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:

• Explosives Regulatory Division
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Directorate of Transport Canada, which administers the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations.

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.