Saskatchewan Uranium Mines Exclusion Update

Summary#

This is a proposed amendment to the Regulations Amending the Saskatchewan Uranium Mines and Mills Exclusion Regulations under the Canada Labour Code, published April 27, 2024. It would clarify which provincial laws apply and who counts as an employer or leaseholder for work at uranium mines and mills in Saskatchewan.

What it does#

• Changes the definition of “employment” to include the holder of a surface lease to mine or process uranium-bearing material granted under The Provincial Lands Act, 2016 or The Forest Resources Management Act.
• Updates the list of Saskatchewan laws and regulations that apply to work “on or in connection with a uranium mine or mill,” including:
  • The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act, 1999 and its regulations.
  • The Electrical Code Regulations.
  • The Saskatchewan Employment Act (with exceptions) and several regulations made under it, including:
    • The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (with some exceptions).
    • The Radiation Health and Safety Regulations, 2005.
    • The Mines Regulations, 2018.
  • The Passenger and Freight Elevator Regulations, 2017.
• Repeals section 4 of the current regulations.
• The proposal is open for public comment for 30 days after publication. Representations are to be sent to Marie‑France Sanschagrin at Employment and Social Development Canada (contact details are in the notice).
• The amendments would come into force on the day they are published in Canada Gazette, Part II if approved.

Who's affected#

• Employers and companies operating uranium mines and mills in Saskatchewan — especially those holding surface leases under the provincial lands or forest acts.
• Workers at those mines and mills, because the list of applicable safety and technical rules is being clarified.
• Provincial regulators and contractors who provide services regulated by the named provincial laws (boiler/pressure vessel firms, electricians, elevator maintenance companies).
• If unclear: the notice doesn’t list specific companies or quantify how many workplaces will be affected.

Why it matters#

• The changes clarify which provincial safety and technical rules apply to uranium mining and milling work. That can change which standards employers must follow and who is responsible for certain safety requirements.
• For workers, clearer rules can affect health and safety protections on site. For employers, the changes can affect compliance and inspection expectations.
• This is a proposed rule, not final law. Interested people and groups have 30 days to comment before a final decision.
• Note: the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement in the notice appears to refer to a different file — the New Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Regulations — which looks like a clerical mismatch in the published document.