Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 156, Number 42: GOVERNMENT NOTICES
October 15, 2022
DEPARTMENT OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION
IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE PROTECTION ACT
Ministerial Instructions with respect to the processing of applications for a permanent resident visa made by parents or grandparents of a sponsor as members of the family class and the processing of sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications
These Instructions are published in the Canada Gazette in accordance with subsection 87.3(6) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act).
These Instructions are given, pursuant to section 87.3 and subsections 92(1.1) and (2) of the Act, by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration as, in the opinion of the Minister, these Instructions will best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada by seeing families reunited in Canada.
Scope
These Instructions apply to applications for a permanent resident visa of sponsors’ parents or grandparents made under the family class, referred to in paragraphs 117(1)(c) and (d) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations), respectively, as well as to sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications.
Applications received in 2021
These Instructions authorize sponsorship applications received in 2021 and made in relation to applications for a permanent resident visa, which are made by sponsors’ parents or grandparents under the family class, to be accepted for processing in the 2022 calendar year, which begins on January 1, 2022, and ends on December 31, 2022.
Interests to sponsor
The Department of Citizenship and Immigration (the Department) accepted interests to sponsor from persons who wanted to sponsor a parent or grandparent beginning at noon, Eastern daylight time, on October 13, 2020, and ending at noon, Eastern standard time, on November 3, 2020. The interests to sponsor were to have been completed and submitted to the Department using the electronic means available for this purpose, and if a potential sponsor was unable to submit an interest to sponsor by the electronic means made available by the Department due to a mental or physical disability, the Department made alternative formats available.
Invitations to submit a sponsorship application
Invitations to submit a sponsorship application were issued to potential sponsors beginning on September 23, 2021, and ending on October 5, 2021, using a randomized selection process from among all non-duplicate interests to sponsor that were not yet issued an invitation. Invitations issued by the Department were not transferable.
Number of applications received in 2021 to be accepted for processing in 2022
Since the 2021 intake was conducted late in the calendar year, applications received in 2021 will be accepted for processing in 2022.
These Instructions authorize a maximum of 30 000 sponsorship applications received in 2021 and made in relation to applications for a permanent resident visa, which are made by sponsors’ parents or grandparents under the family class, to be accepted for processing in the 2022 calendar year, which begins on January 1, 2022, and ends on December 31, 2022.
This maximum may be amended in accordance with any subsequent instructions the Minister may provide.
Applications submitted by electronic means
In order to be accepted for processing, any sponsorship or permanent resident visa application referred to in these Instructions that was received in 2021 must have been submitted using electronic means (apply online).
Potential sponsors or foreign nationals submitting applications referred to in these Instructions who, because of a disability, were unable to meet a requirement to submit an application using electronic means, may have submitted these applications by any other means that were made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose.
Conditions — sponsorship applications
In order to be accepted for processing, any sponsorship application referred to in these Instructions that was received in 2021 that has not been returned under section 12 of the Regulations for not meeting the requirements of sections 10 and 11 of the Regulations — for example by not using all the applicable forms provided by the Department in the application package made available on the website of the Department or by not including all information, documents and evidence referred to in paragraph 10(1)(c) of the Regulations — must meet the following conditions:
- (a) the sponsorship application is made by a person who, having indicated — during the period during which they could do so — their interest in making a sponsorship application by means that have been made available by the Department for that purpose, has been invited to make the application;
- (b) the sponsorship application indicates the same information [name, date of birth, address, country of birth, copy of status in Canada document (including its number and must be one from the list of acceptable documents listed in the Guide 5772 — Application to Sponsor Parents and Grandparents, made available on the website of the Department and as amended from time to time)] that was included with the interest to sponsor in relation to which the invitation to make a sponsorship application was issued by the Department, or in the case of any difference in information between the interest to sponsor and the sponsorship application, the application includes an explanation of the reason for the change in information and satisfactory evidence that the application pertains to the same potential sponsor identified on the interest to sponsor in relation to which the invitation to make a sponsorship application was issued by the Department;
- (c) the sponsorship application is accompanied by the documents required by the application package made available on the website of the Department, as amended from time to time; and
- (d) the sponsorship application has been received by the Department within the period of 60 days after the day on which the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application. If, however, the sponsorship application and fees required to be paid pursuant to the Regulations are received within 60 days, but some documentation required by these Instructions or the Regulations is missing, the Department shall ordinarily grant the sponsor an extension of an additional 30 days, for a total of 90 days from the date on which the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application, to submit the missing documentation.
Conditions — permanent resident visa applications
In order to be accepted for processing, any permanent resident visa application referred to in these Instructions that was received in 2021 that has not been returned under section 12 of the Regulations for not meeting the requirements of sections 10 and 11 of the Regulations — for example by not using all the applicable forms provided by the Department in the application package made available on the website of the Department or by not including all information, documents and evidence referred to in paragraph 10(1)(c) of the Regulations — must meet the following conditions:
- (a) the permanent resident visa application is made by an applicant sponsored by a person whose sponsorship application met all of the conditions for processing sponsorship applications established by these Instructions;
- (b) the permanent resident visa application is accompanied by the documents required by the application package made available on the website of the Department, as amended from time to time; and
- (c) the permanent resident visa application has been received by the Department within the period of 60 days after the day on which the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application. If, however, the permanent resident visa application and fees required to be paid pursuant to the Regulations are received within 60 days, but some documentation required by these Instructions or the Regulations is missing, the Department shall ordinarily grant the applicant an extension of an additional 30 days, for a total of 90 days after the date on which the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application, to submit the missing documentation.
Applications received in 2022
These Instructions authorize new sponsorship applications made in relation to applications for a permanent resident visa, which are made by sponsors’ parents or grandparents under the family class to be received in the 2022 calendar year, which begins on January 1, 2022, and ends on December 31, 2022.
Interests to sponsor
The Department accepted interests to sponsor from persons who wanted to sponsor a parent or grandparent beginning at noon, Eastern daylight time, on October 13, 2020, and ending at noon, Eastern standard time, on November 3, 2020. The interests to sponsor were to have been completed and submitted to the Department using the electronic means available for this purpose, and if a potential sponsor was unable to submit an interest to sponsor by the electronic means made available by the Department due to a mental or physical disability, the Department made alternative formats available.
Invitations to submit a sponsorship application
Invitations to submit a sponsorship application will be issued to potential sponsors using a randomized selection process from among all non-duplicate interests to sponsor that have not yet been issued an invitation. Invitations issued by the Department are not transferable.
Number of applications received in 2022 to be accepted for processing
Following the receipt of applications in 2022, it is anticipated that there will be insufficient time to process these applications in the 2022 calendar year, which begins on January 1, 2022, and ends on December 31, 2022.
Applications to be submitted by electronic means
In order to be accepted for processing, any sponsorship or permanent resident visa application referred to in these Instructions that was received on or after the coming into force of the Instructions must be submitted using electronic means (apply online).
An alternate application format would be provided to foreign nationals, sponsors, and their representatives who are unable to apply online.
Applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of these Instructions that were not submitted by electronic means will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except in the case of foreign nationals, sponsors or authorized representatives who may submit an application by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose, in accordance with these Instructions.
Conditions — sponsorship applications
In order to be processed, any sponsorship application referred to in these Instructions that is received in 2022 that has not been returned under section 12 of the Regulations for not meeting the requirements of sections 10 and 11 of the Regulations — for example by not using all the applicable forms provided by the Department in the application package made available on the website of the Department or by not including all information, documents and evidence referred to in paragraph 10(1)(c) of the Regulations — must meet the following conditions:
- (a) the sponsorship application is made by a person who, having indicated — during the period during which they could do so — their interest in making a sponsorship application by means that have been made available by the Department for that purpose, has been invited to make the application;
- (b) the sponsorship application indicates the same information [name, date of birth, address, country of birth, copy of status in Canada document (including its number and must be one from the list of acceptable documents listed in the Guide 5772 — Application to Sponsor Parents and Grandparents, made available on the website of the Department and as amended from time to time)] that was included with the interest to sponsor in relation to which the invitation to make a sponsorship application was issued by the Department, or in the case of any difference in information between the interest to sponsor and the sponsorship application, the application includes an explanation of the reason for the change in information and satisfactory evidence that the application pertains to the same potential sponsor identified on the interest to sponsor in relation to which the invitation to make a sponsorship application was issued by the Department;
- (c) the sponsorship application is accompanied by the documents required by the application package made available on the website of the Department, as amended from time to time; and
- (d) the sponsorship application has been received by the Department no later than by the deadline indicated on the sponsor’s invitation to make a sponsorship application, which shall be at least a period of 60 days from the date the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application. If, however, the sponsorship application and fees required to be paid pursuant to the Regulations are received within this period, but some documentation required by these Instructions or the Regulations is missing, the Department shall ordinarily grant the sponsor an extension of an additional 30 days from date the Department issues the request to submit the missing documentation.
Conditions — permanent resident visa applications
In order to be processed, any permanent resident visa application referred to in these Instructions that was received in 2022 and that has not been returned under section 12 of the Regulations for not meeting the requirements of sections 10 and 11 of the Regulations — for example by not using all the applicable forms provided by the Department in the application package made available on the website of the Department or by not including all information, documents and evidence referred to in paragraph 10(1)(c) of the Regulations — must meet the following conditions:
- (a) the permanent resident visa application is made by an applicant sponsored by a person whose sponsorship application met all of the conditions for processing sponsorship applications established by these Instructions;
- (b) the permanent resident visa application is accompanied by the documents required by the application package made available on the website of the Department, as amended from time to time; and
- (c) the permanent resident visa application has been received by the Department no later than by the deadline indicated on the sponsor’s invitation to make a sponsorship application, which shall be at least a period of 60 days from the date the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application. If, however, the permanent resident visa application and fees required to be paid pursuant to the Regulations are received within this period, but some documentation required by these Instructions or the Regulations is missing, the Department shall ordinarily grant the applicant an extension of an additional 30 days from date the Department issues the request to submit the missing documentation.
Order for processing
Applications meeting the applicable conditions established by these Instructions are processed in the order in which they are received by the Department.
Humanitarian and compassionate requests
A request made under subsection 25(1) of the Act from outside Canada and that accompanies an application that was not accepted for processing under these Instructions will not be processed.
Disposition of applications
Any application that does not meet the applicable conditions established by these Instructions will be returned.
Repeal
The following Instructions are repealed, effective upon signature:
(a) Ministerial Instructions with respect to the processing of applications for a permanent resident visa made by parents or grandparents of a sponsor as members of the family class and the processing of sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications, published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on December 25, 2021.
Coming into effect
These Instructions take effect upon signature.
Ottawa, October 6, 2022
The Hon. Sean Fraser, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
DEPARTMENT OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION
IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE PROTECTION ACT
Ministerial Instructions with respect to the processing of applications for a permanent resident visa made by parents or grandparents of a sponsor as members of the family class and the processing of sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications
These Instructions are published in the Canada Gazette in accordance with subsection 87.3(6) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act).
These Instructions are given, pursuant to section 87.3 and subsections 92(1.1) and (2) of the Act, by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration as, in the opinion of the Minister, these Instructions will best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada by seeing families reunited in Canada.
These instructions are intended to ensure that as of January 1, 2023, no new permanent resident visa applications made by parents or grandparents of a sponsor and no sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications are received for processing until further Instructions are issued. Unless a new intake for the 2023 calendar year is implemented, for the 2023 calendar year the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (the Department) will only be accepting for processing permanent resident visa applications made by parents or grandparents of a sponsor and sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications that were received in 2022 pursuant to the conditions outlined below.
Scope
These Instructions apply to applications for a permanent resident visa of sponsors’ parents or grandparents made under the Family Class, referred to in paragraphs 117(1)(c) and (d) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations), respectively, as well as to sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications.
Applications received in 2022
Interests to sponsor
The Department accepted interests to sponsor from persons who wanted to sponsor a parent or grandparent beginning at noon, Eastern daylight time, on October 13, 2020, and ending at noon, Eastern standard time, on November 3, 2020. The interests to sponsor were to have been completed and submitted to the Department using the electronic means available for this purpose, and if a potential sponsor was unable to submit an interest to sponsor by the electronic means made available by the Department due to a mental or physical disability, the Department made alternative formats available.
Invitations to submit a sponsorship application
Invitations to submit a sponsorship application will be issued to potential sponsors in 2022 using a randomized selection process from among all non-duplicate interests to sponsors that were not yet issued an invitation. Invitations issued by the Department are not transferable.
Conditions – sponsorship applications
In order to be accepted for processing, any sponsorship application referred to in these Instructions that was received in 2022 that has not been returned under section 12 of the Regulations for not meeting the requirements of sections 10 and 11 of the Regulations — for example by not using all the applicable forms provided by the Department in the application package made available on the website of the Department or by not including all information, documents and evidence referred to in paragraph 10(1)(c) of the Regulations — must meet the following conditions:
- (a) the sponsorship application is made by a person who, having indicated — during the period during which they could do so — their interest in making a sponsorship application by means that have been made available by the Department for that purpose, has been invited to make the application;
- (b) the sponsorship application indicates the same information, [name, date of birth, address, country of birth, copy of status in Canada document (including its number and must be one from the list of acceptable documents listed in the Guide 5772 – Application to Sponsor Parents and Grandparents, made available on the website of the Department and as amended from time to time)] that was included with the interest to sponsor in relation to which the invitation to make a sponsorship application was issued by the Department, or in the case of any difference in information between the interest to sponsor and the sponsorship application, the application includes an explanation of the reason for the change in information and satisfactory evidence that the application pertains to the same potential sponsor identified on the interests to sponsor in relation to which the invitation to make a sponsorship application was issued by the Department;
- (c) the sponsorship application is accompanied by the documents required by the application package made available on the website of the Department, as amended from time to time; and
- (d) the sponsorship application has been received by the Department no later than by the deadline indicated on the sponsor’s invitation to make a sponsorship application, which shall be at least a period 60 days from the date the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application. If, however, the sponsorship application and fees required to be paid pursuant to the Regulations are received within this period, but some documentation required by these Instructions or the Regulations is missing, the Department shall ordinarily grant the sponsor an extension of an additional 30 days from date the Department issues the request to submit the missing documentation.
Conditions – permanent resident visa applications
In order to be accepted for processing, any permanent resident visa application referred to in these Instructions that was received in 2022 that has not been returned under section 12 of the Regulations for not meeting the requirements of sections 10 and 11 of the Regulations — for example by not using all the applicable forms provided by the Department in the application package made available on the website of the Department or by not including all information, documents and evidence referred to in paragraph 10(1)(c) of the Regulations — must meet the following conditions:
- (a) the permanent resident visa application is made by an applicant sponsored by a person whose sponsorship application met all of the conditions for processing sponsorship applications established by these Instructions;
- (b) the permanent resident visa application is accompanied by the documents required by the application package made available on the website of the Department, as amended from time to time; and
- (c) the permanent resident visa application has been received by the Department no later than by the deadline indicated on the sponsor’s invitation to make a sponsorship application, which shall be at least a period of 60 days from the date the Department sent the sponsor an invitation to make a sponsorship application. If, however, the permanent resident visa application and fees required to be paid pursuant to the Regulations are received within this period, but some documentation required by these Instructions or the Regulations is missing, the Department shall ordinarily grant the applicant an extension of an additional 30 days from date the Department issues the request to submit the missing documentation.
Applications to be submitted by electronic means
In order to be accepted for processing, any sponsorship or permanent resident visa application referred to in these Instructions that was received on or after the coming into force of the Instructions must be submitted using electronic means (apply online).
An alternate application format would be provided to foreign nationals, sponsors, and their representatives who are unable to apply online.
Applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of these Instructions that were not submitted by electronic means will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except in the case of foreign nationals, sponsors, or authorized representatives who may submit an application by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose, in accordance with these Instructions.
Number of applications to be accepted for processing in a year
Since the 2022 intake will be conducted late in the calendar year, applications received in 2022 will be accepted for processing in 2023.
These Instructions authorize a maximum of 15 000 sponsorship applications received in 2022 and made in relation to applications for a permanent resident visa, which are made by sponsors’ parents or grandparents under the family class, to be accepted for processing in the 2023 calendar year, which begins on January 1, 2023, and ends on December 31, 2023.
This maximum may be amended in accordance with any subsequent Instructions the Minister may provide.
Order for processing
Applications meeting the applicable conditions established by these Instructions are processed in the order in which they are received by the Department.
Humanitarian and compassionate requests
A request made under subsection 25(1) of the Act from outside Canada and that accompanies an application that was not accepted for processing under these Instructions will not be processed.
Disposition of applications
Any application that does not meet the applicable conditions established by these Instructions will be returned.
Coming into effect
These Instructions take effect on January 1, 2023.
Ottawa, October 6, 2022
The Hon. Sean Fraser, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
DEPARTMENT OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION
IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE PROTECTION ACT
Ministerial Instructions with respect to the submission of online applications for permanent resident visas and other documents
These Instructions are published in the Canada Gazette, in accordance with subsection 87.3(6) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act).
These Instructions are given, pursuant to section 87.3, by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration as, in the opinion of the Minister, these Instructions will best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada.
These Instructions are consistent with the objectives of the Act, as set out in section 3.
Instructions are directed to officers who are charged with handling and/or reviewing certain applications for permanent resident visas, applications for permanent resident status, and sponsorship applications by establishing conditions that must be met before the processing of an application.
Considerations
Recognizing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s commitment to reducing inventories and processing times, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that doing so requires measures that increase processing capacity and allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to receive and redistribute applications where processing capacity exists;
Noting that Canada’s immigration objectives, as set out in section 3 of the Act, include the establishment of fair and efficient procedures to maintain the integrity of the Canadian immigration system.
Scope
These Instructions apply to applications for permanent resident visas, applications for permanent resident status, and sponsorship applications made under the following immigration streams and submitted on or after the coming into force dates listed in these Instructions:
- Permit Holder Class, referred to in sections 64 and 65 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations);
- Québec Skilled Worker Class, referred to in section 86 of the Regulations;
- Provincial Nominee Class, referred to in section 87 of the Regulations, excluding applicants referred to in section 10.1 of the Act;
- Atlantic Immigration Class, referred to in section 87.3 of the Regulations;
- Québec Investor Class, referred to in section 90 of the Regulations;
- Québec Entrepreneur Class, referred to in section 97 of the Regulations;
- Start-Up Business Class, referred to in section 98.01 of the Regulations;
- Self-Employed Persons Class and Quebec Self-Employed Persons Class, referred to in sections 100 and 101 of the Regulations, respectively;
- Family Class, referred to in sections 116, 117 and 130 of the Regulations, excluding those referred to in paragraphs 117(c) and (d), which are governed by the Ministerial Instructions with respect to the processing of applications for a permanent resident visa made by parents or grandparents of a sponsor as members of the family class and the processing of sponsorship applications made in relation to those applications;
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class, referred to in sections 123, 124, and 130 of the Regulations;
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on August 17, 2019, under section 14.1 of the Act;
- Home Support Worker Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on June 18, 2019, under section 14.1 of the Act;
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on June 18, 2019, under section 14.1 of the Act; and
- Agri-Food Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on May 15, 2020, under section 14.1 of the Act.
Despite the above, these Instructions do not apply to applications made under the Provincial Nominee Class, Atlantic Immigration Class, or Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot where the foreign national has also submitted an application under the public policy to support the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot authorized under section 25.2 of the Act.
Applications to be submitted by electronic means
These Instructions apply to applications for permanent resident visas, applications for permanent resident status, and sponsorship applications under the immigration streams referred to in these Instructions. All applications submitted by a foreign national, a sponsor, or authorized representative on or after the coming into force of the Instructions must be submitted using electronic means (apply online).
An alternate application format would be provided to foreign nationals, sponsors, and their representatives who are unable to apply online.
Retention and disposition
Applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on or after the coming into force of these Instructions that were not submitted by electronic means will not be accepted and processing fees will be returned, except in the case of foreign nationals, sponsors or authorized representatives who may submit an application by any other means that is made available or specified by the Minister for that purpose in accordance with these Instructions.
Effective dates
These Instructions come into force for the following immigration streams on September 23:
- Québec Skilled Worker Class, referred to in section 86 of the Regulations;
- Provincial Nominee Class, referred to in section 87 of the Regulations excluding applicants referred to in section 10.1 of the Act;
- Family Class, referred to in sections 116, 117, and 130 of the Regulations, other than those referred to in paragraphs 117(c) and (d);
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class, referred to in sections 123, 124, and 130 of the Regulations; and
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on August 17, 2019, under section 14.1 of the Act.
These Instructions come into force for the following immigration streams on October 7, 2022:
- Québec Investor Class, referred to in section 90 of the Regulations;
- Québec Entrepreneur Class, referred to in section 97 of the Regulations; and
- Québec Self-Employed Persons Class, referred to in section 101 of the Regulations.
These Instructions come into force for the following immigration streams on October 14, 2022:
- Agri-Food Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on May 15, 2020, under section 14.1 of the Act;
- Start-Up Business Class, referred to in section 98.01 of the Regulations; and
- Permit Holder Class, referred to in sections 64 and 65 of the Regulations.
These Instructions come into force for the following immigration streams on October 21, 2022:
- Home Support Worker Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on June 18, 2019, under section 14.1 of the Act;
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot, first authorized through Ministerial Instructions issued on June 18, 2019, under section 14.1 of the Act; and
- Self-Employed Persons Class, referred to in section 100 the Regulations.
These Instructions come into force for the following immigration streams on October 28, 2022:
- Atlantic Immigration Class, referred to in section 87.3 of the Regulations.
Effective period
These Instructions will cease to have effect on December 31, 2023.
Ottawa, September 23, 2022
The Hon. Sean Fraser, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
MIGRATORY BIRDS CONVENTION ACT, 1994
Public consultation on proposed amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 pertaining to the eligibility criteria for damage or danger permits
This notice of intent is to inform Canadians that the Department of the Environment is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.
Currently, damage or danger permits may be issued to a person who owns, leases or manages a parcel of land. The proposed amendments aim to allow the eligibility criteria for these permits to include holders of easements, servitudes, or rights of way.
A consultation document outlining details of the proposed amendments is available on the Government of Canada website.
Interested Canadians are invited to provide written comments on this discussion document during a 30-day comment period, which will end on November 13, 2022.
Please send your comments to the following address: MBRPermits-PermisROM@ec.gc.ca.
Julie Spallin
Director General
Wildlife Management Directorate
Canadian Wildlife Service
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for Xylenes
Pursuant to subsection 55(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of Health hereby gives notice of the final Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for Xylenes. The Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines (RIAQG) are available on Health Canada’s webpage.
October 15, 2022
Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health
ANNEX
Xylene (dimethylbenzene) is an aromatic hydrocarbon with three isomers (p-xylene, m-xylene, and o-xylene) differing in the positions of the two methyl groups around the benzene ring. Xylenes occur naturally in petroleum and coal tar, and, to a small extent, in forest fires. Human activity is responsible for most ambient xylenes, through industrial sources such as petroleum refineries and chemical plants, and combustion of fuels in motor vehicles, including on-road mobile sources such as cars and trucks, as well as off-road mobile sources such as lawn mowers, snowmobiles and heavy construction vehicles.
In Canadian homes, indoor concentrations of xylenes can be at least threefold greater than outdoor concentrations, indicating a predominance of indoor sources. An important source of indoor xylenes is evaporative emissions from items stored in a garage, including cars, gas-powered equipment, and gasoline containers. Some building and renovation products such as caulking, coatings and stains, as well as smoking can also contribute to indoor concentrations of xylenes. Xylenes have been identified internationally in some consumer products, such as air fresheners; however, there is no information on the possible contribution of these products to indoor concentrations of xylenes in Canada.
The short-term (one-hour) exposure limit for xylenes is 7 200 µg/m3 and the long-term exposure limit is 150 µg/m3 (based on a 24-hour average). The exposure limits apply to all three xylene isomers (p-xylene, m-xylene, and o-xylene) in any combination.
In studies conducted by Health Canada in multiple cities during the winter and summer from 2005 to 2014, the median indoor levels of xylenes measured ranged from 2.0 to 11.1 µg/m3. The 95th percentiles ranged from 15.6 to 212.7 µg/m3. Levels of xylenes in Canadian homes are likely below the short-term exposure limit. However, some homes may have levels of xylenes that are above the long-term exposure limit and may pose a health risk. It is therefore recommended to reduce exposure to xylenes by ensuring adequate ventilation and controlling indoor sources.
Health effects
In humans, exposure to xylenes causes eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as nervous system symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. It also impairs performance in tests of memory or reaction times, colour vision, and the central auditory nervous system. In laboratory animals, the most sensitive effect of inhaled xylenes is neurological impairment (deficits in tests of motor coordination, pain sensitivity, spontaneous movement, and learning). At higher concentrations, other effects observed include hearing deficits, body weight decreases, adaptive liver changes, respiratory irritation, lung inflammation, and decreased litter size. There is insufficient data to determine whether xylenes might be carcinogenic, but they are generally not considered mutagenic or genotoxic.
There is insufficient data to identify populations that could be more susceptible to the effects of inhalation of xylenes. There are multiple factors that can contribute to the differences in sensitivity between individuals, including age, body weight, sex, diet and alcohol consumption, exercise, and disease states. In general, children can receive a greater internal dose of many inhaled toxicants than adults do at the same exposure concentration; however, no xylene-specific information is available on internal dose for different age groups.
Risk management recommendations
Strategies to reduce indoor exposure to xylenes include the following: improving ventilation and controlling indoor sources; and increasing natural ventilation by opening windows (taking into consideration ambient air quality) or by employing mechanical ventilation strategies (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, installation of an exhaust fan in an attached garage). To prevent emissions of xylenes within the home, it is best to avoid storing gasoline and other chemicals in the home or garage, and to seal containers well if stored. The interface between an attached garage and the home should be properly sealed, and cars, snowblowers, lawn mowers, or any gas-powered equipment should not be left idling in the attached garage. In addition, it is best to avoid smoking indoors, to choose low-emission products when possible and to limit the use of scented products and air fresheners.
About the guidelines
Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines (RIAQG) summarize the known health effects, pollutant sources, and exposure levels in Canadian homes and characterize the risks to health, based on the best scientific data available. Exposure limits (also referred to as guideline values) for short- and/or long-term exposure to the pollutant are developed, representing indoor air concentrations below which health effects are unlikely to occur. Short- and long-term reference concentrations (RfC) are based on the characterization of the concentration-response relationship and the application of uncertainty factors to account for variability and data gaps. The exposure limits take into account the RfC for the pollutant and the feasibility of achieving such levels through control of indoor sources. The RIAQG serve as a scientific basis for activities such as assessment of health risks by public health officials; performance standards that may be applied to pollutant emitting materials, products, and devices; and communication products informing Canadians of actions they can take to reduce exposure and protect their health.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Bank of Canada | |
| Director | Business Development Bank of Canada | |
| Chairperson | Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal | |
| Director | Canada Council for the Arts | |
| Director | Canada Development Investment Corporation | |
| Director | Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology | |
| Chairperson | Canada Lands Company Limited | |
| President | Canada Lands Company Limited | |
| Director | Canada Post Corporation | |
| Director | Canada Revenue Agency | |
| Member | Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Air Transport Security Authority | |
| Chief Executive Officer | Canadian Air Transport Security Authority | |
| Director | Canadian Commercial Corporation | |
| Member | Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board | |
| Director | Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation | |
| Chairperson | Canadian High Arctic Research Station | |
| Member | Canadian High Arctic Research Station | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Canadian High Arctic Research Station | |
| Chief Commissioner | Canadian Human Rights Commission | |
| Member | Canadian Human Rights Tribunal | |
| Secretary | Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat | |
| Trustee | Canadian Museum for Human Rights | |
| Director | Canadian Museum of History | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Museum of Nature | |
| Chairperson | Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission | |
| Member | Canadian Statistics Advisory Council | |
| Member | Canadian Transportation Agency | |
| Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia | Department of Canadian Heritage | |
| Chairperson | Export Development Canada | |
| Director | Export Development Canada | |
| President | Farm Credit Canada | |
| Director | First Nations Financial Management Board | |
| Member | Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada | |
| Commissioner | International Commission on the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas | |
| President | International Development Research Centre | |
| Director | Invest in Canada Hub | |
| Commissioner | Law Commission of Canada | |
| President | Law Commission of Canada | |
| Chairperson | National Arts Centre Corporation | |
| Chairperson | National Capital Commission | |
| Member | National Capital Commission | |
| Member | National Farm Products Council | |
| Vice-Chairperson | National Farm Products Council | |
| Government Film Commissioner | National Film Board | |
| Trustee | National Museum of Science and Technology | |
| Member | Net-Zero Advisory Body | |
| Canadian Representative | North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization | |
| Canadian Representative | North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission | |
| Member | Pacific Pilotage Authority | |
| Member | Parole Board of Canada | |
| Chairperson | Patented Medicine Prices Review Board | |
| Member | Payments in Lieu of Taxes Dispute Advisory Panel | |
| Commissioner | Public Service Commission | |
| Chairperson | Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board | |
| Member | Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board | |
| Vice-Chairperson | Royal Canadian Mounted Police Management Advisory Board | |
| Deputy Registrar | Supreme Court of Canada | |
| Executive Director | Telefilm Canada |