Public Health Agency of Canada’s Regulatory Stock Review Plan: 2022-2024

The Regulatory Stock Review Plan is a public list and description of reviews of regulations that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) plans to undertake within a three-year period. It is intended to give Canadians, including businesses, Indigenous peoples, and trading partners, an opportunity to inform the reviews of regulations and to plan for the future.

The stock review plan identifies a PHAC point of contact for the reviews. This plan will be adjusted and updated over time to reflect PHAC's regulatory priorities and changes to the operating environment. Existing legislation and regulations remain in force.

In Budget 2018, the Government announced a regulatory reform agenda focused on removing barriers to innovation and encouraging economic growth. Targeted sectoral reviews were completed in the health and biosciences, agri-food and aquaculture, and transportation and infrastructure sectors.

PHAC participated in the centrally-led regulatory reviews targeting the Agri-food and aquaculture sector. This review, along with a concurrent internal review of other PHAC program areas, helped inform the development of PHAC's regulatory stock review plan for the next three years.

The stock review plan identifies a departmental contact for the planned reviews and will be adjusted and updated over time to reflect PHAC’s regulatory priorities and changes to the operating environment.


ONGOING REVIEWS

Title or Working Title of the Regulation(s)

Regulations to Amend Schedule 1 of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act

Enabling Act(s)

Human Pathogens and Toxins Act

Rationale

The proposed regulatory amendment to Schedule 1 of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act will include an update to the list of toxins requiring regulatory oversight and reflect changes in scientific nomenclature, based on recommendations of the external Advisory Committee on Human Pathogens and Toxins.

Narrative

The proposed changes will impact manufacturers, importers and retailers who may be required to adjust their licence based on any changes to toxins they are handling.

Date of last review or amendment (Year)

2019

Targeted start for review (Year)

2020


Title or Working
Title of the Regulation(s)

Proposed Amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations

Enabling Act(s)

Human Pathogens and Toxins Act

Rationale

As part of the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, a commitment was made to adhere to the Government’s life-cycle approach to regulatory development through evaluation of the effectiveness of the HPTR in meeting its objectives.

The evaluation will identify areas for regulatory amendments including enhancements to the security clearance program and opportunities to increase clarity and decrease administrative burden on parties regulated by both PHAC and CFIA.

This regulatory initiative will also support PHAC’s commitments under the Agri-food and Aquaculture Roadmap.

Narrative

The proposed changes will impact regulated parties such as academia, government, and industry working with human pathogens and toxins.

Date of last review or amendment (Year)

2015

Targeted start for review (Year)

2020


PROPOSED NEW REVIEWS

Title or Working Title of the Regulation(s)

Regulations to Amend the Schedule to the Quarantine Act

Enabling Act(s)

Quarantine Act

Rationale

The proposed regulatory amendment to the Schedule of the Quarantine Act will update the listing of the current communicable diseases and the inclusion of new diseases for the purposes of the Act.

Narrative

The proposed addition would provide authority to regulate communicable diseases not currently listed under the Quarantine Act, such as MERS-CoV, and provide the opportunity to respond appropriately in case of emergency in Canada.

Date of last review or amendment (Year)

2020

Targeted start for review (Year)

2023


Title or Working Title of the Regulation(s)

Amendment to the Quarantine Regulations

Enabling Act(s)

Quarantine Act

Rationale

The proposed regulatory amendment would explore improvements to Quarantine Regulations, including potential alignment with the goals of the International Health Regulations.

Narrative

The current Quarantine Regulations do not reflect the scope and realities of modern travel and infection or infestation control. They need to be revisited in light of rapid, worldwide transmission and spread of disease, including risks associated with returning travellers on conveyances and their ancillary services. Proposed amendments may have an impact on numerous stakeholders and will involve extensive consultation.

Date of last review or amendment (Year)

2006

Targeted start for review (Year)

2023

Departmental Contact Information

For additional information on PHAC's Regulatory Stock Review Plan, please contact us at pathogens.pathogenes@phac-aspc.gc.ca.

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