Consultations for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and Regulations

Consultation is a key activity of the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). It supports open and transparent government. It allows for discussion among Canadians, and between Canadians and government, about designing, implementing and evaluating the following government activities:

  • public policy
  • regulation
  • programs
  • accountability

Completed consultations

Here are past consultations related to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) and Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations (HPTR). Please note that these consultations are now closed to further comments.

2012-2014: Consultations on the full implementation of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act

PHAC developed a comprehensive consultation strategy to solicit and incorporate input and feedback from stakeholders and other interested parties on the development of the program and regulatory framework required to fully implement the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA). The input received during Phase I was incorporated into the further three phases of consultation (Phases II-IV).

  • Phase I: pre-consultation to seek advice from all provincial and territorial governments, the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network and a representative cross-section of national stakeholder associations, including academia, on how best to consult transparently and fairly, in a way that is meaningful and inclusive.
  • Phase II: Sector-specific engagement on key HPTA program elements (electronic engagement and in-person sessions) completed in spring 2012.
  • Phase III: Consultations on operational challenges on key program elements and policy instruments (workshops and electronic workbook) completed in spring 2013.
  • Phase IV: Live webcast information sessions on the proposed program and regulatory framework concurrent with the publication of proposed regulations in Canada Gazette Part I completed in summer 2014.
  • Pre-publication of the regulations in Part I of the Canada Gazette, for final comments completed in fall 2014.

2018: Consultation on dual-use in life science research

2021: Public consultation on the Canadian Biosafety Standard (CBS), third edition

2023: Thematic consultation on potential amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations

Consultative groups

PHAC engages with stakeholders in its principal role as a regulator. These stakeholders are from the following groups:

Regulated parties

Persons or organizations subject to the HPTA and HPTR for possessing, handling or otherwise manipulating a human pathogen or toxin. This includes public, private and academic facilities, such as:

  • HPTA licence holders
  • biosafety officers
  • alternate biosafety contacts
  • licence holder representatives

Consumers and Canadians

Consumers and consumer associations, provincial and municipal governments, and non-governmental organizations and groups.

Professionals

Persons who work in a field related to the HPTA and HPTR mandate:

  • health professionals
  • biosafety professionals
  • biosecurity professionals
  • professional associations
  • laboratory researchers and workers

Expert Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee on Human Pathogens and Toxins was established by PHAC in 2015 to provide scientific advice on the pathogens and toxins regulated under the HPTA and on its schedules.

Learn more:

International stakeholders

Includes foreign governments and international organizations.

Related information

Contact us

Email: cb.engagement-mobilisation.cb@phac-aspc.gc.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
100 Colonnade Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Telephone: 613-957-1779

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