Migratory Birds, CITES, Radio Standards, Appointments

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice collects several government updates. It announces an intended update to the Migratory Birds Regulations (hunting seasons and limits for the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons), proposed changes to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations to reflect outcomes of CITES CoP18, new radio equipment standards from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and a call for applications to a number of federal appointments from the Privy Council Office.

What it does#

• Environment and Climate Change Canada intends to propose amendments to Schedule I of the Migratory Birds Regulations to:
  • change hunting season dates;
  • set daily bag limits and possession limits for some migratory game birds for the 2020–21 and 2021–22 hunting seasons;
  • make related administrative changes.
  • The department is seeking comments on the proposals by February 16, 2020 and expects final amendments to appear in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late spring 2020.
• The Minister also intends to recommend changes to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations to align Canada’s rules with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) decisions made at CoP18. The CoP18 package includes 46 amendments affecting many families, genera and species across Appendices I, II and III (additions, deletions, transfers, annotations and some new trade restrictions). The notice says final changes are expected in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late spring 2020.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada published:
  • Radio Standards Specification RSS-310, issue 5 (licence-exempt Category II radio equipment);
  • Radio Standards Specification RSS-210, issue 10 (licence-exempt Category I radio equipment).
  • These standards set technical and certification rules for various licence-exempt radio devices and come into force when posted on the department’s website.
• The Privy Council Office listed current Governor-in-Council appointment opportunities and encouraged applications for several posts, including positions at the Canadian Radiotelevision and Telecommunications Commission, Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, Marine Atlantic Inc., the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, and the Parole Board of Canada. Some listings show a closing date of January 29, 2020.

Who's affected#

• Hunters and people who follow or manage migratory game birds — changes to seasons and bag/possession limits could affect when and how much they can hunt.
• Provincial and territorial wildlife managers and conservation groups involved in migratory bird management and consultations.
• Businesses and organizations that import, export, breed, display or trade animals and plants covered by CITES — zoos, private collectors, traders, breeders, and exporters/importers may face new or changed permit requirements.
• Manufacturers, sellers, testers and users of licence-exempt radio devices (e.g., some short-range transmitters, IoT devices) who must meet the new RSS-310 and RSS-210 technical rules.
• Canadians interested in federal appointments or who want to apply for listed positions.

Why it matters#

• The migratory bird changes aim to keep hunting sustainable by matching rules to population status. That affects recreational hunting, Indigenous and community practices, and wildlife conservation outcomes.
• Updating the trade rules to reflect CITES decisions can add or remove permit requirements for many species. That affects legal trade, conservation protections, and people or businesses that move wildlife or wildlife products across borders.
• New radio standards affect the design, certification and sale of many wireless devices. They can change what products are allowed, how they are tested, and whether current devices remain compliant.
• The appointment notices matter for governance: they shape who leads key boards and agencies that affect services, regulation and public policy.