Canada Advances Environmental Protection with CEPA Modernization: Key Initiatives for a Healthier Future

The Government of Canada is moving forward with the modernization of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), a critical step in protecting the environment and public health. This modernization emphasizes that every Canadian has the right to a healthy environment and reaffirms Canada’s commitment to clean air, water and land for current and future generations. In keeping with this commitment, the government is also enhancing its chemicals management framework to ensure greater transparency and stronger regulations.

Right to a Healthy Environment

On October 2, 2024, Canada’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Health, announced several initiatives aimed at protecting Canadians from harmful substances. These actions are particularly focused on communities that are more vulnerable to pollution. The Government is now seeking public input on a number of key proposals. These include a Draft Implementation Framework on the Right to a Healthy Environment under CEPA, a proposed Watch List Approach for substances with hazardous properties, and a new Plan of Priorities outlining how Canada will manage chemical substances in the future. Additionally, the government is working on a draft strategy to reduce reliance on vertebrate animal testing, reflecting the growing emphasis on ethical testing methods.

Addressing the Risks of Harmful Substances

The release of these initiatives follows the Government’s updated Draft State of PFAS Report, which highlights the environmental and health risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These man-made chemicals are commonly found in consumer products such as electronics and packaging. The report concludes that PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers, are entering the environment at levels that may be harmful. With CEPA’s modernization, the Government is committed to addressing cumulative environmental and health impacts, particularly for populations at higher risk due to higher exposure to harmful substances.

Prioritization of Chemical Substances for Assessment

A Proposed Plan of Priorities will help streamline the Government’s approach to managing harmful chemicals. This plan identifies more than 30 priority substances, including those known to cause cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption. It also takes into account substances that pose a greater risk to vulnerable populations or that have the potential to contribute to cumulative risks. The Government is determined to better protecting Canadians by regulating substances found in everyday products such as food packaging, drugs, cosmetics and electronics.

Reducing Reliance on Vertebrate Animal Testing

To further align with global scientific advances, the Government is committed to replacing, reducing or refining the use of vertebrate animal testing for chemical safety assessments. A flexible and evolving strategy is being developed to ensure that new testing methods are incorporated into hazard and risk assessments. This strategy will involve collaboration with national and international partners and will remain adaptable to emerging scientific innovations.

Introducing the Watch List Approach for Hazardous Substances

Another key component of the modernization effort is the proposed Watch List approach. The Watch List will provide an up-to-date online resource to help manufacturers, importers and consumers make informed choices and avoid substituting one harmful chemical for another. The Watch List will include substances that do not currently meet the “toxic” criteria under CEPA, but may still pose a risk if their use changes or if new information about their hazardous properties becomes available.

Public Consultation: Shaping Canada’s Environmental Future

Public consultations on these proposals began on October 5, 2024, with a 60-day comment period for Canadians to provide their feedback on the Draft Implementation Framework for the Right to a Healthy Environment, the proposed Plan of Priorities and the proposed Watch List Approach. Additionally, input on the draft strategy to replace, reduce, or refine vertebrate animal testing can be submitted until November 13, 2024.

Looking ahead, the finalized Implementation Framework on the Right to a Healthy Environment, the Plan of Priorities, and the Vertebrate Animal Testing Strategy will be published in June 2025. Once the Watch List Approach is finalized in 2025, substances will be added to the online Watch List. Canadians are encouraged to help shape the future of environmental protection by participating in these important discussions and consultations.