Consulting on the future of chemicals management in Canada

On this page

• Background
• Consultations
  • Topics for consultation
  • Closed consultations
• How to get involved
• For more information

Background

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) was introduced in 2006 to strengthen the integration across the Government of Canada's chemicals management programs, to address approximately 4,300 priority chemicals by 2020, and to address the hundreds of new substances that enter Canada each year. The CMP has since established Canada as a world leader in the sound management of chemicals.

Work on the future of the Government of Canada chemicals management activities is being informed by the report from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on the statutory review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). CEPA is the primary legislation under which the CMP operates. In June 2018, the Government submitted a follow-up report to the Committee, and committed to further consider a number of recommendations related to chemicals as part of its engagement on the future of chemicals management, which could inform legislative reform.

Consultations

We consult with stakeholders, the public, youth, Indigenous groups, scientists, researchers, regulated parties, and national and international organizations so that the renewed approach to chemicals management is effective for all people in Canada.

Consultations can take many forms, including dialogue with individuals, associations, organizations and other levels of government through online surveys and feedback forms, face-to-face discussions, focus groups, social media and other forums.

These consultations build on feedback that we have already received, as well as lessons learned throughout the CMP. They also help us improve our understanding on various topics.

Topics for consultation

• None at this time

Closed consultations

Consultation page (topic)	Closure date	Documents
Implementation framework: Right to a Healthy Environment in CEPA	December 4, 2024	Draft implementation framework for the right to a healthy environment
Substances of potential concern: The Watch List	December 4, 2024	Overview: substances of potential concern – the Watch List The proposed Watch List Approach
Strategy: Replace, reduce or refine vertebrate animal testing under CEPA	April 8, 2024	Draft strategy on vertebrate animal testing Final strategy on vertebrate animal testing What we heard report: vertebrate animal testing strategy
Discussion document: Implementation framework for the Right to a Healthy Environment in CEPA	April 8, 2024	Discussion document on the implementation framework
Notice of intent: Development of strategy to guide replacement, reduction, or refinement of vertebrate animal testing under CEPA	January 29, 2024	No additional documents
Notice of intent: Labelling of toxic substances in products, including toxic flame retardants	January 12, 2023	Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 156, No. 44 - October 29, 2022
National consultations: Supply chain transparency and consumer product labelling	April 1, 2022	Notice to interested parties: Supply chain transparency and consumer product labelling
Defining vulnerable populations	January 21, 2019	Consultation document: Defining vulnerable populations What we heard report: Defining vulnerable populations
Informed substitution within Canada’s chemicals program	March 18, 2019	Options for advancing informed substitution and alternatives assessment within Canada’s chemicals program What we heard report: Informed substitution within Canada’s chemicals program
Integrated strategy: Protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals	August 30, 2019	Consultation document: integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals What we heard report: Integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals

How to get involved

Please check back regularly for updates on consultations. New information will be posted, including instructions for providing feedback.

You can also subscribe to the Canada.ca (Chemical Substances) Website subscription service to receive updates on activities related to the CMP.

Related links

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act review
• Consultations on certain living organisms new to Canada
• Approach to disclose confidential business information and promote transparency in chemicals management