CIAC reiterates support for objectives of Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan

On November 16, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), including several of its members, took part in a government hosted session on the future of Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan (CMP).

Representatives from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada provided an updated review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), and solicited feedback from stakeholders on the future of the CMP post-2020. Participants were also invited to provide further comments and feedback in writing.

CIAC supports the CMP’s objective of reducing risks to Canadians and the environment associated with the use of  chemicals. Post 2020, the program must maintain the current risk-based approach which serves as the foundation of the CMP. In addition, the CMP must continue to:

  • Support innovation with timely reviews of new substances and applications of existing substances;
  • Maintain the strong link between risk assessments and managing identified risks;
  • Ensure the continued protection of confidential business information; and
  • Maintain a well-documented, publicly accessible decision-making process which is based on sound science.

CIAC has been supportive of past government initiatives to improve the safety of chemicals, most recently the Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s response to the Healthy Canadians, Healthy Economy: Strengthening the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) report tabled by the House of Commons Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. CIAC welcomed the Minister’s commitment to ensuring a science and risk-based approach to the continued implementation of CEPA and the CMP.