Renewing the chemicals management plan: Strategic environmental assessment
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Purpose
The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is an initiative of the Government of Canada. It reduces the risks that exposure to harmful chemical substances pose to people and the environment. Since it began in 2006, the CMP has:
- assessed over 10,000 potentially harmful chemicals
- developed about 500 measures (such as regulations and codes of conduct) to manage environmental and health risks related to exposure to substances, which led to preventive measures by industry
- contributed to better-informed decisions
The CMP has made considerable progress in preventing pollution and protecting human health and the environment. Building on its achievements, a renewed CMP will continue to assess and manage the risks that exposure to harmful chemicals may pose.
Other activities funded by the CMP will continue, including:
- preventing health risks from contaminated water, food, and sanitation on passenger conveyances such as trains and planes
- collecting and publishing data to help identify trends in how chemical substances affect human health and the environment
Benefits for citizens
Economic and demographic trends show that a healthy environment contributes to:
- a high quality of life for citizens
- developing, attracting, and retaining the best talent in the world for the Canadian workforce
Citizens expect protection from risks posed by exposure to chemical substances. To make informed decisions, they need up-to-date, timely, and easy-to-understand information about:
- the chemicals in their food
- the products they use
- the environment
When data is available, risk assessments take into account the needs of sub-groups who may be more prone to adverse health effects from exposure to chemical substances. This may be because they:
- are more exposed to these substances, or
- are more susceptible to their adverse health effects
Alignment with national and international goals
The renewal of the CMP will contribute directly to 3 of the goals in the 2019 to 2022 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy:
- Greening government
- The Government of Canada will transition to low-carbon, climate resilient and green operations
- Clean drinking water
- All Canadians will have access to safe drinking water and, in particular, the significant challenges Indigenous communities face will be addressed
- Safe and healthy communities
- All Canadians will live in clean, sustainable communities that contribute to their health and well-being
The CMP also supports these UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Good health and well-being
- Clean water and sanitation
- Responsible consumption and production
Federal leadership
There is an ongoing need for federal leadership in chemicals management. The CMP strengthens the protection of people and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals. This approach is stable, predictable, and transparent. It also clearly communicates our expectations to:
- industry
- non-governmental organizations
- Indigenous peoples
- governments
- the public
A renewed CMP will build on ongoing efforts to promote the protection of human health and Canada’s environment, while also fostering sustainable economic growth.