The authority to issue Guidelines and Interpretation Notes is prescribed by sections 151.1 and 205.067 of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act, S.C. 1987, c.3 and sections 147 and 201.064 of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act, RSNL 1990 c. C-2. The Accord Acts also state that Guidelines and Interpretation Notes are not deemed to be statutory instruments.
Guidelines are developed to provide clarification and create consistency for those with statutory responsibilities (including operators, employers, employees, supervisors, providers of services, suppliers, etc.) under the Accord Acts and regulations. Guidelines provide an understanding of how legislative requirements can be met and compliance achieved. In certain cases, the goals, objectives and requirements of the legislation are such that no guidance is necessary.
Interpretation Notes provide consistent and predictable regulatory interpretation and guidance by using plain language, where possible, to communicate regulatory requirements. Typically, Interpretation Notes have a narrower application than guidelines, by providing clarification of the C-NLOPB’s understanding of the meaning of a particular word, phrase or provision in a statute or regulation.
Guidelines or Interpretation Notes may reflect lessons learned through compliance verification and monitoring activities, review and issuance of authorizations and approvals, advancements in technology and improvements to industry best practices.