The Toxics Reduction Act, 2009

Bill 167, the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 passed by the Ontario Legislature on June 3, 2009 is at the core of Ontario’s Toxics Reduction Strategy.

The goal of the Toxics Reduction Strategy is to help protect the health and environment of Ontarians by reducing the use of toxic substances in air, land, water and consumer products while supporting the transition of industry to a green economy.

Regulations under the act would set out a framework for toxics reduction actions by facilities, requiring them to track and quantify the toxics that they use and create, to develop plans to reduce toxics, and to make summaries of their plans available to the public. This information would be available to the public, as part of the government’s commitment to informing Ontarians about toxics.

Additional details on the key components of the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 will be specified in regulations.

To help facilities comply with the requirements of the act and to help position them for the green economy, Ontario will provide $24 million over three years.  This investment will also support innovation in the field of green chemistry and engineering.

In August 2008, a discussion paper on the Toxics Reduction Strategy was posted on the Environmental Registry for public comment, while the Ministry of the Environment met with stakeholders, including industry, business and health and environmental groups.  Information on those consultations is also posted on the Environmental Registry at ebr.gov.on.ca (Registry #: 010-4374). The Bill was also posted on the Environmental Registry for public comment for a thirty day period which closed on May 7, 2009. (Registry # 010-6224)

The Toxics Reduction Act, 2009- Bill 167 is available on the Ontario Legislature website and on e-laws.

LEARN MORE

• News Release: Protecting People and the Environment from Toxic Substances
• Fact Sheet: The Toxics Reduction Act, 2009: A Balanced Approach to Helping Our Environment and Our Economy
• Fact Sheet: Support for Industry and a Green Economy
• Backgrounder: The Toxics Reduction Act: Plans for Regulation Development and Further Consultation
• Toxics, the Environment and Your Health
• Video: Reducing Toxics In Our Environment

THE TOXICS REDUCTION PANEL

Ontario’s Toxics Reduction Scientific Expert Panel provided valuable input into developing the province’s Toxics Reduction Strategy.  For example, the panel advised on which toxics should be the focus of immediate attention, action and reductions. 

Learn more about the Toxics Reduction Scientific Panel