation regulates an aspect of the substance that is regulated by or under any other Act of Parliament in a manner that provides, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, sufficient protection to the environment and human health.

• Marginal note:Powers of Minister

  (5) Regulations made under this section may authorize the Minister, in the circumstances and subject to the conditions and limits that may be specified in the regulations, to issue, amend, suspend and revoke permits and other authorizations in relation to any matter that is the subject of the regulations and to set their terms and conditions.

• Marginal note:Statutory Instruments Act

  (6) A permit or other authorization issued under regulations made under this section is not a statutory instrument as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Statutory Instruments Act.

Marginal note:Interim orders

• 94 (1) The Minister may make an interim order in respect of a substance and the order may contain any provision that may be contained in a regulation made under subsection 93(1) if

  • (a) the substance

    • (i) is not specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1 and the Ministers believe that it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic, or

    • (ii) is specified on that list and the Ministers believe that it is not adequately regulated; and

  • (b) the Ministers believe that immediate action is required to deal with a significant danger to the environment or to human life or health.

• Marginal note:Effect of order

  (2) Subject to subsection (3), an interim order has effect

  • (a) from the time it is made; and

  • (b) as if it were a regulation made under section 93.

• Marginal note:Approval of Governor in Council

  (3) An interim order ceases to have effect unless it is approved by the Governor in Council within 14 days after it is made.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (4) The Governor in Council shall not approve an interim order unless the Minister has

  • (a) within 24 hours after making the order, offered to consult with all affected governments to determine whether they are prepared to take sufficient action to deal with the significant danger; and

  • (b) consulted with other ministers of the Crown in right of Canada to determine whether any action can be taken under any other Act of Parliament to deal with the significant danger.

• Marginal note:Recommendation of regulations

  (5) Where the Governor in Council approves an interim order, the Ministers shall, within 90 days after the approval, publish in the Canada Gazette a statement indicating whether the Ministers intend to recommend to the Governor in Council

  • (a) that a regulation having the same effect as the order be made under section 93; and

  • (b) if the order was made in respect of a substance that was not specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, that the substance be added to Part 1 or 2 of that list under section 90.

• Marginal note:Contravention of unpublished order

  (6) No person shall be convicted of an offence consisting of a contravention of an interim order that, at the time of the alleged contravention, had not been published in the Canada Gazette unless it is proved that, at the date of the alleged contravention, that person had been notified of the interim order.

• Marginal note:Cessation of effect

  (7) Subject to subsection (3), an interim order ceases to have effect on the earliest of

  • (a) the day it is repealed,

  • (b) the day a regulation referred to in subsection (5) is made, and

  • (c) two years after the order is made.

Release of Toxic Substances

Marginal note:Report and remedial measures

• 95 (1) If there occurs or is a likelihood of a release into the environment of a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1 in contravention of a regulation made under section 93 or an order made under section 94, any person described in subsection (2) shall, as soon as possible in the circumstances,

  • (a) subject to subsection (4) and any regulations made under paragraph 97(b), notify an enforcement officer or any other person designated pursuant to the regulations and provide a written report on the matter to the enforcement officer or other person;

  • (b) take all reasonable measures consistent with the protection of the environment and public safety to prevent the release or, if it cannot be prevented, to remedy any dangerous condition or reduce or mitigate any danger to the environment or to human life or health that results from the release of the substance or may reasonably be expected to result if the substance is released; and

  • (c) make a reasonable effort to notify any member of the public who may be adversely affected by the release or likely release.

• Marginal note:Application

  (2) Subsection (1) applies to any person who

  • (a) owns or has the charge, management or control of a substance immediately before its release or its likely release into the environment; or

  • (b) causes or contributes to the release or increases the likelihood of the release.

• Marginal note:Report by property owner

  (3) If there occurs a release of a substance as described in subsection (1), any person, other than a person described in subsection (2), whose property is affected by the release and who knows that it is a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1 shall, as soon as possible in the circumstances and subject to subsection (4), report the matter to an enforcement officer or to any person that is designated by regulation.

• Marginal note:Report to provincial official

  (4) Where there are in force, by or under the laws of a province or an aboriginal government, provisions that the Governor in Council, by regulation, declares to be adequate for dealing with a release described in subsection (1), a report required by paragraph (1)(a) or subsection (3) shall be made to a person designated by those provisions.

• Marginal note:Intervention by enforcement officer

  (5) Where any person fails to take any measures required under subsection (1), an enforcement officer may take those measures, cause them to be taken or direct any person referred to in subsection (2) to take them.

• Marginal note:Limitation on power of direction

  (6) A direction of an enforcement officer under subsection (5) that is inconsistent with a requirement imposed by or under any other Act of Parliament is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

• Marginal note:Access to property

  (7) Any enforcement officer or other person authorized or required to take any measures under subsection (1) or (5) may enter and have access to any place or property and may do any reasonable things that may be necessary in the circumstances.

• Marginal note:Personal liability

  (8) Any person, other than a person described in subsection (2), who provides assistance or advice in taking the measures required by subsection (1) or who takes any measures authorized under subsection (5) is not personally liable either civilly or criminally in respect of any act or omission in the course of providing assistance or advice or taking any measures under those subsections unless it is established that the person acted in bad faith.

Marginal note:Voluntary report

• 96 (1) If a person has knowledge of the occurrence or likelihood of a release into the environment of a substance specified on the list of toxic substances in Schedule 1, but the person is not required to report the matter under this Act, the person may report any information relating to the release or likely release to an enforcement officer or to any person to whom a report may be made under section 95.

• Marginal note:Request for confidentiality

  (2) A person making a report under subsection (1) may request that the person’s identity and any information that could reasonably reveal the identity not be released.

• Marginal note:Requirement for confidentiality

  (3) Where a person makes a request under subsection (2), no person shall release or cause to be released the identity of the person making the request or any information that could reasonably be expected to reveal their identity unless the person making the request authorizes the release in writing.

• Marginal note:Employee protection

  (4) Despite any other Act of Parliament, no employer shall dismiss, suspend, demote, discipline, harass or otherwise disadvantage an employee, or deny an employee a benefit of employment, by reason that

  • (a) the employee has made a report under subsection (1);

  • (b) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has refused or stated an intention of refusing to do anything that is an offence under this Act; or

  • (c) the employee, acting in good faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has done or stated an intention of doing anything that is required to be done by or under this Act.

Marginal note:Regulations

97 The Governor in Council may make regulations

• (a) designating persons for the purposes of paragraph 95(1)(a) and subsection 95(3) and prescribing the form of the report to be made under those provisions and the information to be contained in it;

• (b) respecting the notification and reporting of a release;

• (c) declaring provisions to be adequate for the purpose of subsection 95(4); and

• (d) generally for carrying out the purposes and provisions of sections 95 and 96.

Marginal note:Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses by Her Majesty

• 98 (1) Her Majesty in right of Canada may recover the costs and expenses of and incidental to taking any measures under subsection 95(5) from

  • (a) any person referred to in paragraph 95(2)(a); and

  • (b) any person referred to in paragraph 95(2)(b) to the extent that that person knowingly or negligently caused or contributed to the release.

• Marginal note:Reasonably incurred

  (2) The costs and expenses referred to in subsection (1) shall only be recovered to the extent that they can be established to have been reasonably incurred in the circumstances.

• Marginal note:Joint and several liability

  (3) Subject to subsection (4), the persons referred to in subsection (1) are jointly and severally liable or solidarily liable for the costs and expenses referred to in that subsection.

• Marginal note:Limitation

  (4) A person referred to in paragraph 95(2)(b) shall not be held liable under subsection (3) to an extent greater than the extent to which the person knowingly or negligently caused or contributed to the release.

• Marginal note:Procedure

  (5) A claim under this section may be sued for and recovered by Her Majesty in right of Canada with costs in proceedings brought or taken therefor in the name of Her Majesty in right of Canada in any court of competent jurisdiction.

• Marginal note:Recourse or indemnity

  (6) This section does not limit or restrict any right of recourse or indemnity that a person may have against any other person.

• Marginal note:Limitation period

  (7) Where events giving rise to a claim under this section occur, no proceedings in respect of the claim may be instituted after five years from the date on which the events occur or become evident to the Minister, whichever is later.

• Marginal note:Minister’s certificate

  (8) A document purporting to have been issued by the Minister certifying the day on which the events giving rise to a claim under this section came to the knowledge of the Minister shall be received in evidence and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the document shall be considered as proof of that fact without proof of the signature or of the official character of the person appearing to have signed the document and without further proof.

Marginal note:Remedial measures

99 If, in respect of a substance, a product that contains a substance or a product that may release a substance into the environment, there is a contravention of this Part or any regulation made under this Part, the Minister may, in writing,

• (a) direct any manufacturer, processor, importer, retailer or distributor of the substance or product to take any or all of the following measures:

  • (i) give public notice in a manner directed by the Minister of any danger to the environment or to human life or health posed by the substance or product,

  • (ii) mail a notice as described in subparagraph (i) to every manufacturer, processor, distributor or retailer of the substance or product, or

  • (iii) mail a notice as described in subparagraph (i) to every person to whom the substance or product is known to have been delivered or sold; and

• (b) direct any manufacturer, processor, distributor, importer or retailer of the substance or product to take any or all of the following measures:

  • (i) replace the substance or product with one that does not pose a danger to the environment or to human life or health,

  • (ii) accept the return of the substance or product from the purchaser and refund the purchase price, or

  • (iii) any other measures for the protection of the environment or of human life or health.

Export of Substances

Marginal note:Export Control List

100 The Ministers may, by order,

• (a) add to Part 1 of the Export Control List in Schedule 3 any substance the use of which is prohibited in Canada by or under an Act of Parliament, and delete any substance from that Part;

• (b) add to Part 2 of the Export Control List in Schedule 3 any substance that is subject to an international agreement that requires notification or requires the consent of the country of destination before the substance is exported from Canada, and delete any substance from that Part; and

• (c) add to Part 3 of the Export Control List in Schedule 3 any substance the use of which is restricted in Canada by or under an Act of Parliament, and delete any substance from that Part.

Marginal note:Notice to Minister

• 101 (1) Subject to subsection (4), no person shall export a substance specified in the Export Control List in Schedule 3 unless the person provides prior notice of the proposed export to the Minister in accordance with the regulations made under subsection 102(1).

• Marginal note:Restrictions on export

  (2) Subject to subsection (4), no person shall export a substance specified in Part 1 of the Export Control List in Schedule 3 unless the export of the substance

  • (a) is for the purpose of destroying the substance or complying with a direction under subparagraph 99(b)(iii); and

  • (b) is done in accordance with any regulations made under subsection 102(1).

• Marginal note:Restrictions on export

  (3) Subject to subsection (4), no person shall export a substance specified in Part 2 or 3 of the Export Control List in Schedule 3 unless the export of the substance is done in accordance with any regulations made under subsection 102(1).

• Marginal note:Total prohibition on export

  (4) No person shall export a substance specified in the Export Control List in Schedule 3 if the export of the substance is prohibited by a regulation made under subsection 102(2).

Marginal note:Regulations respecting exports

• 102 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make regulations in relation to substances specified in the Export Control List in Schedule 3

  • (a) respecting the information that must be given to the Minister regarding an export of such a substance, the time when or period within which the information must be given, and the manner in which it must be given;

  • (b) respecting the information that must accompany an export of such a substance and the manner in which it must accompany the substance;

  • (c) respecting conditions under which a person may export such a substance;

  • (d) respecting the information that must be kept by a person who exports such a substance and the manner in which, the period for which and the place where the information must be kept; and

  • (e) generally for carrying out the purposes of section 101.

• Marginal note:Regulations prohibiting exports

  (2) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make regulations prohibiting the export of a substance specified in the Export Control List in Schedule 3.

Marginal note:Publication of exports

103 If a person exports a substance specified in the Export Control List in Schedule 3, the Minister shall publish in the Environmental Registry the name or specifications of the substance, the name of the exporter and the name of the country of destination.

PART 6Animate Products of Biotechnology

Marginal note:Definitions

104 The definitions in this section apply in this Part.

living organism

living organism means a substance that is an animate product of biotechnology. (organisme vivant)

significant new activity

significant new activity includes, in respect of a living organism, any activity that results or may result in

• (a) the entry or release of the living organism into the environment in a quantity or concentration that, in the Ministers’ opinion, is significantly greater than the quantity or concentration of the living organism that previously entered or was released into the environment; or

• (b) the entry or release of the living organism into the environment or the exposure or potential exposure of the environment to the living organism in a manner and circumstances that, in the Ministers’ opinion, are significantly different from the manner and circumstances in which the living organism previously entered or was released into the environment or of any previous exposure or potential exposure of the environment to the living organism. (nouvelle activité)

Marginal note:Adding living organisms to Domestic Substances List

• 105 (1) The Minister shall, for the purpose of section 106, add to the Domestic Substances List maintained under section 66 any living organism if the Minister is satisfied that, between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1986, the living organism

  • (a) was manufactured in or imported into Canada by any person; and

  • (b) entered or was released into the environment without being subject to conditions under this or any other Act of Parliament or of the legislature of a province.

• Marginal note:Amendment of List

  (2) Where the Minister includes a living organism on the Domestic Substances List and subsequently learns that, between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1986, the requirements set out in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) were not met, the Minister shall delete the substance from the List.

• Marginal note:Publication of List

  (3) The Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette the Domestic Substances List and any amendment to the List.

• Marginal note:Designation

  (4) The Minister may, by order, designate any person or class of persons to exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions set out in this section.

Marginal note:Domestic Substances List — Food and Drugs Act

• 105.1 (1) The Minister may, for the purpose of section 106, add a living organism to the Domestic Substances List if

  • (a) the living organism was included on the version of the Revised In Commerce List that was prepared by the Minister of Health after the end, on November 3, 2019, of acceptance of substance nominations to that List and that is referred to in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 152, Number 44, as the static list; and

  • (b) no conditions specified under paragraph 109(1)(a) in respect of the living organism are in effect.

• Marginal note:Designation

  (2) The Minister may, by order, designate any person or class of persons to exercise the power set out in subsection (1).

Marginal note:Amendment of List

• 105.2 (1) If the Minister is satisfied that a living organism added to the Domestic Substances List under subsection 105(1), 105.1(1) or 112(1) is not being manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada the Minister may delete the living organism from the List.

• Marginal note:Publication — notice of intent

  (2) Before deleting a living organism from the Domestic Substances List under subsection (1), the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice indicating the Minister’s intention to delete it from the List.

• Marginal note:Comments

  (3) Within 60 days after the publication of the notice, any person may file written comments with the Minister.

• Marginal note:Designation

  (4) The Minister may, by order, designate any person or class of persons to exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions set out in this section.

Marginal note:Manufacture or import of living organisms

• 106 (1) Where a living organism is not specified on the Domestic Substances List, no person shall manufacture or import the living organism unless

  • (a) the prescribed information with respect to the living organism, accompanied by the prescribed fee, has been provided by that person to the Minister on or before the prescribed date; and

  • (b) the period for assessing the information under section 108 has expired.

• (2) [Repealed, 2017, c. 26, s. 26]

• Marginal note:Notification of significant new activity in respect of living organism on List

  (3) Where a living organism is specified on the Domestic Substances List with an indication that this subsection applies with respect to the living organism, no person shall use, manufacture or import the living organism for a significant new activity that is indicated on the List with respect to the living organism unless

  • (a) the person has provided the Minister with the prescribed information, on or before the date that is specified by the Minister or prescribed, accompanied by the prescribed fee; and

  • (b) the period for assessing the information specified by the Minister or provided under section 108 has expired.

• Marginal note:Notification of significant new activity in respect of living organism not on List

  (4) Where a living organism is not specified on the Domestic Substances List and the Minister publishes a notice in the Canada Gazette indicating that this subsection applies with respect to the living organism, no person shall use the living organism for a significant new activity that is indicated in the notice unless

  • (a) the person has provided the Minister with the prescribed information, on or before the date that is specified by the Minister or prescribed, accompanied by the prescribed fee; and

  • (b) the period for assessing the information specified by the Minister or provided under section 108 has expired.

• Marginal note:Transfer of rights in respect of substance

  (5) Where prescribed information with respect to a substance has been provided under subsection (1), (3) or (4) by a person who subsequently transfers the right or privilege in relation to the substance for which the information was provided, the information is, subject to any conditions that may be prescribed, deemed to have been provided by the transferee of that right or privilege.

• Marginal note:Application

  (6) Subsections (1), (3) and (4) do not apply to

  • (a) a living organism that is manufactured or imported for a use that is regulated under any other Act of Parliament that provides for notice to be given before the manufacture, import or sale of the living organism and for an assessment of whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic;

  • (b) a living organism that is manufactured, used or imported under the conditions and in the circumstances prescribed as exempt from this section; or

  • (c) impurities and contaminants related to the preparation of a living organism.

• Marginal note:Governor in Council may amend Schedule 4

  (7) For the purposes of the administration of this section, the Governor in Council has the exclusive responsibility for determining whether or not the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are met by or under an Act of Parliament referred to in that paragraph, or regulations made under that Act, and

  • (a) if the Governor in Council determines that the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are met by or under an Act of Parliament referred to in that paragraph, or regulations made under that Act, the Governor in Council may by order add to Schedule 4 the name of that Act or those regulations, as the case may be, and the fact that an Act or regulations are listed in Schedule 4 is conclusive proof that the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are met; and

  • (b) if the Governor in Council determines that the requirements referred to in paragraph (6)(a) are no longer met by or under an Act of Parliament, or regulations, listed in Schedule 4, the Governor in Council may by order delete from Schedule 4 the name of that Act or those regulations, as the case may be.

• Marginal note:Waiver of information requirements

  (8) On the request of any person to whom subsection (1), (3) or (4) applies, the Minister may waive any of the requirements to provide information under that subsection if

  • (a) in the opinion of the Ministers, the information is not needed in order to determine whether the living organism is toxic or capable of becoming toxic;

  • (b) a living organism is to be used for a prescribed purpose or manufactured at a location where, in the opinion of the Ministers, the person requesting the waiver is able to contain the living organism so as to satisfactorily protect the environment and human health; or

  • (c) it is not, in the opinion of the Ministers, practicable or feasible to obtain the test data necessary to generate the information.

• Marginal note:Publication of notice of waiver

  (9) The Minister shall, as soon as possible in the circumstances, publish in the Canada Gazette a notice stating the name of any person to whom a waiver is granted and the type of information to which it relates.

• Marginal note:Compliance with waiver

  (10) Where the Minister waives any of the requirements for information under paragraph (8)(b), the person to whom the waiver is granted shall not use, manufacture or import the living organism unless it is for the purpose prescribed by regulations made under paragraph 114(1)(f) or at the location specified in the request for the waiver, as the case may be.

• Marginal note:Correction of information

  (11) A person who has provided information under this section, including for the purposes of a request for a waiver under subsection (8), or under section 107 or 109 shall notify the Minister of any corrections to the information as soon as possible after learning of them.

• Marginal note:Request for information previously waived

  (12) Where the Minister is notified of any corrections to information that was provided for the purposes of a request for a waiver under subsection (8), the Minister may, after consideration by the Ministers of those corrections, require the person to whom the waiver was granted to provide the Minister with the information to which the waiver related within the time specified by the Minister.

• Marginal note:Application of section 109

  (13) Where the Ministers suspect, after considering

  • (a) any corrections received under subsection (11), or

  • (b) the information provided under subsection (12),

  that a living organism is toxic or capable of becoming toxic, the Minister may exercise any of the powers referred to in paragraphs 109(1)(a) to (c).

Marginal note:Prohibition of activity

• 107 (1) Where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has used, manufactured or imported a living organism in contravention of subsection 106(1), (3) or (4), the Minister may, in writing, require the person to provide the information referred to in that subsection and prohibit any activity involving the living organism until the expiry of the period for assessing the information under section 108.

• Marginal note:Waiver of information requirements

  (2) On the request of any person required under subsection (1) to provide information, the Minister may waive any of the requirements for prescribed information if one of the conditions specified in paragraphs 106(8)(a) to (c) is met and, in that case, subsections 106(9) to (13) apply with respect to the waiver.

• (3) [Repealed, 2017, c. 26, s. 27]

Marginal note:Assessment of information

• 108 (1) Subject to subsection (4), the Ministers shall, within the prescribed assessment period, assess information provided under subsection 106(1), (3) or (4) or paragraph 109(1)(c) or otherwise available to them in respect of a living organism in order to determine whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Assessment of information

  (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the Ministers shall assess information provided under subsection 107(1) or otherwise available to them in respect of a living organism in order to determine whether it is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Time for assessment

  (3) An assessment of information under subsection (2) shall be made following the date on which the information is provided within a period that does not exceed the number of days in the prescribed assessment period.

• Marginal note:Extension of assessment period

  (4) Where the Ministers are of the opinion that further time is necessary to assess any information, the Minister may, before the expiry of the assessment period referred to in subsection (1) or (3), extend the period for assessing the information, but the extension shall not exceed the number of days in the prescribed assessment period.

• Marginal note:Notification of extension

  (5) Where the Minister extends the period for assessing information, the Minister shall, before the expiry of the assessment period referred to in subsection (1) or (3), notify the person who provided the information.

• Marginal note:Termination of period

  (6) The Minister may, before the expiry of the assessment period referred to in subsection (1) or (3), terminate the period for assessing information and, immediately before doing so, shall notify the person who provided the information.

Marginal note:Consultation

• 108.1 (1) If the information that the Ministers assess under subsection 108(1) or (2) is in respect of a vertebrate animal or a prescribed living organism or group of living organisms, the Ministers shall consult any interested persons before the expiry of the period for assessing that information.

• Marginal note:Notice

  (2) Before undertaking consultations, the Minister shall publish a notice of consultation in any manner that the Minister considers appropriate.

Marginal note:Action to be taken after assessment

• 109 (1) Where the Ministers have assessed any information under section 108 and they suspect that a living organism is toxic or capable of becoming toxic, the Minister may, before the expiry of the period for assessing the information,

  • (a) permit any person to manufacture or import the living organism, subject to any conditions that the Ministers may specify;

  • (b) prohibit any person from manufacturing or importing the living organism; or

  • (c) request any person to provide any additional information or submit the results of any testing that the Ministers consider necessary for the purpose of assessing whether the living organism is toxic or capable of becoming toxic.

• Marginal note:Additional information or testing

  (2) Where the Minister requests additional information or test results under paragraph (1)(c), the person to whom the request is directed shall not manufacture or import the living organism unless

  • (a) the person provides the additional information or submits the test results; and

  • (b) the period for assessing information under section 108 has expired or a period of 120 days after the additional information or test results were provided has expired, whichever is later.

• Marginal note:Variation of conditions and prohibitions

  (3) The Minister may vary or rescind a condition or prohibition specified or imposed under paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

• Marginal note:Expiry of prohibition

  (4) Any prohibition on the manufacture or import of a living organism imposed under paragraph (1)(b) expires two years after the day on which it is imposed unless, before the expiry of the two years, there is published in the Canada Gazette

  • (a) a regulation respecting preventive or control actions, in relation to the living organism, that is proposed to be made under this Act; or

  • (b) a statement, identifying a regulation respecting preventive or control actions in relation to the living organism that is proposed to be made under any other Act of Parliament,

    • (i) made jointly by the Minister and the Minister responsible for the administration of the Act of Parliament under which the regulation is to be made, if the Act is not an Act referred to in subparagraph (ii), or

    • (ii) made by the Minister of Health, if the Act of Parliament is one for whose administration that Minister is responsible.

  If such a proposed regulation — or such a statement identifying a proposed regulation — is so published, the prohibition expires on the day on which the regulation comes into force.

• Marginal note:Publication of conditions and prohibitions

  (5) Where the Minister specifies, imposes, varies or rescinds any condition for or prohibition on the manufacture or import of a living organism, the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette a notice setting out the condition or prohibition and the living organism in respect of which it applies.

Marginal note:Significant new activity

• 110 (1) Where the Ministers have assessed any information under section 108 in respect of a living organism that is not on the Domestic Substances List and they suspect that a significant new activity in relation to that living organism may result in the living organism becoming toxic, the Minister may, within 90 days after the expiry of the period for assessing the information, publish in the Canada Gazette and in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate a notice indicating that subsection 106(4) applies with respect to the living organism.

• Marginal note:Contents of notice

  (2) A notice referred to in subsection (1)

  • (a) shall indicate, by inclusion or exclusion, the significant new activities in relation to the living organism with respect to which subsection 106(4) is to apply and, if regulations in respect of those significant new activities are not made under paragraphs 114(1)(c), (d) and (g), specify the information to be provided to the Minister under that subsection, the date on or before which it is to be provided and the period within which it is to be assessed under section 108; and

  • (b) may specify for the purpose of subsection 111(2) classes of persons who are not required to be notified under subsection 111(1) with respect to the living organism.

• Marginal note:Classes of persons

  (3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Canada Gazette, specify for the purpose of subsection 111(2) classes of persons who are not required to be notified under subsection 111(1) with respect to a living organism for which a notice was published under subsection (1), if no such class was specified in that notice.

• Marginal note:Subsequent notice

  (4) The Minister may, by notice published in the Canada Gazette,

  • (a) vary the significant new activities in relation to a living organism for which a notice has been published under subsection (1) or vary the information to be provided to the Minister under subsection 106(4), the date on or before which that information is to be provided or the period within which it is to be assessed under section 108;

  • (b) indicate that subsection 106(4) no longer applies with respect to that living organism;

  • (c) vary the classes of persons, if any, that are specified for the purpose of subsection 111(2) in a notice published under subsection (1) or (3); or

  • (d) indicate that a class of persons is no longer specified for the purpose of subsection 111(2).

Marginal note:Notification of persons required to comply

• 111 (1) Where a notice is published in the Canada Gazette under subsection 110(1) in respect of a living organism, every person who transfers the physical possession or control of the living organism shall notify all persons to whom the possession or control is transferred of the obligation to comply with subsection 106(4).

• Marginal note:Exception

  (2) A person who is within a class of persons that is specified in a notice published under subsection 110(1) or (3) — or, if the class is varied by a notice published under subsection 110(4), within the class as varied — is not required to be notified under subsection (1) with respect to the living organism to which the notice relates.

Marginal note:Amendment of List

• 112 (1) The Minister shall add a living organism to the Domestic Substances List within 120 days after the following conditions are met:

  • (a) the Minister has been provided with information in respect of the living organism under section 106 or 107 and any additional information or test results required under subsection 109(1);

  • (b) the Ministers are satisfied that the living organism has been manufactured in or imported into Canada by the person who provided the information prescribed for the purpose of this paragraph;

  • (c) the period for assessing the information under section 108 has expired; and

  • (d) no conditions specified under paragraph 109(1)(a) in respect of the living organism remain in effect.

• Marginal note:Amendment of List

  (2) Where the Minister adds a living organism to the Domestic Substances List and subsequently learns that the living organism was not manufactured or imported as described in subsection (1), the Minister shall delete the living organism from the List.

• Marginal note:Significant new activity

  (3) If a living organism is on the Domestic Substances List or is to be added to the List under subsection (1) or 105.1(1), the Minister may amend the List to indicate that subsection 106(3) applies with respect to the living organism.

• Marginal note:Contents of amendment

  (4) An amendment referred to in subsection (3)

  • (a) shall indicate, by inclusion or exclusion, the significant new activities in relation to the living organism with respect to which subsection 106(3) is to apply and, if regulations in respect of those significant new activities are not made under paragraphs 114(1)(c), (d) and (g), specify the information to be provided to the Minister under that subsection, the date on or before which it is to be provided and the period within which it is to be assessed under section 108; and

  • (b) may specify for the purpose of subsection 112.1(2) classes of persons who are not required to be notified under subsection 112.1(1) with respect to the living organism.

• Marginal note:Subsequent amendment

  (5) The Minister may amend the Domestic Substances List in respect of a living organism with respect to which subsection 106(3) applies

  • (a) to vary the significant new activities in relation to the living organism or vary the information to be provided to the Minister under subsection 106(3), the date on or before which that information is to be provided or the period within which it is to be assessed under section 108;

  • (b) to indicate that subsection 106(3) no longer applies;

  • (c) to specify classes of persons for the purpose of subsection 112.1(2), if no such classes are specified with respect to the living organism;

  • (d) to vary the classes of persons, if any, that are specified for the purpose of subsection 112.1(2); or

  • (e) to delete any class of persons that is specified for the purpose of subsection 112.1(2).

Marginal note:Notification of persons required to comply

• 112.1 (1) If a living organism is specified on the Domestic Substances List with an indication that subsection 106(3) applies with respect to the living organism, every person who transfers the physical possession or control of the living organism shall notify all persons to whom the possession or control is transferred of the obligation to comply with that subsection.

• Marginal note:Exception

  (2) A person is not required to be notified under subsection (1) with respect to a living organism if they are within a class of persons that is specified on the Domestic Substances List in respect of the living organism for the purpose of this subsection.

Marginal note:Publication of masked name

113 Where the publication under this Part of the explicit biological name of a living organism would result in the release of confidential business information in contravention of section 314, the living organism shall be identified by a name determined in the prescribed manner.

Marginal note:Regulations

• 114 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make regulations

  • (a) respecting living organisms or establishing groups of living organisms for the purposes of the provision of information under section 106 or 107, including those that are exotic or indigenous, research and development living organisms and living organisms manufactured only for export, and designating ecozones or groups of ecozones;

  • (b) prescribing conditions and circumstances for the purpose of paragraph 106(6)(b);

  • (c) respecting the information that shall be provided to the Minister under subsection 106(1), (3) or (4) or section 107 and the form and manner in which it is to be provided;

  • (d) prescribing dates on or before which information shall be provided under subsection 106(1), (3) or (4);

  • (e) respecting the maintenance of books and records for the administration of any regulation made under this section;

  • (f) prescribing the purpose for which a living organism must be used so as to permit the waiver of information requirements under subsection 106(8);

  • (g) prescribing periods within which the Ministers shall assess information under subsection 108(1);

  • (g.1) prescribing a living organism or group of living organisms for the purpose of subsection 108.1(1);

  • (h) respecting the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed in developing test data on a living organism in order to comply with the information requirements of section 106 or 107 or requests for information under paragraph 109(1)(c);

  • (i) prescribing information for the purpose of paragraph 112(1)(b);

  • (j) prescribing the manner of determining a name for a living organism for the purpose of section 113; and

  • (k) generally for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Part.

• Marginal note:Prescribed assessment period

  (2) For the purposes of sections 106 and 108, where no assessment period is prescribed or specified with respect to a living organism, the prescribed assessment period is 120 days after the Minister is provided with the prescribed information.

• Marginal note:Prescription of conditions and circumstances

  (3) Regulations made under paragraph (1)(b) may prescribe conditions and circumstances in respect of a living organism in terms of

  • (a) whether or not the living organism is a member of a group of living organisms established by regulations made under paragraph (1)(a); or

  • (b) the purposes for which the living organism is manufactured or imported.

• Marginal note:Prescription of information and assessment periods

  (4) Regulations made under paragraph (1)(c), (d) or (g) may prescribe information, dates or periods in respect of a living organism in terms of

  • (a) whether or not the living organism is a member of a group of living organisms established by regulations made under paragraph (1)(a);

  • (b) the purposes for which the living organism is manufactured or imported; or

  • (c) the conditions under which and the circumstances in which the living organism is manufactured or imported.

Marginal note:Other regulations

• 115 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Ministers, make regulations

  • (a) for the purposes of implementing an international agreement,

    • (i) respecting living organisms, whether or not they are on the Domestic Substances List, and

    • (ii) respecting the safety of the environment or human health, including the safe transfer, handling and uses of any living organism that is moved across a boundary; and

  • (b) respecting the effective and safe use of living organisms in pollution prevention.

• Marginal note:Living organisms regulated under other Acts of Parliament

  (2) The Governor in Council shall not make a regulation under subsection (1) in respect of any living organism if the regulation regulates an aspect of the living organism that is regulated by or under any other Act of Parliament in a manner that provides, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, sufficient protection to the environment and human health.

PART 7Controlling Pollution and Managing Wastes

DIVISION 1Nutrients

Marginal note:Definitions

116 The definitions in this section apply in this Division and in Part 10.

cleaning product

cleaning product means a phosphate compound or other substance that is intended to be used for cleaning purposes, and includes laundry detergents, dish-washing compounds, metal cleaners, de-greasing compounds and household, commercial and industrial cleaners. (produit de nettoyage)

nutrient

nutrient means a substance or combination of substances that, if released in any waters, provides nourishment that promotes the growth of aquatic vegetation. (substance nutritive)

water conditioner

water conditioner means a substance that is intended to be used to treat water, and includes water-softening chemicals, anti-scale chemicals and corrosion inhibiters. (conditionneur d’eau)

Marginal note:Prohibition

117 No person shall manufacture for use or sale in Canada or import a cleaning product or water conditioner that contains a prescribed nutrient in a concentration greater than the permissible concentration prescribed for that product or conditioner.

Marginal note:Regulations

• 118 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for the purpose of preventing or reducing the growth of aquatic vegetation that is caused by the release of nutrients in waters and that can interfere with the functioning of an ecosystem or degrade or alter, or form part of a process of degrading or altering, an ecosystem to an extent that is detrimental to its use by humans, animals or plants, including regulations

  • (a) prescribing nutrients;

  • (b) prescribing the permissible concentration of a prescribed nutrient in a cleaning product or water conditioner;

  • (c) respecting the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for analysing, testing, measuring or monitoring a nutrient, cleaning product or water conditioner; and

  • (d) requiring persons who manufacture for use or sale in Canada or import a cleaning product or water conditioner

    • (i) to maintain books and records for the proper administration of this Division and the regulations,

    • (ii) to submit samples of the cleaning product or water conditioner to the Minister, and

    • (iii) to submit to either Minister information regarding cleaning products, water conditioners and their ingredients.

• Marginal note:Exemption

  (1.1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations exempting a cleaning product or water conditioner from the application of section 117.

• Marginal note:Class of cleaning product or water conditioner

  (1.2) Regulations made under subsection (1) or (1.1) may distinguish among classes of cleaning products or water conditioners that they may establish on the basis of any factor, including

  • (a) the physical or chemical properties of the cleaning products or water conditioners; or

  • (b) the conditions under which, the purposes for which or the manner or place in which the cleaning products or water conditioners are intended to be used.

• Marginal note:Nutrients regulated under other Acts of Parliament

  (2) The Governor in Council shall not make a regulation under subsection (1) in respect of a nutrient to the extent that the nutrient, or a product in which the nutrient is contained, is, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, regulated by or under any other Act of Parliament in a manner that provides, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, sufficient protection to the environment.

Marginal note:Remedial measures

• 119 (1) Where there is a contravention of section 117 or the regulations, the Minister may, in writing, direct a manufacturer or importer of a nutrient, cleaning product or water conditioner to take any or all of the following measures in the manner and within the period directed by the Minister:

  • (a) give public notice of the contravention and of any danger to the environment or to human life or health posed by the nutrient, cleaning product or water conditioner;

  • (b) mail a notice as described in paragraph (a) to manufacturers, processors, distributors or retailers of the nutrient, cleaning product or water conditioner;

  • (c) mail a notice as described in paragraph (a) to persons to whom the nutrient, cleaning product or water conditioner is known to have been delivered or sold;

  • (d) replace the nutrient, cleaning product or water conditioner with one that meets the applicable requirements;

  • (e) accept the return of the nutrient, cleaning product or water conditioner from the purchaser and refund the purchase price;

  • (f) take other measures for the protection of the environment or human life or health; and

  • (g) report to the Minister on the steps taken in satisfaction of any direction under paragraphs (a) to (f).

• Marginal note:Intervention of Minister

  (2) If a person fails to take any measures required under paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (f), the Minister may take those measures or cause them to be taken.

• Marginal note:Recovery of costs

  (3) Her Majesty in right of Canada may recover the costs and expenses of and incidental to taking any measures under subsection (2) from the person referred to in that subsection.

DIVISION 2Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Sources of Pollution

Marginal note:Definitions

120 The definitions in this section apply in this Division.

land-based sources

land-based sources means point and diffuse sources on land from which substances or energy reach the sea by water, through the air or directly from the coast. It includes any sources under the sea bed made accessible from land by tunnel, pipeline or other means. (sources telluriques)

marine pollution

marine pollution means the introduction by humans, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the sea that results, or is likely to result, in

• (a) hazards to human health;

• (b) harm to living resources or marine ecosystems;

• (c) damage to amenities; or

• (d) interference with other legitimate uses of the sea. (pollution des mers)

Marginal note:Objectives, guidelines and codes of practice

• 121 (1) The Minister may, after consultation with any other affected minister, issue environmental objectives, release guidelines and codes of practice to prevent and reduce marine pollution from land-based sources.

• Marginal note:Consultation and conferences

  (2) To carry out the functions set out in subsection (1), the Minister

  • (a) shall offer to consult with the government of a province and the members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments and may consult with any government department or agency or any person interested in the protection of the sea;

  • (b) may organize conferences relating to the prevention or reduction of marine pollution from land-based sources; and

  • (c) may meet with the representatives of international organizations and agencies and other countries to examine the rules, standards, practices and procedures recommended under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed by Canada on October 7, 1982.

• Marginal note:Minister may act

  (3) At any time after the 60th day following the day on which the Minister offers to consult in accordance with paragraph (2)(a), the Minister may act under subsection (1) if the offer to consult is not accepted by the government of a province or members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments.

DIVISION 3Disposal at Sea

Interpretation

Marginal note:Definitions

• 122 (1) The definitions in this subsection apply in this Division and in Part 10.

  aircraft

  aircraft means a machine that is used or designed for navigation in the air, but does not include an air cushion vehicle. (aéronef)

  Canadian aircraft

  Canadian aircraft means an aircraft that is registered under an Act of Parliament. (aéronef canadien)

  Canadian permit

  Canadian permit means a permit that is issued under subsection 127(1) or 128(2). (permis canadien)

  Canadian ship

  Canadian ship means a ship that is registered under an Act of Parliament. (navire canadien)

  condition

  condition means, in respect of a permit, any term or condition of the permit. (Version anglaise seulement)

  contracting party

  contracting party means a state that is a contracting party to the Convention or the Protocol. (partie contractante)

  Convention

  Convention means the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter signed by Canada on December 29, 1972, as amended from time to time. (Convention)

  disposal

  disposal means

  • (a) the disposal of a substance at sea from a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure,

  • (b) the disposal of dredged material into the sea from any source not mentioned in paragraph (a),

  • (c) the storage on the seabed, in the subsoil of the seabed or on the ice in any area of the sea of a substance that comes from a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure,

  • (d) the deposit of a substance on the ice in an area of the sea,

  • (e) the disposal at sea of a ship or aircraft,

  • (f) the disposal or abandonment at sea of a platform or another structure, and

  • (g) any other act or omission that constitutes a disposal under regulations made under paragraph 135(3)(c),

  but does not include

  • (h) a disposal of a substance that is incidental to or derived from the normal operations of a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure or of any equipment on a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure, other than the disposal of substances from a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure operated for the purpose of disposing of such substances at sea,

  • (i) the placement of a substance for a purpose other than its mere disposal if the placement is not contrary to the purposes of this Division and the aims of the Convention or the Protocol,

  • (j) the abandonment of any matter, such as a cable, pipeline or research device, placed on the seabed or in the subsoil of the seabed for a purpose other than its mere disposal, or

  • (k) a discharge or storage directly arising from, or directly related to, the exploration for, exploitation of and associated off-shore processing of seabed mineral resources. (immersion)

  incineration

  incineration means the combustion of a substance on board a ship, a platform or another structure at sea for the purpose of its thermal destruction. (incinération)

  master

  master means the person in command or charge of a ship, but does not include a licensed pilot, within the meaning of section 1.1 of the Pilotage Act. (capitaine)

  owner

  owner, in relation to any ship, aircraft, platform or other structure, includes the person who has the possession or use, by law or contract, of the ship, aircraft, platform or other structure. (propriétaire)

  Protocol

  Protocol means the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972, as amended from time to time. (Protocole)

  ship

  ship includes a vessel, boat or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for marine navigation, without regard to its method or lack of propulsion, and includes an air cushion vehicle. (navire)

  structure

  structure means a structure that is made by a person. (Version anglaise seulement)

  waste or other matter

  waste or other matter means waste or other matter listed in Schedule 5. (déchets ou autres matières)

• Definition of sea

  (2) In this Division and in Part 10, sea means

  • (a) the territorial sea of Canada;

  • (b) the internal waters of Canada, excluding all the rivers, lakes and other fresh waters in Canada and the St. Lawrence River as far seaward as the straight lines drawn

    • (i) from Cap-des-Rosiers to the western-most point of Anticosti Island, and

    • (ii) from Anticosti Island to the north shore of the St. Lawrence River along the meridian of longitude sixty-three degrees west;

  • (c) any exclusive economic zone that may be created by Canada;

  • (d) the arctic waters within the meaning of section 2 of the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act;

  • (e) an area of the sea adjacent to the areas referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) that is specified under paragraph 135(1)(g);

  • (f) an area of the sea under the jurisdiction of a foreign state, other than its internal waters; and

  • (g) an area of the sea, other than the internal waters of a foreign state, not included in the areas of the sea referred to in paragraphs (a) to (f).

Purpose

Marginal note:Purpose

122.1 The purpose of this Division is to protect the marine environment, particularly by implementing the Convention and the Protocol.

Prohibitions

Marginal note:Imports for disposal in waters under Canadian jurisdiction

• 123 (1) No person or ship shall import a substance for disposal in an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e).

• Marginal note:Export for disposal in waters under foreign jurisdiction

  (2) No person or ship shall export a substance for disposal in an area of the sea under the jurisdiction of a foreign state or in its internal waters.

Marginal note:Loading in Canada for disposal at sea

• 124 (1) No person shall, in Canada, load a substance onto any ship, aircraft, platform or other structure for the purpose of disposal in an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e) and (g) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter; and

  • (b) the loading is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Loading in Canada for disposal at sea

  (1.1) No ship shall, in Canada, load a substance onto itself for the purpose of disposal in an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e) and (g) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter; and

  • (b) the loading is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Responsibility of master and pilot in Canada

  (2) The master of a ship or pilot in command of an aircraft shall not permit a substance to be loaded onto their ship or aircraft in Canada for the purpose of disposal in an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e) and (g) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter; and

  • (b) the loading is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Responsibility of master and pilot outside Canada

  (3) The master of a Canadian ship or pilot in command of a Canadian aircraft shall not permit a substance to be loaded onto their ship or aircraft outside Canada for the purpose of disposal at sea.

• Marginal note:Exception

  (4) Subsection (3) does not apply where

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter;

  • (b) the disposal occurs in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(g) or in an area of the sea that is under the jurisdiction of the foreign state where the substance is loaded;

  • (c) if the disposal occurs in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(g) and the loading occurs in the territory of a foreign state that is a contracting party, the loading and disposal are done in accordance with a permit issued under the Convention or the Protocol by that state;

  • (d) if the disposal occurs in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(g) and the loading occurs in the territory of a foreign state that is not a contracting party, the loading and disposal are done in accordance with a Canadian permit;

  • (e) if the disposal occurs in an area of the sea under the jurisdiction of a foreign state that is a contracting party, the loading and disposal are done in accordance with a permit issued under the Convention or the Protocol by that state; and

  • (f) if the disposal occurs in an area of the sea under the jurisdiction of a foreign state that is not a contracting party, the loading is done in accordance with a Canadian permit and the disposal is authorized by that state.

Marginal note:Disposal in waters under Canadian jurisdiction

• 125 (1) No person or ship shall dispose of a substance in an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter; and

  • (b) the disposal is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Disposal from Canadian ship, etc., in waters that are not under the jurisdiction of any state

  (2) No person shall dispose of a substance from a Canadian ship, a Canadian aircraft or a Canadian platform or other structure in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(g) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter; and

  • (b) the disposal is done in accordance with a Canadian permit or, if the substance was loaded in the territory of a state that is a contracting party, a permit issued under the Convention or the Protocol by that state.

• Marginal note:Disposal by Canadian ship in waters that are not under the jurisdiction of any state

  (2.1) No Canadian ship shall dispose of a substance in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(g) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter; and

  • (b) the disposal is done in accordance with a Canadian permit or, if the substance was loaded in the territory of a state that is a contracting party, a permit issued under the Convention or the Protocol by that state.

• Marginal note:Disposal from Canadian ship, etc., in waters under foreign jurisdiction

  (3) No person shall dispose of a substance from a Canadian ship, a Canadian aircraft or a Canadian platform or other structure in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(f) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter;

  • (b) the substance was loaded in the foreign state that has jurisdiction over that area;

  • (c) if the foreign state is a contracting party, the disposal is done in accordance with a permit issued under the Convention or the Protocol by that contracting party; and

  • (d) if the foreign state is not a contracting party, that state has authorized the disposal and it is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Disposal by Canadian ship in waters under foreign jurisdiction

  (3.1) No Canadian ship shall dispose of a substance in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(f) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste or other matter;

  • (b) the substance was loaded in the foreign state that has jurisdiction over that area;

  • (c) if the foreign state is a contracting party, the disposal is done in accordance with a permit issued under the Convention or the Protocol by that contracting party; and

  • (d) if the foreign state is not a contracting party, that state has authorized the disposal and it is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Disposal of Canadian ship, etc., in waters that are not under the jurisdiction of any state

  (4) No person shall dispose of a Canadian ship, a Canadian aircraft or a Canadian platform or other structure in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(g) unless the disposal is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Disposal of Canadian ship etc., in waters under foreign jurisdiction

  (5) No person shall dispose of a Canadian ship, a Canadian aircraft or a Canadian platform or other structure in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(f) unless

  • (a) if the foreign state that has jurisdiction over that area is a contracting party, the disposal is done in accordance with a permit issued under the Convention or the Protocol by that contracting party; and

  • (b) if the foreign state that has jurisdiction over that area is not a contracting party, that state has authorized the disposal and it is done in accordance with a Canadian permit.

• Marginal note:Exception

  (6) This section does not apply in respect of any disposal that is authorized under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

Marginal note:Incineration

• 126 (1) No person shall incinerate a substance on board a ship, a platform or another structure in an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste generated on board the ship, platform or other structure during normal operations; or

  • (b) the incineration is done in accordance with a permit issued under subsection 128(2).

• Marginal note:Incineration by ship

  (1.1) No ship shall incinerate a substance on board the ship in an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste generated on board the ship during normal operations; or

  • (b) the incineration is done in accordance with a permit issued under subsection 128(2).

• Marginal note:Incineration in waters under foreign jurisdiction, etc.

  (2) No person shall incinerate a substance on board a Canadian ship or a Canadian platform or other structure in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(f) or (g) unless

  • (a) the substance is waste generated on board the Canadian ship or the Canadian platform or other structure during normal operations; or

  • (b) the incineration is done in accordance with a permit issued under subsection 128(2).

• Marginal note:Incineration by Canadian ship in waters under foreign jurisdiction

  (3) No Canadian ship shall, in an area of the sea referred to in paragraph 122(2)(f) or (g), incinerate a substance on board the ship unless

  • (a) the substance is waste generated on board the ship during normal operations; or

  • (b) the incineration is done in accordance with a permit issued under subsection 128(2).

Permits

Marginal note:Permit

• 127 (1) The Minister may, on application, issue a permit authorizing the loading for disposal and disposal of waste or other matter and, subject to the regulations, renew it no more than four times.

• Marginal note:Application

  (2) The application must

  • (a) be in the prescribed form;

  • (b) contain the information that may be prescribed or that may be required by the Minister for the purpose of complying with Schedule 6;

  • (c) be accompanied by the prescribed fees; and

  • (d) be accompanied by evidence that notice of the application was published in a newspaper circulating in the vicinity of the loading or disposal described in the application or in any other publication specified by the Minister.

• Marginal note:Factors for consideration

  (3) Before issuing a permit under subsection (1) or renewing it, the Minister shall comply with Schedule 6 and shall take into account any factors that the Minister considers necessary.

Marginal note:Exception

• 128 (1) Paragraphs 125(1)(a), (2)(a), (2.1)(a), (3)(a) and (3.1)(a) do not apply if a permit is issued under this section.

• Marginal note:Permits for emergency disposal

  (2) The Minister may, on application, issue a permit to dispose of or incinerate a substance if the Minister is of the opinion that

  • (a) the disposal or incineration of a certain quantity of the substance is necessary to avert an emergency that poses an unacceptable risk relating to the environment or to human health; and

  • (b) there is no other feasible solution.

• Marginal note:Application

  (3) An application for a permit must

  • (a) be in the prescribed form;

  • (b) contain the information that may be prescribed or that may be required by the Minister for the purpose of complying with Schedule 6;

  • (c) be accompanied by the prescribed fees; and

  • (d) subject to subsection (4), be accompanied by evidence that notice of the application was published in a newspaper circulating in the vicinity of the loading, disposal or incineration described in the application or in any other publication specified by the Minister.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (4) The Minister may permit the publication referred to in paragraph (3)(d) to be made at any time after the application is made.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (5) The Minister shall

  • (a) offer to consult with any foreign state that is likely to be affected by the disposal or incineration and with the International Maritime Organization; and

  • (b) endeavour to follow any recommendations that are received from the International Maritime Organization.

• Marginal note:Notice

  (6) The Minister shall inform the International Maritime Organization of any action taken under this section.

Marginal note:Conditions of permit

• 129 (1) A Canadian permit shall contain any conditions that the Minister considers necessary for the protection of marine life, any legitimate uses of the sea or human life, including conditions relating to the following:

  • (a) the nature and quantity of the substance for loading, disposal or incineration;

  • (b) the method and frequency of the disposal or incineration authorized including, if necessary, the date or dates on which disposal or incineration is authorized;

  • (c) the manner of loading and stowing the substance authorized for disposal or incineration;

  • (d) the site at which disposal or incineration may take place;

  • (e) the route to be followed by the ship or aircraft transporting the substance to the disposal or incineration site;

  • (f) any special precautions to be taken respecting the loading, transporting, disposal or incineration of the substance; and

  • (g) the monitoring of the disposal, the incineration and the disposal site to determine the effects of the disposal on the environment and human life.

• Marginal note:Duration of permit

  (2) A Canadian permit shall specify that it is valid for a particular date or dates or for a particular period that shall not exceed one year. For greater certainty, this subsection applies to each renewal of a permit issued under subsection 127(1).

• Marginal note:Powers to suspend, revoke or vary permit

  (3) The Minister may suspend or revoke a Canadian permit or vary its conditions where, having regard to Schedule 6 or the establishment of, or any report of, a board of review under section 333, the Minister considers it advisable to do so.

Exception for Safety Reasons

Marginal note:Exception

• 130 (1) Despite the other provisions of this Division, a person may dispose of a substance if

  • (a) it is necessary to avert a danger to human life or to a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure at sea in situations caused by stress of weather or in any other case that constitutes a danger to human life or a threat to a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure at sea;

  • (b) the disposal appears to be the only way of averting the danger or threat; and

  • (c) it is probable that the damage caused by the disposal would be less than would otherwise occur.

• Marginal note:Danger to be minimized

  (2) Any disposal under subsection (1) shall be carried out in a manner that minimizes, as far as possible, danger to human life and damage to the marine environment.

• Marginal note:Negligence not a defence

  (3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the danger was caused or contributed to by the person’s negligent act or omission.

• Marginal note:Duty to report

  (4) If disposal takes place under subsection (1), the master of the ship, the pilot in command of the aircraft or the person in charge of the platform or other structure shall report the disposal without delay to an enforcement officer or any other person whom the Governor in Council may, by order, designate, at the location and in the manner that may be prescribed, and the report shall contain any information that may be prescribed.

Marginal note:Fisheries Act not applicable

131 If a person disposes of a substance in accordance with the conditions of a Canadian permit or section 130, subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act is not applicable.

Site Monitoring

Marginal note:Monitoring of sites

132 The Minister shall monitor sites selected by the Minister that are used for disposal or incineration at sea.

Publication

Marginal note:Publication

• 133 (1) When issuing a Canadian permit or varying any of its conditions or renewing a permit issued under subsection 127(1), the Minister shall publish the text of the permit, the varied condition or the renewed permit, as the case may be, in the Environmental Registry.

• Marginal note:Publication before disposal or loading

  (2) Publication under subsection (1) shall be made

  • (a) in the case of a permit issued under subsection 128(2), as soon as possible after the permit is issued; and

  • (b) in every other case, at least seven days before the effective date of the permit, the variation of its conditions or its renewal.

Notice of Objection

Marginal note:Notice of objection

• 134 (1) Any person may file with the Minister a notice of objection requesting that a board of review be established under section 333 and stating the reasons for the objection, if the Minister

  • (a) issues or refuses a Canadian permit;

  • (a.1) renews or refuses to renew a permit issued under subsection 127(1); or

  • (b) suspends or revokes a Canadian permit or varies its conditions, otherwise than in accordance with the recommendations of a report of a board of review established under section 333 in respect of the permit.

• Marginal note:Time for filing notice of objection

  (2) The notice of objection shall be filed within seven days after

  • (a) the date the text of the Canadian permit or the permit renewed under subsection 127(1), as the case may be, is published in the Environmental Registry; or

  • (b) the date the person receives a notice from the Minister that the Canadian permit has been refused, suspended or revoked, that its conditions have been varied or that the renewal of a permit issued under subsection 127(1) has been refused.

Regulations

Marginal note:Regulations

• 135 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Division and Schedule 6, including regulations

  • (a) for carrying out and giving effect to the provisions of the Convention or the Protocol;

  • (b) defining the expression Canadian platform or other structure;

  • (b.1) respecting time limits for issuing permits under subsection 127(1) or for refusing to issue them, specifying the circumstances under which any of those time limits do not apply and authorizing the Minister to extend any of those time limits or to decide that a time limit does not apply when the Minister considers that it is appropriate to do so;

  • (b.2) respecting the renewal of permits under subsection 127(1), including regulations respecting time limits for renewing them or for refusing to renew them, specifying the circumstances under which any of those time limits do not apply and authorizing the Minister to extend any of those time limits or to decide that a time limit does not apply when the Minister considers that it is appropriate to do so;

  • (c) respecting the report referred to in subsection 130(4);

  • (d) respecting the conduct of sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring;

  • (e) respecting the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for sampling, analysing, testing, measuring or monitoring;

  • (f) respecting the monitoring of disposal sites;

  • (g) specifying, for the purpose of paragraph 122(2)(e), areas of the sea adjacent to areas referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (d);

  • (h) limiting the quantity or concentration of a substance contained in waste or other matter for disposal; and

  • (i) prescribing any other thing that by this Division is to be prescribed.

• Marginal note:Amendments to Schedules 5 and 6

  (2) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, by order, amend Schedules 5 and 6.

• Marginal note:Regulations

  (3) The Minister may make regulations

  • (a) prescribing the form of an application for a Canadian permit or for the renewal of a permit issued under subsection 127(1);

  • (b) specifying the information required to be contained in or to accompany an application referred to in paragraph (a);

  • (c) specifying acts or omissions that constitute a disposal for the purposes of paragraph (g) of the definition disposal in subsection 122(1);

  • (d) specifying, for the purposes of paragraph (h) of the definition disposal in subsection 122(1), the operations that are deemed to be, or deemed not to be, the normal operations of a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure or of any equipment on a ship, an aircraft, a platform or another structure;

  • (e) specifying, for the purposes of subsections 125(1) to (3.1), disposals that are deemed to be, or deemed not to be, disposals of substances referred to in paragraph (h) of the definition disposal in subsection 122(1), which specifications may refer, among other things, to any quantity or concentration of any substance or to any place or area; and

  • (f) specifying, for the purposes of section 126, the operations that are deemed to be, or deemed not to be, normal operations of ships, including Canadian ships.

Costs and Expenses of the Crown

Marginal note:Costs and expenses recoverable

136 If the Minister directs an action to be taken by or on behalf of Her Majesty in right of Canada to remedy a condition or mitigate damage resulting from an offence under this Act that arises out of this Division, the costs and expenses of and incidental to taking that action, to the extent that they can be established to have been reasonably incurred in the circumstances, are recoverable by Her Majesty in right of Canada from the person or ship that committed the offence with costs in proceedings brought or taken therefor in the name of Her Majesty in any court of competent jurisdiction.

Service of Documents

Marginal note:Manner of service

137 Except where otherwise provided by any rules of the Federal Court that are applicable to proceedings arising out of this Division, any document that, for the purposes of any such proceedings, is to be served on a person may be served

• (a) in any case, by delivering a copy of the document personally to the person to be served or, if the person cannot be found, by leaving a copy at their latest known address;

• (b) if the document is to be served on the master of a ship or on any other person employed on a ship and service cannot reasonably be effected in the manner provided in paragraph (a), by leaving a copy of the document for the master or other person on board the ship with the person who is, or appears to be, in command or charge of the ship;

• (c) if the document is to be served on the pilot in command of an aircraft and service cannot reasonably be effected in the manner provided in paragraph (a), by leaving a copy of the document with the person who is, or appears to be, in charge of the aircraft; and

• (d) if the document is to be served on a person in their capacity as owner or master of a ship or owner or pilot in command of an aircraft and service cannot reasonably be effected in the manner provided in paragraph (a) and the ship or aircraft is within an area of the sea referred to in any of paragraphs 122(2)(a) to (e) or in Canada, by leaving a copy of the document with any agent of the owner residing in Canada or, where no such agent is known or can be found, by affixing a copy of it to a prominent part of the ship or aircraft.

DIVISION 4Fuels

Interpretation

Marginal note:Definitions

138 The definitions in this section apply in this Division.

engine

engine means a device that transforms one form of energy into another. (moteur)

national fuels mark

national fuels mark means a mark established by regulation for use in respect of fuels. (marque nationale)

General Requirements for Fuels

Marginal note:Prohibition

• 139 (1) No person shall produce, import or sell a fuel that does not meet the prescribed requirements.

• Marginal note:Exceptions

  (2) A person does not contravene subsection (1) if

  • (a) the fuel is in transit through Canada, from a place outside Canada to another place outside Canada, and there is written evidence establishing that the fuel is in transit;

  • (b) subject to the regulations, the fuel is produced or sold for export and there is written evidence establishing that the fuel will be exported;

  • (c) subject to the regulations, the fuel is being produced or imported and there is written evidence establishing that the fuel will meet the requirements of subsection (1) before the fuel is used or sold;

  • (d) subject to the regulations, the fuel is being imported in a fuel tank that supplies the engine of a conveyance that is used for transportation by water, land or air; or

  • (e) that person is exempted from the application of that subsection by a regulation made under subsection 140(3).

Marginal note:Regulations

• 140 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes of section 139 and may make regulations respecting

  • (a) the concentrations or quantities of an element, component or additive in a fuel;

  • (b) the physical or chemical properties of a fuel;

  • (c) the characteristics of a fuel, based on a formula related to the fuel’s properties or conditions of use;

  • (c.1) the blending of fuels;

  • (d) the transfer and handling of a fuel;

  • (e) the keeping of books and records by persons who produce, sell or import fuel or blend fuels;

  • (f) the auditing of the books and records and the submission of audit reports and copies of the books and records;

  • (g) the submission by persons who produce, sell or import fuel or blend fuels of information regarding

    • (i) the fuel and any element, component or additive contained in the fuel,

    • (ii) any physical or chemical property of the fuel or any substance intended for use as an additive to the fuel,

    • (iii) the adverse effects from the use of the fuel, or any additive contained in the fuel, on the environment, on human life or health, on combustion technology and on emission control equipment, and

    • (iv) the techniques that may be used to detect and measure elements, components, additives and physical and chemical properties;

  • (h) the conduct of sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring of fuels and additives and the submission of the results;

  • (i) the submission of samples of fuels and additives;

  • (j) the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for conducting sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring; and

  • (k) the submission of reports on the quantity of fuel produced, imported or sold for export.

• Marginal note:Significant contribution

  (2) The Governor in Council may make a regulation under any of paragraphs (1)(a) to (d) if the Governor in Council is of the opinion that the regulation could make a significant contribution to the prevention of, or reduction in, air pollution resulting from

  • (a) directly or indirectly, the fuel or any of its components; or

  • (b) the fuel’s effect on the operation, performance or introduction of combustion or other engine technology or emission control equipment.

• Marginal note:Exemption

  (3) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations exempting from the application of subsection 139(1) any producer or importer in respect of any fuel that they produce or import in quantities of less than 400 m³ per year.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (4) Before recommending a regulation to the Governor in Council under subsection (1), the Minister shall offer to consult with the government of a province and the members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments and may consult with a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in the quality of the environment.

• Marginal note:Minister may act

  (5) At any time after the 60th day following the day on which the Minister offers to consult in accordance with subsection (4), the Minister may recommend a regulation to the Governor in Council under subsection (1) if the offer to consult is not accepted by the government of a province or members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments.

• Marginal note:Review

  (6) Within one year after this subsection comes into force and every two years thereafter, a comprehensive review of the environmental and economic aspects of biofuel production in Canada should be undertaken by such committee of the Senate, of the House of Commons or of both Houses of Parliament as may be designated or established by the Senate or the House of Commons, or by both Houses of Parliament, as the case may be, for that purpose.

• Marginal note:Report

  (7) The committee referred to in subsection (6) should, within one year after a review is undertaken pursuant to that subsection, submit a report on the review to Parliament, including a statement of any recommendations that the committee makes in respect of biofuel production in Canada.

National Fuels Marks

Marginal note:Nature of mark

• 141 (1) The national fuels marks are national trademarks.

• Marginal note:Property rights

  (2) The exclusive property in and, except as otherwise provided in this Division, the right to the use of the national fuels marks are hereby vested in Her Majesty in right of Canada.

Marginal note:Prohibition

• 142 (1) No person shall use a national fuels mark except in accordance with this Division and the regulations.

• Marginal note:Confusing marks

  (2) No person shall use any other mark in such a manner that it is likely to be mistaken for a national fuels mark.

Marginal note:Requirements for use

143 A person may use a national fuels mark in respect of a prescribed fuel if

• (a) the use is authorized by the Minister;

• (b) the fuel conforms to the requirements for that fuel provided for by regulations made under section 145 and any requirements that are applicable to that fuel and that may be provided for by regulations made under subsection 93(1) or 140(1);

• (c) evidence of such conformity has been obtained and produced in accordance with the regulations; and

• (d) prescribed information relating to the fuel has been submitted to the Minister in the prescribed manner.

Marginal note:Cross-boundary shipments

• 144 (1) No person shall import, or transport within Canada, a prescribed fuel if the requirements set out in paragraphs 143(b) to (d) are not met.

• Marginal note:Exceptions

  (2) Except as otherwise provided by the regulations, subsection (1) does not apply if

  • (a) the requirements are met before the fuel is used or sold; or

  • (b) the fuel is being used in a fuel tank that supplies the engine of a conveyance that is used for transportation by water, land or air.

Marginal note:Regulations

• 145 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of sections 141 to 144 and 147, including regulations

  • (a) establishing the national fuels marks;

  • (b) determining the fuels for which a national fuels mark may be used;

  • (c) respecting any condition or requirement that must be met for a national fuels mark to be used if, in the opinion of the Governor in Council, regulations respecting that condition or requirement may not be made under section 140;

  • (d) respecting the conditions and procedures for obtaining authorization to use a national fuels mark;

  • (e) respecting the information or other evidence necessary under sections 143 and 144; and

  • (f) prescribing or providing for anything that by sections 141 to 144 and 147 is to be prescribed or provided for by the regulations.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (2) Before recommending a regulation to the Governor in Council under subsection (1), the Minister shall offer to consult with the government of a province and the members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments and may consult with a government department or agency, aboriginal people, representatives of industry and labour and municipal authorities or with persons interested in the quality of the environment.

• Marginal note:Minister may act

  (3) At any time after the 60th day following the day on which the Minister offers to consult in accordance with subsection (2), the Minister may recommend a regulation to the Governor in Council under subsection (1) if the offer to consult is not accepted by the government of a province or members of the Committee who are representatives of aboriginal governments.

146 [Repealed, 2008, c. 31, s. 3]

Temporary Waivers

Marginal note:Temporary waiver

147 The Minister may, in prescribed circumstances, grant a temporary waiver from any of the requirements of a regulation made under section 140 or 145 on any conditions and for any period that may be determined by the Minister.

Remedial Measures

Marginal note:Remedial measures

• 148 (1) If, in respect of a fuel, there is a contravention of this Division or a regulation made under this Division, the Minister may, in writing, direct a producer, processor, importer, retailer or distributor of the fuel to take any or all of the following measures in a manner and within the period directed by the Minister:

  • (a) give public notice of the relevant characteristics of the fuel and of any danger to the environment or to human life or health that might be posed by the fuel;

  • (b) mail a notice as described in paragraph (a) to producers, processors, importers, retailers or distributors of the fuel;

  • (c) mail a notice as described in paragraph (a) to persons to whom the fuel is known to have been delivered or sold;

  • (d) replace the fuel with fuel that meets the applicable requirements;

  • (e) accept the return of the fuel from the purchaser and refund the purchase price;

  • (f) take other measures to mitigate the effect of the contravention on the environment or on human life or health; and

  • (g) report to the Minister on the steps taken in satisfaction of any direction under paragraphs (a) to (f).

• Marginal note:Intervention of Minister

  (2) If a person fails to take any measures required under paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (f), the Minister may take those measures or cause them to be taken.

• Marginal note:Recovery of costs

  (3) Her Majesty in right of Canada may recover the costs and expenses of and incidental to taking any measures under subsection (2) from the person referred to in that subsection.

DIVISION 5Vehicle, Engine and Equipment Emissions

Interpretation

Marginal note:Definitions

149 The definitions in this section apply in this Division and in Part 10 as it relates to the enforcement of this Division.

company

company means a person who

• (a) is engaged in the business of manufacturing vehicles, engines or equipment in Canada;

• (b) is engaged in the business of selling to other persons, for the purpose of resale by those persons, vehicles, engines or equipment obtained directly from a person described in paragraph (a) or the agent of such a person; or

• (c) imports any vehicle, engine or equipment into Canada for the purpose of sale. (entreprise)

engine

engine means any prescribed internal combustion engine, but does not include

• (a) an engine designed to propel an aircraft as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Aeronautics Act;

• (b) an engine designed to propel rolling stock as defined in section 6 of the Canada Transportation Act; or

• (c) a marine compression-ignition engine that is rated at 37 kW or more and is designed to propel a vessel. (moteur)

equipment

equipment means any prescribed equipment that is designed for use in or on a vehicle or engine. (équipement)

manufacture

manufacture includes any process of assembling or altering any vehicle, engine or equipment before its sale to the first retail purchaser. (fabrication ou construction)

national emissions mark

national emissions mark means a mark established by regulation for use in respect of emissions from vehicles, engines or equipment. (marque nationale)

standard

standard means a standard that governs the design, construction, functioning or marking of vehicles, engines or equipment for the purpose of controlling or monitoring their emissions. (norme)

vehicle

vehicle means any prescribed self-propelled vehicle, but does not include

• (a) an aircraft as defined in subsection 3(1) of the Aeronautics Act;

• (b) rolling stock as defined in section 6 of the Canada Transportation Act; or

• (c) a vessel that is fitted, for the purpose of propulsion, with a marine compression-ignition engine that is rated at 37 kW or more. (véhicule)

vessel

vessel means a boat, ship or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for navigation in, on, through or immediately above water. (bâtiment)

National Emissions Marks

Marginal note:Nature of marks

• 150 (1) The national emissions marks are national trademarks.

• Marginal note:Property rights

  (2) The exclusive property in and, except as otherwise provided in this Division, the right to use a national emissions mark are hereby vested in Her Majesty in right of Canada.

• Marginal note:Prohibition

  (3) No person shall use a national emissions mark except in accordance with this Division and the regulations.

• Marginal note:Confusing marks

  (4) No person shall use any other mark in such a manner that it is likely to be mistaken for a national emissions mark.

Marginal note:Use of marks

151 A company authorized by the Minister may, subject to this Division and the regulations, apply a national emissions mark to vehicles, engines or equipment.

Marginal note:Transportation within Canada

152 No company shall transport within Canada a prescribed vehicle, engine or equipment that does not have a national emissions mark applied to it.

Vehicle, Engine and Equipment Standards

Marginal note:Compliance by companies

• 153 (1) No company shall apply a national emissions mark to any vehicle, engine or equipment, sell any vehicle, engine or equipment to which a national emissions mark has been applied or import any vehicle, engine or equipment unless

  • (a) the vehicle, engine or equipment conforms to the standards prescribed for vehicles, engines or equipment of its class at the time its main assembly or manufacture was completed;

  • (b) evidence of such conformity has been obtained and produced in the prescribed form and manner or, if the regulations so provide, in a form and manner satisfactory to the Minister;

  • (c) prescribed information relating to standards for emissions from the vehicle, engine or equipment has been submitted to the Minister in the prescribed manner;

  • (d) information is marked on the vehicle, engine or equipment in accordance with the regulations;

  • (e) if required by the regulations, prescribed documentation or accessories accompany the vehicle, engine or equipment;

  • (f) prescribed information relating to the operation or use of the vehicle, engine or equipment is disseminated in the prescribed form and manner;

  • (g) records are maintained and furnished in the prescribed form and manner in relation to the design, manufacture, testing and field performance of the vehicle, engine or equipment, for the purpose of

    • (i) enabling an enforcement officer to determine whether the vehicle, engine or equipment conforms to all prescribed standards applicable to it, and

    • (ii) facilitating the identification and analysis of defects referred to in subsection 157(1); and

  • (h) in the case of engines and equipment, the company maintains a registration system in the prescribed form and manner.

• Marginal note:Exception

  (2) Except as otherwise provided by the regulations, subsection (1) does not apply with respect to the application of a national emissions mark or an importation referred to in that subsection if the requirements under that subsection are met before the vehicle, engine or equipment leaves the possession or control of the company and, in the case of a vehicle, before the vehicle is presented for registration under the laws of a province or an aboriginal government.

• Marginal note:Certification by foreign agency

  (3) Any vehicle, engine or equipment is deemed to conform to a prescribed standard if

  • (a) the regulations provide that an enactment of a foreign government corresponds to that standard; and

  • (b) a prescribed agency of that government has certified that the vehicle, engine or equipment conforms to the enactment as applied by the agency, unless the Minister determines otherwise.

Marginal note:Compliance on importation

154 No person shall import any vehicle, engine or equipment of a prescribed class unless the requirements of paragraphs 153(1)(a), (b), (d) and (e) are met in respect of the vehicle, engine or equipment.

Marginal note:Exceptions for certain importations

• 155 (1) Sections 153 and 154 do not apply in respect of the importation of any vehicle, engine or equipment if

  • (a) the person importing the vehicle, engine or equipment makes a declaration in the prescribed form and manner that the vehicle, engine or equipment will be used in Canada solely for purposes of exhibition, demonstration, evaluation or testing and will remain in Canada for not longer than one year or any other period that the Minister specifies;

  • (b) the vehicle, engine or equipment is in transit through Canada, from a place outside Canada, to another place outside Canada and is accompanied by written evidence establishing that the vehicle, engine or equipment will not be sold or used in Canada; or

  • (c) the vehicle, engine or equipment is being imported exclusively for use by a visitor to Canada or by a person passing through Canada to another country.

• Marginal note:Vehicle from United States or Mexico

  (2) Sections 153 and 154 do not apply in respect of the importation of a vehicle that has been sold at the retail level in the United States, or that is a prescribed vehicle from Mexico, if the vehicle satisfies the conditions specified in the regulations, if any, and if the person importing it makes a declaration in the prescribed form and manner that,

  • (a) within the prescribed period, the applicable requirements of those sections will be met and, if required by the regulations, the vehicle will be inspected in accordance with them; and

  • (b) before the vehicle is presented for licensing under the laws of a province or an aboriginal government, the vehicle will be certified, in accordance with the regulations, as conforming to the applicable requirements of those sections.

• Marginal note:Change in standard since manufacture

  (3) Sections 153 and 154 do not apply in respect of the importation of any vehicle, engine or equipment that does not conform to a standard prescribed for its class at the time of its main assembly or manufacture if, at the time of its importation, that standard is no longer in effect and

  • (a) the vehicle, engine or equipment conforms to the corresponding standard prescribed for its class at that time; or

  • (b) there is no corresponding standard at that time.

• Marginal note:Imported vehicle or engine

  (4) A vehicle or engine that is imported and for which there is no prescribed standard must conform to the standard prescribed for the class of equivalent vehicles or engines before presentation for registration under the laws of a province or an aboriginal government.

• Marginal note:Declarations binding

  (5) No person who makes a declaration referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or subsection (2), or provides evidence referred to in paragraph (1)(b), in respect of any vehicle, engine or equipment shall use or dispose of the vehicle, engine or equipment in a manner contrary to the terms of that declaration or evidence.

• Marginal note:Record keeping

  (6) Every person who makes a declaration referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or subsection (2), or provides evidence referred to in paragraph (1)(b), in respect of any vehicle, engine or equipment shall keep a record of the use or disposition of the vehicle, engine or equipment in accordance with the regulations.

Vehicle or Engine Exemptions

Marginal note:Exemption from standards

• 156 (1) On application by a company in the prescribed form, supported by prescribed technical and financial information, the Governor in Council may, by order, grant an exemption for a specified period, subject to any conditions specified in the order, for any model of vehicle or engine manufactured or imported by the company from conformity with any prescribed standard applicable to that model if conformity with that standard would, in the opinion of the Governor in Council,

  • (a) create substantial financial hardship for the company;

  • (b) impede the development of new features for safety, emission monitoring or emission control that are equivalent to or superior to those that conform to prescribed standards; or

  • (c) impede the development of new kinds of vehicles, engines or vehicle or engine systems or components.

• Marginal note:Period and extent of exemption

  (2) An exemption for a model may be granted for a period not exceeding

  • (a) three years, if paragraph (1)(a) applies; or

  • (b) two years, in respect of a stated number of units of that model not exceeding 1,000 units, if paragraph (1)(b) or (c) applies.

• Marginal note:Conditions for granting exemption

  (3) An exemption may not be granted for a model if the exemption would substantially diminish the control of emissions from it or if the company applying for the exemption has not provided evidence that satisfies the Governor in Council that it has attempted in good faith to bring the model into conformity with all applicable prescribed standards.

• Marginal note:Further conditions

  (4) An exemption for substantial financial hardship may not be granted under paragraph (1)(a) if

  • (a) the world production of vehicles or engines manufactured by the company, or by the manufacturer of the model that is the subject of the application, exceeded 10,000 vehicles or engines in the 12-month period beginning two years before the beginning of the exemption period; or

  • (b) the total number of vehicles or engines manufactured for, or imported into, the Canadian market by the company exceeded 1,000 vehicles or engines in that 12-month period.

• Marginal note:Renewal of exemption

  (5) On the expiry of the exemption period, a new exemption may be granted in accordance with this section.

Notice of Defects

Marginal note:Obligation to give notice

• 157 (1) A company that manufactures, sells or imports any vehicle, engine or equipment of a class for which standards are prescribed shall, on becoming aware of a defect in the design, construction or functioning of the vehicle, engine or equipment that affects or is likely to affect its compliance with a prescribed standard, cause notice of the defect to be given in the prescribed manner to

  • (a) the Minister;

  • (b) each person who has obtained such a vehicle, engine or equipment from the company; and

  • (c) each current owner of such a vehicle, engine or equipment.

• Marginal note:Determining owners

  (2) Current owners are to be determined for the purpose of subsection (1)

  • (a) from a warranty issued by the company with respect to the functioning of the vehicle, engine or equipment that has, to its knowledge, been given, sold or transferred to the current owner;

  • (b) in the case of a vehicle, from registration records of a government; or

  • (c) in the case of an engine or equipment, from a registration system referred to in paragraph 153(1)(h).

• Marginal note:If notice previously given

  (3) A company is not required to cause notice to be given of a defect of which notice has already been given under this section or under section 10 of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

• Marginal note:Publication of notice

  (4) If the Minister is satisfied that the name of the current owner of the vehicle, engine or equipment cannot reasonably be determined by a company in accordance with subsection (2), the Minister may

  • (a) order the company to give notice of the defect by publication in the prescribed form for a period of five consecutive days in two major daily newspapers in each of the following six regions, namely, the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairie provinces, British Columbia and the Territories, or by dissemination in an alternative medium for any period that the Minister determines; or

  • (b) order that the current owner need not be notified.

• Marginal note:Contents of notice

  (5) A notice required to be given under subsections (1) and (4) shall contain, in the form and to the extent prescribed, a description of the defect, an evaluation of the pollution risk arising from it and directions for correcting it.

• Marginal note:Particulars to responsible authorities

  (6) On receiving a notice under subsection (1), the Minister shall forward full particulars of the notice to the person responsible for vehicle or engine administration in each government.

• Marginal note:Follow-up reports

  (7) Every company that causes notice to be given under subsection (1) shall submit an initial report and subsequent regular reports respecting the defect and its correction in accordance with the regulations.

• Marginal note:Frequency of reports

  (8) Unless the Minister directs otherwise, the reports referred to in subsection (7) shall be submitted for a period of two years after the day on which notice was given under subsection (1).

Research and Testing

Marginal note:Powers of Minister

158 The Minister may

• (a) conduct any research, studies and evaluations that the Minister considers necessary for the administration and enforcement of this Division;

• (b) undertake research and development programs for the study of the effect of vehicles, engines or equipment or emissions on air pollution, energy conservation and the environment and for the promotion of measures to control that effect;

• (c) establish and operate facilities for the testing of vehicles, engines or equipment and components, and acquire test equipment for that purpose;

• (d) make the facilities referred to in paragraph (c) and all related material, parts and services available to any person; and

• (e) publish or otherwise disseminate information relating to the activities of the Minister under this section.

Marginal note:Emission control tests

• 159 (1) At the request of the Minister and subject to payment by the Minister of the cost of transportation and of rental at a prescribed rate based on capital value, a company shall make available for testing any vehicle, engine, equipment or component that

  • (a) was used in tests conducted by or for the company in order to establish information submitted to the Minister under paragraph 153(1)(c); or

  • (b) for the purpose of that testing, is equivalent to a vehicle, an engine, equipment or a component referred to in paragraph (a).

• Marginal note:Testing by Minister

  (2) The Minister may examine and dismantle any vehicle, engine, equipment or component made available under subsection (1) and conduct all necessary tests to verify the accuracy of tests referred to in paragraph (1)(a).

• Marginal note:Detention of vehicles or engines

  (3) The Minister may not detain any vehicle, engine, equipment or component for more than 90 days after completion of the tests conducted under subsection (2) unless, before that time, proceedings have been instituted in respect of an offence related to the vehicle, engine, equipment or component, in which case it may be detained until the proceedings are concluded.

Regulations

Marginal note:Regulations

• 160 (1) The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Division, including regulations

  • (a) respecting emissions and prescribing standards in relation to emissions;

  • (b) establishing the national emissions marks;

  • (c) respecting the conditions that must be met for a national emissions mark to be used in relation to vehicles, engines or equipment or a class of vehicles, engines or equipment;

  • (d) respecting the manner of applying national emissions marks;

  • (e) prescribing the period for which records referred to in paragraph 153(1)(g) or a registration system referred to in paragraph 153(1)(h) shall be retained;

  • (f) respecting exemptions from sections 153 and 154;

  • (g) respecting the information to be submitted under section 153;

  • (g.1) respecting inspection and certification referred to in subsection 155(2) and, in particular, designating any person who is authorized to inspect or certify vehicles; and

  • (h) prescribing or providing for anything that by this Division is to be prescribed or provided for by the regulations.

• Marginal note:Progressive application

  (2) Regulations prescribing a standard may be made applicable in respect of a specified proportion of vehicles, engines or equipment of a class before they are made applicable in respect of all vehicles, engines or equipment of that class.

Definition of technical standards document

• 161 (1) In this section, technical standards document means a document, published in the prescribed manner by authority of the Minister, that reproduces in the official languages of Canada an enactment of a foreign government with any adaptations of form and reference that will facilitate the incorporation of the enactment under this section.

• Marginal note:Incorporation of document

  (2) For greater certainty, regulations made under this Division may incorporate by reference a technical standards document as it reads on a prescribed day or as it is amended from time to time following the incorporation by reference, and may extend, qualify or exclude the application of any provision of the document so incorporated.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (3) No person is required to comply with a provision of a technical standards document incorporated by the regulations until six months after the publication of the provision in the prescribed manner, if the person continues to comply with the provision for which that provision is substituted.

• Marginal note:Document not a regulation

  (4) A technical standards document is not a regulation for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.

Marginal note:Emission credits

• 162 (1) Regulations that prescribe standards in relation to emissions may provide for a system of credits based on the following principles:

  • (a) a company may establish that vehicles, engines or equipment conform to those standards by applying credits against emissions of the vehicles, engines or equipment in the prescribed manner and within prescribed limits;

  • (b) credits may be obtained by a company in the prescribed manner

    • (i) by reference to emissions of the vehicles, engines or equipment that more than meet the requirements of those standards, or

    • (ii) by the payment of an amount to the Receiver General determined at a prescribed rate in relation to emissions of the vehicle, engine or equipment; and

  • (c) credits obtained by reference to emissions may be transferred to or from a company in the prescribed manner.

• Marginal note:Deemed conformity to standard

  (2) Regulations referred to in subsection (1) may provide that any vehicle, engine or equipment is deemed to conform to a standard if the application of those regulations to all vehicles, engines or equipment of its class sold in Canada and the United States would result in that vehicle, engine or equipment so conforming.

• Marginal note:Emission report

  (3) Every company shall submit to the Minister, in the prescribed form and manner and at the prescribed time, a report setting out, with respect to a prescribed period, an account of any emission credits obtained or applied by the company and a description of each of the following vehicles, engines or pieces of equipment for which credits were obtained or applied:

  • (a) vehicles, engines and equipment to which the company applied a national emissions mark during that period, other than those that were exported;

  • (b) vehicles, engines and equipment bearing a national emissions mark that were sold by the company in Canada during that period; and

  • (c) vehicles, engines and equipment that were imported by the company during that period for the purpose of sale in Canada.

• Marginal note:Contents of report

  (4) If credits applied under this section were obtained on the basis of emissions from vehicles, engines or equipment not referred to in paragraph (3)(a), (b) or (c), the report submitted in respect of the application of those credits shall include a description of those vehicles, engines or equipment.

Marginal note:Interim order

• 163 (1) If an enactment of a foreign government corresponds to the regulations made under this Division and that enactment is amended by that government or its operation is affected by a decision of a foreign court, the Minister may issue an interim order suspending or modifying the operation of the regulations to the extent that they are inconsistent with the enactment as amended or given effect.

• Marginal note:Effective date of order

  (2) An interim order has effect from the time it is made.

• Marginal note:Approval of Governor in Council

  (3) An interim order ceases to have effect 14 days after it is made unless it is approved by the Governor in Council within that period.

• Marginal note:Contravention of regulation modified by an unpublished order

  (4) No person shall be convicted of an offence consisting of a contravention of a regulation to the extent that it is modified or suspended by an interim order that, at the time of the alleged contravention, had not been published in the Canada Gazette unless it is proved that, at the time of the alleged contravention, the person had been notified of the interim order.

• Marginal note:Cessation of effect

  (5) Subject to subsection (3), an interim order ceases to have effect on the earliest of

  • (a) the day it is repealed,

  • (b) the day the regulation is amended or repealed to give effect to the order, and

  • (c) one year after the order is made.

Evidence

Marginal note:Evidence

164 In a prosecution under this Act, evidence that any vehicle, engine or equipment bore a name or mark purporting to be the name or mark of a company engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing or selling vehicles, engines or equipment is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the vehicle, engine or equipment was manufactured, imported or sold, as the case may be, by the company.

Marginal note:Evidence

165 In a prosecution under this Act, evidence that any vehicle, engine or equipment bearing a national emissions mark was manufactured by a company is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the national emissions mark was applied by the company.

DIVISION 6International Air Pollution

Marginal note:Determination of international air pollution

• 166 (1) Subject to subsection (4), the Minister shall act under subsections (2) and (3) only if the Ministers have reason to believe that a substance released from a source in Canada into the air creates, or may reasonably be anticipated to contribute to

  • (a) air pollution in a country other than Canada; or

  • (b) air pollution that violates, or is likely to violate, an international agreement binding on Canada in relation to the prevention, control or correction of pollution.

• Marginal note:Consultation with other governments

  (2) If the source referred to in subsection (1) is not a federal source, the Minister shall

  • (a) consult with the government responsible for the area in which the source is situated to determine whether that government can prevent, control or correct the air pollution under its laws; and

  • (b) if the government referred to in paragraph (a) can prevent, control or correct the air pollution, offer it an opportunity to do so.

• Marginal note:Ministerial action

  (3) If the source referred to in subsection (1) is a federal source or if the government referred to in paragraph (2)(a) cannot prevent, control or correct the air pollution under its laws or does not do so, the Minister shall take at least one of the following courses of action:

  • (a) on approval by the Governor in Council, publish a notice under subsection 56(1); or

  • (b) recommend regulations to the Governor in Council for the purpose of preventing, controlling or correcting the air pollution.

• Marginal note:Reciprocity with other country

  (4) If the air pollution referred to in paragraph (1)(a) is in a country where Canada does not have substantially the same rights with respect to the prevention, control or correction of air pollution as that country has under this Division, the Minister shall decide whether to act under subsections (2) and (3) or to take no action at all.

• Marginal note:Other factors

  (5) When recommending regulations under paragraph (3)(b), the Minister shall take into account comments made under subsection 168(2), notices of objection filed under subsection 332(2) and any report of a board of review submitted under subsection 340(1).

Marginal note:Regulations

167 The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations with respect to a substance released from a source in Canada into the air that creates, or may reasonably be anticipated to contribute to air pollution referred to in subsection 166(1) for the purpose of preventing, controlling or correcting the air pollution, including regulations respecting

• (a) the quantity or concentration of the substance that may be released into the air;

• (b) the manner in which and conditions under which the substance may be released into the air, either alone or in combination with any other substance;

• (c) the maintenance of books and records for the administration of any regulation made under this section;

• (d) the conduct of sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring of the substance and the submission of the results to the Minister; and

• (e) the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for conducting sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring of the substance.

Marginal note:Notice to other country

• 168 (1) The Minister shall advise the government of any country that would be affected by or benefit from the regulation before it is published under subsection 332(1).

• Marginal note:Comments

  (2) Within 60 days after the publication of a proposed regulation under subsection 332(1), any person, including a representative of the government of any country that would be affected by or benefit from it, may file with the Minister written comments on the proposed regulation.

• Marginal note:Notice to other governments

  (3) At the end of the period of 60 days referred to in subsection (2), the Minister

  • (a) shall advise each government referred to in paragraph 166(2)(a) of any notice of objection filed under subsection 332(2); and

  • (b) shall publish in the Canada Gazette, and may publish in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate, a report or a notice of the availability of a report that summarizes how any written comments filed under subsection (2) or a notice of objection filed under subsection 332(2) were dealt with.

Marginal note:Report and remedial measures

• 169 (1) Where there occurs or there is a likelihood of a release into the air of a substance in contravention of a regulation made under section 167, any person described in subsection (2) shall, as soon as possible in the circumstances,

  • (a) subject to subsection (4) and the regulations, notify an enforcement officer or any other person designated pursuant to the regulations and provide a written report on the matter to the enforcement officer or other person;

  • (b) take all reasonable measures consistent with the protection of the environment and public safety to prevent the release or, if it cannot be prevented, to remedy any dangerous condition or reduce or mitigate any danger to the environment or to human life or health that results from the release of the substance or may reasonably be expected to result if the substance is released; and

  • (c) make a reasonable effort to notify any member of the public who may be adversely affected by the release or likely release.

• Marginal note:Application

  (2) Subsection (1) applies to any person who

  • (a) owns or has charge of a substance immediately before its release or its likely release into the air; or

  • (b) causes or contributes to the release or increases the likelihood of the release.

• Marginal note:Report by property owner

  (3) Where there occurs a release of a substance as described in subsection (1), any person, other than a person described in subsection (2), whose property is affected by the release shall, as soon as possible in the circumstances and subject to subsection (4), report the matter to an enforcement officer or to any person that is designated by regulation.

• Marginal note:Report to official

  (4) Where there are in force, by or under the laws of a province or an aboriginal government, provisions that the Governor in Council, by regulation, declares to be adequate for dealing with a release described in subsection (1), a report required by paragraph (1)(a) or subsection (3) shall be made to a person designated by those provisions.

• Marginal note:Intervention by enforcement officer

  (5) Where a person fails to take any measures required under subsection (1), an enforcement officer may take those measures, cause them to be taken or direct any person referred to in subsection (2) to take them.

• Marginal note:Limitation on power of direction

  (6) Any direction of an enforcement officer under subsection (5) that is inconsistent with a requirement imposed by or under any other Act of Parliament is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

• Marginal note:Access to property

  (7) Any enforcement officer or other person authorized or required to take any measures under subsection (1) or (5) may enter and have access to any place or property and may do any reasonable things that may be necessary in the circumstances.

• Marginal note:Immunity

  (8) Any person, other than a person described in subsection (2), who provides assistance or advice in taking the measures required by subsection (1) or who takes any measures authorized under subsection (5) is not personally liable either civilly or criminally in respect of any act or omission in the course of providing assistance or advice or taking any measures under those subsections unless it is established that the person acted in bad faith.

Marginal note:Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses by Her Majesty

• 170 (1) Her Majesty in right of Canada may recover the costs and expenses of and incidental to taking any measures under subsection 169(5) from

  • (a) any person referred to in paragraph 169(2)(a); and

  • (b) any person referred to in paragraph 169(2)(b) to the extent of the person’s negligence in causing or contributing to the release.

• Marginal note:Only if reasonably incurred

  (2) The costs and expenses referred to in subsection (1) shall only be recovered to the extent that they can be established to have been reasonably incurred in the circumstances.

• Marginal note:Liability

  (3) Subject to subsection (4), the persons referred to in subsection (1) are jointly and severally liable or solidarily liable for the costs and expenses referred to in that subsection.

• Marginal note:Limitation

  (4) A person referred to in paragraph 169(2)(b) shall not be held liable under subsection (3) to an extent greater than the extent of the person’s negligence in causing or contributing to the release.

• Marginal note:Procedure

  (5) A claim under this section may be sued for and recovered by Her Majesty in right of Canada with costs in proceedings brought or taken therefor in the name of Her Majesty in right of Canada in any court of competent jurisdiction.

• Marginal note:Recourse or indemnity

  (6) This section does not limit or restrict any right of recourse or indemnity that a person may have against any other person.

• Marginal note:Limitation period

  (7) Where events giving rise to a claim under this section occur, no proceedings in respect of the claim may be instituted after five years from the date on which the events occur or become evident to the Minister, whichever is later.

• Marginal note:Minister’s certificate

  (8) A document purporting to have been issued by the Minister certifying the day on which the events giving rise to a claim under this section came to the knowledge of the Minister shall be received in evidence and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the document shall be considered as proof of that fact without proof of the signature or of the official character of the person appearing to have signed the document and without further proof.

Marginal note:Prohibition

171 No person shall carry on a work, undertaking or activity that results in the release of a substance in contravention of a regulation made under section 167.

Marginal note:Plans and specifications

• 172 (1) If a person carries on or proposes to carry on a work, undertaking or activity that results or may result in the release of a substance that creates, or may reasonably be anticipated to create, air pollution, the person shall, at the request of the Minister for the purposes of this Division and within the time that the Minister may specify, provide the Minister with plans, specifications, studies, procedures, schedules, analyses, samples or other information relating to the work, undertaking or activity and with analyses, samples, evaluations, studies, mitigation methodologies or other information relating to the substance.

• Marginal note:Obtaining information from government

  (2) Before making a request to a person under subsection (1), the Minister shall try to obtain, within a reasonable time, the samples or information from the government responsible for the area in which the person is situated.

Marginal note:Interim order

• 173 (1) The Minister may make an interim order that contains any provision that may be contained in a regulation under section 167 if the Minister believes

  • (a) that the substance or source referred to in subsection 166(1) is not adequately regulated; and

  • (b) that immediate action is required to deal with a significant danger to the environment or to human life or health.

• Marginal note:Effective date of order

  (2) An interim order has effect from the time it is made.

• Marginal note:Approval of Governor in Council

  (3) An interim order ceases to have effect 14 days after it is made unless it is approved by the Governor in Council within that period.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (4) The Governor in Council shall not approve an interim order unless the Minister has

  • (a) within 24 hours after making the order, offered to consult with all affected governments to determine whether they are prepared to take sufficient action to deal with the significant danger; and

  • (b) consulted with other ministers of the Crown in right of Canada to determine whether any action can be taken under any other Act of Parliament to deal with the significant danger.

• Marginal note:Ministerial action

  (5) Where the Governor in Council approves an interim order, the Minister shall, within 90 days after the approval, take measures to comply with section 166 in order to address the significant danger that gave rise to the interim order.

• Marginal note:Contravention of unpublished order

  (6) No person shall be convicted of an offence consisting of a contravention of an interim order that, at the time of the alleged contravention, had not been published in the Canada Gazette unless it is proved that, at the time of the alleged contravention, the person had been notified of the interim order.

• Marginal note:Cessation of effect

  (7) Subject to subsection (3), an interim order ceases to have effect on the earliest of

  • (a) the day it is repealed,

  • (b) the day a regulation is made in accordance with subsection (5), and

  • (c) two years after the order is made.

• Marginal note:Repeal of interim order

  (8) No action is required to be taken under subsection (5) if the interim order is repealed.

Marginal note:Report to Parliament

174 The Minister shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report on the administration of this Division.

DIVISION 7International Water Pollution

Definition of water pollution

175 In this Division, water pollution means a condition of water, arising wholly or partly from the presence in water of any substance, that directly or indirectly

• (a) endangers the health, safety or welfare of humans;

• (b) interferes with the normal enjoyment of life or property;

• (c) endangers the health of animal life;

• (d) causes damage to plant life or to property; or

• (e) degrades or alters, or forms part of a process of degrading or alterating, an ecosystem to an extent that is detrimental to its use by humans, animals or plants.

Marginal note:Determination of international water pollution

• 176 (1) Subject to subsection (4), the Minister shall act under subsections (2) and (3) only if the Ministers have reason to believe that a substance released from a source in Canada into water creates, or may reasonably be anticipated to create,

  • (a) water pollution in a country other than Canada; or

  • (b) water pollution that violates, or is likely to violate, an international agreement binding on Canada in relation to the prevention, control or correction of pollution.

• Marginal note:Consultation with other governments

  (2) If the source referred to in subsection (1) is a not a federal source, the Minister shall

  • (a) consult with the government responsible for the area in which the source is situated to determine whether that government can prevent, control or correct the water pollution under its laws; and

  • (b) if the government referred to in paragraph (a) can prevent, control or correct the water pollution, offer it an opportunity to do so.

• Marginal note:Ministerial action

  (3) If the source referred to in subsection (1) is a federal source, or if the government referred to in paragraph (2)(a) cannot prevent, control or correct the water pollution under its laws or does not do so, the Minister shall take at least one of the following courses of action:

  • (a) on approval by the Governor in Council, publish a notice under subsection 56(1); or

  • (b) recommend regulations to the Governor in Council for the purpose of preventing, controlling or correcting the water pollution.

• Marginal note:Reciprocity with other country

  (4) If the water pollution referred to in paragraph (1)(a) is in a country where Canada does not have substantially the same rights with respect to the prevention, control or correction of water pollution as that country has under this Division, the Minister shall decide whether to act under subsections (2) and (3).

• Marginal note:Other factors

  (5) When recommending regulations under paragraph (3)(b), the Minister shall take into account comments made under subsection 178(2), notices of objection filed under subsection 332(2) and any report of a board of review submitted under subsection 340(1).

Marginal note:Regulations

177 The Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations with respect to a substance released from a source in Canada into water that creates, or may reasonably be anticipated to create, water pollution referred to in subsection 176(1) for the purpose of preventing, controlling or correcting the water pollution, including regulations respecting

• (a) the quantity or concentration of the substance that may be released into water;

• (b) the manner in which and conditions under which the substance may be released into water, either alone or in combination with any other substance;

• (c) the maintenance of books and records for the administration of any regulation made under this section;

• (d) the conduct of sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring of the substance and the submission of the results to the Minister; and

• (e) the conditions, test procedures and laboratory practices to be followed for conducting sampling, analyses, tests, measurements or monitoring of the substance.

Marginal note:Notice to other country

• 178 (1) The Minister shall advise the government of any country that would be affected by or benefit from the regulation before it is published under subsection 332(1).

• Marginal note:Comments

  (2) Within 60 days after the publication of a proposed regulation under subsection 332(1), any person, including a representative of the government of any country that would be affected by or benefit from it, may file with the Minister written comments on the proposed regulation.

• Marginal note:Notice to other governments

  (3) At the end of the period of 60 days referred to in subsection (2), the Minister

  • (a) shall advise each government referred to in paragraph 176(2)(a) of any notice of objection filed under subsection 332(2); and

  • (b) shall publish in the Canada Gazette, and may publish in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate, a report or a notice of the availability of a report that summarizes how any written comments filed under subsection (2) or a notice of objection filed under subsection 332(2) were dealt with.

Marginal note:Report and remedial measures

• 179 (1) Where there occurs or there is a likelihood of a release into waters of a substance in contravention of a regulation made under section 177, any person described in subsection (2) shall, as soon as possible in the circumstances,

  • (a) subject to subsection (4) and the regulations, notify an enforcement officer or any other person designated pursuant to the regulations and provide a written report on the matter to the enforcement officer or other person;

  • (b) take all reasonable measures consistent with the protection of the environment and public safety to prevent the release or, if it cannot be prevented, to remedy any dangerous condition or reduce or mitigate any danger to the environment or to human life or health that results from the release of the substance or may reasonably be expected to result if the substance is released; and

  • (c) make a reasonable effort to notify any member of the public who may be adversely affected by the release or likely release.

• Marginal note:Application

  (2) Subsection (1) applies to any person who

  • (a) owns or has charge of a substance immediately before its release or its likely release into water; or

  • (b) causes or contributes to the release or increases the likelihood of the release.

• Marginal note:Report by property owner

  (3) Where there occurs a release of a substance as described in subsection (1), any person, other than a person described in subsection (2), whose property is affected by the release shall, as soon as possible in the circumstances and subject to subsection (4), report the matter to an enforcement officer or to any person that is designated by regulation.

• Marginal note:Report to official

  (4) Where there are in force, by or under the laws of a province or an aboriginal government, provisions that the Governor in Council, by regulation, declares to be adequate for dealing with a release described in subsection (1), a report required by paragraph (1)(a) or subsection (3) shall be made to a person designated by those provisions.

• Marginal note:Intervention by enforcement officer

  (5) Where any person fails to take any measures required under subsection (1), an enforcement officer may take those measures, cause them to be taken or direct any person referred to in subsection (2) to take them.

• Marginal note:Limitation on power of direction

  (6) Any direction of an enforcement officer under subsection (5) that is inconsistent with a requirement imposed by or under any other Act of Parliament is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

• Marginal note:Access to property

  (7) Any enforcement officer or other person authorized or required to take any measures under subsection (1) or (5) may enter and have access to any place or property and may do any reasonable things that may be necessary in the circumstances.

• Marginal note:Immunity

  (8) Any person, other than a person described in subsection (2), who provides assistance or advice in taking the measures required by subsection (1) or who takes any measures authorized under subsection (5) is not personally liable either civilly or criminally in respect of any act or omission in the course of providing assistance or advice or taking any measures under those subsections unless it is established that the person acted in bad faith.

Marginal note:Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses by Her Majesty

• 180 (1) Her Majesty in right of Canada may recover the costs and expenses of and incidental to taking any measures under subsection 179(5) from

  • (a) any person referred to in paragraph 179(2)(a); and

  • (b) any person referred to in paragraph 179(2)(b) to the extent of the person’s negligence in causing or contributing to the release.

• Marginal note:Only if reasonably incurred

  (2) The costs and expenses referred to in subsection (1) shall only be recovered to the extent that they can be established to have been reasonably incurred in the circumstances.

• Marginal note:Liability

  (3) Subject to subsection (4), the persons referred to in subsection (1) are jointly and severally liable or solidarily liable for the costs and expenses referred to in that subsection.

• Marginal note:Limitation

  (4) A person referred to in paragraph 179(2)(b) shall not be held liable under subsection (3) to an extent greater than the extent of the person’s negligence in causing or contributing to the release.

• Marginal note:Procedure

  (5) A claim under this section may be sued for and recovered by Her Majesty in right of Canada with costs in proceedings brought or taken therefor in the name of Her Majesty in right of Canada in any court of competent jurisdiction.

• Marginal note:Recourse or indemnity

  (6) This section does not limit or restrict any right of recourse or indemnity that a person may have against any other person.

• Marginal note:Limitation period

  (7) Where events giving rise to a claim under this section occur, no proceedings in respect of the claim may be instituted after five years from the date on which the events occur or become evident to the Minister, whichever is later.

• Marginal note:Minister’s certificate

  (8) A document purporting to have been issued by the Minister certifying the day on which the events giving rise to a claim under this section came to the knowledge of the Minister shall be received in evidence and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the document shall be considered as proof of that fact without proof of the signature or of the official character of the person appearing to have signed the document and without further proof.

Marginal note:Prohibition

181 No person shall carry on a work, undertaking or activity that results in the release of a substance in contravention of a regulation made under section 177.

Marginal note:Plans and specifications

• 182 (1) If a person carries on or proposes to carry on a work, undertaking or activity that results or may result in the release of a substance that creates, or may reasonably be anticipated to create, water pollution, the person shall, at the request of the Minister for the purposes of this Division and within the time that the Minister may specify, provide the Minister with plans, specifications, studies, procedures, schedules, analyses, samples or other information relating to the work, undertaking or activity and with analyses, samples, evaluations, studies, mitigation methodologies or other information relating to the substance.

• Marginal note:Obtaining information from government

  (2) Before making a request to a person under subsection (1), the Minister shall try to obtain, within a reasonable time, the samples or information from the government responsible for the area in which the person is situated.

Marginal note:Interim order

• 183 (1) The Minister may make an interim order that contains any provision that may be contained in a regulation under section 177 if the Minister believes

  • (a) that the substance or source referred to in subsection 176(1) is not adequately regulated; and

  • (b) that immediate action is required to deal with a significant danger to the environment or to human life or health.

• Marginal note:Effective date of order

  (2) An interim order has effect from the time it is made.

• Marginal note:Approval of Governor in Council

  (3) An interim order ceases to have effect 14 days after it is made unless it is approved by the Governor in Council within that period.

• Marginal note:Consultation

  (4) The Governor in Council shall not approve an interim order unless the Minister has

  • (a) within 24 hours after making the order, offered to consult with all affected governments to determine whether they are prepared to take sufficient action to deal with the significant danger; and

  • (b) consulted with other ministers of the Crown in right of Canada to determine whether any action can be taken under any other Act of Parliament to deal with the significant danger.

• Marginal note:Ministerial action

  (5) Where the Governor in Council approves an interim order, the Minister shall, within 90 days after the approval, take measures to comply with section 176 in order to address the significant danger that gave rise to the interim order.

• Marginal note:Contravention of unpublished order

  (6) No person shall be convicted of an offence consisting of a contravention of an interim order that, at the time of the alleged contravention, had not been published in the Canada Gazette unless it is proved that, at the time of the alleged contravention, the person had been notified of the interim order.

• Marginal note:Cessation of effect

  (7) Subject to subsection (3), an interim order ceases to have effect on the earliest of

  • (a) the day it is repealed,

  • (b) the day a regulation is made in accordance with subsection (5), and

  • (c) two years after the order is made.

• Marginal note:Revocation of interim order

  (8) No action is required to be taken under subsection (5) if the interim order is repealed.

Marginal note:Report to Parliament

184 The Minister shall include in the annual report required by section 342 a report on the administration of this Division.

DIVISION 8Control of Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material and of Prescribed Non-hazardous Waste for Final Disposal

Marginal note:Import, export and transit

• 185 (1) No person shall import, export or convey in transit a hazardous waste or hazardous recyclable material, or prescribed non-hazardous waste for final disposal, except

  • (a) after notifying the Minister and paying the prescribed fee;

  • (b) after receiving from the Minister whichever one of the following permits is applicable:

    • (i) an import permit or export permit that, except in the case of a permit issued under subsection (4), states that the authorities of the country of destination and, if applicable, of the country of transit have authorized the movement, and that the authorities of the jurisdiction of destination have authorized the final disposal or recycling of the waste or material, or

    • (ii) a transit permit that states that the Minister has authorized the movement; and

  • (c) in accordance with the prescribed conditions.

• Marginal note:Refusal to issue permit

  (2) If the Minister is of the opinion that the waste or material will not be managed in a manner that will protect the environment and human health against the adverse effects that may result from that waste or material, the Minister may refuse, in accordance with the criteria set out in the regulations, to issue a permit even if the relevant authorities have given their authorization.

• Marginal note:Consultation with governments

  (3) Before refusing under subsection (2) to issue a permit to import, the Minister shall consult with the government of the jurisdiction of destination.

• Marginal note:Special circumstances to issue permits

  (4) Where the Minister is of the opinion that the waste or material will be managed in a manner that will protect the environment and human health against the adverse effects that may result from that waste or material, the Minister may issue a permit if the relevant authorities inform the Minister that they lack the legal authority to authorize the movement, final disposal or recycling but are not opposed to it.

Marginal note:Prohibitions — import, export and transit

• 186 (1) For the purpose of implementing international agreements respecting the environment, the Minister may, with the approval of the Governor in Council and taking into account Canada’s international obligations, prohibit, completely or partially and under any conditions that may be prescribed, the import, export or transit of waste or material referred to in subsection 185(1).

• Marginal note:Prohibition of abandonment

  (2) No person shall abandon any waste or material referred to in subsection 185(1) in the course of import, export or transit.

Marginal note:Publication

187 After the Minister receives a notification of the proposed import, export or transit of a waste or material referred to in paragraph 185(1)(a), the Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette, or in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate, the name or specifications of the waste or material and

• (a) in the case of a proposed import, the name of the jurisdiction of origin and the name of the importer;

• (b) in the case of a proposed export, the name of the jurisdiction of destination and the name of the exporter; and

• (c) in the case of a proposed transit, the names of the jurisdictions of origin and of destination and the name of the conveyor.

Marginal note:Reduction of export for final disposal

• 188 (1) For the purpose of reducing or phasing out the export of hazardous waste or prescribed non-hazardous waste for final disposal, the Minister may require an exporter, or a class of exporters, of hazardous waste to

  • (a) submit to the Minister, at the same time as the notification referred to in paragraph 185(1)(a) and at any other prescribed time, a plan in accordance with the regulations; and

  • (b) implement that plan.

• Marginal note:Declaration of implementation

  (2) Every person who is required to implement a plan under paragraph (1)(b) shall file with the Minister, within 30 days after the completion of each stage of the plan, a written declaration that the implementation has been completed.

• Marginal note:Sanction

  (3) The Minister may refuse to issue a permit to an exporter who does not comply with subsection (1) or (2).

Marginal note:Movement within Canada

• 189 (1) No person shall undertake movement within Canada of hazardous waste or hazardous recyclable material otherwise than in accordance with this Division and the regulations and unless the person pays the prescribed fee.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (2) The Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette, or in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate, information derived from documents received under regulations made for the purpose of this section.

Marginal note:Permits based on equivalent environmental safety level

• 190 (1) The Minister may issue a permit authorizing, subject to conditions fixed by the Minister, any activity to be conducted in a manner that does not comply with this Division if the Minister is satisfied that

  • (a) the manner in which the activity will be conducted provides a level of environmental safety at least equivalent to that provided by compliance with this Division; and

  • (b) in the case of the importation, exportation or transit of a waste or material referred to in subsection 185(1), the activity is consistent with international environmental agreements binding on Canada.

• Marginal note:Scope of permit

  (2) The permit may authorize the activity in terms of the persons who may conduct the activity and in terms of the waste and material that it may involve.

• Marginal note:Revocation of permit

  (3) The Minister may revoke the permit if

  • (a) the Minister is of the opinion that paragraph (1)(a) or (b) no longer applies;

  • (b) the regulations have been amended and address the activity authorized by the permit; or

  • (c) the permit holder does not comply with the conditions of the permit.

• Marginal note:Publication

  (4) The Minister shall publish in the Canada Gazette, or in any other manner that the Minister considers appropriate, a copy of each permit issued under this section.