Minister's response to concerns raised by American Chemistry Council, Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group

The Honorable L'honorable

Jim Prentice

Ottawa, Canada KIA OH3

July 27, 2010

Dr. Steven G. Hentges
Executive Director
American Chemistry Council,
Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group
1300 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
U.S.A.

Dear Dr. Hentges:

I am responding to the Notice of Objection that you filed on July 15, 2009, regarding the proposed Order adding bisphenol A (CAS No. 80-05-7) to the List of Toxic substances in Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, (CEPA 1999) that was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 16, 2009.

I have fully and carefully considered your submission and request to establish a board of review pursuant to section 333 of CEPA 1999. I am of the view that your Notice does not bring forth any new scientific data or information with respect to the nature and extent of the danger posed by bisphenol A that warrants establishing a board of review in this case, and will therefore not establish a board of review.

Please be assured that the Government of Canada is committed to consulting with all stakeholders and the public on the development of risk management options, including regulations, and issues raised will continue to be considered in an open and transparent manner. Further comment periods and opportunities to file notices of objection will be provided, under the Act, following the publication of instruments for the preventive or control action of bisphenol A, such as a proposed regulation.

I appreciate your bringing the American Chemistry Council, Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group's concerns to my attention, and look forward to working with you in the future on matters of environmental or human health interest to your group.

Please accept my best wishes.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., M.P.