Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 156, Number 10: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

March 5, 2022

BANK OF CANADA

Statement of financial position as at December 31, 2021 (unaudited)

Amounts are in millions of dollars.

Totals

Assets and Liabilities and Equity
Item Amount
Assets 499,365
Liabilities and Equity 499,365

Assets

Cash and foreign deposits
Item Amount
Cash and foreign deposits 7
Loans and receivables
Item Amount
Securities purchased under resale agreements 23,418
Advances to members of Payments Canada n/a
Other receivables 6
Total loans and receivables 23,424
Investments
Item Amount
Government of Canada treasury bills 1,331
Government of Canada bonds — carried at amortized cost 125,158
Government of Canada bonds — carried at fair value through profit and loss 280,019
Canada Mortgage Bonds 9,510
Other bonds 14,690
Securities lent or sold under repurchase agreements 37,475
Other securities n/a
Shares in the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) 473
Total investments 468,656
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada
Item Amount
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada 6,394
Capital assets
Item Amount
Property and equipment 529
Intangible assets 112
Right-of-use leased assets 45
Total capital assets 686
Other assets
Item Amount
Other assets 198

Liabilities and Equity

Bank notes in circulation
Item Amount
Bank notes in circulation 115,155
Deposits
Item Amount
Government of Canada 70,089
Members of Payments Canada 267,394
Other deposits 9,551
Total deposits 347,034
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
Item Amount
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 35,560
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada
Item Amount
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada n/a
Other liabilities
Item Amount
Other liabilities 1,008
Total liabilities
Item Amount
Total liabilities 498,757
Equity
Item Amount
Share capital 5
Statutory and special reserves 125
Investment revaluation reserve 435
Actuarial gains reserve 43
Total equity 608

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

Ottawa, February 24, 2022

Coralia Bulhoes
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, February 24, 2022

Tiff Macklem
Governor

BANK OF CANADA

Statement of financial position as at January 31, 2022 (unaudited)

Amounts are in millions of dollars.

Totals

Assets and Liabilities and Equity
Item Amount
Assets 502,945
Liabilities and Equity 502,945

Assets

Cash and foreign deposits
Item Amount
Cash and foreign deposits 6
Loans and receivables
Item Amount
Securities purchased under resale agreements 23,415
Advances to members of Payments Canada n/a
Other receivables 4
Total loans and receivables 23,419
Investments
Item Amount
Government of Canada treasury bills 974
Government of Canada bonds — carried at amortized cost 125,748
Government of Canada bonds — carried at fair value through profit and loss 274,567
Canada Mortgage Bonds 9,518
Other bonds 15,217
Securities lent or sold under repurchase agreements 39,865
Other securities n/a
Shares in the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) 476
Total investments 466,365
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada
Item Amount
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada 12,266
Capital assets
Item Amount
Property and equipment 526
Intangible assets 112
Right-of-use leased assets 49
Total capital assets 687
Other assets
Item Amount
Other assets 202

Liabilities and Equity

Bank notes in circulation
Item Amount
Bank notes in circulation 111,911
Deposits
Item Amount
Government of Canada 78,244
Members of Payments Canada 261,129
Other deposits 11,093
Total deposits 350,466
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
Item Amount
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 38,737
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada
Item Amount
Derivatives — Indemnity agreements with the Government of Canada n/a
Other liabilities
Item Amount
Other liabilities 1,219
Total liabilities
Item Amount
Total liabilities 502,333
Equity
Item Amount
Share capital 5
Statutory and special reserves 125
Investment revaluation reserve 439
Actuarial gains reserve 43
Total equity 612

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

Ottawa, February 17, 2022

Coralia Bulhoes
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, February 17, 2022

Tiff Macklem
Governor

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Publication after screening assessment of four substances of the Alkyl Halides Group specified on the Domestic Substances List (paragraphs 68(b) and (c) or subsection 77(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)

Whereas bromoethane and chloroethane are substances identified under subsection 73(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;

Whereas a summary of the draft screening assessment conducted on 1-bromopropane and trans-1,2-dichloroethene pursuant to paragraphs 68(b) and (c) of the Act and on bromoethane and chloroethane pursuant to section 74 of the Act is annexed hereby;

And whereas it is proposed to conclude that 1-bromopropane meets one or more 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 recommend to Her Excellency the Governor in Council that 1-bromopropane be added to Schedule 1 of the Act;

Notice is furthermore given that the ministers have released a risk management scope document for 1-bromopropane to initiate discussions with stakeholders on the development of risk management options.

And whereas it is proposed to conclude that bromoethane, chloroethane and trans-1,2-dichloroethene do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,

Notice therefore is hereby given that the ministers propose to take no further action at this time under section 77 of the Act for bromoethane and chloroethane, which were identified under subsection 73(1) of the Act.

Notice is further given that the ministers propose to take no further action on trans-1,2-dichloroethene at this time.

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 measure the ministers propose to take and on the scientific considerations on the basis of which the measure is proposed. 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 addressed to the Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division, Department of the Environment, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3, by email to substances@ec.gc.ca or by using the online reporting system available through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window.

In accordance with section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person who provides information in response to this notice may submit with the information a request that it be treated as confidential.

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

Cécile Siewe
Director General
Industrial Sectors and Chemicals Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

Summary of the draft screening assessment of the Alkyl Halides Group

Pursuant to section 68 or 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 collectively under the Chemicals Management Plan as the Alkyl Halides Group. The Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS RN footnote 1), the Domestic Substances List (DSL) names and the common names of these substances are listed in the table below.

Substances in the Alkyl Halides Group
CAS RN DSL name Common name
74-96-4 Ethane, bromo- Bromoethane
75-00-3 Ethane, chloro- Chloroethane
106-94-5 table 29 note a Propane, 1-bromo- 1-bromopropane
156-60-5 table 29 note b Ethene, 1,2-dichloro-, (E)- trans-1,2-Dichloroethene

Table 29 note(s)

Table 29 note a

This substance was not identified under subsection 73(1) of CEPA but was included in this assessment as it was considered a priority on the basis of other human health concerns.

Return to table 29 note a referrer

Table 29 note b

This substance was not identified under subsection 73(1) of CEPA but was included in this assessment as it was determined to be a priority as a result of the identification of risk assessment priorities (IRAP).

Return to table 29 note b referrer

All of the substances in the Alkyl Halides Group are synthesized commercially. In addition, bromoethane and 1-bromopropane are naturally occurring. According to the information submitted in response to a survey under section 71 of CEPA, 1 000 kg to 10 000 kg of 1-bromopropane was reported to be manufactured in Canada in 2008. No manufacturing activity was reported for the other substances. Bromoethane, chloroethane and 1-bromopropane were reported to be imported in Canada in total quantities up to 1 000 000 kg in 2008, and trans-1,2-dichloroethene in a quantity of 382 744 kg in 2011. Three of the four substances in the Alkyl Halides Group, chloroethane, 1-bromopropane, and trans-1,2-dichloroethene, may be found in a number of products available to consumers, including liquid or aerosol cleaners or degreasers, aerosol starting fluids (engine starting aid), air conditioning refrigerant flush, silicone mold release spray, and spray foam insulation.

The ecological risks of the substances in the Alkyl Halides Group were characterized using the ecological risk classification of organic substances (ERC), which is a risk-based approach that employs multiple metrics for both hazard and exposure, with weighted consideration of multiple lines of evidence for determining risk classification. Hazard profiles are based principally on metrics regarding mode of toxic action, chemical reactivity, food web–derived internal toxicity thresholds, bioavailability, and chemical and biological activity. Metrics considered in the exposure profiles include potential emission rate, overall persistence, and long-range transport potential. A risk matrix is used to assign a low, moderate, or high level of potential concern for substances on the basis of their hazard and exposure profiles. Based on the outcome of the ERC analysis, substances in the Alkyl Halides Group are considered unlikely to be causing ecological harm.

Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this draft screening assessment, there is a low risk of harm to the environment from the four substances in the Alkyl Halides Group. It is proposed to conclude that bromoethane, chloroethane, 1-bromopropane and trans-1,2-dichloroethene 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 constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.

The risk to human health from the substances of the Alkyl Halides Group was characterized on the basis of available health effects and exposure information. Assessments from the World Health Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, as well as the United States Environmental Protection Agency were used to inform the health effects characterization in this screening assessment.

The general population of Canada may be exposed to bromoethane primarily from indoor and ambient air. Bromoethane is not anticipated to be found in products available to consumers. For bromoethane, critical effects were considered to be olfactory epithelium respiratory metaplasia of the nasal cavity and cancer. Based on the anticipated incremental lifetime cancer risk from exposure through air, cancer is not anticipated to present a health risk of concern. Margins between estimates of exposure and the critical effects observed in animal studies are considered to be adequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases for the non-cancer endpoint.

The general population of Canada may be exposed to chloroethane primarily from indoor and ambient air, and from the use of starting fluid spray. For chloroethane, critical effects were determined to be developmental toxicity and cancer. Based on the anticipated incremental lifetime cancer risk from exposure through air, cancer is not anticipated to present a health risk of concern. Margins between estimates of exposure and the critical effects observed in animal studies are considered to be adequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases for the non-cancer endpoint.

The general population of Canada may be exposed to 1-bromopropane primarily from indoor air and from the use of silicone mold release spray, electronic cleaner spray, and automotive air conditioning (A/C) flush, with the primary route of exposure being inhalation. For 1-bromopropane, critical effects were determined to be cancer, developmental toxicity, and neurotoxicity. Based on the anticipated incremental lifetime cancer risk from exposure through air, cancer is not anticipated to present a health risk of concern. Margins between estimates of exposure and the critical effects observed in animal studies are considered to be potentially inadequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases for the non-cancer endpoint. Specifically, the margins between the estimate of exposure and the developmental endpoints from the use of silicone mold release spray, electronic cleaner spray, and automotive A/C flush are anticipated to present a health risk.

The general population of Canada may be exposed to trans-1,2-dichloroethene primarily from indoor and ambient air, and from the use of textile spot cleaners. For trans-1,2-dichlorothene, immunotoxicity was considered to be the critical effect for chronic exposure, and developmental effects were considered to be the critical effect for acute exposures. Margins between estimates of exposure and critical effects observed in animal studies are considered to be adequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases for non-cancer endpoints.

On the basis of the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that bromoethane, chloroethane and trans-1,2-dichloroethene 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.

On the basis of the information presented in this draft screening assessment, it is proposed to conclude that 1-bromopropane meets the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA, as it is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.

Proposed overall conclusion

It is therefore proposed to conclude that 1-bromopropane meets one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA, and that bromoethane, chloroethane and trans-1,2-dichloroethene do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA.

It is also proposed to conclude that 1-bromopropane meets the persistence criteria but not the bioaccumulation criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA.

Consideration for follow-up

Although a risk to human health or the environment has not been identified at current levels of exposure, there may be a concern if exposure to bromoethane and chloroethane were to increase. As a result, these substances may be considered in future initiatives to track their commercial status or identify new uses.

The draft screening assessment and the risk management scope document for these substances are available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality for bromoxynil

Pursuant to subsection 55(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Minister of Health hereby gives notice of the final guidelines for Canadian drinking water quality for bromoxynil. The technical document for these guidelines is available on the Water Quality website. This document underwent a public consultation period of 60 days in 2020 and was updated taking into consideration the comments received.

March 4, 2022

Greg Carreau
Director General
Safe Environments Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of Health

ANNEX

The maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for bromoxynil in drinking water is 0.03 mg/L (30 µg/L).

This guideline technical document was prepared in collaboration with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water and is based on assessments of bromoxynil completed by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency and supporting documents.

Bromoxynil is a registered herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds in food and feed crops. In 2018 (the most recent year for which data are available), more than one million kilograms of bromoxynil were sold in Canada. Bromoxynil may be released into the environment as surface run-off, through spray drift or while adsorbed to dust particles.

Canadian data indicate that bromoxynil is not commonly found in source or drinking water but may be found at low levels in source and drinking water in agricultural areas where it is applied. Bromoxynil is rarely detected in foods.

Animal studies indicate that bromoxynil primarily targets the liver. At higher doses, bromoxynil has been found to cause developmental effects (skeletal effects, decreased pup weight) but no reproductive effects. There are no human studies on the effects of bromoxynil on the liver. The MAC of 0.03 mg/L (30 µg/L) is based on an increase in clinical signs (i.e. effects founded on actual observation as distinguished from theoretical or experimental effects: panting, salivation, liquid feces, pale gums) and liver weight, as well as decreases in body weight and body weight gain observed in a one-year dog study.

Analytical and treatment considerations

The establishment of drinking water guidelines takes into consideration the ability to both measure the contaminant and remove it from drinking water supplies. Several analytical methods are available for measuring bromoxynil in water at concentrations well below the MAC.

At the municipal level, there is limited information on the efficiency of treatment technologies to remove bromoxynil from drinking water. Oxidation, advanced oxidation processes and biofiltration achieved a wide range of removals. Activated carbon adsorption and membrane processes are expected to be effective. Although bromoxynil may be removed using oxidation, utilities should be aware of the potential formation of degradation by-products. Pilot- and/or bench-scale testing are recommended prior to full-scale implementation.

For bromoxynil removal at a small system or household level, for example, when the drinking water supply is from a private well, a residential drinking water treatment unit may be an option. Although there are no treatment units currently certified for the removal of bromoxynil from drinking water, technologies that are expected to be effective include adsorption (activated carbon) and reverse osmosis. When using such a treatment unit, it is important to send samples of water entering and leaving the treatment unit to an accredited laboratory for analysis to ensure that adequate bromoxynil removal is occurring.

Application of the guideline

Note: Specific guidance related to the implementation of drinking water guidelines should be obtained from the appropriate drinking water authority.

The guideline for bromoxynil is protective against health effects from exposure to bromoxynil in drinking water over a lifetime. Any exceedance of the MAC should be investigated and followed by the appropriate corrective actions, if required. For exceedances in source water where there is no treatment in place, additional monitoring to confirm the exceedance should be conducted. If it is confirmed that source water bromoxynil concentrations are above the MAC, then an investigation to determine the most appropriate way to reduce exposure to bromoxynil should be conducted. This may include use of an alternate water supply or installation of a treatment system. Where treatment is already in place and an exceedance occurs, an investigation should be conducted to verify treatment and determine if adjustments are needed to lower the treated water concentration below the MAC.

INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA

RADIOCOMMUNICATION ACT

Notice No. SMSE-005-22 — Consultation on the Technical and Policy Framework for the Frequency Bands Above 95 GHz

The intent of this notice is to announce Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) initiation of a public consultation on a policy and technical framework for operations in the 95 to 275 GHz range (also known as above 95 GHz) through the release of the document entitled Consultation on the Technical and Policy Framework for the Frequency Bands Above 95 GHz.

General information

Through the release of its consultation paper, ISED is initiating a consultation on a technical and policy framework for more than 21 GHz of spectrum for licence-exempt use in the 116-122.25 GHz, 122.25-123 GHz, 174.8-182 GHz, 185-190 GHz and 244-246 GHz bands. Comments are sought on general policy and technical considerations related to the introduction of licence-exempt operations and on potential bands above 95 GHz for licensed backhaul applications.

Submitting comments

To ensure consideration, parties should submit their comments no later than April 29, 2022. Respondents are asked to provide their comments in electronic format (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF) by email to the following email address: consultationradiostandards-consultationnormesradio@ised-isde.gc.ca. Respondents are asked to specify question numbers for ease of referencing. Soon after the close of the comment period, all comments received will be posted on the ISED Spectrum management and telecommunications website. ISED will review and consider all comments in order to arrive at its decisions regarding the above-mentioned consultation.

ISED will also provide interested parties with the opportunity to reply to comments from other parties. Reply comments will be accepted until June 3, 2022.

All submissions should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, the publication date, the title and the notice reference number (SMSE-005-22).

Obtaining copies

Copies of this notice and of documents referred to herein are available electronically on the ISED Spectrum management and telecommunications website.

Official versions of notices can be viewed on the Canada Gazette website.

February 24, 2022

Martin Proulx
Director General
Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

INSURANCE COMPANIES ACT

Co-operators General Insurance Company — Letters patent of amalgamation and order to commence and carry on business

Notice is hereby given of the issuance,

March 5, 2022

Peter Routledge
Superintendent of Financial Institutions

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.

Governor in Council appointment opportunities
Position Organization Closing date
Director Bank of Canada  
Director Canada Development Investment Corporation  
Director Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology  
Chairperson Canada Lands Company Limited  
Chief Executive Officer Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse  
Member Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board  
Chief Executive Officer Canadian Dairy Commission  
Chairperson Canadian High Arctic Research Station  
Member Canadian High Arctic Research Station  
Vice-Chairperson Canadian High Arctic Research Station  
Deputy Chief Commissioner Canadian Human Rights Commission  
Member Canadian Human Rights Commission  
Director Canadian Museum of History  
Director Canadian Museum of Nature  
Member Canadian Museum of Nature  
Chairperson International Development Research Centre  
Chairperson Invest in Canada Hub  
Chief Executive Officer Invest in Canada Hub  
Director Invest in Canada Hub  
Commissioner Law Commission of Canada  
President Law Commission of Canada  
Trustee National Museum of Science and Technology  
Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime  
Privacy Commissioner Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada  
Chairperson Patented Medicine Prices Review Board  
Director (Federal) Québec Port Authority  
Director Royal Canadian Mint March 18, 2022
Director Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority