Our primary responsibility
The Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD), a part of Natural Resources
Canada, is responsible for administering Canada's Explosives Act and Regulations.
Our goals
ERD operates with two main goals in mind: first, to improve public
safety; and second, to strengthen national security.
Making Canada safer
Under Canada's Explosives Act and Regulations, ERD:
- Maintains a system of authorization, licensing, certification
and permits, supported by a compliance inspection program; and
- Takes steps to ensure that only responsible people have
access to explosives.
Our focus
ERD works to ensure compliance with the Explosives Act
and Regulations in the manufacture, importation and distribution
of many types of explosives, including:
- Blasting explosives
- Pyrotechnics (special effects)
- Fireworks
- Ammunition
- Propellant powders
Representing Canadian interests internationally
ERD represents Canada at international forums on explosives and shares its expertise in regulation and technology worldwide.
Educational support
- ERD provides educational support and materials to schools
and families across Canada (e.g., the Explonet
web site shows students how to use family fireworks safely).
- ERD offers professional training and certification for Display
Fireworks Supervisors and Special Effects Pyrotechnicians.
Transportation of explosives
Two Government of Canada organizations are responsible for the
transportation of explosives:
Our organization within the Government of Canada
- Department within the Government of Canada: Natural
Resources Canada
- Sector within Natural Resources Canada: Minerals
and Metals
- Branch within the Minerals and Metals Sector: Explosives
Branch
- The Explosives Branch consists of:
- the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD)
- the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory (CERL)
ERD and CERL
- ERD works in partnership with the
Canadian
Explosives Research Laboratory (CERL).
- CERL provides technical support in such areas as testing of
explosives submitted for authorization, laying the scientific
foundation for explosives-related law and policy, and accident
investigation.
Where to find us
- Headquarters: Ottawa
- Regional offices: Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa,
Saint-Hyacinthe (Quebec), and Halifax.
- See our Contacts
page for employee names, addresses and telephone numbers.