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Chemicals Management Plan

Chemical substances are everywhere around us--in the environment, our food, clothes, and even our bodies. Many of these chemical substances are used to improve the quality of our lives. Most of these chemical substances are not harmful to the environment or human health. However, some have the potential to cause harm, in certain doses, and should only be used when the risks are appropriately managed.

What we have done

Since the  launch of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in 2006, the Government of Canada has worked closely with health and environmental groups, consumer groups and industry to reduce risks to Canadians and our environment by setting clear priorities for the assessment and management of hundreds of chemicals. Some major milestones achieved so far include:

• Creation and conclusion of the CMP Stakeholder Advisory Council
• Assessment and management of Challenge substances with input from the Challenge Advisory Panel
• Launch of the Petroleum Sector Stream Approach
• Monitoring and Surveillance activities
• Other assessments of chemical substances as well as Micro-organisms
• Rapid Screening of chemical substances
• Using the Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to address chemical substances

Read the Background on the Chemicals Management Plan

Read the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Chemicals Management Plan

View the Status of Prioritized Substances

Where we are going

Canada will continue to be a world leader in the assessment and management of chemicals. Building on our successes and our lessons learned since 2006, the Government of Canada  launched the next phase of the CMP. This next phase will see a continued commitment to protecting the health of Canadians and the environment. We will continue to work with industry to support stewardship and innovation, partner and engage with all stakeholders for effectiveness and efficiency, invest in research and monitoring, work with our international partners, and make information on chemicals publicly available so Canadians can actively participate in consultations with us and make informed decisions.

Access the Advancing the CMP presentations (offered via Webinar)

Learn about the Chemicals Management Plan Science Committee

Learn about the Polymer Approach

Learn about the Substance Groupings Initiative

View the Chemicals Management Plan Implementation Table at a Glance - 2011 to 2016