Consulting on the future of chemicals management in Canada

Table of contents

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

Background

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) was introduced in 2006 to strengthen the integration across chemicals management programs in Canada, to address 4,300 priority chemicals by 2020, and to manage 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.

The Government is exploring opportunities to renew its approach to chemicals management.The current program is set to end in March 2021 and work is underway to inform the future of chemicals management in Canada. The Government is committed to building on the success of the CMP and to continue addressing chemicals in Canada to protect the environment and the health of Canadians.

Work on the future of chemicals management in Canada 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 law 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

As we plan for the next phase of chemicals management in Canada, we want to hear from you. 

We will be consulting with stakeholders, the public, youth and Indigenous groups, scientists and researchers, regulated parties, and national and international organizations to ensure 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

A series of consultations that focus on specific topics related to chemicals management will take place beginning in the fall of 2018.

Current online consultations include:

• Defining vulnerable populations (Consultation closes January 21, 2019)

  The intent of this consultation is to seek input on a proposed definition of vulnerable populations within the context of chemicals management. This will help frame how the Government can strengthen the ways in which vulnerable populations are taken into consideration, in particular under CEPA 1999. 

• Informed substitution within Canada’s chemicals program (closes March 18, 2019)

  The intent of this consultation is to seek your views for advancing informed substitution in Canada. Your input will help us as we explore ways to support informed substitution, and drive Canadian innovation and the adoption of safer chemistry in future chemicals management efforts.

Consultations that focus on specific topics will also take place in the coming months as part of CMP Stakeholder Advisory Council meetings and CMP multi-stakeholder workshops, as well as other meetings. 

How to get involved

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

You can also subscribe to the chemical substances latest news service to receive updates on activities related to the CMP.