2.0 Vision for CEPA 1999 Part 4

The federal government defines pollution prevention as "the use of processes, practices, materials, products, substances or energy that avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and waste, and reduce the overall risk to the environment or human health."

Pollution prevention is a priority for Environment Canada. As section 90(1.1) of CEPA 1999 stipulates, the Minister will give priority to pollution prevention actions in developing proposed regulations or instruments respecting preventive or control actions in relation to CEPA-toxic substances.

Accordingly, Environment Canada will require P2 plans under Part 4 in order to:

• generate action that will contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the management of CEPA-toxic substances and reduce overall risk to the environment and human health;
• provide an early opportunity to develop and implement situation-specific solutions; and
• encourage pollution prevention.

Implementation of the P2 planning provisions could minimize the need for additional regulatory or other government interventions to manage the risks to the environment and human health associated with CEPA-toxic substances.

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