Acts and Regulations  

A Framework for the Application of Precaution in Science-Based Decision Making About Risk

The precautionary approach/principle is widely recognized as a distinctive approach to managing threats of serious or irreversible harm where there is scientific uncertainty. It is not new—what is new is the increasing complexity of the science and the public debate about the ability of governments to respond to such situations.

The application of "precaution" recognizes that the absence of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing decisions where there is a risk of serious or irreversible harm. Canada’s application of precaution is distinctive within science-based risk management and is characterized by three basic tenets: the need for a decision, a risk of serious of irreversible harm and a lack of full scientific certainty.

To address the application of precaution by federal science based departments and agencies, the Government of Canada has developed A Framework for the Application of Precaution in Science-Based Decision Making About Risk. The Framework outlines guiding principles for the application of precaution to science-based decision making in areas of federal regulatory activity, for the protection of health and safety, and the environment and natural resources.

The Framework was developed through the efforts of a Government of Canada multi-departmental working group, on which the CFIA was a participant. The development of the Framework took into account the views of a broad range of stakeholders, whose comments were sought during a lengthy consultation process between November 2001 and April 2002. Stakeholders consulted include provinces and territories, experts and interested individuals from the academic sector, the non-government sector, consumer groups, industry and citizens.

Canada has a long standing history of applying precaution in areas of federal regulatory activities. The Government’s obligations in this regard are governed by the applicable provisions of federal law, binding federal-provincial agreements and international agreements to which Canada is a party.

The CFIA applies precaution in its decisions within science-based risk management, and the Framework reflects the CFIA’s current practices as well as fundamental policy positions espoused over the years in international regulatory fora. The "guiding principles" set out within the framework will assist in ensuring consistent and coherent implementation of precaution within science based risk management.

Departmental and Agency officials are expected to consider the Framework’s guiding principles in decision making and to work together in developing, in consultation with their stakeholders, guidance for the application of precaution in their particular area of responsibility.

The Framework for the Application of Precaution in Science-Based Decision Making About Risk is available on the PCO web site at the following address:  http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca