Consulting on the future of chemicals management in Canada

On this page

• Background
• Consultations
  • Topics for consultation
  • Closed consultations
• How to get involved
• For more information

Background

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) was introduced in 2006 to strengthen the integration across the Government of Canada's chemicals management programs, to address approximately 4,300 priority chemicals by 2020, and to address the hundreds of new substances that enter Canada each year. The CMP has since established Canada as a world leader in the sound management of chemicals.

Work on the future of the Government of Canada chemicals management activities is being informed by the report from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development on the statutory review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999). CEPA 1999 is the primary legislation under which the CMP operates. In June 2018, the Government submitted a follow-up report to the Committee, and committed to further consider a number of recommendations related to chemicals as part of its engagement on the future of chemicals management, which could inform legislative reform.

Consultations

We will be consulting with stakeholders, the public, youth and indigenous groups, scientists and researchers, regulated parties, and national and international organizations so that the renewed approach to chemicals management is effective for all Canadians.

Consultations can take many forms, including dialogue with individuals, associations, organizations and other levels of government through online surveys and feedback forms, face-to-face discussions, focus groups, social media and other forums.

These consultations will build on feedback that we have already received, as well as lessons learned throughout the CMP. They will also help us improve our understanding on various topics.

Topics for consultation

• Notice of intent on the development of a strategy to guide the replacement, reduction, or refinement of vertebrate animal testing under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 – closes January 29, 2024.

Closed consultations

• Notice of intent on the labelling of toxic substances in products, including toxic flame retardants – closed January 12, 2023
• Supply chain transparency and consumer product labelling – closed April 1, 2022
• Defining vulnerable populations - closed January 21, 2019
  • Consultation document - Defining vulnerable populations: A first step towards a policy framework on vulnerable populations
  • What we heard: Defining vulnerable populations - A summary of feedback from the defining vulnerable populations consultation
• Informed substitution within Canada's chemicals program - closed March 18, 2019
  • Consultation document - Options for advancing informed substitution and alternatives assessment with Canada's chemicals program
• An integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals – closed August 30, 2019
  • Consultation document - Consulting on an integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals
  • What we heard: A summary of feedback from the integrated strategy for the protection of Canadian workers from exposure to chemicals consultation

How to get involved

Please check back regularly for updates on consultations. New information will be posted, including instructions for providing feedback.

You can also subscribe to the ca-ciconline.com (Chemical Substances) Website subscription service to receive updates on activities related to the CMP.

Related links

• Canadian Environmental Protection Act review
• Follow-up report to the Standing Committee on the Canadian Environmental Protection Act
• Voluntary public engagement initiative for living organisms
• Canada's Challenges and Opportunities to Address Contaminants in Wastewater
• Approach to disclose confidential business information and promote transparency in chemicals management