Canada Shows Continued Leadership on Protecting the Ozone Layer

Ottawa -December 18, 2000 - Canada continues its international leadership role on protecting the stratospheric ozone layer by accepting a new amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Canada is one of the first countries to accept this amendment, internationally known as the Beijing Amendment, to ensure stronger controls on the production and consumption of chemicals which deplete the ozone layer.

In December 1999, Parties to the Montreal Protocol - including Canada - met in Beijing, China, and agreed to an amendment which requires Parties to:

• freeze production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), used in refrigeration and cooling equipment;
• report data on the use of methyl bromide, used mainly as a pesticide;
• ban the production, consumption and international trade of bromochloromethane, used mainly as a fire-extinguishing agent.

Subsequently, Canada's Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulations, 1998 were revised to enable Canada to accept the Beijing Amendment, improve controls on ODS and address administrative issues. These amended regulations will come into force on January 1, 2001.

"Canada is one of the first countries to accept the Beijing Amendment and the requirements are reflected in the revisions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act," said Environment Minister David Anderson. "Canadians can be proud of Canada's prominent role in the development and implementation of the 1987 Montreal Protocol. We have supported and adopted all previous amendments at the earliest opportunity to protect the ozone layer."

"This action is consistent with Canada's belief in the importance of global action to address shared environmental concerns. We would encourage others similarly to ratify this and previous amendments," said John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Recognizing that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons deplete the ozone layer and have adverse effects on the environment, Canada, along with 23 other nations, signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on September 16, 1987. This treaty is designed to prevent a global environmental and health problems from reaching the crisis stage. Since 1987, the Protocol has been periodically revised.

Parties to the Montreal Protocol, now totaling 175, have implemented control measures to achieve emission reductions of ozone depleting substances. These reductions are intended to prevent damages resulting from gradual destruction of the ozone layer and thus contribute to protecting the environment, health and human life.

Related documents:

• The Montreal Protocol: History [backgrounder, 2000-12-19]
• Stratospheric Ozone Website [information collection]