Aviation COVID-19 Order and Silver Assessment

Summary#

This Canada Gazette issue (Part I, Vol. 156, No. 35) published on August 27, 2022 collects several government notices. Highlights include a conditional permit for a specific chemical under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, a final screening decision finding silver and its common compounds to be of low concern at current levels, and a new aviation interim order with testing, mask and ArriveCAN requirements.

What it does#

• Ministerial Condition No. 21194 (under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999) allows a specific substance called carbopolycycle, acid-treated, oxidized (Confidential Accession Number 19612-0) to be manufactured or imported, but only for use as a precursor to a silver-doped version and only under strict handling, disposal and record-keeping rules. The condition came into force on August 15, 2022.
• Order 2022-87-08-02 Amending the Non-domestic Substances List removes certain chemical identifiers from that list; it comes into force when a related domestic-list order takes effect.
• A final screening assessment for the Silver and its Compounds Group concludes the seven prioritized silver substances do not meet the criteria for regulatory action under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The government says it may track exposures over time.
• The Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 70 sets rules for flights to Canada. Key elements include:
  • verification of ArriveCAN submissions before boarding and record-keeping by carriers;
  • proof of negative or qualifying COVID-19 test results before boarding (molecular tests within 72 hours, antigen tests within 1 day, or older positive molecular tests between 10 and 180 days);
  • mask requirements for passengers, crew and screening areas, with some medical and age exemptions;
  • limits on boarding by foreign nationals except where allowed by quarantine orders;
  • penalties for contraventions up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $25,000 for corporations for many specified breaches.
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada published Notice No. SMSE-011-22 asking for comments on an application from Ligado Networks (Canada) Inc. to use L‑band satellite spectrum for an ancillary terrestrial component. Comments were requested by October 18, 2022 and replies by November 30, 2022.
• The Privy Council Office listed a range of open Governor‑in‑Council appointment opportunities across federal boards and agencies.

Who's affected#

• The company that submitted the chemical notification and any partners who make or import that confidential substance.
• Businesses in the metal mining and base metal smelting and refining sectors and other sites that release silver, plus companies that manufacture or import silver‑containing products.
• Air travellers on flights to Canada, especially those departing from other countries, and the airlines or private operators that run those flights.
• Screening authorities, gate agents, crew members and airport security staff who must follow mask and screening rules.
• Ligado Networks (Canada) Inc., telecom companies, spectrum users and interested stakeholders who may comment on the L‑band application.
• Canadians interested in federal appointments or who may apply for Governor‑in‑Council positions.

If the source is unclear about who exactly will be named as the authorized notifier for the confidential substance, that remains unspecified in the notice.

Why it matters#

• The ministerial condition shows the government can allow a sensitive chemical to be manufactured or imported, but under tight limits to prevent environmental release. That matters to local communities near manufacturing sites and to companies handling hazardous wastes.
• The silver decision means no immediate federal restrictions are planned for common silver compounds because current evidence indicates low risk; however, regulators will watch for rising exposures that could change that assessment. This affects industries that use or release silver and consumers of silver‑containing products.
• The aviation interim order continues to impose health‑safety steps for travellers and airlines (testing, ArriveCAN checks, mask rules). Non‑compliance can lead to fines and operational disruption. That has daily impact for people planning international travel to Canada.
• The Ligado notice starts a public comment process that could influence how some satellite spectrum is used in Canada. Changes there could affect mobile, satellite and other wireless services.
• The appointments list signals multiple upcoming leadership vacancies across federal agencies. That matters to experts and stakeholders who follow governance of those bodies.