Share your thoughts: The Proposed Watch List Approach

Current status: Closed

This consultation was open from October 5, 2024 to December 4, 2024.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada are seeking comments and feedback on the proposed approach for adding and removing substances from a list of substances of potential concern, which will be called the “Watch List”. A Public Interest Notice of the publication of the proposed Watch List Approach discussion paper was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 158, No. 40, on October 5, 2024. The document is open for a 60-day public comment period ending on December 4, 2024.

The information received during the 60-day public comment period will be used to inform the process and consideration of substances to be included on the Watch List.

Background

In June 2023, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) was amended as a result of Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act (now SC 2023, ch. 12). CEPA requires the Minister of the Environment publish and maintain a list of substances of potential concern, also known as the “Watch List". The Watch List will include a list of substances of potential concern that the Ministers have reason to suspect are capable of becoming toxic or that they have determined to be capable of becoming toxic. The Watch List will not impose new or additional requirements or restrictions on a substance or class of substances that have been added to the list.

Privacy Act Notice Statement

The personal information is collected under the authority of section 5 of the Department of the Environment Act and subsection 7(1) of the Financial Administration Act.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is soliciting your feedback on the proposed approach for selecting substances of potential concern to be added or removed from the substance Watch List. The information is collected, used and disclosed for the purpose of allowing stakeholders and Canadians the opportunity to provide formal written comments on the process and consideration of substances to be included on the Watch List before it is finalized. Your participation and decision to provide any information is voluntary.

The personal information created, held or collected by Environment and Climate Change Canada is protected under the Privacy Act. Information in this survey will be used, disclosed and retained in accordance with the conditions listed in the Personal Information Bank Outreach Activities PSU 938.

Any questions or comments regarding this privacy notice may be directed to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy Division at ECATIP-ECAIPRP@ec.gc.ca. If you are not satisfied that your privacy has been adequately respected, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by calling their information center at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting their contact page.

Join in: How to participate

You are invited to review and submit your comments on the proposed Watch List Approach discussion document.

Please include “Comments on the Proposed Watch List Approach” in the subject line of your email or document.

By email

Send an email with your ideas or comments to make yourself heard using the contact information below.

By mail

Send a letter with your ideas and input to the address in contact information below.

Any person who provides information to the Minister of the Environment may request that it be treated as confidential under section 313 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The request for confidentiality must be accompanied by reasons taking into account the criteria set out in paragraphs 20(1)(a) to (d) of the Access to Information Act.

Who is the focus of this consultation Who is the focus of this consultation

We would like to hear from any interested parties, including:

Related information

Reporting to people in Canada

The Watch List will be published in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Registry by 2025, and will be updated periodically, as required.

Contact us

By email

Email: substances@ec.gc.ca

By mail

Chemicals Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

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