Chemistry industry engages critics on 25th anniversary of Responsible Care®

OTTAWA, Oct. 18 /CNW/ - The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada has invited a group of critics to share their views of the industry at the association's annual general meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday.

The meeting will also mark the 25^th anniversary of Responsible Care® - the association's environmental, health and sustainability initiative.

Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence Canada, and three of the association's National Advisory Panel members will address the industry's track-record over the last quarter-century, and will discuss the challenges facing Responsible Care in the next 25 years.   

"The Responsible Care approach is about listening to our critics and learning from them," says Richard Paton, president of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada.

"By working with them over the last 25 years, we've been able to build trust in the communities where we operate, and developed an internationally recognized sustainability initiative that protects the environment, and the health and safety of our employees and the public."

Since Responsible Care's inception, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada members have achieved remarkable results: a 99.5 per cent reduction of emissions to water, a 94 per cent reduction of emissions of known and probable carcinogens, and a 38 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The association's Responsible Care model has been adopted by more than 50 countries around the world, and has been recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme for its contributions to sustainable development.

Details:

Who:	Rick Smith, Environmental Defence Canada Cindy Jardine, University of Alberta Gail Krantzberg, McMaster University Ken Ogilvie, Executive Director Emeritus, Pollution Probe Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
When:	Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where:	Drawing Room, Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel

For further information:

Sarah Mayes, Manager, Public Affairs [phone] ext. 239