A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 5204; Flight Crew Type 4982
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation - Altitude Undershoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Human Factors
The Captain started the descent into CYYC at the top of descent for the altitudes that were programmed into the FMGC. Were initially cleared pilot's discretion to FL240. Soon after starting the descent we experienced an ECAM for a failure of the HP valve 2. The cabin descent rate increased as the pressurization tried to deal with the issue. I dealt with the ECAM and the Captain slowed the rate of descent to help slow the rate of descent of the cabin.  We were switched to approach at some point and given a 'descend and maintain 10;000.' We were above profile at this point and I mentioned that we still needed to make the altitude restriction at EBGAL. The Captain responded that that was not the case since we had received a descend and maintain clearance. We had a brief discussion about it and he queried the controller what speed he would like at EBGAL though not what altitude. I assumed that I had misread the recent changes and rescinding of said changes incorrectly as we discussed it. In retrospect; I should have just queried ATC or asked for relief on the published constraints. We ended up crossing EBGAL at about 15;000 ft. instead of at or below 14;000 ft.
In fact; my FO was right. Transport Canada rescinded all 'descend via' clearances; and now a 'descend and maintain' clearance requires compliance with the higher altitudes charted on the arrival; unlike US procedures and prior Canadian procedures. I had read the bulletin; glanced over the CYYC NOTAM to that effect; buried within two full pages of NOTAMS for the aerodrome; but had not been able to recall the information in the moment.This was my first flight to Canada since the confusing series of bulletins with multiple changes to Canadian ATC procedures. I was tired from the early wakeup; and I was distracted by the aircraft system failure and the prospect of injuring someone by allowing the cabin pressure to dump.
A320 Flight Crew experienced an HP Valve 2 Fail ECAM message during descent and the Captain failed to meet a crossing restriction.