The Government of Canada is implementing new initiatives to protect human health and the environment, recognizing their interconnectedness and the importance of sustainable efforts for future generations. These actions are aligned with updates to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), and aim to ensure a clean and safe environment for all.
Three major components have been released: the Implementation Framework for the Right to a Healthy Environment, the Plan of Priorities for Chemicals Management, and the Strategy to Replace, Reduce or Refine Vertebrate Animal Testing. These publications respond to legislative requirements under the modernized CEPA and support the government’s broader environmental and health goals.
The Implementation Framework defines the right to a healthy environment under CEPA and guides how this right is integrated into federal environmental decision-making. It encourages policies that protect communities most vulnerable to pollution and sets a foundation for environmentally responsible governance.
The Plan of Priorities for Chemicals Management outlines upcoming actions to assess and manage chemical substances in Canada. It includes a detailed list of targeted substances and describes supporting activities for risk assessment and mitigation. This plan builds on the existing chemicals management infrastructure to reduce risks from harmful substances.
Complementing the Plan of Priorities, the Strategy to Replace, Reduce or Refine Vertebrate Animal Testing under CEPA advances efforts to minimize reliance on animal testing in environmental and chemical safety assessments. It supports innovation in non-animal testing methodologies.
These combined initiatives reinforce Canada’s commitment to safeguarding environmental and human health. They follow the 2023 passage of Bill S-5, the Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, which marked the first major update to CEPA in over 25 years. Through this modernized framework, Canada continues to enhance its approach to chemical safety, with over 200 instruments already in place to manage harmful substances.
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