Canada's approach on chemicals substances

In Canada, every level of government plays a part in helping to protect against risks from chemical substances: municipalities, the provinces and territories, and the federal government.

The Government of Canada makes regulations and develops guidelines and plans that apply across the whole country. It also leads in conducting scientific research on human health and environmental issues, and makes agreements with other countries, so that our laws provide the same or better level of protection.

Visit the following web pages to find information on Canada's approach for assessing and managing chemical substances:

• Canada's system for addressing chemicals
• Categorization
• Information gathering
• Status of Chemicals Management Plan Priorities
• Risk assessment
• Risk management

Related resources

• The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act: Right to a Healthy Environment
• Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council Initiative on Chemicals Management
• Read about Canada's Chemicals Management Plan and its implementation table at a glance.
• The Substances Search tool provides the legislative status and program priorities for substances, such as chemicals, polymers and biotechnology organisms.
• The eChemPortal is an internet gateway, developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), that provides direct free access to information on the properties of chemicals as well as to international hazard and risk assessments.
• Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency: information on pesticide regulation in Canada
• Environment and Climate Change Canada: Partnerships with international organizations