The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is asking for public input on proposed requirements for reducing methane emissions from upstream oil and gas operations.

According to the AER, the requirements “address the primary sources of methane emissions from Alberta’s upstream oil and gas industry: fugitive emissions and venting, which includes emissions from compressors, pneumatic devices, and glycol dehydrators”. The Alberta Government notes that “[t]he draft directives include new and enhanced requirements for measuring and reporting methane leaks Learn More

Stakeholders are being invited to comment on proposed updates and new requirements related to blasting operations and working in or near water.

In particular, comments are being sought on

• Updates to provisions related to the safe use of electronic detonators; and
• New requirements for use of lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for the commercial fishing industry, and alignment of provincial standards for lifejackets and PFDs with those in the federal regulations. Learn More

The Government of Manitoba has proposed stringent provisions related to the protection of lakes and waterways.

According to the Government of Manitoba, these changes, which would amend The Conservation Districts Act, the Water Protection Act, and The Water Rights Act include

• “new requirements that would ensure drainage projects do not result in loss of certain classes of wetlands;
• modernizing drainage inspection and enforcement tools, and increasing penalties for illegal drainage;
• allowing the establishment of nutrient targets to help measure water quality across jurisdictions; (…) Learn More

The Government of Manitoba has proposed changes regarding the management of roadways.

Notably, the proposed changes

• “(enact) a new Act that modernizes the legislation for constructing and managing provincial transportation infrastructure”;
• “(set) out the authority and obligations of the department in relation to (funding agreements pertaining to the construction, operation, maintenance or repair of) airports, docks and ferries”; and Learn More

To prepare for the federal legalization of cannabis, the Government of Manitoba has proposed changes related to smoking laws.

Notably, the proposed changes would prohibit the smoking and vaping of cannabis in outdoor public places such as “streets and sidewalks; parks and beaches; school grounds; restaurant patios and decks; (and) the grounds of health-care facilities” (Manitoba Government). Learn More

As a consequence of federal laws for legalization of cannabis, territorial rules may soon be introduced that would implicate public smoking and impaired driving, as well as possession, sale, and distribution of recreational cannabis.

Notably, the proposed rules would

• Prohibit smoking of cannabis in certain public places and anywhere that tobacco smoking is prohibited;
• Set a minimum age for purchase, consumption, and possession of cannabis; Learn More

The Government of the Northwest Territories is requesting input on proposed amendments to the territory’s legislative framework for oil and gas exploration, production, and management.

According to the government, the amendments “fall under three distinct categories:

• administrative and technical amendments;
• transparency and public accountability; and
• significant discovery licences.” Learn More

As part of an initiative to establish a provincial framework for the federal legalization of cannabis, changes are coming to various laws, including the ones pertaining to driving and smoking.

Notably, the changes would set prohibitions and restrictions on the use of cannabis in public places and on the transport of cannabis in motor vehicles. Learn More

As a consequence of federal laws for legalization of cannabis, provincial rules may soon be introduced that would implicate public smoking and impaired driving, as well as possession, sale, cultivation, and distribution of recreational cannabis.

Notably, the proposed rules would

• Prohibit the use of cannabis in public places.
  • According to Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, “smoking cannabis would be prohibited in health and social services institutions, post-secondary schools and all other enclosed spaces to which the public has admittance. However, certain enumerated enclosed spaces may contain designated closed rooms where cannabis smoking is permitted. Operators of the spaces and facilities previously described must post visible signs indicating the areas where smoking is prohibited”. Learn More

The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail is seeking comments on proposed changes to requirements on protection and prevention against falls. In particular, the changes, would “provide new rules and updated standards … in relation to the layout of the premises and the use of individual and collective protection measures and equipment” (Gazette Officielle du Québec). Learn More

Changes are being proposed to the province occupational health and human resources rules.

Notably, the changes, which would be put in place by amending the An Act respecting labour standards

• Add new conditions related to psychological harassment, including preventing measures;
• Prohibit employees performing similar tasks to have access to different pension plans or other employee benefits, if their hiring date is the same;
• Prohibit employees performing similar tasks to be remunerated differently because of their employment status or work hours; Learn More

Owners, users, sellers, and maintainers of equipment that produce ionizing radiation (such as x-ray machines and CT scanners) should be aware that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking comments on proposed changes to provisions related to the inspection, installation, use, maintenance and registration of such equipment. Learn More