CEPA strategy to reduce vertebrate animal testing

Summary#

The federal government has published a draft strategy to guide efforts to replace, reduce or refine vertebrate animal testing under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The strategy would steer future work by Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada and is open for public comment for 60 days until November 13, 2024.

What it does#

• Sets out a plan for when and how to use alternatives to vertebrate animal tests for environmental and health assessments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
• Proposes five main elements:
  • identification and prioritization of new approach methods (alternative testing methods);
  • support for research and new data generation;
  • promotion of harmonization and collaboration (across agencies and with international partners);
  • communication and consultation with stakeholders; and
  • steps to put these approaches into CEPA regulatory programs.
• Emphasizes use of alternative methods only when they are scientifically justified and practicable.
• Invites public feedback: comments can be sent by email and must arrive before November 13, 2024.

Who's affected#

• Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada (they would lead the work).
• Companies that register or sell chemicals, pesticides, consumer products, or other substances that require toxicity testing.
• Laboratories and contract research organizations that do vertebrate animal testing.
• Academic researchers who develop or use alternative testing methods.
• Animal welfare groups and members of the public interested in reducing animal testing.
• Regulators, risk assessors, and people who rely on safety assessments for products — the exact list of affected groups is not fully detailed in the notice.

Why it matters#

• Could reduce the number of vertebrate animals used in regulatory toxicity testing over time.
• May change what kinds of laboratory data companies must submit for approvals or assessments.
• Encourages development and use of newer, non-animal testing methods, which could speed up testing and lower some costs.
• Gives stakeholders a chance to shape how alternatives are adopted — the document is a draft and not yet a binding rule.