Nunavut Mining Deadline Extensions and CEPA Notices

Summary#

This Canada Gazette issue (published August 15, 2020) collects several government notices. Key items include an emergency order that extends some Nunavut mining deadlines because of COVID‑19; draft and final chemical safety assessments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA); a Health Canada notice of intent to make new rules for supervised consumption sites; and a listing of federal appointment opportunities.

What it does#

• Order Extending Certain Time Limits Established by the Nunavut Mining Regulations (COVID-19)

  • Temporarily extends several claim and lease deadlines under the Nunavut Mining Regulations for events that fall between March 13, 2020 and October 29, 2020.
  • Extensions affect application-for-lease timing, annual rent due dates, notices of overdue rent, and certain lease cancellation steps.
  • The Order is treated as having come into force on March 13, 2020 and references October 30, 2020 as a fallback date for some extensions.

• Chemicals and environmental health notices under Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada

  • Draft screening assessment for the Aromatic Amines Group (8 substances): proposes that dimethylaniline meets CEPA health criteria and could be added to Schedule 1. The other seven substances in the group are proposed for no further action for now. A risk-management scope for dimethylaniline was released.
  • Draft screening assessment for the Silver and its Compounds Group (7 substances): proposes no further action now, but follow-up monitoring is being considered.
  • Final screening decision for the Poly(amines) Group (9 substances): concludes these substances do not meet CEPA danger criteria and no further action will be taken.
  • For draft assessments, the notice opens a 60‑day public comment period.

• Health policy notice from Health Canada

  • Announces intent to develop new regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) to better define and regulate supervised consumption sites (SCSs) and related services.
  • Seeks input on the effects of SCSs, regulatory barriers, and which services (e.g., drug checking, peer assistance, medication‑assisted treatment) should be covered.
  • Begins a 60‑day consultation that ends October 7, 2020.

• Privy Council Office appointment notice

  • Public call for candidates for many Governor-in-Council positions across federal boards and agencies. Emphasizes diversity and respectful workplaces.

Who's affected#

• People holding mineral claims or leases and companies active in mining in Nunavut. They may get extra time to file applications or pay rents because of COVID‑19 delays.
• Chemical manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and users connected with the groups assessed: the Aromatic Amines Group, Silver and its Compounds Group, and Poly(amines) Group. This includes firms in adhesives, paints, automotive, textiles, hair products, and others that reported using these substances.
• Communities near industrial facilities that release chemicals, and consumers of products that can contain the assessed substances (for example, certain markers, hair dyes, or automotive products).
• Operators and applicants of supervised consumption sites, organizations working on harm reduction, and people who use drugs and the communities where SCSs operate. The proposed regulations could change how SCSs are authorized and run.
• Canadians interested in federal public appointments or who want to apply for one of the many listed roles.

Why it matters#

• The Nunavut deadline extensions give claimholders breathing room if COVID‑19 disrupted inspections, filings, or payments. That can prevent accidental loss of claim rights or leases.
• The chemical assessments can lead to new risk-management actions. If dimethylaniline is added to Schedule 1, it could trigger regulation or restrictions that affect manufacturers and product makers. The draft assessments and the 60‑day comment windows are opportunities for industry and public input.
• Health Canada’s move to create formal CDSA regulations for supervised consumption sites signals a push to make these services steadier and clearer across Canada. That could make it easier to open and run SCSs, affecting local harm‑reduction capacity and services for people who use drugs.
• The appointment notice is how many federal boards and agencies fill leadership roles. Broad recruitment affects who makes decisions on public services, regulation, and program delivery.