COVID-19 Time-limit Extensions and Chemical Assessments

Summary#

This Canada Gazette issue collects several government notices from September 2020. Key items include temporary COVID-19 time‑limit extensions for wage protection and certain transport certificates, draft federal assessments of several chemicals (including a proposal to add thallium and its compounds to the toxic substances list), a public consultation on a renewed responsible business conduct strategy, and a long list of federal appointment opportunities.

What it does#

• Under the Time Limits and Other Periods Act (COVID-19), it amends how time windows are read for the Wage Earner Protection Program Act so some insolvencies during the pandemic can use a longer reference period (effectively up to 12 months for some cases). The orders are deemed in force on March 13, 2020.
• Also under that Act, it extends the validities of certain transport safety certificates and certifications by 6 months (or to December 31, 2020, if that comes earlier) for certificates that would have expired between March 13, 2020 and August 31, 2020.
• It temporarily lengthens training validity in some transport rules:
  • a maritime cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course interval from 12 months to 18 months for certain completions; and
  • the aviation “first aid attendant” recency window from “in the last 3 years” to “in the last 3 years and 6 months” for certain training dates.
• Environment and Health ministers published a draft screening assessment that proposes adding thallium and its compounds to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 because of environmental risks. They released a risk‑management scope document and opened a public comment period of 60 days.
• Draft assessments for two Petroleum Coke substances (green and calcined coke) and for TMSS (a surface‑treated silica product) conclude these do not meet CEPA risk criteria and propose no further federal action at this time. Each has a 60‑day comment period.
• Global Affairs Canada is inviting public input to shape a renewed five‑year Responsible Business Conduct strategy for Canadian companies operating abroad.
• The Privy Council Office published a long list of Governor‑in‑Council appointment opportunities and invited applications (each posting is open for at least two weeks from its posting date).

Who's affected#

• Employees of companies that went bankrupt or had receivers between early March 2020 and late 2020 — because the window used to calculate eligible unpaid wages under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act may be larger for some cases.
• Transport and safety workers in aviation, maritime, and rail who hold or need certificates, CPR or first‑aid qualifications — those deadlines and recency rules were temporarily relaxed.
• Companies and facilities that produce, use, or release thallium (for example, certain metal smelters, coal‑fired plants, semiconductor and radiopharmaceutical sectors), because listing on Schedule 1 can lead to future controls.
• Businesses that make or use petroleum coke or TMSS (refineries, aluminum or steel plants, some manufacturers and cosmetic/industrial product makers) — the government proposes no further action now, so existing practices are unlikely to change immediately.
• Civil society, industry, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders interested in responsible business conduct abroad — invited to comment to Global Affairs Canada.
• Canadians interested in public appointments — the Privy Council Office list is a call for applicants.

Why it matters#

• The time‑limit extensions are a practical COVID‑19 accommodation. They reduce pressure on people who lost jobs because of insolvency and on workers unable to renew certificates during lockdowns.
• Extending certificate and training timelines helps keep transport workers legally certified when in‑person training was harder to get during the pandemic.
• A proposed listing of thallium on Schedule 1 signals the federal government thinks it poses an environmental risk in Canada. If added, it could lead to rules or restrictions affecting industries that release or use thallium.
• Finding no federal action needed for petroleum coke and TMSS means those sectors are less likely to face immediate new federal restrictions (but provincial or local measures could still apply).
• The Responsible Business Conduct consultation could change expectations and supports for Canadian companies overseas; stakeholders can influence what the government encourages or requires.
• The appointment notice is a straightforward opportunity for Canadians to apply for dozens of federal board and agency roles.