Update: Human Pathogen and Toxins Act

The end of the 90-day transition period for the full implementation of the Human Pathogen and Toxins Act (HPTA) and Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations (HPTR), is February 29th, 2016, and we at the Centre for Biosecurity remain focused on assisting institutions and organizations with a smooth and successful implementation of the pathogen control framework.  

 

If you were performing controlled activities with human pathogens or toxins (including possessing, storing, transferring, and disposing) on December 1st, 2015 you must submit your licence application to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) by February 29, 2016 through the Biosecurity Portal (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/index-eng.php). By doing so, you will be exempted from the HPTA and HPTR licence requirements, until PHAC has provided you with a decision on your licence application. Failure to comply will make you subject to enforcement action under the HPTA.

 

When the Regulations were published CWWA examined the requirements, and while some municipal labs may be subject to some of the requirements – e.coli for example is classed as a human pathogen – the pathogens found in municipal labs are low risk, and the impacts will be minimal, but facilities using or storing human pathogens prescribed in the act will be required to have a licence.