This policy provides a framework for making science-based decisions on the effective management of toxic substances that are of concern because they are or may be used and released into the environment or because Canadians may be exposed to them through the environment.

The policy has two key management objectives:

• virtual elimination from the environment of toxic substances that result predominantly from human activity and that are persistent and bioaccumulative (Track 1 substances); and
• management of other toxic substances and substances of concern, throughout their entire life cycles, to prevent or minimize their release into the environment (Track 2 substances).

Figure 1 shows how toxic substances and other substances of concern are managed under one of two tracks.

The policy guides federal regulatory and non-regulatory programs by defining the ultimate management objective for a substance. It applies to areas within federal jurisdiction, taking into account the division of legislative powers between the federal, provincial and territorial governments.

A substance will be considered for systematic assessment if federal, provincial or international programs, or members of the Canadian public, have identified it as potentially harmful to the environment or human health.

A substance is considered toxic if, after rigorous scientific assessment and based on decisions taken under federal programs, it either conforms or is equivalent to "toxic" as defined in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

Other substances that have not been determined to meet the definition of toxic under CEPA or its equivalent may be of concern because of their potential to harm the environment or human health, and may be managed in response to these concerns or to specific obligations. Such substances of concern will be identified through scientific assessments under a variety of existing programs, and could include substances that are subject to specific regulatory provisions (such as new substances controlled under the New Substances Notifications Regulations of CEPA); substances managed under federal-provincial agreements (such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that are managed as smog precursors); and substances managed as a result of international commitments (such as sulphur oxides that contribute to acid precipitation).

The policy recognizes the need to apply a precautionary approach in identifying substances and implementing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Since toxic substances or substances of concern can originate either within Canada or abroad, domestic actions have to be complemented by international measures to protect the Canadian environment. As Canada takes a leadership role in seeking international action, this policy will serve as the centrepiece for the country's position on managing toxic substances in discussions and negotiations with the world community.

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