Draft strategy to reduce vertebrate testing

Summary#

The governments of Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada published a draft strategy to guide how vertebrate animal testing is replaced, reduced or refined under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The public can comment for 60 calendar days, ending November 13, 2024, by email to erhsdgeneral-dssergenerale@hc-sc.gc.ca.

What it does#

• Sets out a draft, non-binding strategy to guide future federal work on animal testing under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. It is a policy guide, not a regulation.
• Proposes five main elements:
  • Identification and prioritization of new approach methods (alternative ways to get toxicity information without using vertebrate animals).
  • Advancement of research and data generation to support alternatives.
  • Promotion of harmonization and collaboration with other jurisdictions and partners.
  • Communication and consultation with stakeholders.
  • Implementation of these approaches in CEPA regulatory programs where practicable and scientifically justified.
• Emphasizes an iterative, step-by-step approach: replace, reduce or refine animal testing when science allows.

Who's affected#

• Regulated parties that provide toxicity data under CEPA, such as chemical and product manufacturers and their testing labs.
• Scientists and researchers who develop or use toxicity tests and new approach methods.
• Animal welfare and advocacy groups that follow reductions in vertebrate testing.
• Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, which would lead implementation.
• Exact legal or procedural effects are not clear yet because this is a draft strategy, not a final rule.

Why it matters#

• It signals a federal push to reduce the use of vertebrate animals in environmental toxicity testing when safe and scientifically supported.
• Could change the kinds of test data regulators accept over time and encourage investment in non-animal testing methods.
• Affects companies that must supply toxicity information for chemicals and products subject to CEPA, potentially changing how they meet testing requirements in the future.
• The draft is open for public comment until November 13, 2024, so stakeholders can influence the final approach.