2008-31February 18, 2008For immediate release
OTTAWA, February 18, 2008 - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, today announced further action under the Chemicals Management Plan. Announced by the Prime Minister on December 8, 2006, the plan will accelerate risk assessment and subsequent management actions for priority chemicals.
"We are taking the issue of harmful chemicals very seriously because we understand that there are some chemicals out there that are inherently dangerous and can remain so for a long time," said Minister Clement. "I am proud to be reporting progress on this important initiative".
"We are taking action every day to meet the tough timelines we've set in order to ensure these chemicals are addressed quickly and efficiently," said Minister Baird. "We will make timely decisions to ensure that any risks associated with certain substances are minimized as soon as possible."
As committed to nearly one year ago, industry and stakeholders have been providing Environment Canada and Health Canada with information on batches of 15 to 30 substances every three months.
Stakeholders and industry will have until June 17, 2008, to provide information on how they are using and managing the chemicals in the fifth and most recent batch of chemical substances identified as high priorities for action under the Chemicals Management Plan. A list of these chemicals is available at the Chemical Substances website
The Government will assess the information it receives on how these substances are managed, and decide if further actions are required. The Government will take action unless it receives compelling information indicating that these substances are already being safely managed.
These 19 substances are the fifth in a series of 12 batches of high-priority substances that were identified following Canada's world-leading categorization of its legacy chemical substances in 2006.
For more information about the substances addressed under the Chemicals Management Plan, please visit the Chemical Substances website, or contact:
-30-
Media Enquiries:
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Environment Canada Media Relations
(819) 934-8008
1-888-908-8008
Laryssa WalerPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Health(613) 957-0200
Health Canada Media Relations(613) 957-2983
