Environmental Impact Initiative

The Environmental Impact Initiative (EII) Division was established in 2001 following the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Canada Gazette Part I. This notice informed the public of Health Canada's intention to undertake the development of appropriate Environmental Assessment Regulations (EARs) for new substances in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act.

The EII is part of the Policy, Planning and International Affairs Directorate in the Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) of Health Canada. The EII's mandate is to reduce environmental and indirect human health impacts of substances in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. To fulfill its mandate, the EII is developing appropriate EARs for substances contained in these products. In addition, the EII is researching if there is a need to improve or develop appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act.

More information about the Environmental Impact Initiative is available in the About Health Canada section.

The need for appropriate EARs and BMPs is growing in importance since scientific evidence has demonstrated that substances in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act can be found in the Canadian environment.

The Development of the Environmental Impact Initiative

• Notice of Intent - September 2001
  This notice advised the public of Health Canada's intention to undertake the development of new Environmental Assessment Regulations for new substances in products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act.
• Issue Identification Paper - January 2003
  This paper served as a basis for discussion with stakeholders to identify the issues being addressed by the Government of Canada and to set out the goals and objectives for the Environmental Assessment Regulations' options.
• Options Analysis Paper - An Environmental Assessment Regime for New Substances in Products Regulated under the Food & Drugs Act - June 2005
  This paper was released to obtain feedback on the legislative authority under which the Environmental Assessment Regulations should be placed.
• Options Analysis Paper Feedback Analysis Report - February 2006
  This report provided an analysis of the Stakeholder feedback received on the Options Analysis Paper.
• Discussion Document for the March 29 and 30, 2006 Stakeholder Consultation - March 2006
  This document was intended to provide participants with background information on the development of the Environmental Assessment Regulations in order to initiate discussion at the March 29 and 30, 2006 consultation.

The Chemicals Management Plan

The

Chemicals Management Plan

(CMP) is a joint initiative between Health Canada and Environment Canada that was created to improve and protect the environment as well as the health and safety of all Canadians against harm from hazardous chemicals. It includes a number of new and proactive measures to ensure that chemical substances are managed properly. The mandate of the EII Division falls under the CMP. In addition to the development of EARs and BMPs, EII is also involved in other activities that fall under the CMP. EII plays a coordination role for the HPFB Directorate's response to the CMP Challenge, CMP Post-challenge, legacy substances among other activities.

Additional Resources

Health Canada Resources

• More information on the Environmental Impact Initiative
• Chemicals Management Plan
• Environmental Assessment Unit
• In Commerce List
• Information on the proper use and disposal of medications

Other Government of Canada Resources

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• Domestic Substances List
• Food and Drugs Act
• Guidelines for the Notification and Testing of New Substances: Chemicals and Polymers
• New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers)