Consultation on Elephant Ivory Trade Controls

Summary#

This issue of the Canada Gazette contains three government notices. It invites public comment on possible new trade controls for elephant ivory, announces petitions to the Governor in Council about two Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission decisions, and lists many open Governor in Council appointment opportunities.

What it does#

• Department of the Environment is asking Canadians for feedback on a range of possible new rules to restrict the international trade (import, export and re‑export) of elephant ivory. Details are on the government website and comments were requested by September 22, 2021. The notice says any proposed regulatory amendments could be published in spring of 2022 for further comment. It refers to trade rules under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA) and the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations (WAPTR).

• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (on behalf of the Governor in Council) says petitions were received under the Telecommunications Act asking the Governor in Council to review or change two CRTC decisions: Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2021-130 (mobile wireless services) and Telecom Decision CRTC 2021-181 (wholesale high‑speed access rates). The public could submit comments by September 22, 2021, and submissions are to be posted on the department’s telecommunications website.

• Privy Council Office is calling for applications for many Governor in Council appointments across federal boards and agencies. Examples of organizations with vacancies include Canada Council for the Arts, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canadian Human Rights Commission, National Gallery of Canada, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Each posting is open for at least two weeks from its listing on the appointments website.

Who's affected#

• The ivory consultation will mainly affect people and organizations that buy, sell, display or move ivory items: antique dealers, auction houses, collectors, museums, importers/exporters, travellers, and wildlife conservation groups. It could also matter to Indigenous artisans if their work involves historic ivory — the notice does not detail exemptions.

• The telecom petitions matter to telecom companies, internet service providers (large and small), telecom industry lawyers and consultants, consumer and competition advocates, and mobile and broadband customers who use those services.

• The appointment notices are relevant to Canadians interested in public service leadership roles, experts who want board or tribunal positions, and communities seeking representation (including Indigenous peoples and minority groups).

Why it matters#

• Changes to ivory trade rules could make it harder to import or export ivory items in Canada. That would aim to reduce illegal ivory trade and help protect elephant populations, while also affecting antiques markets, museums and owners of ivory objects.

• Decisions about the CRTC rulings could affect how mobile and wholesale internet services are priced and regulated. That can influence competition among providers and, ultimately, prices and service options for consumers.

• Governor in Council appointments shape who oversees public programs and agencies. The selection process affects how well those bodies reflect Canada’s diversity and expertise, and can change policy directions in cultural, housing, human rights, privacy and other areas.