Spring 2010 Helsinki, Finland George Enei Canada

1. The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) Overview –Sharing our Understanding and Opportunities for the future Spring 2010 Helsinki, Finland George Enei Canada

2. Before we get started: a little about the Substances Regime in CEPA,1999 • Substances Regime is contained in Parts 5 (Controlling Toxic Substances) and 6 (Animate Products of Biotechnology, e.g. micro-organisms) of Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA) • These Parts are administered jointly by the Ministers of Health and Environment • Central to this Regime is a prohibition on “importing into” or “manufacturing in” Canada a new substance without prior notification • The Regime is based on a distinction between new and existing substances • A new substance is a substance that is not on the Domestic Substances List (DSL)

3. How the Regime Works • The key test/trigger for the Regime is whether a substance is “toxic” • s. 64 provides that a substance is “toxic” if: • “… it is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that • have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity; • constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends; or • constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health • The determination of “toxic” is founded on a science-based risk assessment

4. 4-6 months Legend 60-day public comment period, regulatory requirement under CEPA 1999 The standard CEPA 1999 legislative timelines Draft Screening Assessment Final Screening Assessment Add to the Canadian List of Toxic Substances and draft a control instrument for risk Challenge to Industry – Call for information Risk Management instruments are proposed, then finally implemented Note process ends if substance is found to be adequately managed 18 months for final Management instrument 18 month Cabinet-imposed Assessment timelines for Challenge 24 months to develop proposed Management instrument Regulatory timelines specified under Legislation

5. Chemicals Management Plan • The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is science-based and specifically designed to protect human health and the environment by • Setting priorities and government-imposed administrative timelines for action on chemicals of potential concern (4300 substances following the triage of “categorization”) • Integrating chemicals management activities within the government and choosing the best placed statute (e.g. CEPA, Food and Drugs Act (HC), Hazardous Products Act (HC)) for action • Enhancing research, monitoring and surveillance • Increasing industry stewardship and responsibility for substances • Collaborating internationally on chemicals assessment and management • Communicating to Canadians the potential risks of chemical substances • The CMP is Canada's domestic work plan to deliver on the 2002 UN World Summit on Sustainable Development goal to achieve, along with other world leaders, the sound management of chemicals by 2020

6. Assessment and Management of Substances under CMP: a selection of lessons learnt What we have learned • Many chemicals on the DSL are no longer in commerce • Risk assessment timelines have both advantages and disadvantages • There is still a lack of toxicological and exposure data (in particular from consumer products) for many substances • Substance-by-substance approach increases administrative burden and does not allow for synergistic approach Moving forward • Refine assessment methodology for data poor substances • Explore more leverage of core government science with that of industry and research bodies to enhance monitoring and research • Adjust information collection, sector approach and efficiencies of instrument selection for risk management • Continue to operationalize international collaboration to deliver results in Canada

7. Engaging Stakeholders and Outreach: a selection of lessons learnt What we have learned • Special efforts and new approaches are required for dealing with stakeholders (some not previously engaged/aware) • Development of new outreach materials is necessary to enhance awareness among Canadians and improve public understanding Moving forward • Improve ability to communicate science and risk, particularly to non-traditional stakeholders and the public • Continue to promote sector approach concept • Continue to engage others early in setting priorities

8. What is next? • At the beginning of the CMP, we said we would learn and adapt as we go – we are following through on that commitment • New approaches will be needed to complete the work on remaining priorities by 2020 • Results from other jurisdictions need to be adopted in the Canadian way forward • Target limited resources to focus on new Canadian priorities and leverage findings to work share with other jurisdictions • Industry stewardship and leadership can inform and drive Canadian actions • New stakeholders need to be engaged to collectively move forward on common objectives • Opportunity during legislative review period in the Fall 2010