Government of Canada Taking Further Action on to Protect the Environment and
Health of Canadians with Amendments to the Protocol on Persistent Organic
Pollutants

OTTAWA, Dec. 13 /CNW/ - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to protecting the environment and citizens against the harmful effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by announcing its intention to ratify amendments to the Protocol on POPs, under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP).  These amendments align with our strong domestic policies.

POPs are harmful substances that do not occur naturally. They persist in the environment and accumulate within living organisms, including people. Canada is not a major producer or user of POPs, but is affected by these substances: POPs can be transported great distances and tend to concentrate in colder climates such as Canada's Arctic. 

"The Government supports the ratification of amendments to the Protocol on POPs to protect the environment and the health of all Canadians. We will continue to provide leadership in the management of these substances," said Minister Baird.

"The Arctic is a priority for the Canadian government. POPs are known to accumulate in the North. Tabling these amendments is an important step in protecting the region and its people from a type of pollution that is created outside our boundaries. Canada continues to work with international partners to reduce global levels of POPs," said Minister Cannon.

The Protocol on POPs currently lists 16 substances, including DDT and PCBs. It either bans or restricts the production and use of all listed substances. It also obliges Parties to reduce emissions of specific substances below 1990 levels.

The Government of Canada intends to ratify amendments that will add 5 additional substances to the POPs list. Domestic action has already been taken on these substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.  Canada also supports the incorporation of changes to a technical annex of the Protocol, which are intended to facilitate compliance with the Protocol.

For further information:

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Environment Canada
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(Également offert en français)