CEPA: Draft Framework, Priorities, Watch List

Summary#

On October 5, 2024, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada published three draft/proposed items under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999: a draft Implementation Framework for the Right to a Healthy Environment, a Proposed Plan of Priorities, and a Proposed Watch List Approach. Each is open for public comment for 60 days (until December 4, 2024). Separately, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada published Radio Standards Specification RSS-216, Issue 3 for wireless power devices.

What it does#

• Draft Implementation Framework for the Right to a Healthy Environment

  • Explains how the federal government plans to consider the right to a healthy environment when applying the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
  • Published on the CEPA Environmental Registry for review and comment.

• Proposed Plan of Priorities (2024)

  • Sets out planned priorities and timelines for how CEPA will address substances and related actions.
  • Published for public feedback.

• Proposed Watch List Approach

  • Describes how substances would be added to or removed from a federal “Watch List” of chemicals that may become toxic under CEPA section 75.1.
  • Explains the factors and process that would guide those additions/removals.

• Radio Standards Specification RSS-216, Issue 3

  • Provides technical and regulatory requirements for wireless power transfer devices (transmitters and receivers).
  • The document is now official and available from the Spectrum management and telecommunications website. Comments on the standard can be submitted through the department’s change-request process.

Who's affected#

• People and groups following federal environmental policy or interested in the right to a healthy environment, including environmental NGOs and community groups.
• Companies that make, import, handle, or test chemicals — they may be affected if substances are added to the Watch List or become regulatory priorities.
• Manufacturers, importers, testers, and sellers of wireless power devices (for example, wireless chargers).
• Anyone who wants to read the drafts or submit comments during the 60-day consultation period. It is not clear from the notice whether specific communities (for example, Indigenous groups) will have separate engagement processes beyond the general comment invitation.

Why it matters#

• How the government defines and implements the right to a healthy environment could change how environmental and health risks are assessed and prioritized in federal decisions.
• A Watch List and a published Plan of Priorities can be an early step toward testing, restrictions, or other regulatory action on particular chemicals. That affects industry compliance and local environmental health.
• The updated RSS-216 may affect the design, approval, and sale of wireless charging and power-transfer products in Canada.
• The public has an opportunity to influence these documents during the 60-day comment window (until December 4, 2024).