Regulatory Proposals

Proposed Cribs & Cradles Regulations Published in Canada Gazette Part I

On May 1, 2004, proposed amendments to the Cribs and Cradles Regulations and to Schedule I of the Hazardous Products Act were published in the Canada Gazette Part I. They seek to:

• eliminate toeholds that could enable a child to climb out of a crib and fall to the floor with a risk of injury;
• increase the side height requirements from 560mm to 660mm for rigid folding and rigid portable cribs to make them similar to the requirement for standard cribs; and,
• update the regulations, which includes amending Item 25 of Part II, Schedule I to the HPA, from "Standard cribs, portable cribs and cradles" to "Cribs and Cradles" thereby broadening the definition of a crib.

In response to industry requests, the proposed amendment also seeks to:

• clarify the definitions of the various types of sides in cribs;
• continue the exclusion of fabric or soft-sided portable cribs from the scope of the regulations; and,
• harmonize Canadian requirements with those of the United States concerning the safety of crib corner posts.

Health Canada considers the views of Canadians to be of paramount importance and consequently, concerning this regulatory initiative, the Department is seeking input by July 15, 2004. Following a review of the comments, Health Canada will make appropriate modifications (if necessary), before publishing the proposed regulatory amendment in Part II of the Canada Gazette, such that it will become law in Canada.

Proposed Lighters Regulations Published in Canada Gazette Part I

On March 13, 2004, a proposed amendment to the Lighters Regulations, requiring mandatory child resistance and performance requirements for all utility lighters sold in Canada, was published in Part I of the Canada Gazette.

Health Canada considers the views of Canadians to be of paramount importance and consequently, concerning this regulatory initiative, the Department is seeking input by May 27, 2004. Following a review of the comments, Health Canada will make appropriate modifications (if necessary), before publishing the proposed regulatory amendment in Part II of the Canada Gazette, such that it will become law in Canada.