Modernizing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, strengthening chemicals management, and protecting the right to a healthy environment for all
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The Canadian government is updating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), affirming the right to a healthy environment and enhancing chemical management and transparency. CEPA now mandates consideration of cumulative effects of substances during risk assessments, focusing on vulnerable populations. A Plan of Priorities will be released, listing over 30 substances for assessment to protect health and the environment, including a focus on PFAS, with a commitment to further study fluoropolymers.
An implementation framework for the right to a healthy environment is being drafted, incorporating principles of environmental justice, non-regression, and intergenerational equity. Consultations with stakeholders have informed this framework. Additionally, a strategy is in development to minimize vertebrate animal testing in substance assessments, aiming to adapt to scientific advancements.
A Watch List Approach is proposed for substances of concern that are not classified as "toxic” but may become risky, aiding informed decision-making for safer alternatives. Public comment periods for the draft framework, Plan of Priorities, and Watch List Approach, as well as the vertebrate animal testing strategy, are scheduled, with final publications due in June 2025, when the Watch List will also become active.
