Vol. 150, No. 10 — May 18, 2016

Registration

SOR/2016-93 May 9, 2016

SEEDS ACT

Weed Seeds Order, 2016

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, pursuant to subsection 4(2) (see footnote a) of the Seeds Act (see footnote b), makes the annexed Weed Seeds Order, 2016.

Ottawa, May 6, 2016

Lawrence MacAulay
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Weed Seeds Order, 2016

1 The seeds of the kinds of plants set out in the schedule are specified to be weed seeds for the purposes of the Seeds Act.

Repeal

2 The Weed Seeds Order, 2005 (see footnote 1) is repealed.

Coming into Force

3 These Regulations come into force on November 1, 2016.

Schedule
(Section 1)

CLASS 1

Prohibited Noxious Weed Seeds

(Applicable to all tables of Schedule I to the Seeds Regulations)

Item

Column 1

Latin Name

Column 2

Common Name

1

Aegilops cylindrica Host

Jointed goatgrass

2

Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.

Slender foxtail

3

Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng

Yellow bluestem

4

Bothriochloa laguroides (DC.) Herter

Silver beardgrass

5

Centaurea diffusa Lam.

Diffuse knapweed

6

Centaurea iberica Trevir. ex Spreng.

Iberian starthistle

7

Centaurea solstitialis L.

Yellow starthistle

8

Centaurea stoebe L. (=Centaurea maculosa Lam.)

Spotted knapweed

9

Centaurea virgata Lam. subsp. squarrosa (Boiss.) Gugler

Squarrose knapweed

10

Crupina vulgaris Cass.

Common crupina

11

Cuscuta spp.

Dodder

12

Echium plantagineum L.

Paterson’s curse

13

Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth

Woolly cup grass

14

Halogeton glomeratus (M. Bieb.) Ledeb.

Halogeton

15

Inula britannica L.

British yellowhead

16

Milium vernale M. Bieb.

Spring milletgrass

17

Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hack. ex Arechav.

Serrated tussock

18

Paspalum dilatatum Poir.

Dallis grass

19

Peganum harmala L.

African-rue

20

Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross

Devil’s-tail tearthumb

21

Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr.

Kudzu

22

Senecio inaequidens DC.

South African ragwort

23

Senecio madagascariensis Poir.

Madagascar ragwort

24

Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.

Silverleaf nightshade

25

Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski

Medusahead rye

26

Zygophyllum fabago L.

Syrian bean-caper

CLASS 2

Primary Noxious Weed Seeds

(Applicable to all tables of Schedule I to the Seeds Regulations)

Item

Column 1

Latin Name

Column 2

Common Name

1

Abutilon theophrasti Medik.

Velvetleaf

2

Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D.Sauer

Tall water-hemp

3

Ambrosia trifida L.

Giant ragweed

4

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm.

Cow parsley

5

Berteroa incana (L.) DC.

Hoary alyssum

6

Carduus acanthoides L.

Spiny plumeless thistle

7

Carduus nutans L.

Nodding thistle

8

Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fernald

Long-spined sandbur

9

Chondrilla juncea L.

Rush skeletonweed

10

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.

Canada thistle

11

Conium maculatum L.

Poison hemlock

12

Convolvulus arvensis L.

Field bindweed

13

Datura stramonium L.

Jimsonweed

14

Elymus repens (L.) Gould

Quackgrass (Couchgrass)

15

Euphorbia esula L.

Leafy spurge

16

Galega officinalis L.

Goat’s-rue

17

Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier

Giant hogweed

18

Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.

Hogweed

19

Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.

Tansy ragwort

20

Lepidium appelianum Al-Shehbaz (=Cardaria pubescens (C.A. Mey.) Jarm.)

Globe-pod hoary cress

21

Lepidium chalepense L. (=Cardaria chalepensis (L.) Hand.-Mazz.)

Lens-pod hoary cress

22

Lepidium draba L. subsp. draba (=Cardaria draba (L.) Desv.)

Heart-pod hoary cress

23

Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill.

Dalmatian toadflax

24

Linaria genistifolia (L.) Mill.

Broomleaf toadflax

25

Linaria repens (L.) Mill.

Striped toadflax

26

Linaria vulgaris Mill.

Yellow toadflax

27

Lythrum salicaria L.

Purple loosestrife

28

Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.

Apple of Peru

29

Odontites vernus (Bellardi) Dumort. subsp. serotinus (Dumort.) Corb. (=Odontites serotina Dumort.)

Red bartsia

30

Raphanus raphanistrum L.

Wild radish

31

Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo

Russian knapweed

32

Setaria faberi R.A.W. Herrm.

Giant foxtail

33

Solanum carolinense L.

Horse nettle (Ball nettle)

34

Sonchus arvensis L.

Perennial sow thistle

35

Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.

Johnson grass

36

Tribulus terrestris L.

Puncture vine

CLASS 3

Secondary Noxious Weed Seeds

(Applicable to all tables of Schedule I to the Seeds Regulations except Tables XIV and XV)

Item

Column 1

Latin Name

Column 2

Common Name

1

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

Common ragweed

2

Anthemis cotula L.

Mayweed

3

Avena fatua L.

Wild oat

4

Avena sterilis L.

Sterile oat

5

Barbarea spp.

Yellow rocket (Winter cress)

6

Bromus arvensis L.

Field brome

7

Bromus japonicus Houtt.

Japanese brome

8

Bromus secalinus L.

Cheat

9

Bromus tectorum L.

Downy brome

10

Daucus carota L. subsp. carota

Wild carrot

11

Erucastrum gallicum (Willd.) O.E. Schulz

Dog mustard

12

Galium aparine L.

Cleavers

13

Galium mollugo L.

False baby’s breath

14

Galium spurium L.

False cleavers

15

Galium verrucosum Huds.

Warty bedstraw

16

Lepidium campestre (L.) W.T. Aiton

Field peppergrass

17

Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. (=Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.)

Ox-eye daisy

18

Lolium persicum Boiss. & Hohen.

Persian darnel

19

Pastinaca sativa L.

Wild parsnip

20

Plantago lanceolata L.

Ribgrass

21

All Rumex species (except R. maritimus L. & R. acetosella L.)

Dock

22

Silene latifolia Poir. subsp. alba (Mill.) Greuter & Burdet (=Silene pratensis (Rafn) Gord. & Gren.)

White cockle

23

Silene noctiflora L.

Night-flowering catchfly

24

Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke

Bladder campion

25

Sinapis arvensis L.

Wild mustard

26

Sisymbrium loeselii L.

Tall hedge mustard

27

Thlaspi arvense L.

Stinkweed

28

Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch.Bip.

Scentless chamomile

29

Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert (=Saponaria vaccaria L.)

Cow cockle

CLASS 4

Secondary Noxious Weed Seeds

(Applicable to Table XII of Schedule I to the Seeds Regulations)

The weed species named in Class 3 and in addition:

Item

Column 1

Latin Name

Column 2

Common Name

1

Cerastium spp.

Chickweed

2

Digitaria spp.

Crabgrass

3

Panicum spp.

Panic grass

4

Prunella vulgaris L.

Heal-all

5

Stellaria media (L.) Vill.

Chickweed, common

CLASS 5

Noxious Weed Seeds

(Applicable to Tables XIV and XV of Schedule I to the Seeds Regulations)

The weed species named in Class 2 and in addition:

Item

Column 1

Latin Name

Column 2

Common Name

1

Cerastium spp.

Chickweed

2

Digitaria spp.

Crabgrass

3

Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. (=Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.)

Ox-eye daisy

4

Panicum spp.

Panic grass

5

Prunella vulgaris L.

Heal-all

6

Stellaria media (L.) Vill.

Chickweed, common

7

Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch.Bip.

Scentless chamomile

CLASS 6

Other Weed Seeds

Seeds of all other kinds or species of plants not listed as kinds or species in Schedule I to the Seeds Regulations.

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Order.)

Issues

The current Weed Seeds Order, 2005 (WSO) does not accurately reflect the potential risks posed by weed species in Canada, results in undue burden on industry stemming from the outdated regulation of weed species, and is not aligned with current international best practices. Also, as a result of amendments to the Seeds Act in February 2015, there is a lack of consistency in wording in the WSO that could result in misinterpretation.

Background

The Seeds Act (the Act) and the Seeds Regulations (the Regulations), made pursuant to the Act, govern the import, export and sale of seed to facilitate the availability of pure and effective seed for Canadian consumers and export markets. The WSO, a ministerial order made pursuant to subsection 4(2) of the Act, plays a critical role in the prevention of the introduction of new weed species into Canada by preventing or limiting the presence of weed species in seed sold in, or imported into Canada.

The WSO includes six classifications of weed seeds that are differentiated by level of risk. The most restrictive class, Class 1 — Prohibited Noxious Weed Seeds, prohibits any level of the listed species. For species listed in classes 2 to 6, the number of weed seeds that are permitted in a seed sample of a crop kind are specified in various tables of Schedule I of the Regulations. Each class identifies which table(s) of Schedule I is (are) applicable. The determination of risk posed by various weed species is based upon considerations such as geographic distribution of weed species and potential harm posed by a weed species.

The geographic distribution of weed species changes over time as a result of weed management practices and as weed species adapt to new growing conditions. From a seed quality and plant protection perspective, it is important that the WSO remains current to ensure that it is an effective tool for prohibiting or restricting weed species of concern, and to control the spread of weed species through seed. The WSO must also address the threat of the introduction of weed species through the importation of seed for all purposes including conventional agricultural products, home-based or residential products such as wildflower mixtures, and land reclamation mixtures composed of multiple crop species used to restore vegetation on unmanaged land. Periodic reviews of the WSO are therefore required to add or remove certain weed species and to review the classifications of all currently listed weed species against the established class risks.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) identifies potential weed species of concern through scientific scanning and a thorough review of the regulated weed lists of Canada’s trading partners. The CFIA conducts risk assessments on these identified weed species to gather information on their geographic distribution both in Canada and abroad, their potential harm, and whether their seeds can be visually identified. These risk assessments are used to determine which WSO class is applicable and if any of the existing WSO weed species should be reclassified or removed.

Objectives

These amendments

Description

These regulatory amendments revise the current WSO to reclassify existing weed species based on the most recent information about their distribution and regulate new and emerging weed species of concern.

Changes to the WSO include Class 2 Primary Noxious Weed Seeds applying to all Grade Tables in Schedule I of the Regulations (Tables XIV and XV are currently exempt), the reclassification of 11 species from Class 1 (Prohibited Noxious Weed Seeds) to Class 2 (Primary Noxious Weed Seeds), moving 7 species from Class 2 (Primary Noxious Weed Seeds) to Class 3 (Secondary Noxious Weed Seeds), and the addition of 16 species to Class 1 (Prohibited Noxious Weed Seeds), 16 species to Class 2 (Primary Noxious Weed Seeds) and 5 species to Class 3 (Secondary Noxious Weed Seeds). Two listings, Camelina spp. and Chicorium intybus, were moved from Class 3 (Secondary Noxious Weed Seeds) to Class 6 (Other Weed Seeds).

The revision to Section 1 of the WSO to align the regulatory text with the Act ensures consistency in language and clarifies the authority of the Minister. Therefore, these amendments to the WSO will replace the word “species” with the word “kinds,” and removes the words “for the purpose of establishing grades.”

“One-for-One” Rule

The “One-for-One” Rule does not apply, as there is no change in administrative costs to business as a result of these amendments to the WSO.

Small business lens

The small business lens does not apply to these amendments, as costs to small businesses are insignificant as the nationwide cost impacts are less than $1 million annually.

Consultation

Prior to prepublication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on January 30, 2016, the CFIA conducted extensive consultations with the Canadian seed industry and stakeholders on these amendments to the WSO. The Canadian seed industry is composed of seed producers, seed exporters, seed importers, seed vendors, seed graders/samplers, seed establishments and accredited seed testing laboratories.

Consultation began with two CFIA-led workshops; the first on October 29, 2008 and the second on March 11, 2009. Attendees at the workshops represented the Canadian Seed Trade Association, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, the Commercial Seed Analysts’ Association of Canada, the Canadian Weed Science Society, and provincial weed specialists. All consultation documents were distributed by email to the CFIA Seed Section’s general stakeholder list that included approximately 2 000 recipients.

Two consultative proposals were distributed to stakeholders for comment. The initial consultation began October 23, 2009, and closed February 15, 2010. Responses received during the initial consultation were reviewed and integrated into a revised proposal subsequently used for a secondary consultation. The second consultation was conducted between June 17, 2011, and September 15, 2011. In addition, the CFIA took into consideration all comments submitted by stakeholders outside of the formal consultations.

The CFIA invited provincial weed specialists to WSO workshops and included these specialists in all consultation sessions. The CFIA maintains regular communication with provincial weed specialists in order to facilitate the coordination of provincial weed seed lists and the WSO.

CFIA representatives attended annual Canadian Weed Science Society meetings and provided poster presentations on the new weed seed classifications. The CFIA also addressed proposed revisions to the WSO at various meetings with the Canadian Seed Trade Association, the Commercial Seed Analysts’ Association of Canada and the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association.

The amendments to the WSO are well supported by key stakeholders. The stakeholders affected by each weed species can vary as the impact of a weed species is dependent on the region of Canada, the type of crop grown, and the production methods used.

The modified application of Class 2 weeds to all tables of Schedule I of the Regulations was supported by the majority of stakeholders. While there were some stakeholders who indicated that the status quo would be preferred, the rationale for the modifications was clearly communicated to all stakeholders. As weed species are re-classified from Class 1 to Class 2, it remains critical that the risk of further introductions of these weed species is minimized. Without Class 2 being applicable to Tables XIV and XV, there is the risk that these Class 2 species would be spread through seed. Tables XIV and XV are specific to lawn or turf mixtures and ground cover mixtures containing two or more kinds of seeds. Class 2 applies to single species lots of these crop kinds so there is no added burden to regulate Class 2 weed species within mixtures of these crop kinds.

The placement of species on the WSO was well supported by key stakeholders. Weed species placement was determined by level of risk for each class within the WSO as established in consultation with stakeholders. A few stakeholders challenged the classification and placement of a few weed species. However, further review by the CFIA determined that the species in question did indeed meet the class level of risk. While some stakeholders have claimed that some weed species believed to be absent from Canada by the CFIA are in fact present in Canada, they have yet to provide evidence to that effect.

The CFIA received stakeholder comments concerning the proposal to list four Bromus species as Class 3. One comment received questioned the ability of these four Bromus species to establish in Canada, and their potential to cause harm. Concern was expressed about the costs to produce seed lots that meet the standards of the amended WSO. In light of this comment, the CFIA conducted additional scientific reviews which confirmed that the Bromus species meet all criteria for classification as a Secondary Noxious Weed Seed or higher. This scientific review and evaluation supports the CFIA’s decision to include the four Bromus weed species on the WSO as Class 3.

To fulfil its international obligations, the CFIA provided notification on February 5, 2016, of its intent to amend the WSO to the World Trade Organization to provide members with an opportunity to comment on the proposal.

As part of assessing the economic impact that these amendments may have, the CFIA also conducted an economic impact survey in October 2014 to collect data and information from businesses potentially affected by these amendments. The survey focused on the potential economic impact on affected businesses and any potential incremental administrative burden that will be imposed on affected businesses in the industry.

The majority (approximately 98% based on the North American Industry Classification System [NAICS] codes 418320 — Seed Wholesaler-Distributors, 493190 — Other Warehousing and Storage, 111422 — Floriculture Production and 541990 — All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services) of the sector is comprised of small businesses. Only a small portion of businesses in the seed industry will be affected by these amendments based on the economic impact survey responses.

Prepublication in the Canada Gazette, Part I — Results

The proposed amendments to the WSO were pre-published in Canada Gazette, Part I, on January 30, 2016, with a 75-day comment period which ended on April 14, 2016. In total, the CFIA received 18 written comments from stakeholders in industry and foreign trading partners. Of the 18 responses

The comments received are summarized as follows:

The CFIA received five stakeholder responses to indicate overall support of the proposed amendments and express their hope that the lengthy consultation and regulatory change process will be completed soon.

As during previous consultations, the CFIA received stakeholder comments concerning the proposal to list four Bromus species as Class 3. Responses received from the Government of Saskatchewan and three producer-led provincial stakeholder organizations in the province of Saskatchewan and other stakeholders supported or strongly supported the proposal to list the four Bromus species, including some comments to list Bromus tectorum (Downy) and Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome) as Class 2 rather the proposed Class 3. Comments received from a national stakeholder organization representing the interests of seed companies and a few individuals within the forage seed industry expressed concerns with the proposal. The ability of these four Bromus species to establish in Canada, and their potential to cause harm was questioned. Concern was expressed again about the costs to produce seed lots that meet the standards of the amended WSO. However, the CFIA had already conducted an additional scientific review which confirmed that the Bromus species meet all criteria for classification as Secondary Noxious Weed Seeds or higher. This scientific review and evaluation supports the CFIA’s decision to include the four Bromus weed species on the WSO as Class 3.

Two respondents expressed concern with the proposed listing of Slender foxtail as a Class 1 — Prohibited Noxious Weed Seed. The respondents questioned whether Slender foxtail is in fact present in Canada. This concern had been raised during previous consultations. To date, no populations of Slender foxtail have been found, and the presence of limited populations would not preclude a Class 1 listing. The risk assessment conducted by the CFIA for Slender foxtail supports a Class 1 weed seed listing.

The CFIA received stakeholder comments regarding the proposal to reclassify Wild mustard and Cleavers from Class 2 to Class 3, in general, but specifically as this relates to canola seed. Support for the movement of these Class 3 Secondary Noxious species was received and justified based on increased ability to manage these species in agricultural field crops including canola. In contrast, it was raised that these species are more difficult to manage as herbicide tolerance has been demonstrated. One respondent felt that Wild mustard is manageable and therefore, should not be reclassified to Class 3. It is also important to note that subsection 7(5) of the Seeds Regulations prohibits the presence of Cleavers in canola and the other crop kinds in Grade Table VII, regardless of the status of Cleavers on the WSO.

The CFIA also received requests to include additional species on the WSO as part of this amendment. The Province of Quebec asked for the inclusion of Solanum ptychanthum (Eastern black nightshade) and Solanum sarrachoides (Hairy nightshade) on the WSO. These two species were included during initial consultations on proposed amendments but were removed from the proposal prior to the secondary consultation due to concerns including identification issues of the seed. The seed of these two species are not considered to be visually distinguishable from other species within the Solanum genus. A national stakeholder organization representing the interests of Canadian seed growers requested the addition of Amaranthus retroflexus (A. retroflexus) to Class 3 and further study of Bassia scoparia (B. scoparia) to determine its appropriate classification within the WSO. Both A. retroflexus and B. scoparia were included in the CFIA’s first consultation proposal as Class 3 and Class 2 respectively; however, consensus was not achieved and they were proposed as Class 6 Other Weeds in the CFIA’s secondary consultation. As consensus has not been achieved, further consultations are required prior to addition to the WSO.

As in previous consultations, a national stakeholder organization representing the interests of Canadian seed growers raised concerns regarding the implications for its members of the addition of new species to the WSO that are also regulated by the CFIA on the List of Pests Regulated by Canada under the Plant Protection Act (PPA). The Weed Seeds Order, 2005 contains Class 1 species that are also regulated under the PPA. The members of the national organization are concerned about the significantly increasing number of plant species able to trigger regulatory action under both the Seeds Act and the PPA. Of particular concern is the ability to take action under the PPA, significantly increasing risk for pedigreed seed growers and, given the potential economic loss associated with such action, the national stakeholder organization requests that CFIA review its plant protection compensation policy. The CFIA will continue to communicate with stakeholders in order to clarify the interaction of the Seeds Act and the PPA in relation to weed species regulated under both acts.

One individual expressed concern that listing plant species as weeds could be problematic should future uses be identified for those species. The CFIA evaluates all species proposed to be added to the WSO and only proposes to regulate species that have sufficient risks identified to support regulation. Also, this amendment includes the removal of Camelina spp. (False flax) and Chicorium intybus (Chicory) from Class 3 as they are gaining popularity as agricultural crops. This concern will continue to be addressed as future reviews to the WSO will allow for species classifications to be reassessed in light of any new information that may become available.

Rationale

An amended WSO will contribute to a reduction in the number of introduced and established weeds in Canada, thereby preserving biodiversity and will contribute to maintaining the effective delivery of CFIA’s Invasive Plant Policy. The amendments ensure that species are listed under the correct class and include emerging weed species of concern. The amendments to the policy and regulatory frameworks improve the efficiency of agricultural production by reducing undue burden on industry resulting from the outdated regulation of weed species.

These amendments satisfy the fundamental objective of revising the WSO to enhance its effectiveness by reflecting the current distribution of weed species in Canada, ensuring that weed species are listed under the correct class, and that emerging weed species of concern are included. In addition, the revised WSO will improve Canada’s application of current international best practices and conformity with current scientific nomenclature.

These regulatory amendments revise the current WSO to reclassify existing species based on the most recent information about their distribution and introduce new weed species of concern. These amendments to the WSO also include the addition of some species not yet present in Canada thus preventing or slowing the spread of these weeds and the potential negative impact of their introduction.

Agricultural producers have established weed management regimes that align with their production methods and the weed species of concern present on their land. The establishment of a new weed species requires producers to review and revise their weed management plans which could increase their production costs.

Preventing the introduction of a weed species not yet present in Canada also eliminates a potential export issue that would require additional inspection services. The amended WSO will assist in maintaining market access for Canadian products as most countries have increasing restrictions on the presence of particular weed seeds in seed and grain import shipments. If Canada can remain free of prohibited noxious weeds, the reputation and value of Canada’s agricultural products in world markets will be, at minimum, maintained.

Only a small portion of businesses in the seed industry will be affected by these amendments based on the economic impact survey responses. Based on the survey results, it is estimated that approximately 11% of seed companies that develop, produce and sell seed, 22% of seed producers, 28% of accredited seed testing laboratories and 39% of businesses such as seed establishments and authorized importers etc. will be affected. The majority of affected businesses (approximately 98%) are small businesses. These affected small businesses could expect to incur incremental compliance costs to purchase additional screens (a component of a seed cleaning machine) for additional seed cleaning, and costs to train seed analysts in identifying all added WSO species.

In contrast, some affected businesses will benefit from cost savings resulting from the reduced seed cleaning costs based on the reclassification of some species.

With respect to training costs, CFIA staff, accredited labs, and seed industry personnel including seed graders will need to be trained on the amended WSO and on the identification of new weed seed species. Government and seed industry personnel will need to invest one to several days per person in training to become familiar with the new species listed on the revised WSO. In completing the analysis, it was assumed that the training cost for the industry (e.g. seed industry personnel, including seed graders) will be the same as for training costs for seed analysts.

Additional industry costs may also include improved quality management systems to reduce risks associated with new species listed on the WSO as well as the potential costs of cleaning or destroying seed that cannot be sold in Canada if it does not meet the minimum standard set out in Schedule I of the Regulations.

Market and export value losses were also identified by some of the stakeholders as a potential impact of these amendments. In order to avoid or to minimize a potential market loss caused by a delay in identifying the weed species in the amended WSO, affected businesses will need to train their seed analysts immediately.

It is anticipated that export and domestic value losses will impact a small portion of seed exporters of grasses mainly in Alberta and Saskatchewan as a result of the addition of the Bromus species to Class 3 of the WSO due to the discount on these seed lots. The impact is not considered significant as only a few businesses (about 10) would be affected.

The standard cost model was used to conduct the quantitative cost analysis as per Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat guidance. The data used in the analysis was gathered through the economic impact survey.

Based on the above information, standard cost model methodology and assumptions regarding training, the estimated incremental compliance costs for all businesses resulting from these amendments will have an annualized value of $213,214, which equates to $49 per affected business. As almost all of the affected businesses are small businesses, almost all of these costs will be incurred by small businesses. The results are based on a regulatory coming into force year of 2016 using constant year 2012 prices.

Implementation and enforcement

These amendments to the WSO will come into force on November 1, 2016.

There will be no new enforcement provisions associated with these amendments to the WSO.

The CFIA will take a proactive approach to educating and informing industry and stakeholders on the amendments to the WSO. The CFIA will provide notification of the amendment to the WSO to industry and stakeholders, CFIA staff, and to federal and provincial government departments and agencies as appropriate including posting the amendments on the CFIA’s Web site.

The CFIA’s Saskatoon Laboratory, Seed Science and Technology Section (SSTS) houses Canada’s National Seed Herbarium (NSH). The NSH’s staff expertise and specimen collections were used to develop seed identification factsheets for the species added to the WSO. Many factsheets have been published on the CFIA’s Web site. The SSTS is working with stakeholders to develop training resources to prepare for the coming into force of the revised WSO.

Contact

David Bailey
Director
Plant Production Division
Plant Health and Biosecurity Directorate
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9
Telephone: 613-773-7181
Fax: 613-773-7261
Email: seedsemence@inspection.gc.ca