Industry and Environmental Groups Applaud Passage of Consumer Safety
Legislation

OTTAWA, Dec. 14 /CNW/ - The Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association and Environmental Defence applaud last night's passage of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act by the Senate of Canada. The new Act is an update to the 40-year old Hazardous Products Act.

"This is great news for anyone who cares about product safety and protecting the health and welfare of Canadians," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director, Environmental Defence. "It's high time Canada caught up with places like the United States and Europe in protecting its citizens."

The European Union and the United States currently have laws that enable their governments to make mandatory product recalls and to order product safety tests, and now Canada does too. Prior to this new legislation, recalls were only made by companies voluntarily.

"The health and safety of Canadians is the priority for all CCSPA members and we are pleased by the passage of this legislation," said Shannon Coombs, President of the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association. "Canada needs the tools to be able to rapidly respond to dangerous consumer products in the marketplace and this legislation will allow that to happen."

The commitment to re-introduce the proposed Act was made in the March 3, 2010, Speech from the Throne and the legislation was re-introduced on June 9, 2010. The Bill was passed unanimously by the House of Commons on October 29, 2010; and as of last night, the Bill has passed the Senate. We thank all Parliamentarians for their thorough review of the Bill over the past year.   

"We are pleased to see this commitment to Canadian consumers fulfilled and are thankful to all parties that legislation has become law and we look forward to the implementation of the Act as soon as possible," said Smith.

About Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (www.ccspa.org): CCSPA is a national trade association that represents 45 member companies across Canada, collectively a $20 billion industry directly employing 12,000 people in over 120 facilities. Our companies manufacture, process, package and distribute consumer, industrial and institutional specialty products such as soaps and detergents, pest control products, aerosols, hard surface disinfectants, deodorizers and automotive chemicals.

About Environmental Defence (www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada's most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.

For further information:

or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Jennifer Foulds, Environmental Defence, [phone] ext. 232; [phone] (cell)

Shannon Coombs, Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association, [phone], ext. 18; [phone] (cell)