11. Access to Information

• 11.1 Environment Canada's Proposals
• 11.2 Comments

Environment Canada proposes to increase public access to information derived from documents received under the EIHWR by making additional information pertaining to Canadian importers and exporters (EIHWR permit holders) publicly available. This information would include:

• Name and address of the Canadian importer/exporter (or notifier for transits);
• Waste information (TDGR PIN # and IWIC codes);
• Final destination(s);
• Received quantity for movement documents; and
• Border crossings.

The Department may make this information publicly available through an on-line search tool, similar to that used by the NPRI. This tool could retrieve information by querying on company information (name or province), waste stream (TDGR PIN #, or IWIC) or a given time frame. This information could be updated quarterly, as movement document information is received and verified by TMB.

Participants provided the following comments regarding the proposed increased public access to information:

• ENGO representatives generally found Environment Canada's proposals to be inadequate. They recommended that notice information be published prior to granting permits, and that there be opportunity for public comment. In addition it was suggested that all approved permits be posted on the CEPA Registry and that provision be made for notification in the newspapers of receiving communities.
• It was suggested that public information concerning waste should clearly identify whether or not the materials are destined for recycling, or for final disposal.
• Industry representatives wanted Environment Canada to balance "public right to know" and "business confidentiality".