Directive 94-08, entitled "Assessment Criteria for Determining Environmental Safety of Plant with Novel Traits", has been prepared to provide guidance regarding the submission of an application for the authorization of the unconfined release of a plant with a novel trait (PNT) in Canada, as may be required under Part V of the Seed Regulations. Due to the broad range of PNTs that may be developed and submitted for approval in Canada , the information provided in these guidelines should not be considered as exhaustive and will be updated as appropriate to reflect current scientific knowledge and acquired field experience.   The scope of this Directive covers all plants (excluding aquatic plants) containing a novel trait that has been intentionally selected, created, or introduced into a distinct, stable population of the cultivated plant species through a specific genetic change, including agricultural and horticultural crop plants and forest trees.  The purpose of this Directive is to (i) provide guidance on what constitutes a PNT, (ii) define the criteria and information relevant to an environmental safety assessment of a PNT under consideration for release and (iii) describe the steps leading to the unconfined release of a PNT. This includes identification of potential concerns, relevant information, and procedures to assess potential environmental effects associated with the unconfined release of PNTs.