Minister's Response to Concerns Raised by the Aluminium Association of Canada on the Proposed Order Adding Toxic Substances to Schedule I of CEPA

Mr. Christian L. Van Houtte
President
Aluminium Association of Canada
Suite1600
1010 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal QC H3A 2R7

Dear Mr. Van Houtte:

I am responding to the notice of objection that you filed on January 10 in respect of two groups of substances proposed for addition to Schedule I of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999). These groups of substances are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fluorides.

Please note that PAHs and fluorides are already on the List of Toxic Substances under the current CEPA. However, due to legal requirements, they need to be added to Schedule I of CEPA, 1999.

I have given careful consideration to the concerns you raised and noted that they were very similar to those expressed in 1998. I still believe that the science that Environment and Health Canada used in the assessment supports the addition of these substances to the List of Toxic Substances. For more information, please refer to the enclosed report, prepared by officials of both departments, which addresses your concerns.

It is, therefore, my opinion that the establishment of a board of review is not warranted in this case. I hereby inform you of my decision not to grant your request to establish a board of review.

Please rest assured that the federal government is committed to consulting with all stakeholders, such as your organization, and with the public on the development of management options, including regulations. Issues raised by your Association will be considered in an open and transparent way.

If you have any questions about the enclosed response or the proposed Order in Council, please contact John Buccini, Director, Commercial Chemicals Evaluation Branch, Environment Canada, Ottawa ON K1A 0H3; telephone (819) 997-1499.

Yours sincerely,

David Anderson, P.C., M.P.

Enclosure