Improvements in the delivery of interpretation services: 2017 update to Canadians

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) established its interpretation policy to outline the commitments, practices and tools to be applied when providing Canadians and businesses with information and guidance on regulatory obligations to be met. The scope of application for this interpretation policy encompasses PSPC's Controlled Goods Program and the Controlled Goods Regulations.

To improve its interpretation policy, PSPC seeks input from its stakeholders on regulatory interpretation. Improvement priorities identified as a result of consultations are:

• improved clarity related to interpretation of definitions in the Controlled Goods Regulations
• improved clarity of reporting requirements and associated timelines in the Controlled Goods Regulations

The following summarizes PSPC's progress and improvements made towards addressing these priorities.

Improvements made between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2017

• The Controlled Goods Regulations were amended on June 22, 2016, to clarify the definitions, reporting requirements and associated timelines included in the Regulations. For example:
  • the term "without delay" was replaced with a precise time period
  • decision criteria for revocation, suspension, and reinstatement of a registration or exemption were clarified
• The Controlled Goods Program guidelines that were developed in July 2014 were updated to reflect the amendment to the Controlled Goods Regulations:
  • Guideline on Controlled Goods Program registration
  • Guideline for designated officials
  • Guideline on Controlled Goods Program compliance inspections
  • Guide to the schedule to the Defence Production Act
• Eight interactive "Ask the expert" webinars on the Controlled Goods Program (four in English, four in French) were offered to allow stakeholders the opportunity to submit questions and collectively benefit from the program's response
• Agenda items regarding regulatory interpretation were included at the meetings of the Industry Engagement Committee for November 2014 and June 2015
• Guidelines continue to be reviewed on a semi-annual basis. The latest update was completed in November 2016

From April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2017, PSPC received approximately 400 general inquiries from its stakeholders. Only a small number of inquiries pertained to the interpretation of the Controlled Goods Regulations.

PSPC continues to respond to stakeholder requests for information and clarification in a timely manner.