Chemicals Management Plan

Appearance before the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development – May 12, 2021

Issue

• What is the government doing to protect the environment from toxic substances?

Points to register

• The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a world-leading program, jointly delivered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada, to assess and manage environmental and health risks posed by chemical substances.
• Since the launch of the CMP in 2006, the Government of Canada has:
  • Assessed approximately 4,000 chemicals in commerce and 6,420 new chemicals seeking authorization to be used in Canada
  • Developed over 200 risk management actions to manage the risks of toxic substances
  • Published about 500 new substances notifications per year
  • Assessed approximately 300 older pesticides
  • Developed approximately 80 safe drinking water guidelines
• Budget 2021 announced renewal of the Chemicals Management Plan for three years. The funding will support continued work to protect the environment and Canadians, including those exposed to higher pollution levels as well as those most vulnerable to chemicals (e.g. children and elderly people).
• The Government is committed to build on the success of the CMP in order to continue to protect the environment and the health of Canadians.

Background/current status

• Budget 2021 provided $296M over three years to renew the CMP at 2016 levels.
• Launched in 2006, the CMP is a world-leading program that is supported by both industry and ENGOs.
• The CMP is designed to:
  • Provide a predictable, transparent regulatory environment for chemicals.
  • Support coordination and coherence among federal statutes to ensure all relevant exposure routes are considered and the most appropriate risk management tools are used.
  • Establish government accountability through research, monitoring, surveillance and risk communication.
  • Engage with stakeholders on proposed assessment conclusions and risk management approaches.