Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 151, Number 21: GOVERNMENT NOTICES
Mai 27, 2017
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for Cobalt
Whereas the Minister of the Environment is issuing the environmental quality guidelines for the purpose of carrying out the Minister's mandate related to preserving the quality of the environment;
Whereas the guidelines relate to the environment pursuant to paragraph 54(2)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;
And whereas the modifications to the existing Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for Cobalt are based on the scientific considerations presented in the screening assessment for cobalt and cobalt-containing substances published on May 27, 2017, which was subject to a 60-day public comment period,
Notice is hereby given that the Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for Cobalt are available from the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website (www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances.html).
Jacqueline Gonçalves
Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999
Publication of final decision after screening assessment of cobalt and cobalt-containing substances, including those specified on the Domestic Substances List (paragraphs 68(b) and 68(c) or subsection 77(6) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999)
Whereas the 50 substances identified in the annex below and included in the cobalt and cobalt-containing substances screening assessment are substances identified under subsection 73(1) of the Act;
Whereas a summary of the screening assessment conducted on cobalt and cobalt-containing substances, pursuant to paragraphs 68(b) and (c) or section 74 of the Act, is annexed hereby;
And whereas it is concluded that cobalt and soluble cobalt compounds meet one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of the Act,
Notice therefore is hereby given that the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health (the ministers) propose to recommend to His Excellency the Governor in Council that cobalt and soluble cobalt compounds be added to Schedule 1 to the Act;
Notice is further given that the ministers are releasing a proposed risk management approach document for these substances to continue discussions with stakeholders on the development of risk management actions.
Public comment period on the proposed risk management approach document
Any person may, within 60 days after publication of the proposed risk management approach document, file with the Minister of the Environment written comments on the proposed risk management approach document. More information regarding the proposed risk management approach may be obtained from the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website (www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances.html). All comments must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice and be sent to the Executive Director, Program Development and Engagement Division, Department of the Environment, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3, by fax to 819-938-5212, or by email to eccc. substances.eccc@canada.ca.
In accordance with section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, any person who provides information in response to this notice may submit with the information a request that it be treated as confidential.
Catherine McKenna
Minister of the Environment
Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
ANNEX
Summary of the screening assessment of cobalt and cobalt-containing substances
Pursuant to section 68 or 74 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have conducted a screening assessment of cobalt and cobalt-containing substances, as part of the Substance Groupings Initiative of the Government of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). Fifty cobalt-containing substances were identified during the categorization of the Domestic Substances List as priorities for action, as they met categorization criteria under subsection 73(1) of CEPA and/or were considered a priority based on other human health concerns.
| CAS RN (see footnote 1) | Domestic Substances List name |
|---|---|
| 71-48-7 | Acetic acid, cobalt(2+) salt |
| 136-52-7 | Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, cobalt(2+) salt |
| 513-79-1 | Carbonic acid, cobalt(2+) salt (1:1) |
| 1307-86-4 | Cobalt hydroxide |
| 1307-96-6 | Cobalt oxide |
| 1317-42-6 | Cobalt sulfide |
| 1560-69-6 | Propanoic acid, cobalt(2+) salt |
| 6700-85-2 | Octanoic acid, cobalt salt |
| 7440-48-4 | Cobalt |
| 7542-09-8 | Carbonic acid, cobalt salt |
| 7646-79-9 | Cobalt chloride |
| 8011-87-8 | C.I. Pigment Green 19 |
| 10124-43-3 | Sulfuric acid, cobalt(2+) salt (1:1) |
| 10141-05-6 | Nitric acid, cobalt(2+) salt |
| 10210-68-1 | Cobalt, di-µ-carbonylhexacarbonyldi-, (Co-Co) |
| 10393-49-4 | Cobalt sulfate |
| 10534-89-1 | Cobalt(3+), hexaammine-, trichloride, (OC-6-11)- |
| 12602-23-2 | Cobalt, bis[carbonato(2-)]hexahydroxypenta- |
| 13455-25-9 | Chromic acid (H2CrO4), cobalt(2+) salt (1:1) |
| 13455-36-2 | Phosphoric acid, cobalt(2+) salt (2:3) |
| 13586-82-8 | Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, cobalt salt |
| 13586-84-0 | Octadecanoic acid, cobalt salt |
| 13782-01-9 | Cobaltate(3-), hexakis(nitrito-N)-, tripotassium, (OC-6-11)- |
| 21041-93-0 | Cobalt hydroxide |
| 27253-31-2 | Neodecanoic acid, cobalt salt |
| 27685-51-4 | Cobaltate(2-), tetrakis(thiocyanato-N)-, mercury(2+) (1:1), (T-4)- |
| 38582-17-1 | Cyclohexanebutanoic acid, cobalt(2+) salt |
| 61789-51-3 | Naphthenic acids, cobalt salts |
| 65997-18-4 | Frits, chemicals |
| 67711-89-1 | Calcines, copper roasting |
| 68186-89-0 | C.I. Pigment Black 25 |
| 68187-11-1 | C.I. Pigment Blue 36 |
| 68457-13-6 | Cobalt, borate neodecanoate complexes |
| 68608-93-5 | C.I. Pigment Violet 48 |
| 68610-13-9 | C.I. Pigment Violet 47 |
| 68988-10-3 | Zirconium, dipropylene glycol iso-Bu alc. neodecanoate propionate cobalt complexes |
| 69012-71-1 | Leach residues, zinc ore-calcine, cobalt repulp |
| 69012-72-2 | Leach residues, zinc ore-calcine, zinc cobalt |
| 72869-37-5 | Zinc sulfide (ZnS), cobalt and copper-doped |
| 91053-46-2 | Leach residues, zinc ore-calcine, cadmium-copper ppt. |
| 94246-88-5 | Cobalt, (2-ethylhexanoato-O)(isooctanoato-O)- |
| 121053-28-9 | Electrolytes, cobalt-manufg. |
| 121053-29-0 | Slimes and Sludges, cobalt refining |
| 121053-30-3 | Slimes and Sludges, cobalt electrolytic |
| 124222-14-6 | Flue dust, cobalt-refining |
| 124222-15-7 | Residues, cobalt-refining |
| 124222-18-0 | Residues, precious metal-refining |
| 129618-35-5 | Electrolytes, copper-manufg. |
| 129618-36-6 | Solutions, copper hydrometallurgical |
| 129618-39-9 | Solutions, cobalt hydrometallurgical |
Information was reported under section 71 of CEPA for 22 cobalt-containing substances that were manufactured, imported or used above reporting thresholds in Canada in recent years (2006–2011). Four substances were reported to be in commerce in quantities greater than 1 000 tonnes, while the others were in commerce in quantities ranging from tens to hundreds of tonnes. Activities and uses reported for substances having the highest quantities in commerce included as an intermediate in metallurgical processes, in non-ferrous metal smelting and refining, as a component in alloys and carbides, and in feed supplements and fertilizers, hard material tools, paints and coatings, plastics, rubber, and batteries.
There are natural and anthropogenic sources of cobalt to the environment. Anthropogenic sources involve cobalt production (e.g. mining); the manufacture, import and use of cobalt-containing substances, products and manufactured items; as well as the incidental release of cobalt as a result of activities such as fossil fuel combustion, mining activities and waste management. This assessment considers combined exposure to the cobalt moiety, from natural or anthropogenic sources, whether it is present in environmental media (e.g. water, sediment, soil, air), food or products. The assessment focuses on the cobalt moiety, and thereby considers cobalt in its elemental form, cobalt-containing substances and cobalt released in dissolved, solid or particulate form. Therefore, substances considered in this assessment are not limited to those having met the categorization criteria. All substances that have the potential to dissolve, dissociate and/or degrade to release cobalt through various transformation pathways can potentially contribute to the exposure of living organisms to bioavailable forms of cobalt.
Following releases to the environment, cobalt may enter the water, soil and air media. The water solubility of cobalt and cobalt-containing substances ranges widely, from sparingly soluble to greater than 106 mg/L. Therefore, to various extents, these substances will dissolve in contact with moisture in the aquatic and soil media and will yield a variety of dissolved cobalt species of varying proportions depending on the environmental conditions. Dissolved cobalt, as the bioavailable fraction, may be taken up by aquatic, soil- and sediment-dwelling organisms and has been demonstrated to cause harm to these organisms at very low concentrations. Survival, growth, or reproduction of these organisms may be affected. The bioaccumulation potential of cobalt is relatively low, yet cobalt uptake may still lead to levels causing harm to sensitive species at body concentrations higher than required for essentiality.
Ecological exposure scenarios were developed for the various activities that may represent significant sources of release of cobalt or cobalt-containing substances to the environment. Exposure to cobalt was assessed based on modelled (predicted) or measured concentrations of total or dissolved cobalt in environmental media. Substance-specific exposure scenarios were developed to represent releases associated with the following sectors mainly involving manufacture: rubber, chemicals, paints and coatings, plastics (polyester resin), fertilizers, animal feed, alloys/superalloys, and base metals smelting and refining. In addition, exposure was assessed for the following sectors based on their potential to release cobalt incidentally (as a by-product): metal mining, base metals smelting and refining, iron and steel, electricity (power generation), petroleum refining, oil sands, pulp and paper mills, electrical and electronic equipment, disposal and waste management.
Risk quotient analyses were performed comparing exposure concentrations to effects concentrations of dissolved or total cobalt. As a result, a likelihood of harm to aquatic, soil- or sediment-dwelling organisms is identified mainly in the vicinity of some facilities for a number of sectors. The metal mining and base metals smelting and refining sectors are of concern for cobalt. Releases of liquid effluent were found to be the most important source of exposure for aquatic organisms near these activities. Drainage from historical mining activities and, to a lesser extent, metal mining exploration were also found to be a cause for concern for cobalt. Other sectors or sources found to be of concern were pulp and paper mills and leachate from landfills.
Considering all available lines of evidence presented in this screening assessment, there is a risk of harm to organisms, but not to the broader integrity of the environment, from cobalt and soluble cobalt compounds. It is concluded that cobalt and soluble cobalt compounds meet the criteria under paragraph 64(a) of CEPA, as they are entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity. However, it is concluded that cobalt and soluble cobalt compounds do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(b) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.
For the human health assessment, general population exposure was characterized using nationally representative biomonitoring data collected from 2009 to 2011 as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Whole blood cobalt concentrations are representative of daily exposure to natural and anthropogenic sources of bioavailable cobalt from all sources, including environmental media, food and the use of products. The results of the CHMS did not show statistically significant differences in blood concentrations of cobalt between the general population and subpopulations based on age or gender. Inhalation exposure to solid or particulate forms of the cobalt moiety was evaluated using concentrations of cobalt measured in personal air samplers and is considered most representative of typical daily exposures.
Based on the weight-of-evidence analysis, international agencies have classified cobalt-containing substances as carcinogens. These classifications are primarily based on the evidence from site-specific tumours observed in the respiratory tract of rodents exposed to cobalt sulphate via the inhalation route. Available short-term and subchronic oral studies in animals, or epidemiology studies in humans, do not provide evidence for potential systemic or site-specific carcinogenicity by the oral route. Genotoxicity of cobalt is likely mediated by indirect mechanisms, including generation of reactive oxygen species and inhibition of DNA repair enzymes. Lethal cardiomyopathy in malnourished individuals who consumed large quantities of beer containing cobalt sulphate was identified as a critical effect for risk characterization. Selection of this endpoint is considered conservative, as the affected population may have been more susceptible than the general population due to dietary insufficiencies and prior cardiac damage from excessive alcohol consumption. Polycythemia (the increase of red blood cells and haemoglobin) observed in humans was identified as another critical health effect for the risk characterization of the general population. The critical effect identified for inhalation exposure was reduced lung function reported in individuals occupationally exposed to dust containing cobalt in the diamond polishing industry.
These endpoints were considered conservative and protective of potential harmful effects observed in the animal database, including developmental, reproductive and carcinogenic effects. The margins of exposure between cobalt levels in whole blood of Canadians from a nationally representative survey or cobalt levels in personal air samples and conservative effect levels are considered adequate to address uncertainties in the health effects and exposure databases.
Therefore, it is concluded that cobalt and cobalt from cobalt-containing substances, including the substances identified in the table above, do not meet the criteria under paragraph 64(c) of CEPA, as they are not entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.
Conclusion
It is concluded that cobalt and soluble cobalt compounds meet one or more of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA. In addition, cobalt and soluble cobalt compounds have been determined to meet the persistence criteria, but do not meet the bioaccumulation criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA.
The final screening assessment and the proposed risk management approach document for these substances are available on the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) website (www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances.html).
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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
CRIMINAL CODE
Revocation of designation as fingerprint examiner
Pursuant to subsection 667(5) of the Criminal Code, I hereby revoke the designation of the following persons of the Winnipeg Police Service as fingerprint examiners:
- Wayne Robert Campbell
- David Mathews
- Karen Robert
Ottawa, May 12, 2017
Kathy Thompson
Assistant Deputy Minister
Community Safety and Countering Crime Branch
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PRIVY COUNCIL OFFICE
Appointment opportunities
We know that our country is stronger — and our government more effective — when decision-makers reflect Canada's diversity. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will use an appointment process that is transparent and merit-based, strives for gender parity, and ensures that Indigenous Canadians and minority groups are properly represented in positions of leadership. We will continue to search for Canadians who reflect the values that we all embrace: inclusion, honesty, fiscal prudence, and generosity of spirit. Together, we will build a government as diverse as Canada.
The Government of Canada is currently seeking applications from diverse and talented Canadians from across the country who are interested in the following positions.
Current opportunities
The following opportunities for appointments to Governor in Council positions are currently open for applications. Every opportunity is open for a minimum of two weeks from the date of posting on the Governor in Council Appointments website (http://www.appointments-nominations.gc.ca/slctnPrcs.asp?menu=1&lang=eng).
| Position | Organization | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Directors | Canada Infrastructure Bank | June 30, 2017 |
| President and CEO | Canada Infrastructure Bank | June 30, 2017 |
| Directors | Canadian Commercial Corporation | June 22, 2017 |
| President | Canadian Institutes of Health Research | June 30, 2017 |
| Directors | Export Development Canada | June 22, 2017 |
| Commissioners | First Nations Tax Commission | June 12, 2017 |
| Commissioners | National Battlefields Commission | June 5, 2017 |
| Members | National Research Council of Canada | June 5, 2017 |
| Chairperson | National Seniors Council | June 19, 2017 |
| Member | National Seniors Council | June 19, 2017 |
| Members | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada | June 5, 2017 |
| Correctional Investigator | Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada | June 6, 2017 |
| Information Commissioner | Office of the Information Commissioner | July 14, 2017 |
| Chairperson | Parole Board of Canada | June 6, 2017 |
| Chairperson | Royal Canadian Mounted Police External Review Committee | June 6, 2017 |
| Members | Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council | June 5, 2017 |
Ongoing opportunities
| Position | Organization | Closing date |
|---|---|---|
| Members | Veterans Review and Appeal Board | July 31, 2017 |
Upcoming opportunities
| Position | Organization |
|---|---|
| President (Chief Executive Officer) | Atomic Energy of Canada Limited |
| Commissioner | British Columbia Treaty Commission |
| Director | Canada Post Corporation |
| Chairperson | Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |
| Director | Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |
| President | Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |
| Chairperson | Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police |
| Directors | First Nations Financial Management Board |
| Sergeant-at-Arms | House of Commons |
| President | International Development Research Centre |
| Commissioner | International Joint Commission |
| Chief Executive Officer | Invest in Canada Agency |
| Chief Electoral Officer | Office of the Chief Electoral Officer |
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BANK OF CANADA
Statement of financial position as at April 30, 2017
| ASSETS | Amount | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and foreign deposits | 19.0 | |
| Loans and receivables | ||
| Securities purchased under resale agreements | 7,002.5 | |
| Advances to members of Payments Canada (see footnote *) | — | |
| Advances to governments | — | |
| Other receivables | 6.1 | |
| 7,008.6 | ||
| Investments | ||
| Treasury bills of Canada | 17,542.2 | |
| Government of Canada bonds | 80,495.1 | |
| Other investments | 422.8 | |
| 98,460.1 | ||
| Property and equipment | 571.0 | |
| Intangible assets | 35.9 | |
| Other assets | 181.1 | |
| Total assets | 106,275.7 | |
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | Amount | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Bank notes in circulation | 78,890.3 | |
| Deposits | ||
| Government of Canada | 23,456.5 | |
| Members of Payments Canada (see footnote **) | 499.8 | |
| Other deposits | 2,336.8 | |
| 26,293.1 | ||
| Securities sold under repurchase agreements | — | |
| Other liabilities | 577.5 | |
| 105,760.9 | ||
| Equity | ||
| Share capital | 5.0 | |
| Statutory and special reserves | 125.0 | |
| Available-for-sale reserve | 384.8 | |
| 514.8 | ||
| Total Liabilities and Equity | 106,275.7 | |
I declare that the foregoing statement is correct according to the books of the Bank.
Ottawa, May 15, 2017
Carmen Vierula
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accountant
I declare that the foregoing statement is to the best of my knowledge and belief correct, and shows truly and clearly the financial position of the Bank, as required by section 29 of the Bank of Canada Act.
Ottawa, May 15, 2017
Stephen S. Poloz
Governor
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