The Toxics Reduction Act, 2009

DRAFT TOXICS REGULATION ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN ONTARIO’S TOXICS REDUCTION STRATEGY

The Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 passed by the Ontario Legislature in June is at the core of the Toxics Reduction Strategy. It will help protect the quality of our lives and environment by reducing our exposure to toxic substances while fostering a green economy and green jobs.
Ontario is moving ahead with implementation of its strategy to reduce toxic substances in our air, land and water, and consumer products.

• The Ministry of the Environment has posted a draft regulation proposed under Ontario’s Toxics Reduction Act that sets out a framework for toxics reduction actions by facilities. It will be on the Environmental Registry until October 19, 2009 and may be accessed at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (enter registry number 010-7792).

• Ontario is investing $13.6 million in a new green chemistry centre at Queen’s University, through the Ministry of Research and Innovation. The investment in GreenCentre Canada will connect green chemistry discoveries with chemical companies.  About 250 high-value, high-paying jobs will be both retained and created by the $71-million GreenCentre initiative.  PARTEQ Innovations at the university’s Innovation Park will support the operation of the Centre.

$24M TO SUPPORT INNOVATION AND GREEN ECONOMY

In addition to GreenCentre Canada funding, Ontario will provide $24 million over three years to help facilities comply with the requirements of the act and to help them make the transition to a green economy.  This investment will also support innovation in the field of green chemistry and engineering. 

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

During the posting period, the Ministry of the Environment is continuing its consultations with stakeholders, including industry and health and environmental organizations. The ministry will hold a series of multi-stakeholder meetings on the draft regulations at locations around the province.

PUBLIC REPORTING ON TOXICS

Since one of the purposes of the Toxics Reduction Act is to inform Ontarians about toxic substances, the Ontario government plans to establish an electronic reporting system and a website. These would enable Ontarians to monitor the toxic substance reduction planning and reporting progress of facilities, and gather information on toxic substances in order to make informed choices.

THE TOXICS REDUCTION STRATEGY

Ontario’s Toxics Reduction Strategy is built upon the recommendations of the Toxics Reduction Scientific Expert Panel and consultations with business, industry and environmental and health organizations, including Cancer Care Ontario and the Ontario Medical Association.  The strategy augments the traditional “end of pipe” approach to managing chemical releases by placing a new focus on reducing the use of these substances at the front end of industrial processes.

The toxic substance reduction planning required under the act is a proven approach to reducing toxics use and creation, while helping businesses identify operational efficiencies, costs savings and other opportunities to improve their competitive advantage in markets which are moving increasingly towards a greener economy.

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. Information on those consultations and the discussion paper are posted on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (Registry #: 010-4374). The draft 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 (PDF) and on e-laws.

LEARN MORE

• News Release:  Innovation In Toxics Reduction Helps Build Green Economy
• Backgrounder: Draft Regulation Spells Out Proposed Toxics Requirements
• Toxics, the Environment and Your Health (PDF)
• Reducing Toxics In Our Environment (Video)
• Backgrounder from the Ministry of Research and Innovation: Building Ontario’s Green Economy By Reducing Toxic Chemicals
• Development of Lists of Substances Proposed to be Prescribed under the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009:  Toxic Substances and Substances of Concern  (PDF)