Migratory Bird Hunting Rules; Substituted Phenols

Summary#

This Canada Gazette notice from the Department of the Environment covers two main items. It announces proposed changes to the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022 that would set hunting dates and limits for upcoming seasons, and it publishes a draft assessment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 of 15 substituted phenol substances that proposes action on 4 of them and no further action on the other 11.

What it does#

• Migratory bird hunting rules

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada is proposing amendments to Schedule 3 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022.
  • The changes would revise hunting season dates and set daily bag and possession limits for some migratory game birds for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 hunting seasons.
  • The department is also seeking feedback on possibly creating a Sandhill Crane season in Ontario and Quebec, with the earliest start in 2026–2027.
  • Documents supporting the proposals are being shared as part of the regular review process. Comments are requested by February 12, 2024.

• Chemical assessment under CEPA

  • The Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health released a draft assessment of 15 substances called the Substituted Phenols Group.
  • The assessment proposes that the substances with CAS RNs 118-82-1 and 61788-44-1 be added to Part 1 of Schedule 1, and CAS RNs 128-37-0 and 36443-68-2 be added to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA.
  • A risk management scope document for those 4 substances has been released to start discussions with stakeholders.
  • It proposes no further action now for the other 11 substances, though follow-up tracking is being considered for CAS RNs 96-69-5 and 98-54-4.
  • The public may comment on the draft assessment within 60 days of publication (January 13, 2024).

Who's affected#

• Hunters and wildlife managers

  • Waterfowl and other migratory game bird hunters in Canada may see different season dates and bag/possession limits.
  • Provincial and territorial wildlife authorities, and conservation groups and other stakeholders involved in hunting policy, are directly involved in the review.

• Industry and product users

  • Companies that import, manufacture, or use the substituted phenols could be affected. The draft lists uses in:
    • lubricant and fuel additives,
    • plastic and rubber additives,
    • paints and coatings,
    • personal care products,
    • food packaging materials,
    • adhesives, sealants, fabrics and textiles.
  • Businesses that make or use the specific CAS-numbered substances named for action should pay attention to the proposed additions to Schedule 1 and the released risk-management scoping.

• General public

  • Consumers may be indirectly affected if products change (for example, formulations in cosmetics, lubricants, or coatings) or if new rules limit certain chemical uses.
  • The notices do not identify particular Indigenous groups or communities as affected; the source refers to provinces, territories and “other stakeholders.”

Why it matters#

• For hunters and conservation

  • Changing season dates and bag limits can change when and how much people can hunt certain birds. These rules aim to keep bird populations at sustainable levels.

• For health, environment and business

  • If the government adds the named substances to Schedule 1 under CEPA, that can lead to legally enforceable risk-management actions later. That could mean restrictions, reporting requirements, or other controls on how those substances are used or sold.
  • Even where no immediate action is proposed, the assessment identifies environmental and health concerns for some substances. Companies and users may face future tracking or regulatory steps if use or exposure increases.

• Next steps

  • The notices invite public and stakeholder comments by the deadlines noted above. The final decisions will depend on feedback and further analysis.