Federal government review of European Union decisions to ban substances for health and environmental reasons, in accordance with section 75(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Petition: 363

Issue(s): Human/environmental health, international cooperation, toxic substances

Petitioner(s): Canadian organization

Petitioner Location(s): Toronto, Ontario

Date Received: 16 April 2014

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petitioners ask the federal government how it has carried out its responsibilities under section 75(3) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) related to its review of other jurisdictions’ decisions to ban substances for health and environmental reasons. The petition notes that Environment Canada and Health Canada have entered into a memorandum of understanding with a European Union agency regarding scientific collaboration and information exchange on chemical substances. The petition states that the European Union banned 22 substances due to environmental or health concerns, of which six are not considered toxic under CEPA 1999. In addition, the petition notes that the European Union has also placed restrictions on the manufacture and use of an additional 63 substances. The petitioners ask Environment Canada and Health Canada when they expect to review the European Union decisions and determine whether the six banned substances, and the restricted substances, are toxic or capable of becoming toxic. The petitioners also seek a better understanding of the government’s procedures in carrying out its responsibilities under section 75(3) of CEPA 1999.

Federal Departments Responsible for Reply: Environment Canada, Health Canada