Modernizing Canada's Environmental Protection: The Journey of Bill S-5

This period is dedicated to overhauling the nation’s approach to chemical management and embedding a groundbreaking right to a healthy environment within the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). This legislative development sets the stage for a comprehensive update to the existing framework, ensuring that environmental protection measures are both modernized and effective. In February Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published a list of public consultation opportunities for initiatives that will support a strengthened and modernized CEPA. 
 

Public Engagement and Consultation: Shaping the Future Together 

A key component of the modernization process is public consultation. The Government is committed to facilitating public input on a wide range of initiatives to strengthen CEPA. A schedule for these consultations has been outlined, with each session scheduled to last 60 days, subject to adjustment based on the latest information. Efforts will be made to minimize overlapping consultations to ensure that the public can fully engage with each initiative without the burden of simultaneous requests for feedback. 

Participating in the Development of a Healthier Environment 

The Government invites public participation in the development of a framework for the right to a healthy environment under CEPA. Interested parties are encouraged to review the discussion document and provide their perspectives to help shape the development of the framework. This initiative represents an important step towards the recognition of environmental rights in Canada’s legal framework. 

Key Initiatives Underway 

- Right to a Healthy Environment: Efforts are underway to formulate a framework that recognizes the right to a healthy environment, a fundamental aspect of the updated CEPA. 

- Enhancing Chemicals Management: The government is developing a comprehensive plan that outlines priorities for chemicals management. This plan includes risk assessment, information gathering, research, and strategies to minimize the use of vertebrate animals in testing. 

This table summarizes the timeline and focus of upcoming public consultations and provides a clear roadmap for stakeholders to engage in improving Canada's environmental protection: