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The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999)
CEPA 1999 at a Glance
What it is, what it does, how it works
October 2005
The health of Canadians and our economic and social progress are fundamentally
linked to the quality of our environment. Recognizing this, the Government
of Canada's environmental policies, under the banner of Project Green,
are linked with economic and market realities so that Canadians have a
cleaner, healthier environment and continued economic growth. The Canadian
Environmental Protection Act, 1999 is one of the Government of Canada's
primary tools for achieving sustainable development and pollution prevention
— the goals set out through Project Green.
This info-sheet is part of a series of three that provides an overview
of CEPA 1999. CEPA 1999 at a Glance presents a brief introduction
to the Act. The others in the series outline the main issues addressed
by the Act — CEPA 1999: Focus on Issues, and the key processes
employed — CEPA 1999: The Management Process.
The principal federal legislative tool for preventing pollution
In Canada, the federal government, as well as provincial, territorial
and Aboriginal governments, share responsibility for protecting the environment
— an approach that calls for close collaboration as governments
work to support the well-being of Canadians. As a cornerstone of the Government
of Canada's environmental legislation, CEPA 1999 is aimed at preventing
pollution and protecting the environment and human health.
- A focus on harmful substances
One of CEPA 1999's major thrusts is the prevention and management
of risks posed by harmful substances. As well, CEPA 1999 provides for
the assessment and/or management of the environmental and human health
impacts of new and existing substances. This includes products of biotechnology,
marine pollution, disposal at sea, vehicle, engine and equipment emissions,
fuels, hazardous wastes, environmental emergencies and other sources
of pollution.
- A comprehensive approach to respond to complex challenges
CEPA 1999 is a major legislative initiative guided by a set of principles
that ensure consistent approaches (see sidebar, next page) for achieving
clear objectives to:
- contribute to sustainable development by preventing pollution;
- promote coordinated action with provinces, territories, Aboriginal
governments, and federal departments to achieve the highest
level of environmental quality for the health of Canadians;
and
- manage risks from harmful substances and virtually eliminate
releases of those substances determined to be the most dangerous.
Together, these objectives and guiding principles provide powerful guidance
for the work of the Government of Canada, as well as for collaborative
work and consultations with the public. The Act also includes requirements
for monitoring, reporting and research.
- At the helm ...
The Minister of the Environment is accountable to Parliament
for the administration of all of CEPA 1999. Both the Minister of the
Environment and the Minister of Health jointly administer the task of
assessing and managing the risks associated with existing and new substances.
The Minister of Health is required to conduct research on the role of
substances in illnesses and health problems.
Sustainable Development
CEPA 1999 contributes to sustainable development, which means meeting
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
- Part of a bigger legislative picture
Work carried out under CEPA 1999 is complemented by other federal
Acts administered (fully or partially) by the Minister of the Environment
for example, the Fisheries Act, the Canada Water Act,
the Species at Risk Act, the Canada Wildlife Act, and
the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Additionally, some
specialized acts administered by other federal departments are used
to control, among other things, pesticides, fertilizers and the introduction
of certain products of biotechnology into the Canadian market so that
risks to the environment and human health are reduced or prevented.
CEPA 1999 Guiding
Priciples
Work under CEPA 1999 is guided by principles that contribute to and
reinforce the importance of:
Sustainable development — development that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.
Pollution prevention — the use of processes, practices,
materials, products, substances or energy that avoid or minimize the
creation of pollutants or waste and reduce the overall risk to the environment
and human health.
Virtual elimination — ensuring that releases into the
environment of non-naturally occurring, persistent (meaning they take
a long time to break down) and bioaccumulative substances (meaning they
collect in living organisms) resulting from human activity are reduced
to extremely low levels.
Ecosystem approach — reflecting the dynamic interrelationships
between living organisms (plant, animal and microorganism communities)
and their non-living environment.
Precautionary principle — where there are threats of serious
or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty will not postpone
cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.
Intergovernmental cooperation — recognition that all governments
in Canada face environmental problems that can benefit from cooperative
resolution.
Polluter-pays principle — producers and users of harmful
substances, pollutants and wastes have a responsibility for bearing
the costs associated with the safe use and disposal of these substances
and wastes.
Science-based decision making — decisions based on scientific
information and traditional Aboriginal knowledge (where available),
using a weight of evidence approach along with the application of the
precautionary principle, where necessary.
CEPA 1999 is among the best of the world's environmental protection
legislation. It represents an important contribution to sustainable development
in Canada, and serves to protect Canada's environment and the health of
Canadians.
For further information:
Environment Canada's Inquiry Centre
70 Crémazie Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Telephone:
(819) 997-2800
Toll free:
1 800 668-6767
Fax:
(819) 994-1412
E-mail:
enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
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