Environmental codes of practice: fact sheet

This fact sheet outlines the key characteristics of codes of practice. Codes of practice are risk management instruments that we put in place for a substance or sector. We publish these policy tools to help protect the environment or human health.

Codes of practice defined

Codes of practice are voluntary instruments that recommend procedures and practices or environmental controls relating to works, undertakings, and activities. They aim to encourage the sustainable use of the environment and to reduce pollution. Codes of practice are not enforceable. They set out official national standards that companies and organizations should follow.

Under Part 3 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), both the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health have the authority to publish codes of practice. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment can also publish codes of practice.

Common elements

Codes of practice typically contain the following sections:

Codes of practice are flexible

Codes of practice offer us a lot of flexibility, in the sense that:

Codes of practice also offer flexibility to those who follow it. The target audience can choose the practices that are appropriate for their particular situation.

When we use codes of practice

Codes of practice are voluntary risk management instruments. They are most appropriate when the target audience is motivated and has a good compliance history with other risk management instruments.

We typically use codes of practice:

How we develop codes of practice

We consult with the target audience to understand their operational activities and how/where releases may occur. Then, we gather practices or technologies that would help control those releases. The target audience is an important source of best practices. We also reach out to other industry sectors, non-governmental organizations and other government bodies, in Canada and abroad.

We collaborate with the target audience throughout the development process. This helps ensure that the best practices are relevant and usable and that the target audience is willing and able to take action. We publish proposed codes of practice and offer to consult with provincial and Aboriginal governments (as required under CEPA). We consider the comments received to publish final codes of practice in the Canada Gazette.

Related information

Contact us

Regulatory Innovation and Management Systems
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 Saint-Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

Email: cdp-cop@ec.gc.ca

July 2021

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