Highlights

  • The Canadian Grain Commission has amended regulations to include terminal elevators in moisture shrinkage calculations for grain, effective August 2024.
  • The Canadian government has added synthetic opioids and fentanyl precursors to controlled substances to combat the opioid crisis.
  • Amendments to the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act allow the Tla’amin Nation and Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation to impose their own taxes.
  • The Royal Canadian Mint will issue commemorative coins for L. M. Montgomery’s 150th birth anniversary, Inuit Nunangat, and the RCAF’s 100th anniversary.
  • Kapisikama Lake in Quebec is exempted from certain regulations to allow a lithium mining project, supporting economic and environmental goals.
  • Health Canada has lowered the calcium threshold for dairy products to avoid discouraging calcium intake.
  • New regulations add specific synthetic opioids and precursors to controlled substances lists.
  • Amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Act and Regulations improve governance and funding for negotiated contribution pension plans.
  • Pay Equity Regulations have been updated to enhance compliance and transparency.
  • The Rouge National Urban Park Act has been amended to formally include additional lands.
  • Sanctions have been imposed on individuals involved in extremist settler violence and those supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Voluntary fortification of yogurt and kefir with vitamin D is authorized to address inadequacies in Canadians’ diets.
  • Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations have been amended to improve management and oversight of wastewater releases.

CGC Amends Moisture Shrinkage Calculation Rules for Terminal Elevators

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has amended the Order Respecting the Calculation of the Moisture Shrinkage for Grain to include CGC-licensed terminal elevators, in addition to primary elevators. This change aims to provide regulatory consistency and better address sector needs. The amendments specify that moisture shrinkage for grain dried at the producer’s request will be calculated based on the grain’s weight recorded at delivery to the elevator.

The CGC consulted with stakeholders, including terminal elevators and producer associations, who supported the amendments but requested a delayed implementation date to accommodate necessary software upgrades. The amendments will take effect on August 1, 2024. Concerns from Quebec stakeholders about potential competitive disadvantages were resolved after discussions clarified the differences between moisture shrinkage fees and blending fees.

The amendments do not change administrative costs or burdens for businesses and will not impact small businesses in Canada. The CGC has provided contact information for further inquiries. [Source]

Canada Amends Drug Schedules to Combat Opioid Crisis and Control Fentanyl Precursors

The Canadian government has amended Schedules I and VI of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) to include synthetic opioids and emerging fentanyl precursors. This action aims to address the ongoing opioid crisis by controlling substances like 2-methyl-AP-237 and its analogues, as well as derivatives and analogues of 4-piperidone, which are used in illegal fentanyl production. The amendments will help law enforcement prevent the importation, distribution, and use of these substances.

The amendments were driven by international obligations and the need to combat the evolving illegal drug market. The United Nations has scheduled 2-methyl-AP-237 and 4-piperidone under international conventions, prompting Canada to follow suit. The amendments will provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to address the illegal production and trafficking of these substances.

Consultations with stakeholders, including licensed dealers and law enforcement, indicated general support for the amendments, although some concerns were raised about the impact on legitimate pharmaceutical research and drug discovery. Health Canada determined that the impact on legitimate industry would be minimal and manageable through licensing and regulatory compliance.

The amendments will impose some administrative and compliance costs on businesses, particularly those dealing with 4-piperidone derivatives and analogues. These costs include applying for new licenses, amending existing licenses, and meeting record-keeping and reporting requirements. However, the overall benefits of controlling these substances to protect public health and safety outweigh the costs.

The amendments will come into force immediately for synthetic opioids and after 90 days for fentanyl precursors, allowing stakeholders time to comply with the new regulations. Health Canada will prioritize processing license applications and amendments to minimize disruptions to legitimate activities. The amendments align with Canada’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and fulfilling international obligations. [Source]

Amendments to First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act for Tla’amin and Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nations

Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, has amended Schedule 1 to the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act. The amendments involve removing the Sliammon First Nation and adding the Tla’amin Nation and the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation. The Tla’amin Nation’s name, governing body, and land description have been updated to reflect its status as a self-governing Indigenous government. The Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation has been added to enable it to impose the First Nations Goods and Services Tax (FNGST) within its reserves.

The FNGST is similar to the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) but is imposed by Indigenous governments under their own laws. Listing in Schedule 1 allows these governments to implement the FNGST and enter into tax administration agreements with the Government of Canada. The amendments are necessary for the Tla’amin Nation and the Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation to generate tax revenues for their communities.

Consultations were limited to the affected parties, and no other Indigenous groups are expected to be impacted. The amendments do not impose new compliance or administrative obligations and do not have significant costs. If the Indigenous governments enact FNGST laws and conclude agreements with Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency will administer and enforce the tax. [Source]

Commemorative Coins Celebrate L. M. Montgomery’s 150th Anniversary

The Royal Canadian Mint is authorized to issue two one-dollar commemorative circulation coins to mark the 150th anniversary of L. M. Montgomery’s birth. These coins will feature the same design, with one version in color and the other without. The obverse side of both coins will depict King Charles III, while the reverse side will showcase a pastoral scene with portraits of Anne Shirley and L. M. Montgomery, along with Montgomery’s signature and a sketch of a cat.

The coins celebrate Montgomery’s contributions to Canadian literature, particularly her “Anne of Green Gables” series. The Mint aims to promote Canadian history, values, and culture through these commemorative coins, which will be distributed through financial institutions and reserved for coin exchanges.

Public consultation and market research indicated strong support for the coin design. The initiative is not expected to impact Aboriginal or treaty rights and will not impose additional costs on Canadians or businesses. The Mint will incur some program costs, but the coins are expected to be popular and widely collected. The launch will include various promotional activities in collaboration with federal and community partners. [Source]

Commemorative Two-Dollar Coins Celebrate Inuit Nunangat and Culture

The Royal Canadian Mint is authorized to issue two commemorative two-dollar coins celebrating Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland in Canada. These coins will feature the same design, one in color and one without. The obverse side will depict King Charles III, while the reverse will illustrate Nuliajuk, the spirit of the sea, surrounded by marine animals. The outer ring will include traditional Inuit symbols and the inscription “Inuit Nunangat.”

Inuit Nunangat encompasses 40% of Canada’s land area and over 70% of its coastlines, including Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. The coin designs were created in collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and four Inuit artists representing these regions.

The objective is to promote awareness and engagement with Inuit culture and history. Public consultation showed strong support for the theme, and the design process involved meaningful consultation with Inuit communities and organizations. The coins will be distributed through financial institutions and public coin exchanges, with no additional costs anticipated for Canadians or businesses. The initiative aims to enhance public knowledge and appreciation of Inuit Nunangat. [Source]

Commemorative Two-Dollar Coins Celebrate 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Mint is authorized to issue two commemorative two-dollar coins to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). These coins will have a diameter of 28.03 mm and will feature the effigy of King Charles III on the obverse. The reverse will depict the RCAF roundel, a CC-130H Hercules aircraft, the dates “1924” and “2024,” and a row of coniferous trees. The outer ring will show eight other RCAF aircraft, virtual images of maple leaves, and security marks.

The coins will be produced in two versions: one with color and one without. The colored version will have a blue inner core. The Mint aims to raise awareness of the RCAF’s historical and ongoing contributions to national defense, international peacekeeping, and search and rescue operations.

Public consultation for the coin design included an online survey with 3,100 respondents, 97% of whom found the design appealing. The RCAF and related organizations also support the coins. The coins will be distributed through financial institutions and public coin exchanges, with no anticipated additional costs for Canadians or businesses. The initiative is expected to enhance public knowledge of the RCAF’s role and history. [Source]

Exemption for Lithium Mining at Kapisikama Lake Boosts Local Economy and Supports Environmental Goals

The Canadian government has exempted Kapisikama Lake in Quebec from the application of section 23 of the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, allowing Galaxy Lithium (Canada) Inc. to proceed with its open-pit lithium mining project. The project involves dewatering the lake, which will lower the water table and permanently alter the lake’s water levels, making navigation impracticable. This decision follows extensive consultations with local Indigenous communities, particularly the Cree Nation of Eastmain, who did not express concerns about navigation on the lake. The project is expected to create jobs and contribute to the local economy, with 280 workers needed during construction and an average of 167 workers during the mine’s 18.5-year operation.

The mining project aims to extract lithium, a critical component for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), supporting Canada’s transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles and contributing to improved air quality. The environmental assessment conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, concluded that the project would not cause significant adverse environmental effects, provided the proponent complies with 271 legally binding conditions.

The exemption order was deemed necessary as the only viable mining method is open-pit extraction, which requires dewatering the lake. The Cree Nation Government, involved in the environmental assessment process, supports the project, provided mitigation measures are implemented. The dewatering will not significantly impact traditional Indigenous activities, as access to these areas now occurs via all-terrain vehicles rather than navigation.

The exemption order will facilitate the mining project, ensuring the extraction of lithium for ZEVs, thereby supporting environmental goals and economic benefits for the local community. Compliance and enforcement mechanisms are in place to monitor and address any adverse impacts beyond the scope of the exemption order. [Source]

New Calcium Threshold for Dairy Products Exempt from Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels

The Minister of Health has issued a Marketing Authorization (MA) to lower the calcium threshold for exemptions from the requirement for prepackaged cheese, yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk to carry a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol indicating high levels of saturated fat, sugars, or sodium. This change aims to mitigate potential negative impacts on calcium intake in Canada, as calcium is essential for bone health and is currently a shortfall nutrient in the Canadian diet.

The new threshold requires these dairy products to contain at least 5% of the daily value (DV) for calcium per serving or reference amount, compared to the previous thresholds of 10% or 15% DV depending on the product size. This adjustment is expected to increase the number of dairy products eligible for exemption from displaying the “high in” nutrition symbols, thus encouraging their consumption as sources of calcium.

The decision follows concerns that the original FOP nutrition labelling regulations could discourage the consumption of calcium-rich dairy products. The MA is intended to balance the need for public health information with the importance of maintaining adequate calcium intake among Canadians.

Stakeholder feedback was mixed, with some supporting the proposal for its potential to maintain calcium intake, while others opposed it, arguing it could undermine the effectiveness of FOP labelling in helping consumers make healthier choices. Health Canada plans to reassess the need for these exemptions in the future, considering potential changes in dietary patterns and calcium intake.

The MA is permissive, allowing manufacturers to choose whether to comply with the new lower threshold or the existing higher thresholds. This flexibility aims to minimize disruption and provide industry stakeholders with options that best suit their business needs. The implementation of this MA is expected to be cost-neutral for the government and beneficial for industry stakeholders by potentially saving costs associated with label changes. [Source]

The Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, has amended the Narcotic Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The amendment adds a new item to the schedule of the Narcotic Control Regulations, specifically listing AP-237 and its related compounds, including 2-methyl-AP-237, para-methyl-AP-237, and AP-238. These regulations come into force upon their publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II. [Source]

Revised Framework for Negotiated Contribution Pension Plans Enacted

The Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance, has enacted an order to bring Division 8 of Part 4 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 into force. This division amends the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 (PBSA) to establish a revised framework for negotiated contribution (NC) pension plans. The amendments require NC plans to have a funding policy and a governance policy, set out plan amendment requirements to be prescribed in regulations, and allow the Governor in Council to make regulations regarding these amendments.

NC plans are multi-employer pension plans that include at least one defined benefit provision and have fixed employer contributions as per agreements or legislation. These plans do not adjust contributions based on funding requirements. The revised framework aims to enhance governance, transparency, and benefit sustainability by removing solvency funding requirements and adding safeguards to protect plan members and retirees.

The changes were prompted by stakeholder concerns about the negative impact of solvency funding requirements on benefit reductions for ongoing NC plans. Consultations with stakeholders, including NC plans, labor groups, retiree groups, and pension experts, showed broad support for the revised framework. The amendments will require NC plans to implement a funding and governance policy within a year if they were registered before the new requirements came into force. [Source]

Key Amendments to Pay Equity Regulations for Federally Regulated Workplaces

The amendments to the Pay Equity Regulations address several issues related to the implementation of the Pay Equity Act. Key changes include:

  1. Updating Pay Equity Plans: A process is established for updating pay equity plans in workplaces with no predominantly male job classes. Employers or pay equity committees must collect workplace data, analyze it, and compare compensation.

  2. Calculation of Hourly Rates: The method for determining the rates of pay for typical job classes is revised to align with federal minimum wage requirements. The multipliers for technician and manager job classes are lowered to ensure fictional wages are representative of minimum rates, not real wages.

  3. Annual Statement Requirements: Employers must submit additional information in their annual statements, including the dollar amount and dates of hourly pay increases, the number of women and total employees in job classes receiving increases, and contact details of a senior official.

  4. Posting Deadlines for Groups of Employers: The deadline for groups of employers to post their notice of obligations is clarified, ensuring adequate time for compliance.

  5. Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs): An AMPs system is established to enforce compliance. Violations are classified as minor, serious, or very serious, with penalty ranges based on the size of the workplace and compliance history. The Commissioner will determine penalty amounts using a set of gravity criteria.

  6. Service of Documents: Requirements for serving documents related to AMPs are specified, including methods for serving employers, groups of employers, bargaining agents, and individuals.

  7. Publication of Information: Additional categories of information that may be published regarding AMPs are specified to deter non-compliance.

Consultations with stakeholders, including employers, unions, and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, informed these changes. Feedback was generally positive, with some adjustments made to better align the French and English text and to clarify specific provisions. The amendments aim to support the effective implementation of the pay equity regime, ensuring transparency, compliance, and the reduction of the gender wage gap in federally regulated workplaces. [Source]

Enhanced Funding and Governance Standards for Negotiated Contribution Pension Plans

The amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985, focus on negotiated contribution (NC) pension plans, which are multi-employer defined benefit plans with fixed employer contributions. These plans often address funding shortfalls through benefit reductions rather than additional contributions, impacting retirement security.

Key changes include exempting NC plans from solvency funding requirements and establishing enhanced going concern funding standards. NC plans must now include a funding buffer for normal costs and going concern liabilities. The amendments also set a going concern funding threshold, prohibiting benefit improvements that would reduce the going concern ratio below 1.05.

Governance and funding policies for NC plans must now include specific elements such as funding objectives, risk management, benefit reduction procedures, governance structures, decision-making roles, performance measures, and dispute resolution processes.

The amendments aim to enhance retirement security by allowing more sustainable benefit levels and improving plan transparency. They align with similar provincial regulations and are not expected to impose significant costs on stakeholders. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) will oversee compliance with these new requirements. [Source]

The Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, has amended the Precursor Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The amendment specifically updates item 28 of the schedule to include 4-Piperidone and its various forms, such as its salts, derivatives, analogues, and salts of derivatives and analogues. This includes specific compounds like 1-boc-4-piperidone, 3-methyl-4-piperidone, and 1-benzyl-4-piperidone. These regulations will come into force 90 days after their publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II. [Source]

Exemption Order for RCMP and PWGSC on Radiocommunication Jammers

The Minister of Industry has issued an order exempting certain employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Department of Public Works and Government Services (PWGSC), as well as suppliers and subcontractors, from prohibitions related to the use of radiocommunication jammers under the Radiocommunication Act. This exemption is granted for purposes such as national security, public safety, international relations, criminal investigations, and the protection of property or prevention of harm.

The order specifies that RCMP employees involved in jammer-related activities must receive specialized training and have access to relevant directives. Efforts must be made to minimize interference, emissions, and exposure to radiofrequency fields. Jammers must be securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel. The RCMP is required to maintain records of jammer use and provide contact information to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) for compliance purposes.

The exemption replaces a previous order from 2019 and includes additional provisions for PWGSC employees and suppliers. The order aims to balance the RCMP’s operational needs with the need to minimize unintended interference with the radiofrequency spectrum. Public consultations and previous legislative reviews have supported the need for such regulated exemptions. The order does not have a specific expiry date but can be amended or repealed as needed. Compliance and enforcement will be managed by ISED, and jammer-related activities outside the specified exemptions remain prohibited. [Source]

Expansion and Formal Inclusion of Lands in Rouge National Urban Park

The Governor in Council has approved an order to amend the Rouge National Urban Park Act, formally adding specific lands to the park. These lands, transferred from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to Parks Canada in 2019, have been managed as part of the park but needed to be listed in the Act’s Schedule for formal inclusion. Rouge National Urban Park, located in the Greater Toronto Area, is Canada’s first national urban park, protecting nature, culture, and agriculture across nearly 80 km².

The amendment adds 1,235.8 hectares of land to the park, enhancing ecological, agricultural, and cultural protection. The lands are part of the original park study area and have been under Parks Canada’s administration since 2019. Extensive consultations were conducted with First Nations, public stakeholders, and various governmental bodies during the park’s establishment and management planning.

The Order will not significantly impact costs, monitoring, or enforcement activities, as Parks Canada already manages these lands. It will provide stronger environmental protections and better enforcement tools under the Rouge National Urban Park Act. The park’s mandate includes protecting and presenting nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, fostering public understanding and enjoyment, and ensuring ecological and commemorative integrity for future generations.

The lands have cultural significance due to their agricultural heritage, with some farmed for centuries by the same families. The park works closely with 10 First Nations, who have historical connections to the land, engaging them in various park activities and planning. The Order supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to completing and protecting Rouge National Urban Park, contributing to the conservation objective of protecting 25% of Canada’s lands by 2025. [Source]

Authorization for Minister of Foreign Affairs to Issue Permits under Special Economic Measures Act

The Governor General in Council, based on the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue permits for specific activities or transactions that are otherwise restricted or prohibited under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations. This authorization is granted under the Special Economic Measures Act. [Source]

Canada Imposes Sanctions on Extremist Settlers in Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Canadian government has imposed sanctions on individuals involved in extremist settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), citing these actions as a grave breach of international peace and security. The regulations target individuals who have facilitated or supported violence by Israeli extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians and their property. The sanctions prohibit Canadians from engaging in transactions or providing services to the listed individuals and require financial institutions to monitor and report any dealings with them.

The regulations include exceptions for humanitarian activities and pre-existing contracts. Listed individuals can apply to have their names removed from the sanctions list if they believe there are reasonable grounds for removal. The sanctions aim to hold accountable those responsible for violence, deter future attacks, and emphasize Canada’s opposition to illegal settlements and violence in the oPt.

The regulations are expected to have minimal impact on Canadian businesses, as the listed individuals have limited connections to Canada. Financial institutions will need to update their monitoring systems, but the overall compliance cost is expected to be minor. The regulations also render the listed individuals inadmissible to Canada under immigration laws. Enforcement of the sanctions will be carried out by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and imprisonment. [Source]

Canada Expands Sanctions on Russia and North Korea Over Ukraine Conflict

The Canadian government has amended the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations to add two individuals and six entities to the list of those subject to sanctions. These additions target senior officials and companies involved in transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia, supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions prohibit Canadians from dealing with these listed persons and render them inadmissible to Canada.

The amendments respond to increased arms cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which has included the transfer of ammunition and ballistic missiles used against Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties. The international community, including Canada, has condemned these actions and imposed sanctions to disrupt Russia’s military operations and signal disapproval of North Korea’s support for Russia.

The sanctions are part of a broader international effort to support Ukraine and isolate Russia diplomatically. Canada has coordinated its measures with international partners and has imposed sanctions on over 3,000 individuals and entities related to the conflict. The amendments aim to undermine Russia’s military capabilities, impose costs on Russia, and align with actions taken by other countries.

The regulatory amendments are not expected to significantly impact Canadian businesses, as the listed individuals and entities have limited connections to Canada. The amendments come into force upon registration, and the names of the listed persons will be made available to facilitate compliance. Enforcement of the sanctions will be carried out by relevant Canadian authorities, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and imprisonment. [Source]

Canada Permits Voluntary Vitamin D Fortification in Dairy-Based Yogurt and Kefir

The Minister of Health in Canada has authorized the voluntary addition of vitamin D to yogurt, drinkable yogurt, and kefir made from dairy products to address vitamin D inadequacy among Canadians. This authorization sets specific vitamin D levels for these products: plain yogurt must contain 5 μg per 100 g, fruit or flavored yogurt 3.8 to 5 μg per 100 g, plain drinkable yogurt 5.2 μg per 100 mL, fruit or flavored drinkable yogurt 3.9 to 5.2 μg per 100 mL, plain kefir 2.7 μg per 100 mL, and fruit or flavored kefir 2.3 to 2.7 μg per 100 mL.

Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, and many Canadians have inadequate levels. The fortification policy aims to improve vitamin D intake without risking overconsumption. The decision follows consultations with stakeholders, including industry and health organizations, who supported the proposal. The policy aligns with Codex Alimentarius principles, ensuring that the fortified foods are widely consumed and provide significant nutrient levels.

The authorization is permissive, allowing manufacturers to decide whether to fortify their products. It is expected to benefit public health by providing more dietary sources of vitamin D, potentially reducing the risk of bone diseases and associated healthcare costs. The policy also aligns with similar voluntary fortification practices in the United States and Europe, potentially enhancing trade opportunities. Compliance will be monitored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as part of existing inspection programs. [Source]

Enhanced Wastewater Regulations for Improved Environmental Management and Compliance

The amendments to the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations aim to address gaps in managing undertreated wastewater releases and improve regulatory clarity and oversight. Key changes include:

  1. Transitional Authorizations:
    • Regulatees with medium- and low-risk systems can apply for extensions to upgrade their systems until 2030 or 2040, respectively.
    • There is no longer a deadline for submitting applications.
    • Regulatees must demonstrate their inability to meet standards due to system design and provide recent monitoring data.
    • Reduced monitoring frequency for systems with no treatment and increased progress report frequency to every two years.
  2. Temporary Bypass Authorizations:
    • Expanded to cover all planned releases within wastewater infrastructure, not just at treatment plants.
    • Introduces a risk-based approach with three categories based on treatment level, duration, volume, and proximity to sensitive environments.
    • Category 1 (low risk) requires applications 21 days in advance, Category 2 (standard) 45 days, and Category 3 (high risk) 90 days.
    • Requires detailed information on measures to minimize harm, public notifications, and follow-up reports.
  3. Administrative and Operational Improvements:
    • Simplifies regulatory requirements and provides flexibility, such as allowing sampling before discharge and estimating effluent volumes.
    • Reduces calibration frequency for monitoring equipment and aligns sampling requirements with provincial standards.

The amendments are expected to provide clarity, reduce administrative burdens, improve environmental oversight, and increase public transparency. They were developed with extensive stakeholder consultation and aim to support compliance with national effluent quality standards while addressing administrative challenges. The amendments also include provisions for better notification and engagement with Indigenous communities and the public regarding temporary bypasses. The overall net benefit of the amendments is estimated at $48 million over 20 years. [Source]

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