Highlights

  • Authority for issuing, revoking, and renewing Authorizations to Carry (ATCs) for protection of life is transferred from Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs) to the Commissioner of Firearms to standardize the process.
  • Amendments to the Canadian Forces Superannuation Regulations (CFSR) include language updates and the inclusion of common-law partners as eligible beneficiaries.
  • The Domestic Substances List under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act is updated with new substances, deletions, and corrections to increase transparency and accuracy.
  • Fire Prevention Week is designated to promote fire safety, with a specific theme and recognition day for fire service personnel.
  • The List of Pest Control Product Formulants and Contaminants of Health or Environmental Concern is amended to include molluscs due to their allergenic properties.

Centralization of Authorization to Carry Firearms Regulations

The amendments to the Authorizations to Carry Restricted Firearms and Certain Handguns Regulations reflect the transfer of authority from Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs) to the Commissioner of Firearms for issuing, revoking, and renewing Authorizations to Carry (ATCs) for the protection of life. This change aims to standardize the process across jurisdictions and ensure consistency in the administration of these ATCs. The amendments do not alter the existing regulatory framework or criteria for issuance and revocation of ATCs, which remain applicable only in cases of immediate threat to life where police protection is insufficient.

The amendments include specific conditions for ATCs, such as carrying only one firearm at a time and notifying the chief firearm officer of employment changes. They also stipulate that ATCs will be revoked if the individual’s firearm license is revoked or expired, if their physical or mental state deteriorates, or if they cease to be employed in a lawful profession requiring the ATC.

The amendments were developed in consultation with the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) and CFOs, and they do not impact small businesses or Indigenous communities. The changes are administrative, aligning the regulations with legislative updates from former Bill C-21. The amendments will come into force on October 1, 2024, allowing time for the RCMP CFP to update operational policies and processes. Existing ATCs for personal protection remain valid, with future applications and renewals to be handled by a centralized office at CFP headquarters. [Source]

Modernization and Inclusion in Canadian Forces Superannuation Regulations

The amendments to the Canadian Forces Superannuation Regulations (CFSR) address language discrepancies and include common-law partners as eligible beneficiaries for the Optional Survivor Benefit (OSB). These changes ensure clarity and consistency between the English and French versions of the regulations and align the CFSR with the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act (CFSA).

Key changes include:

  1. Language Modernization: Consistent terminology is used throughout the OSB provisions, and outdated references are updated to meet current standards.
  2. Inclusion of Common-Law Partners: The term “elective beneficiary” now includes both married spouses and common-law partners, allowing common-law partners to access the OSB.
  3. Simplified Administrative Requirements: The amendments remove unnecessary deadlines and broaden proof requirements, making the application process more straightforward.
  4. Revocation and Adjustment of Options: The rules for revoking and adjusting OSB options are clarified, allowing for more flexibility and reducing administrative burdens.

The amendments aim to reduce legal uncertainties, eliminate administrative redundancies, and ensure a harmonized interpretation of the regulations. They also fulfill the commitment to correct identified issues and support the financial security of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families. The changes are expected to result in long-term cost savings and improved administrative efficiency. The amendments do not introduce new policies but ensure that existing entitlements can be administered effectively and equitably. [Source]

Amendments to the Domestic Substances List under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act

The Minister of the Environment has amended the Domestic Substances List under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Several substances have been deleted from Part 1, including 6290-03-05 N, and new substances have been added in numerical order, such as 6290-03-5 N, 9079-33-8, and others. Part 3 of the List has also seen deletions, including substances like Dialkylcarbomonocyclic amine, salt with phosphoric acid, and others. Additionally, corrections have been made to the reference numbers in Part 3. Part 5 has been updated by deleting certain organisms and adding them back with the designation “N” for new entries. The changes come into force upon registration. [Source]

Updates to the Domestic Substances List for Transparency and Accuracy

The Minister of the Environment has added seven new substances to the Domestic Substances List under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, after assessing the necessary information and determining they meet the criteria for inclusion. Additionally, the Minister has disclosed the chemical identities of 20 substances previously listed under confidential names, following written consent from the responsible parties. The identifiers of two substances and the French names or identifiers of five living organisms have also been updated for administrative accuracy.

The Domestic Substances List, which inventories substances in the Canadian marketplace, is regularly updated to reflect new additions and changes. Substances must be added to the list if they meet specific criteria related to their manufacture, import, or use in Canada. The recent updates include moving substances from Part 3 (confidential names) to Part 1 (public names) and adding new substances to Parts 1 and 3.

These changes aim to increase transparency and ensure the list accurately reflects substances in commerce. The updates do not impose new regulatory requirements or costs on businesses and are part of the federal obligations under CEPA. The orders facilitate access to these substances for businesses and correct any administrative errors in the list. Compliance and enforcement of these updates will follow the existing policies under CEPA. [Source]

Fire Prevention Week 2024: Emphasizing Smoke Alarm Safety and Honoring Fire Personnel

Many citizens, along with volunteer, professional, and industrial fire safety personnel, are working together to reduce loss of life, property destruction, and environmental damage due to fires. To promote fire safety, a specific period each year is designated for disseminating information on fire causes and preventive measures. The theme for 2024 is “SMOKE ALARMS: MAKE THEM WORK FOR YOU!” The week starting Sunday, October 6, and ending Saturday, October 12, is designated as “Fire Prevention Week.” Additionally, Saturday, October 12, is recognized as “Fire Service Recognition Day” to honor the services of Canadian fire personnel. During this week, all citizens and authorities are encouraged to intensify their fire prevention activities. [Source]

Health Canada Updates Pest Control Product List to Include Molluscs as Allergens

The Minister of Health has amended the List of Pest Control Product Formulants and Contaminants of Health or Environmental Concern to include molluscs. This decision is based on the identification of molluscs as allergens known to cause anaphylactic shock, which are found in two newly registered rodenticides containing bromethalin. The amendment ensures that molluscs are recognized separately from crustaceans on the list, reflecting their distinct allergenic properties. The update aligns with Health Canada’s policy to identify and manage formulants and contaminants of concern, ensuring public access to information about these substances in registered pest control products. [Source]

National Standardization of Protection of Life Firearms Authorizations

Certain provisions of an Act to amend firearms regulations will come into force on October 1, 2024. These provisions transfer the authority for issuing, revoking, and renewing Authorizations to Carry (ATC) for the protection of life from Chief Firearms Officers (CFOs) to the Commissioner of Firearms. This change aims to ensure consistent administration of protection of life ATCs across all provinces and territories.

The Firearms Act regulates various aspects of firearms in Canada, including the issuance of licenses and authorizations. The Canadian Firearms Program operates under the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CFOs, designated by either provincial authorities or the federal Minister of Public Safety, currently handle the issuance of firearms licenses and ATCs within their jurisdictions.

ATCs allow individuals to carry restricted or prohibited firearms for two reasons: protection of life or in connection with their lawful profession. The new amendments specifically address ATCs for protection of life, transferring this authority to the Commissioner, who can now issue, renew, or revoke these ATCs and attach conditions to them. This change does not affect ATCs issued for lawful professions, which remain under CFOs’ authority.

The amendments will standardize the process for issuing protection of life ATCs and allow these authorizations to be valid across multiple jurisdictions, unlike the current system where they are limited to the province or territory of issuance. This national approach aims to ensure uniform procedures and consistency.

Public consultations during the legislative process revealed concerns about the decision-making process being too removed from the local level. However, local input will still be required before the Commissioner approves a protection of life ATC. The changes will not impact ATCs related to lawful professions, which will continue to be managed by CFOs. [Source]

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