An ongoing
process for the Ontario government, goals have been made to reduce the
“regulatory burden” on both manufacturers and government. Out with the old and
in with the new, the government is looking to clean house of regulations that
overlap and add seemingly unnecessary extra steps. These changes are part of
the proposed Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act 2018, which encompasses
several legislative changes. These changes
affect several acts, with a comment period on these changes open
until January 20, 2019. This cleaning of house would include the repeal of the Toxics Reduction
Act of 2009. A proposed repeal has been issued for this act, as well
as all regulations that are associated with it, by December 31, 2021.
What is the Toxics Reduction Act and what were its
objectives?
The act aimed to
help reduce environmental pollution though a reduction in both the use and
manufacturing of toxic substances; as well as educate the provincial population
about these substances. Educating the population of toxicity was intended to help
consumers to make informed choices on products they wish to purchase as well as
their proper disposal. Consumers are also able to accept some responsibility
within these preventative and precautionary measures.
What will take the place of the Toxics Reduction Act?
Despite the
clear and concise goals of the Toxics Reduction Act, a more robust federal system
exists for which Ontarians may rely on, saving extra time and removing some
burden from manufacturers. This other system is the federal chemical management
plan that provides greater insight into toxic chemicals and their presence in
industry. The
Government of Canada defines the Chemical Management plan (CMP) as
an “initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and
their environment”. Similarly to the Toxics Reduction Act, the CMP strives to
“take action” with regards to chemicals that have risks to the environment or
the health of Canadians.
How will a Repeal of the Toxics Reduction Act affect
Industry?
With a repeal of
the Toxics Reduction Act, industry will see several changes. These changes are
set to help reduce the degree of reporting and paperwork for industry. Further
information on these effects can be found on the Health Canada notice
as well as the original documentation of the Toxics Reduction Act.
When will a change happen with the Toxics Reduction
Act?
A 60-day comment
period has opened on the repeal of the act and its associated regulations and
will close on January 20, 2019. Going forward the government hopes to abolish
the act by December 21, 2021.
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