Ottawa, May 6, 2009 – Canada’s Chemical Producers do not oppose toxics legislation in Ontario. The Canadian Chemical Producers’ Association (CCPA) is on record supporting Ontario’s desire to protect the health of Ontarians through regulation requiring risk reduction plans for substances that are identified by a credible process that pose a risk to health or the environment.

CCPA urged the Government of Ontario to develop legislation that would meet the Government’s environmental and economic objectives. In a letter dated December 6, 2007, CCPA suggested specific ideas that could be included in Ontario legislation, including:
 

•  providing technical support for Ontario companies facing federal regulation from Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) in developing and using greener alternatives where appropriate;
   
• creating and supporting centers of expertise in Ontario universities and colleges around sustainable technology and green chemistry;
   
• identifying occupational health and safety issues arising from CMP assessments that may need to be addressed in Ontario’s occupational exposure limits;
   
• revising provincial regulations for facility air and water emissions as needed to reflect the results of the CMP risk management plans;
   
• making necessary legislative changes so Certificates of Approval can be streamlined and issued in less time so they do not delay environmental improvements that companies plan;
   
• maintaining a risk based approach in the legislation

CCPA is opposed to the proposed approach in the legislation tabled by Minister Garretson on April 7, 2009. CCPA has met with Ontario officials to discuss how the Federal Government identifies such substances through its risk assessments in its Chemicals Management Plan under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) when it adds substances to CEPA Schedule 1. The federal risk assessment process is well respected, well resourced, costly (costs Ontario should not try to duplicate), and a global leader.

Ontario’s actions in this area should complement the actions taken by the Federal Government’s Chemicals Management Plan. The Ontario Toxic Strategy should be designed for substances in Ontario that are listed on CEPA Schedule 1. In this way, we would have regulatory coherence instead of duplication. Ontario would leverage the efforts of the Federal Government, would have a credible process and would apply its requirements for planning reductions to the right substances – those that have been shown to actually pose a risk. We are very disappointed that Ontario is not working with the Federal government as CCPA and industry generally have recommended.

“Ontario wants to be a knowledge based economy, but this approach is not based on science. The Government of Ontario had a chance to design effective legislation to deal with toxic chemicals based on the Federal approach. Instead it chose an arbitrary approach and flawed process that just generates paperwork.” said Richard Paton, President and CEO of the Canadian Chemical Producers’ Association. “This will add cost to business but will not pay a dividend to the environment in Ontario” he added.

It is vital to Ontario industries that the government avoids placing undue burdens on industry, especially when another jurisdiction is already regulating. Ontario will face a continuing challenge to maintain a strong and competitive economy following the recession. To compete in the highly competitive global arena, Ontario needs to build on the positive tax changes it recently announced in the Budget by reforming its regulatory structures and processes so that Ontario can achieve economic, environmental and health objectives. Regulatory costs are a significant burden to industry and can create enormous uncertainty for companies which can undermine investments.

CCPA has met with numerous MPPs and officials to suggest changes to the legislation as it is reviewed by the legislature over the next few weeks.

CCPA is the principal voice of the Canadian industrial chemistry value chain. Canada’s basic chemicals and resins industry generates $27 billion annually, and is Ontario’s third largest exporter.

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For more information, contact:
Julien Lavoie, CCPA Public Affairs 613-237-6215 x 239; or
Michael Bourque, CCPA Public Affairs 613-290-1011