Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Symbol of the Government of Canada

ARCHIVED - Health Canada


Warning This page has been archived.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.

Table 8: Horizontal Initiatives

1. Name of Horizontal Initiative: Chemicals Management Plan

2. Name of Lead Department(s): Health Canada/Environment Canada

3. Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: FY 2007-2008

4. End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: FY 2010-2011

5. Total Federal Funding Allocation: $299.2 M

6. Description of the Horizontal Initiative:

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is part of the Government's comprehensive environmental agenda and is managed jointly by Health Canada (HC) and Environment Canada (EC). The activities identified in this plan build on Canada's position as a global leader in the safe management of chemical substances and those chemicals contained in products, and focus upon timely action on key threats to health and the environment.

The CMP also generates a higher level of responsibility for industry through realistic and enforceable measures, stimulate innovation, and augment Canadian competitiveness in an international market that is increasingly focussed on the safety of chemicals and products.

HC and EC manage CMP funding collectively and ensure that it is aligned with the highest priorities for action to protect human health and the environment.

Within the CMP model, the regulatory management of chemical substances can be implemented through a number of legislative instruments including Food and Drugs Act (F&DA), Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) . The first three Acts are administered by Health Canada and CEPA is jointly administered by Health Canada and Environment Canada.

The following program areas are involved in CMP activities:

In Health Canada :

  • Health Products and Food Branch:
    • Food Directorate
    • Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Directorate
  • Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch:
    • Product Safety Programme
    • Safe Environments Programme
  • Pest Management Regulatory Agency

In Environment Canada :

  • Environmental Stewardship Branch
    • Chemical Sectors Directorate
    • Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Directorate
    • Public and Resources Sectors Directorate
    • Public & Resources Sector Directorate
    • Energy and Transportation Directorate
    • Environmental Protection Operations Directorate
  • Science and Technology Branch
    • Science and Risk Assessment Directorate
    • Water Science and Technology Directorate
    • Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate
    • Atmospheric Science and Technology Directorate
  • Enforcement Branch
  • Strategic Policy Branch
    • Economic Analysis Directorate

7. Shared Outcome(s):

High-level CMP outcomes include:

  • Canadians and their environment are protected from the harmful effects of chemicals;
  • Risk identification, evaluation, reduction, elimination, prevention or improved management of chemicals substances and their uses are effectively implemented;
  • Direction, collaboration and coordination of science and management activities are realized;
  • Biomonitoring and environmental monitoring of toxic substances are timely and responsive;
  • Stakeholders and Canadian public are engaged so that they are better informed and can provide information to the Government for more effective risk management approaches.
  • In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Streamlining Regulation that came into effect on April 1, 2007, the Government is committed to (i) use available international standards, guidelines, and recommendations as a basis for technical regulations and for conformity assessment procedures where they achieve the intended regulatory objective (thereby avoiding making uniquely 'Made in Canada' Regulations to the extent possible and (ii) promote a fair and competitive market economy that encourages industry entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation

8. Governance Structure(s):

Health Canada shares the lead on the CMP with Environment Canada. The CMP consists of five inter-related program elements (listed below) to be planned, delivered and evaluated within an integrated framework, managed jointly by these two Departments

Within the federal government, the CMP governance is to be established through a joint HC/EC Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee (ADM Committee) and an interdepartmental Chemicals Management Executive Committee (CMEC).

The mandate of CMEC is to ensure that all chemical management issues are optimally managed and that activities under the CMP are delivered in an integrated manner, using a suite of legislations, including CEPA, PCPA, F&DA and the HPA.

Core work elements focusing on key CMP activities (Risk Assessment, Risk Management, Research/Science, Monitoring & Surveillance and Policy & Program Management) are currently in place to support the above governance structures.


9. Federal Partners Involved in each Program 10. Names of Programs 11. Total Allocation 12. Forecasted Spending for FY 2007-08 13. Actual Spending in FY 2007-08
Health Canada Risk Assessment
$27.0 M
$3.2 M
$3.0 M
Environment Canada
$22.6 M
$2.1 M
$2.1 M
 
$49.6 M (total)
$5.3 M (total)
$5.1 M (total)
Health Canada
Risk Management
$94.9 M
$12.7 M
$12.1 M
Environment Canada
$64.9 M
$9.1 M
$8.4 M
 
$159.8 M (total)
$21.8 M (total)
$20.5 M (total)
Health Canada Research/Science
$30.2 M
$3.3 M
$3.3 M
Environment Canada
$2.1 M
$0.6 M
$0.6 M
 
$32.3 M (total)
$3.9 M (total)
$3.9 M (total)
Health Canada Monitoring & Surveillance
$35.2 M
$3.4 M
$3.4 M
Environment Canada
$16.9 M
$4.4 M
$4.4 M
 
$52.1 M (total)
$7.8 M (total)
$7.8 M (total)
Health Canada Program Management
$5.4 M
$0.9 M
$0.8 M
 
$5.4 M (total)
$0.9 M (total)
$0.8 M (total)
 
Total $299.2 M
Total $39.7 M
Total $38.1

Planned Results for FY 2007-2008 (From FY 2007-2008 Report on Plans and Priorities):

Risk Assessment: Identifying the impact and evaluating the risks of substances to human health and the environment (e.g., complete assessment of about 200 highest priority substances within 3 years)

Risk Management: Effective controls and informed stakeholders and the Canadian public. (e.g., complete implementation of mandatory pesticide incident reporting system and pesticide sales database by 2009)

Research: Understanding of the relative risks of toxic substances (e.g., complete development of human exposure data and trend analysis methodologies)

Monitoring & Surveillance: Information on the effectiveness of control actions (e.g., define scientific information to be collected by 2008)

Program Management: Direction collaboration and coordination of science and management activities (e.g., initiatives implemented by 2009 to ensure proper results to resources management and stewardship )

Achieved Results for FY 2007-2008:

A key component of the CMP is taking immediate action on the highest priority chemicals. Information is being collected that will be used to make decisions regarding the best approach to protect Canadians and their environment from risks that certain substances may pose. The initiative, known as the "Challenge", includes the identification of approximately 200 substances of highest priority that have been divided up into a number of smaller groups of substances, to be addressed sequentially.

Under the Challenge, requests for information under s. 71 of CEPA for Batches 2, 3, 4 and 5 were published. Substance Profiles were developed for Batches 2-5. New regulations have been developed (e.g. 31 CEPA toxics and 3 other chemicals of concern have had their regulations amended) and a work plan for dealing with petroleum stream substances of high concern has also been completed.

The development of risk management options for Challenge substances is on track. Scientific, legal and economic analyses and enforcement advice is being taken into consideration. Consultations with affected industry stakeholders and the Canadian public will continue throughout the program's life-cycle. A Challenge Advisory Panel (Experts) and CMP Stakeholder Advisory Council (NGO / Industry) have also been established. The Panel's mandate is to provide third party advice on the application of the precautionary principle and the weight of evidence during the risk assessment of the Challenge substances. The Council serves as a forum for NGO and industry members to provide advice and other input to the government on various issues related to the implementation of the CMP.

The Domestic Substances List (DSL) is an inventory of approximately 23 000 substances manufactured in, imported into or used in Canada on a commercial scale. It is based on substances present in Canada, under certain conditions. When a proposed activity or use of a certain DSL substance is different from the one identified in its current use/exposure pattern, the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions of CEPA provides for information gathering and assessment prior to the commencement of this significamt new activity or use. A notice is developed which defines the new activity or use, the information to be provided, when it is to be provided, and a period within which it is to be assessed. The outcome of that assessment will inform whether any risk management measures may then be appropriate. The implementation of SNAcs for approximately 56 substances that are no longer in commerce in Canada is currently underway.

Plans for the improvement and expansion of the CMP Portal/Web Site have been developed and the development of additional communication products is underway, including documents to translate scientific information to a non-technical audience (Background documents). A joint CMP HC-EC Integrated Management Accountability Framework (IMAF) has also been developed and quarterly tracking of commitments is on-going.

Other CMP activities undertaken in FY 2007-2008 included:

  • identification of consumer products that may contain potentially harmful chemical substances and developing strategies to best manage the risk associated with these products on the Canadian marketplace;
  • significant progress on a draft framework for appropriate Environmental Assessment Regulations for new medicinally active ingredient substances in pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, medical devices and radio-pharmaceuticals;
  • important progress on two Scientific and Regulatory Considerations (SARC) documents that serve as a starting point for discussions with respect to the development of appropriate Environmental Assessment Regulations, one SARC for new substances in Cosmetic Products and the other SARC for new substances in Natural Health Products;
  • initiation of draft SARC documents for the remaining commodity groups (Food Additives and Novel Foods, and Biologics) which are expected to be completed by end of FY 2008-09;
  • finalization of draft human pharmaceuticals Best Management Practices (BMP) research paper, significant progress on veterinary pharmaceuticals BMP research paper and the initiated development of Cosmetics BMP research paper;
  • determination of the human health and ecological risk posed by the environmental presence of some 9,000 substances in products subject to the Food and Drugs Act that have entered the Canadian marketplace between 1987 and 2001;
  • participation of the In Commerce Substances Unit (ICSU) in multi-stakeholder consultations on the revision of the In Commence List (ICL) and organization of four face-to-face meetings to develop a framework for the nomination of substances to the revised ICL. The proposed framework was presented to the Environmental Assessment Working Group in June 2008 and received approval The chemical identity of approximately 1,800 substances on the current ICL were and will be placed on the revised list. Requests from industry for the addition of approximately 30 microorganisms to the current ICL were assessed and the companies were informed of the need to submit additional information to complete the reviews. The ICSU is developing a guidance document for industry, a database tracking system, and a communications plan
  • completion of rapid screening assessment of 1200 low-concern substances;
  • amendment of Human Risk Assessments ( HRA) for selected POPs (e.g. PCBs) in support of changes to food standards;
  • progress on the re-evaluation of older pesticide ingredients. As of March 31, 2008, 274 of the 401 of pesticide active ingredients have been addressed;
  • assessment of analytical results of mercury levels in various commercial predatory fish species;
  • an updated risk management strategy for mercury in fish;
  • development of a draft discussion paper on assessment options for genotoxic carcinogens;
  • finalization of the health risk assessment of Bisphenol A from a food packaging perspective, including an international peer review of the assessment document;
  • completion of a Departmental Report on toxicity research studies on Perfluorooctane Sulfonate;
  • activities related to the collection of nationally representative biomonitoring data for the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the Maternal Infant Research on Environmental Contaminants (MIREC) to support evidence-based decision-making on identification of vulnerable populations, and understanding of risks and exposures, and how they might best be managed;
  • identification of research priorities and allocation of research funds; and
  • establishment of a horizontal science framework to manage Research funds collectively and align annually to CMP priority research.

16. Comments on Variances:

17. Results Achieved by Non-federal Partners: N/A

18. Contact Information:

Francois Dignard, HC
(613) 941-0590
francois_dignard@hc-sc.gc.ca
Mark Cuddy, EC
(819) 994-7467
mark.cuddy@ec.gc.ca

19. Approved by:

20. Date Approved:

1. Name of Horizontal Initiative: Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children (referred to as ECD)

2. Name of Lead Department(s): Health Canada

3. Lead Department Program Activity:

First Nations and Inuit Health Programming and Services

(Additional funding to ECD Programs from:
Enhancing Early Learning and Child Care (referred to as ELCC) for First Nations Children Living on Reserve and Working Towards the First Phase of a Single Window)

5. End Date of the Horizontal Initiative:

ECD - 2006-07 and Ongoing

ELCC Single Window - 2007-08 and Ongoing

6. Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date):

As a result of the Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children (referred to as ECD) announced in October 2002, $320 million over five years (and ongoing) is dedicated to enhancing and expanding various federal ECD programs. In December 2004, Cabinet approved Enhancing Early Learning and Child Care (referred to as ELCC) for First Nations Children Living on Reserve and Working Towards the First Phase of a Single Window which provided an additional $45 million over three years (2005-06 through 2007-08, $14 million ongoing beginning 2008-09) to increase integration and coordination, access and quality of two federal ECD/ELCC programs (Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve and the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative). This funding also included a training component.

7. Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

The Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children was announced on October 31, 2002. The strategy provides $320 million over five years to: improve and expand existing ECD programs and services for Aboriginal children; expand ECD capacity and networks; introduce new research initiatives to improve understanding of how Aboriginal children are doing; and work towards the development of a "single window" approach to ensure better integration and coordination of federal Aboriginal ECD programming. In December 2004, as the first phase of a "single window", Cabinet approved an additional $45 million over three years (2005-06 through 2007-08, $14 million ongoing beginning 2008-09) to improve integration and coordination of two ECD programs - Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve and the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative - beginning in 2005-06. The objectives of these funds are to increase access to and improve the quality of ELCC programming for First Nations children on reserve, and improve integration and coordination between the two programs through joint planning, joint training and co-location. Joint planning will also include INAC-funded child/day care programs in Alberta and Ontario.

8. Shared Outcome(s): The Federal Strategy on Early Childhood Development for First Nations and Other Aboriginal Children complements the September 2000 First Ministers F/P/T ECD Agreement. It seeks to address the gap in life chances between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children by improving the developmental opportunities to which Aboriginal children (and their families) are exposed at an early age (birth to under 6 years of age).

The funding approved in December 2004 for ELCC for First Nations Children Living on Reserve and Working Towards the First Phase of a "Single Window" complements funding released to provinces and territories under the March 2003 Multilateral Framework for Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) to improve access to ELCC programs and services.

Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Human Resources and Social Development Canada work co-operatively on this horizontal initiative.
10.Federal Partners 11.Federal Partner Program Activity 12.Names of Programs for Federal Partners 13.
Total Allocation over 5 years ($ in Thousands)*
14.
Planned Spending for 2007-2008 ($ in Thousands)
15.
Actual Spending for 2007-2008
16.
Expected Results for 2007-2008
17.
Results Achieved in 2007-2008
1. Health Canada

 

Electronic Links: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnihb-dgspni/fnihb/cp/ahsor/index.htm

 

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnih-spni/famil/preg-gros/intro_e.html

 

 

 

First Nations and Inuit Health Programming and Services

 

 

a. Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve (ECD)$107,595 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07); $21,519 ongoing (ECD)$21,519

(and ongoing) - committed in 2002

$19,595,041 (ECD) Program expansion and enhancement See notes
(ELCC)$21,000(total for 2005-06 through to

2007-08; $6,500 ongoing

(ELCC)

$7,000 in 2005-06 through to 2007-08 with $6,500 in 2008-09 and ongoing -committed in 2004

$5,925,540 (ELCC)

Increase integration, coordination, access and quality, and training

b. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - First Nations and Inuit Component (ECD)

$ 70,000 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07) and $15,000 ongoing

(ECD)

$10,000 in 2002-03 and $15,000 thereafter (and ongoing) - committed in 2002

$13,973,500 Program expansion and enhancement See notes
c. Capacity Building and Networks $5,075 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07); $1,015 ongoing $1,015 (and ongoing) - committed in 2002 $1,099,488

 

Increased capacity See notes
d. Horizontal Training (ELCC) $3,000 (total for 2005-06 to 2007-08) and $1,000 ongoing (ELCC) $500 in 2005-06; $1,300 in 2006-07; and $1,200 in 2007-08 ($1,000 ongoing committed in 2004) $1,150,000 ELCC - increased integration, coordination, access and quality See notes
2. Public Health Agency of Canada

Electronic Link: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/programs-mes/ahs_main_e.html

Child and Adolescent Health Promotion a. Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities $ 62,880 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07) $12,576 (and ongoing) - committed in 2002 $11,445,000 Program expansion and enhancement See notes
b. Capacity Building $2,500 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07) $500 (and ongoing) - committed in 2002 $176,000 Increased capacity See notes
3. Human Resources and Social Development Canada Learning and Labour Market a . First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative (FNICCI) (ECD)$ 45,700 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07) (ECD)$ 9,140 (and ongoing) committed in 2002 $16,140,000 Program expansion and enhancement 8538 spaces in 482 First Nations and Inuit sites through 58 Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement Holders
(ELCC)$21,000 (total for 2005-06 through to 2007-08) (ELCC)$7,000 (and $6,500 ongoing) - committed in 2005   Increase integration, coordination, access and quality
  b. Aboriginal Children's Survey (ECD) $17,300 (total for 2003 through to 2007) and $3,440 ongoing. (ECD) $3,540 (and $3,440 ongoing) - committed in 2002 $01 Data processing dissemination strategy; documentation of processes used to develop and implement the survey for 2011; Initial planning for on-reserve component of ACS See details below
c. Understanding the Early Years - Aboriginal Component (ECD) $3,500 (total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07) and $700 ongoing (ECD) $700 (and ongoing) - committed in 2002 $485,000 ECD Research and Knowledge As a result of the 2006 UEY Call for Proposals, one Aboriginal proposal was funded with Prince Albert Grand Council, Saskatchewan. Some funds were also allocated to the management and outreach in several other UEY projects which include Aboriginal children.
4. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Lifelong Learning - Early Learning and Childcare a. "Single Window" Work and Capacity Building (ECD) $5,050 - (Total for 2002-03 through to 2006-07) and $1,010 ongoing $1,010 (and ongoing) - committed in 2002 $592,146 Increased capacity and development of "single window" See notes
      Total - ECD:

$320,000

Total - ECD:

$60,000 in 2002-03 and $65,000 thereafter

Total: $70,581,715    
Total - ELCC:

$45,000

Total - ELCC:

$14,500 in 2005-06;

$15,300 in 2006-07;

$15,200 in 2007-08; and $14,000 ongoing

 

18. Comments on Variances

1Spending figure is $0 as previous years savings were used to cover 2007-08 fiscal year expenses.
2Understanding the Early Years (UEY) Aboriginal component: In late 2004, when the national UEY initiative was announced and assigned to HRSDC's Income Security and Social Development Branch, the management of the Aboriginal component of UEY was also transferred, along with an allocation of $700K on an ongoing basis. The implementation of Aboriginal UEY was intended to coincide with the fielding of the first data collection of the Aboriginal Children's Survey (ACS). Since the ACS was not fielded until fall 2006, the Aboriginal component of UEY was delayed.

19. Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable): N/A

20. Contact Information :

Marcia Armstrong, Program Officer,
ECD Strategy Unit,
First Nations and Inuit Health Branch,
Health Canada
Postal Locator 1920D, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa
Telephone: (613) 946-4621
Fax: (613) 952-5244

Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve

The Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve program serves over 9,000 children in over 300 First Nations communities. The majority of AHSOR funding in 2007/08 was used for First Nations community based program service delivery and development including training and minor capital. In 2007/08 work continued in key areas, including:

  • Integration of sites and cooperation between different early childhood programs such as Health Canada's AHSOR, HRSDC's FNICCI, INAC's daycare as well as local and provincial programs at the community, regional, and national levels;
  • Organization of training events based on regional training needs that included workers from other ECD programs to help maintain and improve the quality of AHSOR and other community based ECD programming;
  • Enhancement of AHSOR capital infrastructure (buildings and facilities) through support of minor capital projects;
  • Support for training of AHSOR outreach and home visiting workers for un-served and under-served communities; and
  • Improvement of reporting and communications between HC and communities.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - First Nations and Inuit Component:

Key accomplishments for 07/08 include: Mentoring projects have been established in 40 sites across Canada (an increase of 10 from last year); 2 National mentor/supervisor training sessions were held; Community Coordinator positions have been established in 18 communities (an increase of 7 from last year); A broad consultation and scan was completed on evidence-based family support programs to inform the Community Coordinator framework development; and, a study was conducted and report written on improving linkages to women's addictions services.

Capacity Building and Networks:

As part of the 2002 Federal Strategy's capacity-building component, Health Canada provides funds annually to the five national Aboriginal organizations: the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, Métis National Council, and Native Women's Association of Canada. As well, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is providing annual funding to Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. In 2007-08, this funding enabled these national Aboriginal organizations to contribute to the development of the Federal Strategy through strategic planning and capacity building in their own organizations. Note: the Métis National Council was not funded during 2007-08.

Funding from the Federal Strategy also continued to support the development of an Aboriginal service providers' network, which is called the Aboriginal Children's Circle of Early Learning (ACCEL). During 2007-08, ACCEL was reorganized and new material and web links were added throughout the year. An e-newsletter was distributed three times during the year. Discussions were undertaken with the National Aboriginal Health Organization to assume responsibility for ACCEL in 2008-09.

Horizontal Training:

Most of this funding goes to the regions to support training for ECD workers in AHSOR and FNICCI sites. A working group has been established with representation from AFN, INAC, HC and HRSDC and is working to develop a laddered ECD training strategy that will lead to culturally appropriate certification of providers of early learning and child care programming for First Nations children living on reserve, as well as supporting improved coordination between AHSOR, FNICCI and INAC funded daycares in Alberta and Ontario. A survey of training requirements of ECD workers in communities was completed and the results will inform the development of a training strategy to be completed in 2008-09.

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities

BC region:
Special needs training and support services.
Development of elder's and language guides. Enhanced Services Assessment.

Alberta Region:
Quality assurance through accredited training and ongoing education of the frontline staff.
Regional training and FASD training.
Improvements to services for children with special needs.

MB/Sask. Region (SK)
Evaluation and Curriculum activities.
Training on Building Capacity, Streamline Reporting and community assessment. Resources on Capacity Building.

MB/Sask. Region (MB)
Accredited training, Ages and Stages pre- and post assessment tools training, educational resources. increase capacity through database technology to streamline reporting requirements.

Quebec Region
Educational training, FASD training and resources for special speech therapy needs.

Atlantic Region:
Accredited training, Knowledge transfer and education initiative led to an increase in community capacity for language and culture, elder involvement

Northern Region:
Pan Territorial training event including CAPC, CPNP and AHS. Longitudinal evaluations,

Capacity Building activities within AHSUNC

Partnering/Collaborating with the Centres of Excellence ECD - Updating on-line encyclopedia
Partnering/Collaborating with the Centres of Excellence - Special needs resources

National Aboriginal Collaborating Centre - ECD curriculum research

Two North of 60 Case Studies on integration of AHSUNC and FNICCI programming to complement the Demonstration Projects in 17 First Nations communities across Canada.

Aboriginal Children's Survey

In fiscal year 2007-08, the majority of the data processing was done and a dissemination strategy was created. Work began to document the processes used to develop and implement the survey for future use in the 2011 survey development process. Initial planning for an on-reserve component of the ACS was undertaken in order to expand the survey to include children on-reserves.

Single Window Work and Building Capacity

In 2007-08, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), and Health Canada (HC) implemented the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Single Window Service Delivery Demonstration Projects. These projects tested three elements including: a single funding mechanism; streamlined reporting and community development coordination/integration.

The ECD Horizontal Working Group sponsored the ECD Success Stories initiative which showcased best practices of coordination and integration of ECD programs in First Nations communities. ECD programs include: HC's Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve, HRSDC's First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative, Public Health Agency of Canada's Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities and INAC funded Ontario and Alberta Day Care programs.

Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation and Improving Access to Pest Management Products

Lead Department: Health Canada

Start Date: 2002-2003

End Date: 2008-2009

Total Funding Allocated : $155M rounded up from $154.96M

Description:

The initiative is a part of the federal government's commitments as outlined in the Treasury Board submission Building Public Confidence in Pesticide Regulation and Improving Access to Pest Management Products . The Treasury Board submission and its associated Results-based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF) describe the integrated approach by which initiatives will be measured, managed and reported throughout their life cycle. An important element of the commitments made through the Treasury Board submission is that stakeholders and public will be kept informed through a transparent management system. The participating departments will work together for shared outcomes; measure performance on delivery; and review progress achieved. This initiative incorporates efforts of six federal government partners to increase public and stakeholder confidence in the pesticide regulatory system, to protect health and environment, and to increase the competitiveness of the agri-food and forestry sectors. Research and monitoring in the area of pesticides is being coordinated with their regulation.

Under this initiative, the presence and effects of pesticides in the environment, in marine and freshwater ecosystems, and in the forest environment are being monitored. The initiative enhances monitoring and enforcement of pesticide residue limits in foods, in feed, of pesticide residues in fertilizers, and pesticide guarantee verification for fertilizer-pesticide combinations. Reduced-risk pesticides and biological pesticides for forestry are being developed and their use facilitated. Commodity-based risk reduction strategies for the agriculture and agri-food sector are being developed and implemented. Programs improving access to agricultural minor-use pesticides and reduced-risk pesticides for agricultural use are being established. Research to support the introduction of minor-use pesticides that pose a reduced risk to the environment is being conducted. A reporting system to track adverse effects of pesticides has been developed, and information on these effects will be collected and recorded. Collectively, this work is being conducted to achieve public confidence in increased conservation and protection of human health and the environment while contributing to the competitiveness of Canada's agricultural sector.

The information presented in this table has been organized along the following three main themes of this initiative:

  1. Research and Monitoring, carried out by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Department of Fisheries and Ocean (DFO), Environment Canada (EC), Health Canada's PMRA, and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
  2. Developing and Implementing of Commodity Specific Risk Reduction Strategies, carried out by AAFC and Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
  3. Generation of Data to Support the Registration of Reduced Risk and Minor Use Pesticides for the Agricultural and Agri-food Sector and Reduced Risk Pesticides and Biopesticides for Forestry, carried out by AAFC, HC's PMRA and NRCan

Shared Outcomes:

Immediate Outcomes:

  • Increased knowledge by the PMRA about pesticides and alternatives
  • Registration of reduced-risk and minor-use pesticides
  • Access to safer pest management practices and products
  • Compliance for safer food, feed, fertilizers and fertilizer-pesticide combinations

Intermediate Outcomes:

  • A regulatory system that better protects health and environment and contributes to the competitiveness of the agri-food and forestry sectors
  • Use of safer pest management practices and products
  • Increased transparency of pesticide regulation

Final Outcome:

Increased public and stakeholder confidence in pesticide regulation, protected health and environment as well as increased competitiveness of the agri-food and forestry sectors

Governance Structures:

  • Health Canada -Executive Director of PMRA
  • Environment Canada (HC) - Director General, Conservation Strategies Directorate and Director General, National Programs Directorate
  • Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) -Director General, Fisheries, Environment and Biodiversity Science
  • Natural Resources Cananad (NRCan)-Director General, Science Branch, Canadian Forest Service
  • Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada (AAFC)-Assistant Deputy Minister of the Farm Financial Programs Branch and Assistant Deputy Minister of Research Branch, Executive Director, Pest Management Centre
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)-Vice President, Programs
  • Deputy Minister Committee-Deputy Minister from Health and AAFC
  • AAFC/PMRA Joint Management Committee: Assistant Deputy Minister of the Farm Financial Programs Branch, AAFC, Assistant Deputy Minister of Research Branch, AAFC, Executive Director, PMRA, Health Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat (ex-officio member)

I. Research and monitoring


AAFC (a) Conducting research to support the introduction of minor-use pesticides that pose a reduced risk to the environment. $8.0 M $3.0M $1.3M Final reports and next steps for technology transfer of research results from 16 projects completed as of March 2007
  • On-going support for 12 projects initiated in April 2006 to be completed March 2008
  • Progress reports from 1 year of research work on these projects initiated in April 2006
  • Support for new projects selected for funding under November 2006 Call for Proposals
  • Continued work and support for activities to improve access to and adoption of low risk minor use pesticides, including biopesticides
  • Continued research planning and coordination with MOU Research WG and Interdepartmental WG on Pesticides
  • Reviewed final reports for 13 projects completed as of March 2007, extended time lines into FY 07-08 for 3 projects in order that work could be satisfactorily completed. Project outputs include: scale up, efficacy & non-target data to support eventual commercialization/ registration of reduced-risk pest control products/applications; bait and kill strategies for key pests; refined laboratory insecticide screening protocols; degree-day models for key pests; and pest biology / behaviour information for pest species.
  • Continued support and oversight for 12 projects initiated April 2006 + 3 projects as noted above (92% of projects have met milestones as of March 2008)
  • Established Statements of Work and initiated funding and oversight of 23 new projects selected under Nov 2006 call for Proposals
  • Biopesticide submission support activities resulted in submissions for registration or label expansion for 4 products
  • Contributed to 6NR integrated work plan and discussions related to 6NR MOU regarding pesticide research and monitoring

Additional Result: Screening trials conducted resulted in identification of potential solutions for 3 key pest issues for which no solutions were known.

CFIA (b) Enhanced monitoring and enforcement of pesticide residue limits in food and feed. $2.7M $0.25M $0.25M Identify food commodities consumed by targeted subgroup (children)

Lab testing of an approximate 1500 samples per year

Follow-up inspections for non-compliant test sample results

Publish annual report of the findings of the National Chemical Residues Monitoring Program (NCRMP)

Food recalls, as required, for risk mitigation and removal of hazardous foods from marketplace

The objectives were to assess the compliance of foods consumed by children aged 3 to 15 years. The foods tested represented a random selection of foods marketed to, consumed in greater quantity by, or first eaten by children in the targeted age group. The pesticide residue results showed a high level of compliance with established limits (>98%). There was no trend observed in pesticide levels with commodity, brand name, residue or country of origin.
CFIA (c) Enhanced monitoring and enforcement of pesticide residues in fertilizers and pesticide guarantee verification in fertilizer-pesticide combinations. $2.4M $0.25M $0.193M Develop monitoring and surveillance policies and processes to guide and advise operational staff on fertilizer-pesticide combinations and pesticide contaminated fertilizers.

Increase interaction with the PMRA to obtain the most up-to-date pesticide safety and labelling information.

Update the Compendium of Fertilizer-Use Pesticides, which contains information regarding registration, guarantees and proper labelling.

Work to develop regulatory changes to facilitate updating of the Compendium more regularly, and, if successful, provide Compendium updates more regularly to the producers of mixtures and to the CFIA's inspection staff.

Inspection Memorandum I-4-93, a document identifying inspection activities and sample quotas for the year, was provided to inspection staff. To facilitate label verification in the field and maintain consistency, a list of all registered fertilizer-pesticides and labels were updated and distributed to inspectors. Inspectors were guided on appropriate non-compliance follow-up when needed.

The pesticide guarantee verification program has been redesigned, with the assistance of stakeholders, in order to improve compliance rates.

CFIA's tolerance for pesticide residues in fertilizers was reviewed and amended.

Enforcement procedures in response to non-compliance were developed through a National Training Initiative to promote consistency in enforcement actions across Canada.

CFIA and PMRA collaborated to develop policies and processes for joint review of products subject to regulation under both the Fertilizers Act and Pest Control Products Act .

CFIA is participating in the Building Public Confidence TB Initiative Evaluation Working Group.

CFIA is participating in the 6NR Pesticides and Pest Management Working Group.

The 3 rd edition of the CFUP is pending publication in Canada Gazette II . CFIA is exploring regulatory changes and expedited mechanisms to allow for more frequent updates. A new format is being created to facilitate public availability, and updates were distributed.

A regulatory change to update the definition of the CFUP so that it references the third edition is currently pending apporval.

Advise CFIA Operations on appropriate follow-up procedures and recommendations regarding the significance of sample analytical results.

Sample fertilizer-pesticide combinations to verify guarantees.

Sample fertilizers suspected to be contaminated with pesticides.

Verify fertilizer-pesticide labels.

Conduct investigation and compliance activities (anticipated based on sampling and inspection frequencies).

Analyze samples submitted by inspectors.

DFO (d) Monitor and research the presence and effects of pesticides in marine and freshwater ecosystems. $7.9 M $1.0M $1.0M DFO will provide the PMRA with final reports on regional National Fund projects. These research projects will be focused to address key research knowledge gaps, as they were in 2006-2007, after consultation with PMRA.
  • DFO will provide the PMRA with a yearly report from DFO's Centre for Environmental Research on Pesticides (CERP).
  • CERP will conduct laboratory and field based studies to quantify impacts of exposure to priority pesticides on fish and fish habitat. Impacts will be quantified in terms of reproductive success, growth and energy metabolism. Priority research will be identified in consultation with PMRA.
  • After consultation with the PMRA and other agencies, DFO will design and initiate new research projects related to the theme "Potential Impacts of Pesticides on Fisheries Resources".
  • Final report is ongoing. Anticipated delivery to PMRA is October 2008 for the 2007-08 projects.
  • CEPR has conducted laboratory exposures of fathead minnows to environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate, chlropyralid, chlropyrifos and atrazine. Growth and survival have been measured and fish are being reared to reproductive age to assess reproductive potential. A summary of these studies will be included in the October report to PMRA.
  • After consultation with PMRA, it was determined that DFO could provide useful results regarding the effects of mixtures of chlopyralid, chrlopyrifos and glyphosate on fish and fish habitat. Benthic invertebrates were specified as a useful surrogate measure of fish habitat quality.
EC (e) Monitor and research on presence and effects of pesticides in the environment. $7.16M $1.0M $1.0M EC will:
  • maintain coordination of research and monitoring projects in cycle 2 of the EC-Pesticide Science Fund (PSF)
  • support 10 new research and monitoring project themes to determine the environmental concentrations and impacts of in-use pesticides in the environment;
  • produce an annual report and make it available to the PMRA;
  • provide science advice to meet regulatory data gaps and knowledge deficiency as well as to improve risk assessment methods;
  • provide support and advice to PMRA on pesticide related science policy and issue management

Based on cycle 1 results, EC has set out to deliver on a second cycle of research and monitoring of pesticide presence and impacts in the environment. The EC-Pesticide Program Coordinating Committee (PPCC) was presented with project highlights and advice from PSF recipients of the first cycle of projects (2003-2006). The PPCC (has PMRA membership) then developed a new set of priorities for pesticide science at EC has set out to deliver on 10 new research projects that are linked to regulatory decision-making priorities. In 2007-2008, status updates will be given to the following:

  • Air surveillance: Investigations on low level impacts of compounds that are deemed to have a high toxicity and conducting research in sensitive regions that are closer to emission sources
  • Water surveillance: Focus on high risk priority watersheds. Linking water monitoring to watershed modelling ( i.e ., NAESI) providing for wider results coverage through an increase in predictive power and assisting in the rationalization of water monitoring sampling designs. Focus on specific issues, e.g ., wetlands, urban areas, source waters, agriculture and priority pesticides (through previous monitoring and with interpretation tools such as the modified APPLES, a prioritization tool developed with the PMRA). Establishing trends especially as they relate to performance outcomes ( e.g ., through linking with CESI the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program)
  • Aquatic effects: Integration of aquatic and terrestrial effects (incl. multitrophic-level) with exposure (incl. fate). Comparative assessments ( e.g ., amphibian and fish). Species, populations and community resiliency. Impacts of mixtures (link to NAESI) and cumulative effects investigations ( e.g ., nutrients). Impact assessments with chronic and pulse exposures. Studies and investigations furthering the amphibian test protocol.
  • Terrestrial effects: For birds and mammals focus on SARA and spp. of concern. Comparisons between non-oral routes and oral routes of exposure (dermal and inhalation). Focus on high exposure areas with "lethal" potential. For plants, focus on risk assessment with validation through in situ research.

In order to better integrate and coordinate EC research with regulation, EC will continue to work with the PMRA in the implementation of the EC/PMRA MOU. The MOU has four components, Science Policy, Knowledge Generation, Issue Management and Compliance Promotion and Enforcement EC will continue working on providing leadership in the development and implementation of a federal, co-ordinated pesticides science strategy for research and monitoring through the Interdepartmental Committee. As well EC will continue to contribute to PMRA's pesticide assessments where appropriate, will coordinate with PMRA on the development of environmental quality guidelines and will continue to provide science/policy advice on key Government of Canada policies as they relate to pesticide management and use in Canada.

EC was able to meet its commitments under the BPC initiative. EC's Pesticide Science Program now resides under the "Risk to Canadians" Result stream while continuing to be coordinated by the EC PPCC. We have maintained and are continuing activities addressing the following areas:
  • science policy;
  • research and monitoring;
  • issue management and communications;
  • enforcement and compliance promotion.
EC:
  • maintained its coordination efforts for the second year in the second cycle of the PSF to further support research and monitoring projects on the presence and effects of pesticides in the environment.
  • Supported the 10 on-going research and monitoring project themes with projects building on existing knowledge from previous and related projects.
  • Negotiated an Interdepartmental Letter of Agreement with the PMRA for additional financial support to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects for this fiscal year.
  • Produced an annual report of PSF activities with respect to the status and updates of air and water surveillance, as well as aquatic and terrestrial effects. This report was submitted to PMRA.
  • Currently participating in the Building Public Confidence Memorandum to Cabinet - Treasury Board Summative Evaluation.
  • Providing science advice to PMRA to meet regulatory data gaps, reduce knowledge deficiencies, and improve risk assessment methods. EC provided significant input into PMRA's activities regarding:
  • Environmental risk assessment and Track 1 assessment for Trifluralin and Lindane.
  • Re-evaluation note on the uses of Diazinon and Atrazine.
  • Pesticide concentrations in surface water, current monitoring practices, new initiatives, and trends of commonly found pesticides.
  • Coordinated PSF projects with national agri-environmental standards initiative, an initiative under the Agricultural Policy Framework ( NAESI) projects (PSF water monitoring data used with NAESI watershed modelling, NAESI performance standards used to create Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) water quality guidelines).
  • Showcased PSF achievements at national and international venues in order to facilitate the exchange of information that will help achieve PSF objectives and use of this information to inform decision makers and Canadians.
  • Presented PSF at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry ( SETAC) and the Aquatic Toxicity Workshop at special session on Pesticides
  • Presented PSF to Senior EC management. Several meetings were held between senior management at EC, PMRA and AAFC in an ongoing effort to further efficiencies and coordination between departments.
  • EC hosted a workshop (2007 EC Pacific Yukon Region (PYR) Pesticide Information Exchange) pertaining to communicating pesticide information in the PYR.
  • EC hosted a water monitoring workshop in February 2008 to present current data and to better link with PMRA needs.
  • Assisted the PMRA in the planning and hosting of the 6NR workshop on Protection of Terrestrial and Aquatic Habitats. Several EC escperts were invited as key participants.
  • Met with industry to promote development of Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines of pesticides.
  • Currently chairs the CCME pesticide sub-committee involving key partners (PMRA, industry and the jurisdictions). Largely through EC's efforts, the sub-committee has proposed a revised water quality guideline for chlorpyrifos and has successfully implemented a streamlined approach for pesticide guideline approval.
  • Drafting of new 6NR MOU and work plans to establish mechanisms that facilitate the exchange of scientific information and advice and to promote strong working relationships among six federal partners.
  • In terms of publications, EC scientists continue to produce a number of scientific peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
HC (PMRA) (f) Linking pesticide regulation and research. $4.2M $0.8M $0.8M Identify PMRA's research and monitoring priorities annually and communicate to 5NR partners through regular meetings and other avenues as needed. Facilitate discussion among the 5NR on identifying actions to address specific priorities, including collaborative research.

Discuss with the 5NR how the results of their research and monitoring are used in regulatory decisions to build better linkages between research and regulation.

Facilitate the two-way communication and coordination between regulation and research between governments within Canada (through PMRA's FPT Committee) and internationally as well as with the private and academic sectors, through presentations linking research and regulation at regional, national and international meetings.(e.g., through SETAC, CSA, IUPAC).

To strengthen the framework in linking pesticide research and monitoring, develop a MOU amongst the 5NR on linking research to regulation.

Continue to improve and expand the use of probabilistic risk assessments.

An integrated research and monitoring workplan was developed among the 6NR partners in 2007-2008. The process involved PMRA identifying the areas of research that would enhance its capacity to effectively regulate pesticides from the point of view of human and environmental health. Areas identified to date include monitoring levels of pesticides in the environment, effects of pesticides on the environment, the development and peer review of the science used in risk assessments of pesticides, and the development of risk reduction strategies. 6NR partners in turn identified the research initiatives to be undertaken over the next several years that would address some of these research gaps. Since many of the research and monitoring gaps identified by the PMRA are being undertaken by 6NR partners as ongoing initiatives, or as part of 3-4 year research cycles, the integrated workplan is considered a living document that will updated, as required, when priorities change among the participating 6NR partners.

The PMRA tracks when results of research and monitoring are used in our regulatory decisions. When the results of 6NR research are pivotal in a regulatory decision the PMRA contacts the partner providing the information to confirm that the information is being used in an appropriate manner, that the results are being interpreted correctly, and to help identify possibilities for future research.

In 2007-2008 the PMRA presented its methodologies and research needs at numerous regional, national and international meetings (e.g., OECD, NAFTA, PMRA FPT Committeee, Conferences, etc) . In addition, the PMRA made presentations to stakeholders explaining how research results are used in pesticide regulation.

A 6NR MOU was developed in 2007-2008 and signed by the responsible Director Generals/ Executive Directors of the 6NR departments/agencies. This MOE clearly delineates the various roles and responsibilities of the partners with respect to information sharing and maintaining the confidentiality of unpublished materials. The MOU also establishes a DG level committee to coordinate an integrated approach to establishing research and monitoring priorities with the aim of strengthening pesticide regulation in Canada.

A probabilistic risk assessment working group has been established within the PMRA. This group has and will continue to receive training in advanced risk assessment methods including probabilistic risk assessments. The group also has and will continue to meet with counterparts in other jurisdictions (EPA, EU) to exchange information, tools, and approaches for advanced risk assessments including the use of probabilistic methods. The working group will act as a resource to other scientists within the PMRA when advanced risk assessment methods are required

HC (PMRA) (g) Conducting research to support the introduction of minor-use pesticides that pose a reduced risk to the environment. $3.5M $1.2M $1.2M Advance risk assessment methodologies (e.g., occupational exposure assessment) through research to support the harmonization of risk assessment methodology with international partners (US EPA; California Department of Pesticide Regulation).

Develop/expand on crop grouping schemes to incorporate additional minor use crops (NAFTA/CODEX Initiative). This will facilitate dietary risk assessment of minor use crops.

Validate recently updated agricultural data that are being used to develop crop field trials for setting Maximum Residue Limits on both major and minor use crops.

In 2007-08, the PMRA participated in meetings with international partners regarding data development for use in further estimating occupational exposures to pesticides. Mixer/loader/applicator exposure data was completed and submitted to the PMRA and other international regulatory partners for use in exposure assessments for agricultural workers.

4 crop grouping schemes were approved in 2007-08. Revisions to other crop grouping schemes are ongoing.

Validation of the agricultural data was completed in 2007-08.

A Regulatory Proposal was issued on Guidelines for the Registration of Low-Risk Biochemicals and other Non-Conventional Pesticides.

NRCan (h) Research and monitor pesticides in the forest environment. $3.5M $0.5M $0.3M Review the final reports and publications of research work for four projects. Provide results to clients/stakeholders and PM RA. The completed research projects are:
  • Potential environmental effects of imidacloprid as a systemic insecticide for control of exotic wood boring insect pests such as the emerald ash borer,
  • Development of a biological treatment for control of root rot pathogen and impact on microbial biodiversity,
  • Monitoring impacts of pest control products on key microbial communities of forest soils,
  • Development and validation of "Spray Advisor"- A Decision Support System for aerial pesticide applications.
Reviewed final reports and publications and provided information to stakeholders and regulators through the 2007 National Forest Pest Forum, SERG-International (Feb 2008) workshops, etc.

The potential environmental effects were conducted on Neem (Azadirachtin) as a systemic insecticide against the emerald ash borer. This was in place of imidacloprid, due to urgency and availability. The results of this study indicate that applications of azadirachtin do not have deleterious effects on aquatic and terrestrial microbial species. An updated final report is pending receipt of additional data on actual azadirachtin concentrations from collaborators.

Current work on the prevention of annosus root rot with the pathogenic fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea is at the licensing stage.

The Enhanced Pest Management Methods (EPMM) funding was focused on environmental impacts of systemic insecticides for invasive insect control. The latest insecticide was azadirachtin. The experimental work is completed and the data have been analysed. The previous work on imidacloprid produced four scientific journal papers and four presentations at conferences.

The technological developments and scientific knowledge generated through the "Spray Advisor" project are captured through reports to funding agencies, journal publications and through direct technology transfer initiatives including a full demonstration site and workshops targeted for transfer of the Decision Support System (DSS) to foresters, aerial applicators and regulators.


II. Developing and implementing commodity specific risk reduction strategies


AAFC (a) Commodity based risk reduction strategies. $19.3M $2.5M $1.7M
  • Stakeholders engaged in priority setting and further development of 3 new commodity specific pesticide risk reduction strategies
  • Up to 10 of the published profiles updated and re-published on public website
  • Collection of data through regional focus groups for the purpose of updating profiles and tracking success of the program.
  • Continue funding implementation projects from 2005 call for proposals
  • Fund implementation projects funded through the 2006 call for proposals
  • Analysis and publication of results from Crop Protection Survey
  • Collect data through the Crop Protection Survey
  • Continued implementation of AAFC/PMRA joint communication plan

 

  • Redirection in work plan of PMRA Risk Reduction team in the area of strategy work for FY 07-08 necessitated refocusing of AAFC Risk Reduction Program efforts in strategy development. The issue-specific strategies under development were evaluated and prioritized in light of PMRA efforts on transition strategies, and 9 were identified for focussed efforts. (Reduced reliance on OPs through alternative technologies: low bush blueberry insect pests, field crop insect pests, grape & tree fruit insect pests, wireworm in potato, wheat & corn; Biopesticide strategy for soil insect pests; White mould in various crops; Apple scab; Late blight of potato; Fusarium headblight of wheat).
  • Updates of 7 profiles were completed and published. Data were collected through focus groups for 4 pulse crops (lentil, chickpea, dry bean, dry pea)
  • Final reports received and reviewed for 13 projects completed as of March 2007. Project outputs include: large scale implementation of classical biological control for leafy spurge management; BMP guidelines and IPM systems for key disease and insect pests; Pesticide Free Production systems for field crops; mechanical tool for ECB control in potato crops.
  • Continued funding and oversight of 19 projects initiated April 2006 or earlier. 89 % of projects have met milestones as of March 2008.
  • Established statements of works and initiated funding and oversight of 19 new projects selected under Nov 2006 call for Proposals
  • Analysis of results of Crop Protection Survey underway, with results to be published FY 08-09.
  • No new data collected through Crop Protection Survey due to resource constraints
  • Communication with stakeholders continued in context of AAFC/PMRA joint communication plan
HC (PMRA) (a) Commodity based risk reduction strategies (RR). $25.7M $4.0M $4.0M Planned staffing actions in 2006-2007, indeterminate positions.

Ongoing consultations with stakeholders. Work share with other government departments and 5NRs.

Work on pesticide risk indicator: consult, build and validate database.

Determine, together with AAFC, the next groupof priority crops for the program. Workshare with AAFC on new crop profiles and issue documents and finalising existing documents. Work with AAFC to define the scope of the program for each commodity, including ways to increase participant buy in and the development of an exit strategy which will promote maintenance of the stakeholder groups after cessation of government involvement.

Risk reduction strategies have been developed for pulse crops and canola. A long term fireblight management strategy has been developed for apples. Steering committee and working groups have been meeting to explore potential solutions to identified priorities and to implement steps to resolve these issues. Substantial progress has been made in the development of strategies and the formation of steering committees to lead the strategies for a number of other crops, particularly, greenhouse vegetables, grape, peach, potato, soybean, strawberry and apple. Working groups have been set up and are building action plans to achieve solutions for identified issues. Consultations will be held this year with stakeholders of raspberry and blueberry (high bush and low bush), followed by steering committee meetings in March.

In addition to work on commodity based risk reduction strategies, PMRA is working with stakeholders to develop strategies to address issues in a number of nonagricultural sectors, including forestry, the heavy duty wood preservatives industry, ornamental and landscaping, structural pest control, food processing, storage pest control and honey production.

Staffed 2 positions.

The Pesticide Risk Reduction Program held consultations with stakeholders of priority crops to gain national consensus on key pest management issues for lowbush blueberry and highbush blueberry, carrot and onion, raspberry, sweet corn and strawberry. A total of 11 Steering Committee meetings were held with 9 of the priority crops and 32 working group meetings were held to build strategies toward low risk solutions for key grower issues. As part of this strategy work, PMRA facilitated communication between stakeholders (registrants, researchers, grower organizations and provincial government) and the agency on 76 products, including 16 biopesticides and 19 low risk pesticides. Through joint work with AAFC under this program a number of new reduced risk pest management practices and products are now available to agricultural growers.

Risk indicator database environment completed at 100%. Database health completed at 95%. 100% expected mid May 08. Model update done at 100%, Technical publication at 70% completion expected end of May and public documentation at 100%

The PMRA provided technical expertise and background information on the regulatory status of products for 15 focus group discussions and held focus group discussions for canola. Information from these focus groups was used by AAFC to develop new crop profiles and update information in existing crop profiles.

Linkages were strengthened with a number of stakeholders, including growers and their associations, provincial extension, registrants, researchers and other national and international government departments through work under the Pesticide Risk Reduction Program and joint work and participation in a number of areas, such as the On Farm Food Safety Program, Canadian General Standards Board Committee on Organic Agriculture and NAFTA. These linkages help to improve stakeholder confidence is pesticide regulation through collaborative efforts and greater understanding of the regulatory framework.

The PMRA is working with the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate and harmonize North American regulatory activities pertaining to playing field for North American trade of commodities affected by the phase-out of AZM. In addition, the PMRA has begun working with Canadian stakeholders to develop strategies to transition to lower risk products and management practices from key uses being phased out through the re-evaluation process.

Work is progressing in collaboration with stakeholders on the registration of new alternative for the control of bed bugs, the development of a new CSA standard for HDWP, and of a new approach to efficacy based crop grouping for ornamentals.


III. Generation of data to support the registration of reduced-risk and minor-use pesticides for the agricultural and agri-food sector and reduced-risk pesticides and biopesticides for forestry


AAFC (a) Improving access to agricultural minor-use pesticides, and reduced-risk pesticides for agricultural use. $33.7M

$12.0M
A-base

$6.5M

$2.0M
A-base

$5.7M

$2.0M
A-base

  • AAFC national minor use priority setting workshop will be held with stakeholders to prioritize the 2008 minor use research requirements and to select the top 36 research priorities.
  • AAFC will select up to an additional 20 joint AAFC/IR-4 research priorities for the 2008 research season.
  • AAFC will consult with and solicit written support from the pesticide manufactures whose pesticides are chosen for these crop-pest research priorities.
  • AAFC will complete and forward the initial 36 presubmission consultation requests (PSCR 3.1) to PMRA by Nov 24, 2007. These will be followed by the PSCRs for the joint AAFC/IR-4 projects by Jan 31, 2008. Subsequently, data requirements (DACO) for each pest-crop pair will be issued by the PMRA to AAFC (~97 days from receipt).
  • AAFC will convert DACOs to study plans by January 2008 (for the initial 36) and by March 2008 for the remaining DACOs
  • AAFC will assign trials (~400) to contractors and collaborating AAFC personnel across Canada. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) quality assurance oversight will be provided by AAFC.
  • Data generation will take place during the 2007 growing season followed by laboratory analysis of residues for priorities selected in 2006.
  • Analysis of data from previous years research will occur throughout the year followed by the writing of final reports and submissions to PMRA. The PMRA normally provides a decision on use within 247 days. The total process takes approximately 36 months from priority setting until final report submission to PMRA.
  • AAFC is targeting the completion of 40 MU submissions during the year.
The 2007-2008 Minor Use (MU) Priority Setting Meeting was delayed until April 2008 (2008-2009 FY); however, 38 priorities were selected.

19 joint AAFC/US MU projects were selected during the IR-4's planning meeting (Oct 31 - Nov 1, 2007).

AAFC consulted with and solicit written support from the pesticide registrants whose pesticides were chosen for the crop-pest research priorities selected.

As several of the priorities selected were with unregistered pesticides and the PMRA does not accept PSCR for unregistered pesticides, AAFC could not submit for all selected priorities.

Draft study plans were prepared for all projects in which trial would be conducted in 2008 prior to the 2008 Field RFP (February 2008).

Over 500 field and greenhouse trials were conducted in 2007. All residue trials respected GLP requirements without any significant observations.

45 AAFC MU projects were completed and submitted to either the registrant or PMRA during the 2007-2008 FY.

HC (PMRA) (a) Improving access to agricultural minor-use pesticides, and reduced-risk pesticides for agricultural use. $20.8M $4.0M $4.0M Product evaluation work-review presubmission proposals from AAFC and provincial coordinators and issue data requirements.

Register new minor crop uses, including minor use and reduced-risk products and uses.

Harmonization work and regulatory projects-Joint Reviews in collaboration with the U.S. EPA,

AAFC and U.S. Department of Agriculture IR-4 Program, further work on crop groupings and on Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) promulgation.

Increase communication and provide feedback to AAFC to improve the quality and use of scientific rationales.

No. of D 3.1 Received 129
Passed 90
Reviewed 96

No. of D 3.2 Received 109
Passed 91
Reviewed 93

No. C6.3 Label Review
Received 95
Reviewed 89

The PMRA registered 663 new minor uses through submissions for new or amended pest control products, including 546 food uses and 117 non-food uses, thus helping to reduce the technology gap which exists between Canada and its export markets. This gap was further reduced through the initiation of PMRA/EPA Joint Reviews/Registrations of minor use label expansions which resulted in the registration of the first joint label expansions. PMRA is working with the EPA and regulatory agencies in other jurisdictions to expand the use of joint reviews and work sharing for minor uses.

NRCan (b) Develop and facilitate the use of reduced-risk pesticides and biological pesticides for forestry. $4.1M $0.5M $0.4M Review final reports of five projects funded for one year only, and plan strategy and priorities for future funding.

NRCan will continue work to integrate and coordinate activities with the other 5NR partners and stakeholders. Collaborate in the development of the "National Forest Pest Strategy".

The NRCan-CFS Minor Use Advisor hired under this fund will continue to work in collaboration with AAFC at the to facilitate registration of reduced risk/minor use pest control products against pest on outdoor woody ornamentals and forests. Coordinate and report on six projects for minor use pesticides in Canada.

Support for the 2007 National Forest Pest Management Forum at the Ottawa Congress Centre.

Support for a new round of forest projects on reduce risk pest control products.

Results of the following projects funded under NRCan pesticides program were:

The synthetic pheromone (called fuscumol) of the brown spruce longhorn beetle was formulated in biodegradable Heron flakes, and release rates were quantified. A patent application was submitted for "fuscumol" aggregation pheromone of the spruce longhorn beetle.

Development and testing pheromone formulations for use in early intervention pest management strategies of the spruce budworm - The spruce budworm pheromone product, "Hercon Disrupt Micro-Flake SBW", for suppression is nearing registration. A demonstration trial was designed to familiarize end- users with the spruce budworm pest management potential of the Disrupt Micro-Flake SBW formulation and the Hercon Pod dispersal system.

The Development of a Bacillus thuringiensis product for control of sawflies - Efforts to establish a laboratory colony from field-collected Diprion similis sawfly larvae was unsuccessful due to the low availability of larvae in the field. Isolates from the culture collection were obtained and cultured spore-crystal suspensions are being held until there is a sawfly colony for bioassays.

Calibration of a sex pheromone monitoring and trapping system for the blackheaded budworms - In 2007, the budworm populations were very low resulting in low trap catches and very low egg deposition. Therefore, the basic trap calibration could not take place and the project is terminated until higher population levels are found. However, the pheromone lures did prove effective in detecting low numbers of the budworms.

Studies are underway on the use of the pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against white pine weevil and other bark beetles. The team has developed an expertise in molecular and morphological identification of fungi.

The Enhanced Pest Management Methods S&T Program (EPMM) is now integrated into the National Forest Pest Strategy.

The NRCan-CFS Minor Use Advisor continued to collaborate with AAFC to facilitate registration of reduced risk pest control products against pest on outdoor woody ornamentals and forests. The Advisor is involved in 17 AAFC national minor use "A" priority projects - all forestry and ornamentals related 4 uses of pesticides have been registered and another 3 were submitted to the PMRA for final review.

Provided financial and research support for the 2007 National Forest Pest Management Forum which consists of stakeholders, managers, regulators, and others interested in pest management. Presentations and posters were presented on projects funded under this program.

TOTAL   $154.96M $27.5M $23.843M  

Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners: n/a

Contact Information:
Grace Lewis, Project Officer
Policy, Communications and Regulatory Affairs Directorate, PMRA
613-736-3592

Approved by:
Jason Flint, A/Director General
Policy, Communications and Regulatory Affairs Directorate, PMRA
613-736-3914

Date Approved: 21 July 2008

1. Name of Horizontal Initiative: Federal Tobacco Control Strategy 2007-2011

2. Name of Lead Department: Health Canada

3. Start Date: 2001

4. End Date: 2011

5. Total Federal Funding Allocation: $361.0 M

6. Description:

The Federal Tobacco Control Strategy (FTCS) establishes a framework for a comprehensive, integrated, and multi-faceted approach to tobacco control. It focuses on four mutually reinforcing components: protection, prevention, cessation and product regulation.

The FTCS 2007-2011 is driven by the Government's longstanding commitment to reduce the serious and adverse health effects of tobacco use. The Strategy is led by Health Canada (HC) and involves several federal partners.

7. Shared Outcome:

The goal is to reduce overall smoking prevalence from 19% in 2005 to 12% by 2011.
Objectives:

  • Reduce prevalence of Canadian youth (15-17) who smoke from 15% to 9%;
  • Increase number of adult Canadians who quit smoking by 1.5 million;
  • Reduce prevalence of Canadians exposed daily to second-hand smoke from 28% to 20%;
  • Examine the next generation of tobacco control policy in Canada;
  • Contribute to global implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC); and
  • Monitor and assess contraband tobacco activities and enhance compliance.

8. Governance Structure:

Resources for implementation of the FTCS were allocated to a number of departments and agencies. HC is responsible for regulating the manufacture, sale, labelling and promotion of tobacco products, as well as developing, implementing and promoting initiatives that reduce or prevent the negative health impacts associated with smoking.

Partner departments and agencies are:

  • Public Safety Canada (PS) (formerly Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada) - administers funding for monitoring levels of contraband tobacco activity. The Department also provides policy advice and support on smuggling issues and leads Canada's delegation that is negotiating an international protocol on illicit trade in tobacco products.
  • Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (formerly Department of Justice) - is responsible for monitoring federal fines imposed in relation to tobacco and other types of offences, and for enforcing and recovering outstanding fines.
  • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - is responsible for enforcement of laws in relation to international movement of tobacco products including illicit manufacture, distribution or possession of contraband tobacco products.
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (formerly Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) - is responsible for ensuring assessment and collection of tobacco taxes and monitoring tobacco exports.
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (previously part of former Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) - is responsible for monitoring and assessing the contraband tobacco market in Canada and internationally, as well as improving the administration of assessment and collection of new tobacco taxes on imported tobacco.

9. Federal Partners Involved in each Program 10. Names of Programs 11. Total Allocation for 2007-2011 12. Forecasted Spending for 2007-2008 13. Actual Spending in 2007-2008 14. Planned Results for 2007-2008 15. Achieved Results in 2007-2008
1. HC FTCS $284.2 M $56.8 M $55.1 M See text below. See text below.
2. PS FTCS $3.0 M $0.6 M $0.6 M See text below. See text below.
3. ODPP FTCS $11.2 M $2.2 M $2.1 M See text below. See text below.
4. RCMP FTCS $8.6 M $1.7 M $0.8 M See text below. See text below.
5. CRA

Assessment and Client Services (previously Assessment and Collections)

Excise and GST/HST Rulings Directorate/ Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch

FTCS $4.0 M

($54.0 M total allotment to CRA, includes $50.0 M to Customs/CBSA and $4.0 M to CRA)

$0.8 M

($10.8 M allocated between Customs/ CBSA

($10.0 M) and two CRA areas ($0.8 M)

$0.2 M

$0.6 M

See text below. See text below.
6. CBSA Intelligence Directorate and Travellers Division FTCS $28.5 M for activities plus

$21.5 M for loss of duty-free licensing

$5.7 M for activities plus $4.3 M for loss of duty-free licensing $5.7 M for activities plus $4.3 M for loss of duty- free licensing See text below. See text below.
Total 2007-2011   Total

$361.0 M

Total

$72.2 M

Total

$69.4 M

   

16. Comments on Variances:

As part of the September 2006 expenditure review, the HC, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch portion of the FTCS funding was eliminated. This reduced HC's overall budget by $8.3 M in 2007-2008, $10.8 M in 2008-2009 and ongoing.

17. Results Achieved by Non-federal Partners:

Through funding provided by the FTCS, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police (AMP) have been able to increase their surveillance and monitoring of tobacco smuggling. The AMP have reported participating in Joint Forces Operations that have led to charges and seizures, including tobacco. All tobacco seizures made by the AMP are turned over to the RCMP for prosecutions and reported through the RCMP Cornwall Detachment.

The AMP have enhanced their capacity in intelligence development and specialized criminal investigation techniques through work with Canadian and U.S. law enforcement partners in the Integrated Border Enforcement Team in the Cornwall area. In addition, they have had an opportunity to lead and participate in Joint Forces Operations related to cross-border criminal activities and organized crime.

18. Contact Information:

Brenda Paine
(613) 941-9826

19: Approved By:

20. Date Approved:


  14. Planned Results for 2007-2008 15. Results Achieved in 2007-2008
1. Health Canada 1) Protecting Canadians from inducements to smoke through development of regulations to restrict the display at retail of tobacco products, branded accessories and signs on the availability and price of tobacco products.

2) Toxicological testing of tobacco products and bio-markers of exposure to tobacco products will be undertaken.

3) The FCTS will combine an ongoing evaluation strategy built on its approved Results-based Management Accountability Framework, with cost-effectiveness studies and econometric modelling.

4) Health Canada will explore innovative risk assessment methodologies to assess whether modified tobacco products are more or less toxic than products now on the market.

5) The signing of the WHO FCTC is an opportunity to ensure that international policy and Canada's policy are mutually reinforcing.

6) Monitor the impact of tobacco control initiatives through the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS).

Provinces and territories enacted legislation banning display at retail, therefore, Health Canada did not continue its regulatory requirement.

The Department undertook development work on bio-markers. Results will be available in 2010.

Cost-effectiveness and econometric modelling for 2007-2008 was completed.

A variety of products were looked at, including smokeless tobacco and cigars, and their toxicity against cigarettes was assessed. Like cigarettes, these products are mutagenic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic.

Canada participated at WHO FCTC Conference of Parties and assisted other countries with their implementation of the FCTC.

Results from the CTUMS for data collected between February and June 2007, reveal that 19% of the population (just under five million Canadians) aged 15 years and older were smokers. Among youth aged 15-19 years, 15% were current smokers. The prevalence of smoking among young adults aged 20-24 years was reported at 24%.

2. PS Enhanced partnership arrangement with Akwesasne Mohawk Police. See Results Achieved by Non-federal Partners above.

In February 2008, Public Safety led Canada's delegation that participated in the first International Negotiating Body to develop a protocol on illicit trade in tobacco products. The objective is to develop a protocol, for adoption in 2010, that will create international standards to curb illicit trade in tobacco products.

3. ODPP 1) Prioritize fine recovery for fines ordered under cigarette contraband and tobacco sales to youth convictions.

2) Increase the number of fines satisfied by a minimum of 15 percent.

3) Analyze trends and prioritize the most effective and least costly recovery methods.

4) Prioritize payment of fines over incarceration, but enhance enforcement measures when appropriate.

5) Reduce costs to client departments in regards to fees incurred for Crown counsel attending motions for extensions in the delay to pay a fine.

The Fine Recovery Program continued to focus on these priorities, adjusting its enforcement focus in accordance with changes in the volume and nature of contraband activity, resultant convictions and fines ordered.

2) Rigorous and effective pursuit of outstanding fines in all regions resulted in a significant increase in amounts collected.

3) Priority is given to the most cost-effective methods of recovery, in particular, demand letters, telephone calls and negotiating payment agreements. In addition, progress was made toward a new tool for more efficient fine collection in partnership with CRA (refund set-off).

4) Emphasis was placed on fine payments rather than incarceration, including through use of negotiated payments and civil measures to seize assets when appropriate and necessary.

5) Crown counsel assigned to Fine Recovery Units continued to oppose all motions for payment extensions heard at court, resulting in a decrease in counsel fees to client departments for these hearings, and contributing to greater compliance with fine orders.

4. RCMP 1) Provide the Department of Finance, HC and other partners with updates on illicit tobacco trade activities.

2) The RCMP monitors illegal activities at and along the Canada/U.S. border through use of strategic detection and surveillance equipment.

3) Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners.

1) Regular reports on the illicit tobacco situation were provided to Finance and HC. Reports are provided to other partners and key Ministerial entities upon request. Tobacco analysts attend regular meetings to brief the Department of Finance and provided the Department with the 2006 Strategic Intelligence Assessment. The 2007 Strategic Intelligence Assessment will be submitted in August 2008.

Release of the RCMP 2008 Contraband Tobacco Enforcement Strategy, whose overall goal is to nationally reduce the availability of and decrease the demand for contraband tobacco, while supporting government health objectives.

2) Improved border security through use of sophisticated technology which permits detection and monitoring of illegal border intrusions, resulting in vital intelligence and eventual enforcement actions. Joint Canada/U.S. Shiprider Operation in 2007 in Cornwall/St. Lawrence Seaway region targeted cross-border smuggling and intelligence gathering.

3) Co-hosted the 2008 Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop with American and Canadian agencies. Broad participation in the Interprovincial Tax Investigators Conference focused on contraband tobacco and other illicit tobacco issues. Involved as participant with the Department of Public Safety Task Force on Contraband Tobacco to identify potential concrete measures that will disrupt and reduce trade in contraband tobacco. Participated in 2008 at an information-sharing workshop with the U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency on current contraband tobacco investigations. Participated in February 2008 at the WHO-FCTC negotiations on a Protocol for Tobacco Control.

5. CRA 1) Systems adjustments and maintenance to reflect legislative changes that affect rates, reporting and refunds, as well as program changes to include duty-free shops and ships' stores. 1) Systems and reporting capabilities were maintained as required to meet program requirements.
Assessment and Benefit Services (previously Assessment and Collections) 2) Verify export activity. 2) The Tobacco Enforcement Verification Program (field) effectively monitored movement of exported tobacco products.
Excise and GST/HST Rulings Directorate/ Legislative Policy and Regulatory Affairs Branch 3) Ensure compliance with legislative requirements imposed on the manufacture, sale and possession of tobacco products in Canada. 3) Excise duty officers performed audits and regulatory reviews of licensed manufacturers to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
  4) Work with stakeholders to monitor and assess effectiveness of measures used to reduce contraband tobacco. 4) Participated on a number of committees dealing with monitoring and control of tobacco products, including those dealing with interprovincial issues. Co-hosted the Tobacco Diversion Workshop with Canadian and U.S. participation.
  5) Provide Department of Finance with advice to assist in development of policy and determination of the magnitude and timing of future tax increases. 5) Met with Department of Finance as required. Provided industry and product information.
  6) Support RCMP enforcement activity. 6) Supported RCMP enforcement activity by providing information about specific tobacco transactions as well as expert testimony and affidavits.
6. CBSA

Intelligence Directorate

1) Provide advice to Department of Finance on matters that will impact the future tax structure on tobacco. 1) Attended monthly meetings with Department of Finance and partners to discuss and serve as a reference for questions on tobacco issues.
  2) Monitor and report on the contraband tobacco situation in Canada. 2) Provided monthly analysis of the national contraband situation by compiling reports received from the Regions. Partnered with RCMP in annual risk assessment of the nature and extent of tobacco contraband activity. Coordinated development of tobacco intelligence in the Regions.
  3) Expand cooperation with international and national law enforcement partners. 3) Actively participated in Joint Force Operations with law enforcement partners across the Regions. Co-hosted the Joint U.S./Canada Tobacco Diversion Workshop 2008 with American and Canadian agencies. Developed and maintained contact with international tobacco enforcement personnel.
Travellers Division Collection of tobacco duties imposed on personal importations of returning Canadians. CBSA front-line officers collected duties and taxes from previously exempted personal importations of tobacco.