Section 8: Conclusions and next steps

This Scoping Paper has outlined a number of challenging issues to the successful attainment of the goal of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA 1999) to promote pollution prevention and to protect the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development. It represents the initial views of officials in Environment Canada and Health Canada based on just over four years of experience with the Act. It is intended to help all interested parties prepare for the forthcoming five-year Parliamentary review of CEPA 1999.

The departments welcome your feedback on the issues that from your perspective should be addressed during the Parliamentary review and will use your feedback to help in preparation for the forthcoming Parliamentary review. To facilitate your feedback the departments have established a web-based consultation mechanism.

Anyone with an interest in CEPA 1999, both its evolution as a key piece of federal legislation to protect human health and the environment and its implementation, is encouraged to provide feedback.

Beginning in late January, 2005, Environment Canada and Health Canada will also sponsor regional, day-long public consultation workshops in five cities across Canada to solicit feedback on this Scoping Paper. The purposes of these workshops include:

• hearing from Canadians on the challenges in CEPA 1999 they feel need to be addressed during the Parliamentary Review; and
• inviting feedback from Canadians on the solutions that Environment Canada and Health Canada have identified as priorities for consideration in preparing for the Parliamentary Review.

All workshops are open to anyone with an interest in CEPA 1999; there is no registration fee for attendees. The workshop agenda will be structured around this Scoping Paper. Environment Canada's CEPA Environmental Registry website has information pertaining to the public consultation workshops. Prior to the workshops, this website will have additional information on the workshops, including the exact dates, cities and venues, the agenda, and references to background information to assist your understanding of the Act.

Following all feedback received, the departments will develop a Workshop Report that will be posted on the CEPA Environmental Registry.

If you require additional information please contact:

Linda J. Chandler
Legislative Policy & Strategic Relations Branch, Strategic Priorities Directorate Environmental Protection Service, Environment Canada,
21st Floor - 351 St. Joseph Blvd, Gatineau PQ K1A 0H3
Tel: (819) 956-7998 Fax: (819) 997-0449
e-mail: lindaj.chandler@ec.gc.ca