Consulting on the future of chemicals management in Canada

Open consultations

A notice to interested parties regarding national consultations on supply chain transparency, including labelling was published on March 4, 2022 (notice closes March 25, 2022)

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 1999). CEPA 1999 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 will be consulting with stakeholders, the public, youth and indigenous groups, scientists and researchers, regulated parties, and national and international organizations so that the renewed approach to chemicals management is effective for all Canadians.

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

Topics for consultation

As part of the announcement in April 2021 on strengthening CEPA 1999, the Government signaled its intent to enhance chemical ingredient transparency throughout the supply chain and strengthen mandatory labelling for cosmetics, cleaning products, and flame retardants in upholstered furniture, giving Canadians greater access to information about the substances to which they are exposed.

A notice to interested parties regarding national consultations on supply chain transparency, including labelling was published on March 4, 2022 (notice closes March 25, 2022). The objective of these consultations is to engage Canadians on how to enhance supply chain transparency and how to strengthen mandatory labelling. These consultations will help inform Government decisions and actions within these areas.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada plan to carry out a series of workshops and interactive events in a policy lab format, in which participants will be brought together to collaboratively develop and test innovative solutions.

Please visit Wood Canada Limited's virtual platform for the consultations or email policylab@woodplc.com.

Closed consultations

Defining vulnerable populations - closed January 21, 2019
- Consultation document - Defining vulnerable populations: A first step towards a policy framework on vulnerable populations
- What we heard: Defining vulnerable populations - A summary of feedback from the defining vulnerable populations consultation
Informed substitution within Canada's chemicals program - closed March 18, 2019
- Consultation document - Options for advancing informed substitution and alternatives assessment with Canada's chemicals program
An integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals – closed August 30, 2019
- Consultation document - Consulting on an integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals
- What we heard: A summary of feedback from the integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals consultation

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.

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