WC131 JulyAugust 2023 - Magazine - Page 6
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Water related news,
events, and trends
from Canada and
around the world
“The updated
CEPA strengthens our
chemicals management
system and sets the
foundation for the next
phase of chemicals
management in
Canada.”
6
AFTER OVER 20 YEARS, thorough
examination by Parliamentary Committees,
and substantial contributions from various
industry, civil society, government, and
academic stakeholders, the Chemistry
Industry Association of Canada (CIAC)
welcomed the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act (CEPA) 2023.
“The revised CEPA 1999 is a complete
modernization of Canada’s pivotal environmental Act,” says Bob Masterson, CIAC’s
president and CEO. “We appreciate that it
retains the risk and science-based approach,
which has given Canada a world-class chemicals management reputation.”
Bill S-5 importantly acknowledges the
right to a healthy environment in the Act’s
preamble, aligning with the CIAC’s United
Nations-recognized Responsible Care Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
initiative. “CIAC members, through Responsible Care, pledge to be transparent and
responsive to the public, particularly our local
WATER C AN ADA • JULY/AUGUS T 2023
communities. They deserve to understand the
risks and benefits of our activities. Leading
environmental groups have acknowledged the
significance of ESG initiatives like Responsible Care in securing a healthy environment.
We believe Responsible Care should serve as a
model for implementing this right within the
Act,” says Masterson.
The updated CEPA strengthens Canada's
chemicals management system and sets the
foundation for the next phase of chemicals
management in Canada. CEPA 2023 commits to utilizing the most advanced science
and developing a new chemicals management
priorities plan. Over 4,000 substances have
been addressed via the Chemicals Management Plan to date. Canada has conducted
more risk assessments and introduced more
risk management tools than any other global
jurisdiction, yielding substantial environmental and human health improvements.
With this new priorities plan, Canada aims to
continue leading in this field.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
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CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION ACT 2023
