Request for Comments - Proposal to Implement the GHS in Canada

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 This online consultation is now closed. The content found on this page is a snapshot of the live consultation as it was presented to the public during the consultation period.

From June 29 to September 15, 2013, Health Canada conducted public consultations on draft regulations to implement the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Building on the feedback received from this and other stakeholder engagements, Health Canada has released the proposed Hazardous Products Regulations, along with a Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, in the  Canada Gazette, Part I, for public comment.

Health Canada is seeking written comments from all interested parties on this proposal to repeal and replace the Controlled Products Regulations, and make consequential amendments to related regulations, to implement the GHS in Canada.

The implementation of the GHS through the proposed regulatory amendments is intended to achieve the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council commitment to align and synchronize implementation of common classification and labelling requirements for workplace hazardous chemicals within the mandate of Health Canada and the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The proposed regulatory amendments would support the Government of Canada in facilitating international trade through common labelling and other hazard communication requirements; lowering costs for businesses and consumers by reducing the need for re-testing and re-classifying chemicals from, or for, different markets; and increasing worker protections through the adoption of a globally recognized standard for communicating the hazards associated with workplace chemicals.

In addition, consequential amendments are being proposed to the following regulations: Food and Drug Regulations; Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001; Safety of Human Cells, and Tissues and Organs for Transplantation Regulations. Amendments are also being proposed to the following two regulations made under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999: (i) New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers) and (ii) Export of Substances on the Export Control List Regulations.

The proposed regulatory amendments would also amend the Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations and Hazardous Materials Information Review Act Appeal Board Procedures Regulations to reflect amendments to the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act that came into force on April 1, 2013, as a result of the Jobs and Growth Act, 2012.

Comments

This is an opportunity for the public to provide comments on the proposed regulatory amendments. In accordance with the Canada Gazette process, any person may, until September 8, 2014, provide comments on the proposed regulatory amendments, in writing, to the address provided.

With respect to the proposed regulatory amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 regulations only, any person may, until October 8, 2014, provide comments in writing, to the address provided.

All such representations must cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of notice, August 9, 2014, and be addressed to:

Amira Sultan

Workplace Hazardous Materials Directorate, Health Canada
Postal Locator: 4707A, 427 Laurier Avenue West, 7th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9

Email: WHMIS_SIMDUT@hc-sc.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-855-407-2665
Facsimile: 613-993-5016

Questions and requests for additional information, as well as comments on the proposed regulations may also be directed to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Directorate.

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