CIAC applauds further Ontario government actions to cut unnecessary red tape

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) congratulates the Ontario government and the Honourable Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, on the release of its latest regulatory burden reduction action.

“CIAC firmly supports the Ontario Government’s commitment to streamline duplicate regulations that impact the competitiveness of the chemical manufacturing,” said Don Fusco, CIAC Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Ontario. “These measures that affect the chemistry sector will eliminate unnecessary cost, complexity and time, while protecting our health and the environment.”

Among the initiatives contained in the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2019, CIAC is very pleased to see the province:

  • Repeal Section 34 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, eliminating duplicative federal notification requirement for introducing new chemicals.
  • Revoke outdated acetone reporting requirements while maintaining stringent local air quality regulations.
  • Create an electronic system to allow businesses and governments to better track and report on hazardous wastes.

CIAC member operations are governed by Responsible Care®. The UN-recognized initiative compels member to innovate for safer and greener products and processes and continuously improve their environment and community protection, employee health and safety, product stewardship and social engagement.

Ontario’s $24-billion chemistry industry is the third-largest manufacturing industry and second largest exporting sector in the province. Overall, the chemistry sector directly employs 46,000 Ontarians in well-paying jobs and supports another 220,000 jobs in other sectors. The sector provides important inputs to sectors such as automotive, forestry, construction, and food and beverage.

CIAC is pleased to continue to work with the government on the many priorities to modernize business regulations to be outcome-focused and evidence-based while continuing to protect the public interest.