12. Access to Information

Disclosure of information concerning exports and imports of hazardous waste - like other environmental information - often involves competing interests. Government officials, public interest groups and local communities may favour wide disclosure to enable monitoring and enforcement activities, while industry may be concerned that disclosure of technical and financial information might harm their business interests.

The sections of CEPA, 1999 that set out the authorities for waste and recyclable materials largely repeat the same requirement for Environment Canada to publish notice information as was done under the old Act, specifically the name of the Canadian exporter or importer, the country of export or import and the type of waste involved. In addition, Environment Canada must publish some information related to any reduction plans required to be submitted and requests for PELES.

One of the goals of CEPA, 1999 is to ensure fuller public participation and transparency in environmental decision-making. CEPA, 1999 requires the establishment of an Environmental Registry of information published under or related to the Act. The consultation process on the EIHWHRMR will provide an opportunity to revisit how to best balance of private interests and public access to export and import information.