Overview of Canadian Environmental Protection Act

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The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEP

 

 

A 1999) came into force in March 2000 and is an important part of Canada’s federal environmental legislation aimed at preventing pollution and protecting the environment and human health. Its goal is to contribute to sustainable development – development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It:[divider size=”10px”]

 

 

 

  • • makes pollution prevention the cornerstone of national efforts to reduce toxic substances in the environment;
  • • sets out processes to assess the risks to the environment and human health posed by substances in commerce;
  • • imposes timeframes for managing toxic substances;
  • • provides a wide range of tools to manage toxic substances, other pollution and wastes;
  • • ensures the most harmful substances are phased out or not released into the environment in any measurable quantity;
  • • includes provisions to regulate vehicle, engine and equipment emissions;
  • • strengthens enforcement of the Act and its regulations;
  • • encourages greater citizen input into decision-making; and
  • • allows for more effective cooperation and partnership with other governments and Aboriginal people.
[divider size=”20px”]Handy links for more info:

A Guide to Understanding the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999;[divider size=”5px”]

A printable copy of the Act

[divider size=”20px”]Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/general-information/overview.html