CEPA Canadian Environmental Protection Act

CEPA History of, changes to CEPA Goal of CEPA -- 1998 What’s involved in CEPA

The History of CEPA The act was passed in 1988 It is reviewed every seven years by Parliament. Bill C-74 attempted to amend CEPA. It was introduced by the government in December 1996 but was not passed because of the dissolution of Parliament for the 1997 federal election. In addition, a Canada-Wide Accord on Environmental Harmonization was signed by federal, provincial (except Quebec), and territorial Ministers of the Environment on January 29, 1998. An additional amendment was introduced by Environment Minister Christine Stewart in March of the same year.

What Does CEPA Accomplish? The goal of CEPA today is to protect the environment and the health of Canadians from toxic substances and other pollutants.

What's Covered By CEPA: pollution prevention managing toxic substances clean air and water… greater control of pollution and wastes... encouragement of public participation environmental matters related to emergencies biotechnology federal government operations and federal and Aboriginal lands enforcement of the objectives of CEPA