OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 9, 2022/CNW/ Canadians expect their government protect their health, and the environment from harmful chemicals. The Government of Today CanadaIt was a significant step forward in achieving this goal.
The bill was introduced by the Government to the Senate Act to Strengthen Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada, which would modernize Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999(CEPA), for the first time since twenty years, and make related amends to the Food and Drugs Act.
CEPA is Canada’sThe federal environmental protection law is the cornerstone that protects Canadians as well as the environment. CEPA has been used over the years to protect our water from plastic microbeads, ban asbestos and ban the use of BPA (bisphenol-A) in baby bottles. This bill will be reintroduced by the Government to strengthen and update CEPA to keep pace with changing science on the risks associated harmful chemicals and pollutants.
First, the bill establishes a right in federal law for the first-ever time a healthy environment. Canada. With the participation of Canadians, the framework for implementing this right would be created. This right would ensure strong protections for Canadians, regardless of where they live or who they are. It would also emphasize the protection of vulnerable Canadians who may have been more frequently exposed to harmful chemicals. Everyone deserves a healthy home.
The bill would encourage businesses to use safer chemicals and make them less harmful to the environment and human health. The bill would require the development a plan for chemicals management priorities. A new regime would be proposed to manage toxic substances at highest risk. CEPA would require risk assessments to consider real life exposure to cumulative effects of substances on Canadians and the environment. Proposed amendments would also create a new Watch List that is publicly available for Canadians and businesses to see which substances they should avoid.
This is a major step for the Government of CanadaTo protect the environment and health of people.
Quotes
“All Canadians deserve a healthy environment. This bill is a significant step towards strengthening Canadians’ health and the health our lakes, rivers, and forests. This bill is now a top priority for our Government. We are giving ourselves the best chance of seeing it ratified by this Parliament. I urge all Parliamentarians and others to work together to get this bill passed quickly for Canadians.
The Honourable StevenGuilbeault is Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Science has advanced tremendously since CEPA was last updated twenty years ago. To bring CEPA in line with current knowledge about the risks associated exposure to chemicals, strengthening CEPA will help protect the environment and the health for all Canadians, especially the most vulnerable.
Jean-Yves Duclos Minister of Health
“It is an honor and a great pleasure to sponsor the event. Act to Strengthen Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada. This legislation can help all of us become better stewards for our environment. CanadaWe can make the world a better place for ourselves and the generations to come.”
Senator Stan Kutcher
Quick facts
- The Act to Strengthen Environmental Protection for a Healthier CanadaIn the 40th Parliament, it was first introduced. April 2021as Bill C-28. It has been reintroduced in the Senate today as Bill S-5.
- CEPA has had real consequences for the lives of Canadians as well as the environment. CEPA actions have had a significant impact on Canadians’ lives over the years.
- The release of plastic microbeads in toiletries has been prevented. These microbeads can be found in household drains and can contribute to plastic pollution in rivers, oceans, and lakes.
- Products containing asbestos have been banned. Exposure to asbestos fibres has been shown to cause cancer.
- BPA (bisphenol A), has been addressed by banning the importation, sale, and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles containing BPA.
- Canadians will be consulted by the Government on a variety of actions that can be taken under existing Acts. These include proposed amendments to improve supply chain transparency and strengthen mandatory labelsling, updates to regulations on products of Biotechnology, and proposed amendments for the Canadian Constitution. Cosmetic Regulations.
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Associated Links
Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Twitter Page
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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
For more information, Kaitlin Power (Press Secretary, Office of Minister of Environment and Climate Change), 819-230-1557. [email protected]; Marie-France Proulx, Ministry of Health, 613-957-0200 Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 817-938-3338 or 1-84-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]; Media Relations, Health Canada 613-957-2983 [email protected]
