Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 153, Number 18: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

May 4, 2019

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Notice to interested parties — Proposed amendments to certain regulations made under Part II of the Canada Labour Code to require the provision of free menstrual products in the workplace

The Labour Program of the Department of Employment and Social Development is considering amending regulations under Part II of the Canada Labour Code (the Code) relating to occupational health and safety to require employers to provide free menstrual products in the workplace for use by their employees.

Background

Most regulations under Part II of the Code require employers to provide supplies such as toilet paper, soap, warm water, and a means to dry hands. footnote 1 No requirements are currently in place to require employers to provide menstrual products. As a result, a large number of employees are required to carry a basic supply of menstrual products with them. It is estimated that 40% of the federal workforce could benefit from these measures.

There has been increasing public awareness and acknowledgement that menstrual products constitute necessary items that are essential to the health of a large proportion of Canadians. Lack of access to menstrual products can create barriers for employees to participate fully in society, including in the labour force. A 2018 survey found that one third of Canadian women under the age of 25 struggled to afford menstrual products, while 70% have missed work or school, or have withdrawn from social activities because of their period (Plan Canada International, 2018). footnote 2 Another study conducted in the United States found that 86% of women have started their period unexpectedly in public without having the supplies they need, causing feelings of anxiety or embarrassment, often resulting in the disruption of workplace activities (Free the Tampons, 2013). footnote 3

When employees find themselves without access to menstrual products, they may turn to unsuitable improvised solutions such as using toilet paper and paper towels to act in place of tampons and pads. Others may extend the use of products beyond their recommended time frame, which poses a health hazard due to the increased risk of toxic shock syndrome. Some employees may also avoid the workplace due to the shame and stigma that often surrounds menstruation.

For employees in remote locations, the negative impact to their physical and psychological health may be heightened due to greater barriers, such as higher costs of, and the lack of accessibility to, menstrual products. The cost of menstrual products varies significantly from location to location in Canada, and the financial burden is borne exclusively by menstruating employees. The provision of menstrual products by employers may help to relieve the health risks that employees may face associated with menstruation and menstrual products in the workplace.

The physical restrictions of some workplaces within the federal jurisdiction, such as trains and aircraft, may make it difficult for employers to provide menstrual products to its employees in the workplace. Employees in such workplaces are often required to share toilet facilities with members of the public. This may require employers to find other suitable locations (apart from washrooms) where they could make menstrual products available. Furthermore, employers with employees who travel to different locations as part of their work, such as truck drivers, may have a more difficult time providing menstrual products in the workplace, as the workplace is not in one single location.

Questions to guide input from interested parties

The Labour Program is seeking input on the following questions; however, all input dealing with the provision of menstrual products is welcome and should not be limited to the questions posed below.

  1. Taking into account any physical restrictions or location issues, how best could this requirement be implemented in your workplace?
  2. Taking into account issues such as financial implications, size of business, and physical restrictions, how would this requirement affect your business?
  3. There are a number of different menstrual products on the market. What types of menstrual products would best meet this requirement?
  4. Should the regulations require employers to make menstrual products available to employees at prescribed locations, e.g. washrooms or neutral locations?
  5. Are you aware of any initiatives that have been implemented in workplaces that provide menstrual products to employees?
  6. Is there anything else the Labour Program should consider regarding this proposal?

The publication of this notice in the Canada Gazette, Part I, initiates a 60-day comment period. Contributions may be sent by email to EDSC.LAB.SST.POLITIQUES-LAB.OHS.POLICY.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca or by mail to 165 De l’Hôtel-de-Ville Street, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0J9.

Duncan Shaw
Senior Director
Occupational Health and Safety

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Draft federal environmental quality guidelines for certain substances

Whereas the Minister of the Environment issues the environmental quality guidelines for the purpose of carrying out the Minister’s mandate related to preserving the quality of the environment;

Whereas the guidelines relate to the environment pursuant to paragraph 54(2)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

And whereas the Minister of the Environment has offered to consult provincial and territorial governments and the members of the National Advisory Committee who are representatives of Indigenous governments in accordance with subsection 54(3) of the Act,

Notice is hereby given that draft federal environmental quality guidelines for certain substances listed in the Annex hereby are available for comment on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.

Public comment period

Any person may, within 60 days after publication of this notice, file with the Minister of the Environment, written comments on the scientific considerations on the basis of which the guidelines are made. More information regarding the scientific considerations may be obtained from the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website. All comments must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice and be sent to the Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division, Department of the Environment, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3, by fax to 819‑938‑5212 or by email to eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca.

Jacqueline Gonçalves
Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

ANNEX

Draft federal environmental quality guidelines (FEQGs) are available for the following substances:

  1. Iron
  2. Lead
  3. Quinoline
  4. Strontium

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication of final decision after screening assessment of four substances in the Epoxy Resins Group specified on the Domestic Substances List (subsection 77(6) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas the four substances identified in the annex below are substances identified under subsection 73(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

Whereas a summary of the screening assessment conducted on the substances pursuant to section 74 of the Act is annexed hereby;

And whereas it is concluded that the substances do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to take no further action on these substances at this time under section 77 of the Act.

Catherine McKenna
Minister of the Environment

Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

ANNEX

Summary of the screening assessment of the Epoxy Resins Group

Pursuant to section 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment of four substances referred to under the Chemicals Management Plan as the Epoxy Resins Group. Substances in this group (namely three diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A [DGEBA] and one Novolac epoxy resin) were identified as priorities for assessment, as they met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA. The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RNsfootnote 4 ), the Domestic Substances List (DSL) names and the abbreviations of these substances are listed in the table below.

Substances in the Epoxy Resins Group
CAS RN DSL name Acronyms
25036-25-3 Phenol, 4,4′-(1-methylethylidene)bis-, polymer with 2,2′-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(4,1-phenyleneoxymethylene)]bis[oxirane] DGEBA epoxy resin
25068-38-6 Phenol, 4,4′-(1-methylethylidene)bis-, polymer with 2-(chloromethyl)oxirane DGEBA epoxy resin
25085-99-8 Oxirane, 2,2′-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(4,1-phenyleneoxymethylene)]bis-, homopolymer DGEBA epoxy resin
28064-14-4 Phenol, polymer with formaldehyde, glycidyl ether Novolac epoxy resin

These four substances were previously evaluated under the Second Phase of Polymer Rapid Screening, which identified the substances bearing CAS RN 25036-25-3 (one of the DGEBA epoxy resins) and CAS RN 28064-14-4 (Novolac epoxy resin) as having a low potential to cause ecological harm. However, further evaluation of human health risks was warranted. The three DGEBA epoxy resins and Novolac epoxy resin were identified as requiring further assessment for potential human health and/or ecological risks on the basis of structural alerts and/or uses associated with significant consumer exposure. The present assessment further elaborates on the potential for these substances to cause harm to human health and ecological harm, in order to reach an overall conclusion under section 64 of CEPA as to whether they pose a risk to human health or the environment.

The four epoxy resins do not occur naturally in the environment. In Canada, they are reported to be used as crosslinkers and binders in paints/coatings and plating agents; as intermediates; in adhesives and sealants in grout, flooring, plastics and concrete; in lubricants and lubricant additives; as corrosion inhibitors and anti-scaling agents; and as processing aids specific to petroleum production. In addition, epoxy resins have been identified as components used in the manufacture of some food packaging materials.

DGEBA epoxy resins contain epoxy reactive functional groups, which, in general, may be associated with adverse effects on fish, invertebrates, and algae. However, the assessment revealed that DGEBA epoxy resins are expected to show moderate to low toxicity to aquatic organisms and low toxicity to sediment dwelling species in natural environments. Considering the use of the DGEBA epoxy resins, they may be released to the environment through formulation facilities and during end-use applications; however, conservative estimates of exposure were calculated and found to be below the exposure expected to cause harm to sensitive organisms in the environment.

DGEBA and Novolac epoxy resins contain epoxy reactive functional groups that are associated with potential adverse human health effects. These substances show effects on the spleen in chronic studies at doses greater than 15 mg/kg bw/day (primarily associated with the lower molecular weight resins) and are dermal sensitizers; however, they have low acute toxicity and are not developmental or reproductive toxicants, nor are they teratogenic or carcinogenic in animal studies. Canadians may be exposed to DGEBA epoxy resins from the potential transfer of an insignificant amount of the resin from food packaging materials into food, including canned liquid infant formula products. Quantities are very low because these substances are used up in the chemical reaction when the packaging is made. Dietary exposure to Novolac epoxy resin from food packaging material is also expected to be negligible for adults and children. Exposure to epoxy resins by inhalation is not expected due to their low vapour pressures. Dermal exposure to epoxy resins is considered minimal due to their usage in cured form. Indirect exposure of the general public to epoxy resins through media such as drinking water is not expected due to their low water solubility.

A comparison of estimated levels of exposure to DGEBA epoxy resins and Novolac epoxy resins to the critical effect levels results in margins of exposure that are considered adequate to account for uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this screening assessment, there is a low risk of harm to organisms and the broader integrity of the environment from DGEBA epoxy resins and Novolac epoxy resin. It is concluded that DGEBA epoxy resins and Novolac epoxy resin do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) or (b) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity or that constitutes or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

On the basis of the information presented in this screening assessment, it is concluded that the three DGEBA epoxy resins and the Novolac epoxy resin do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the four substances do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

The screening assessment for these substances is available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL

Appointments
Name and position Order in Council
Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Family Division  
Judges  
Blais, The Hon. Marie-Claude 2019-373
Noble, The Hon. Bruce Alexander 2019-372
Robichaud, The Hon. Michel A. 2019-370
Ellies, The Hon. Gregory 2019-368
Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for the Northeast Region  
Regional Senior Judge  
Court of Appeal for Ontario  
Judge ex officio  
Hamilton Morris, David Alexander 2019-358
Immigration and Refugee Board  
Full-time member  
Hupman, Murray Calvin 2019-365
Marine Atlantic Inc.  
President and Chief Executive Officer  
Lametti, The Hon. David, P.C. 2019-375
Her Majesty’s Counsel learned in the law  
Morgan, Marta 2019-379
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs  
Muzyka, Douglas W. 2019-345
National Research Council of Canada  
Chairperson  
Ouellette, The Hon. Jean-Paul 2019-371
Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Trial Division  
Judge  
Parole Board of Canada  
Full-time members  
Kirkpatrick, Douglas Allen 2019-303
O’Brien, Matthew Daniel 2019-354
Richardson, The Hon. Susan E. 2019-374
Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta  
Justice  
Court of Appeal of Alberta  
Judge ex officio  
Spiro, David E. 2019-367
Tax Court of Canada  
Judge  
Superior Court of Justice of Ontario  
Judges  
Court of Appeal for Ontario  
Judges ex officio  
Gordon, The Hon. Robbie D. 2019-369
Schabas, Paul B. 2019-311
Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, a member of the Family Court branch  
Judges  
Court of Appeal for Ontario  
Judges ex officio  
Bale, Lauren 2019-320
Fraser, Mary A. 2019-317
Gregson, The Hon. Nathalie 2019-314
MacLeod, Robert 2019-318
Maddalena, The Hon. Theresa 2019-312
Malcolm, The Hon. Wendy B. 2019-313
Price, Timothy G. 2019-315
Tellier, Nicole J. 2019-316
Walters, Jacalyn D. 2019-319
Supreme Court of Canada 2019-293
Commissioners to administer oaths  
Alain, Marc-André  
Laverty, Julie Johanne  
Waito, Mark Bryan  
Wood, The Hon. Michael J. 2019-366
Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nova Scotia, with the style and title of Chief Justice of Nova Scotia

April 25, 2019

Diane Bélanger
Official Documents Registrar

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY

BOARDS OF TRADE ACT

Chambre de commerce de Manicouagan

Notice is hereby given that Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, by Order in Council dated April 5, 2019, has been pleased to change the name of the Chambre de commerce de Manicouagan to the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Manicouagan upon petition made therefor under section 39 of the Boards of Trade Act.

April 17, 2019

Ray Edwards
Director
For the Minister of Industry

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

CRIMINAL CODE

Designation by class of “analysts” qualified to analyze samples of bodily substances

The Attorney General of Canada, pursuant to subparagraph 320.4(b)(ii) of the Criminal Code, with respect to Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, designates the forensic specialists and forensic technologists employed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Toxicology Services as a class of persons that is qualified, for the purposes of Part VIII.1 of the Criminal Code, to analyze samples of bodily substances.

Ottawa, April 18, 2019

David Lametti
Attorney General of Canada

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

CRIMINAL CODE

Designation by class of “analysts” qualified to certify that a standard solution is suitable for use with an approved instrument

The Attorney General of Canada, pursuant to paragraph 320.4(c) of the Criminal Code, with respect to Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, designates the forensic specialists and forensic technologists employed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Toxicology Services as a class of persons that is qualified, for the purposes of Part VIII.1 of the Criminal Code, to certify that an alcohol standard is suitable for use with an approved instrument.

Ottawa, April 18, 2019

David Lametti
Attorney General of Canada

PRIVY COUNCIL OFFICE

Appointment opportunities

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

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

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

Current opportunities

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

Position Organization Closing date
Chief Administrator Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada  
Chairperson Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada  
Chairperson and Director Atomic Energy of Canada Limited  
Chairperson Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology  
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson Canada Industrial Relations Board  
Chairperson Canada Lands Company Limited  
President and Chief Executive Officer Canada Lands Company Limited  
Chairperson (joint federal Governor in Council and provincial Lieutenant Governor appointment) Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board  
Chairperson Canada Science and Technology Museum  
Vice-Chairperson Canada Science and Technology Museum  
Board Member (Anticipatory) Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization  
Chairperson (Anticipatory) Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization  
Chief Executive Officer (Anticipatory) Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization  
Vice-Chairperson (Anticipatory) Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization  
President and Chief Executive Officer Canadian Commercial Corporation  
Chairperson Canadian Dairy Commission  
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Director Canadian Energy Regulator  
Chief Executive Officer Canadian Energy Regulator  
Lead Commissioner, Deputy Lead Commissioner and Commissioner Canadian Energy Regulator  
Pay Equity Commissioner Canadian Human Rights Commission  
Chairperson Canadian Institutes of Health Research  
Permanent Member Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission  
Regional Member (Quebec) Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission  
Chairperson and Member Canadian Statistics Advisory Council  
President (Chief Executive Officer) Canadian Tourism Commission  
President and Chief Executive Officer Defense Construction (1951) Limited  
Chairperson Farm Credit Canada  
President and Chief Executive Officer Farm Credit Canada  
Vice-Chairperson Farm Products Council of Canada  
Chairperson The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited  
Commissioner Financial Consumer Agency of Canada  
Chairperson First Nations Financial Management Board  
Chief Commissioner First Nations Tax Commission  
Deputy Chief Commissioner First Nations Tax Commission  
Director Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation  
Director (Federal) Hamilton Port Authority  
Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security Officer House of Commons  
Member International Authority  
Commissioner and Chairperson International Joint Commission  
Member (appointment to roster) International Trade and International Investment Dispute Settlement Bodies  
Vice-Chairperson Invest in Canada Hub  
Chief Executive Officer The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated  
Librarian and Archivist of Canada Library and Archives of Canada  
Member National Capital Commission  
Government Film Commissioner National Film Board  
President Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada  
Auditor General of Canada Office of the Auditor General  
Chief Accessibility Officer (Anticipatory) Office of the Chief Accessibility Officer  
Ombudsperson Office of the Ombudsperson for National Defence and Canadian Forces  
Director (Federal) Oshawa Port Authority  
Chairperson Pacific Pilotage Authority  
Chief Executive Officer Parks Canada  
Vice-Chairperson and Member Patented Medicine Prices Review Board  
Member Payment in Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel  
Commissioner Public Service Commission  
Member and Alternate Member Renewable Resources Board (Gwich’in)  
Member and Alternate Member Renewable Resources Board (Sahtu)  
Principal Royal Military College of Canada  
Vice-Chairperson (all streams) Social Security Tribunal of Canada  
Chairperson Telefilm Canada  

BANK OF CANADA

Statement of financial position as at March 31, 2019
(Millions of dollars) Unaudited
ASSETS Amount Total
Cash and foreign deposits   17.9
Loans and receivables
Securities purchased under resale agreements 10,009.1  
Advances  
Other receivables 4.1  
    10,013.2
Investments
Treasury bills of Canada 24,131.1  
Canada Mortgage Bonds 515.7  
Government of Canada bonds 78,444.8  
Other investments 435.1  
    103,526.7
Capital assets
Property and equipment 599.0
Intangible assets 46.8  
Right-of-use leased assets 54.3
    700.1
Other assets   115.3
Total assets   114,373.2
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Amount Total
Bank notes in circulation   86,535.4
Deposits
Government of Canada 23,526.4  
Members of Payments Canada 250.0  
Other deposits 2,936.9  
    26,713.3
Securities sold under repurchase agreements  
Other liabilities   597.4
    113,846.1
Equity
Share capital 5.0  
Statutory and special reserves 125.0  
Investment revaluation reserve 397.1  
    527.1
Total Liabilities and Equity 114,373.2

I declare that the foregoing statement is correct according to the books of the Bank.

Ottawa, April 15, 2019

Carmen Vierula
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accountant

I declare that the foregoing statement is to the best of my knowledge and belief correct, and shows truly and clearly the financial position of the Bank, as required by section 29 of the Bank of Canada Act.

Ottawa, April 15, 2019

Stephen S. Poloz
Governor