November 27, 2014 – Gatineau, Québec – Environment Canada
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced today that the Government of Canada is moving forward with new regulations to protect the environment and safeguard human health by limiting the amount of mercury-containing products in the Canadian marketplace.
The Products Containing Mercury Regulations were published on November 19, 2014. They are the first of their kind in Canada and prohibit the manufacture and importation of most mercury-containing products.
By taking these actions, the Government of Canada is helping to prevent releases of mercury to the environment, which is harmful to human health and to wildlife as it moves up the food chain. Canada has a particular interest in seeing reductions in mercury as many Canadians enjoy wild game as part of their diet. This is important for Canada’s North as food from wildlife is a dietary mainstay for people in the Arctic.
These regulations will introduce new limits on the amount of mercury allowed in different types of mercury-containing products to be manufactured and imported. New labelling requirements will also be introduced to inform consumers about the presence of mercury, as well as safe handling procedures and options available for the end-of-life management of these products.
This domestic action builds on Canada’s international leadership and commitments to reduce mercury. Given the vast majority of mercury pollution in Canada arrives from foreign sources, in 2013 Canada signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which calls for tough measures to reduce emissions of mercury and mercury compounds into the atmosphere.
Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
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