Minister's response to concerns raised by the Sierra Legal Defense Fund is filing this notice of objection on behalf of the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence, and the Canadian Environmental Law Association

Mr. Hugh Wilkins
Ecojustice Canada (formerly Sierra Legal Defence Fund)
30 St. Patrick Street, Suite 900
Toronto , Ontario
M5T 3A3

Dear Mr. Wilkins:

I am pleased to inform you that the Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Regulations have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The issues raised in your Notice of Objection during the public comment period have been taken into consideration.

Environment Canada has conducted a comprehensive review of newly published science (post-2005) on decaBDE, resulting in the preparation of a State of the Science Report on the Bioaccumulation and Transformation of Decabromodiphenyl Ether, yet in draft form. A scientific peer review of this draft report ended on January 8. We anticipate that the draft report will be released for public comment this summer, thereby ensuring transparent consultation with all stakeholders.

I will be making a decision on whether to establish a Board of review under subsection 332(2) and section 333 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, once the State of Science Report is finalized, later this year.

Sincerely,

John Baird, P.C., M.P.

c.c.: The Honourable Tony Clement, P.C., M.P.