AIA offers help with federal substance management program

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada is offering help to members who need assistance with the federal government’s substances management program.

Ottawa is looking over the activity around the management of substances such as asbestos, hydrofluorocarbons, decaBDE, mercury and lead wheel weights. “AIA members may be impacted by this activity and some members may be required to report information to the federal government by set deadlines,” the AIA said in an announcement posted to its website.

Members with questions and concerns are encouraged to contact Erin Chreptyk, the AIA’s government relations coordinator at erin.chreptyk@aiacanada.com. “Erin can help you to navigate what is highly complex information and can connect you with the right people in government,” the AIA announcement said.

“The federal government seeks to protect Canadians and the environment from harmful chemicals, hazardous wastes, pesticides and pollutants through the ‘Chemical Management Plan’ and the Rotterdam, Stockholm and Basel Conventions to which the government is a signatory party,” it said.

Information sessions are also being held for the 2017 Inventory Update. Part of the Chemical Management Plan, it requires collecting information on about “1,500 chemicals and polymers to inform activities in priority setting, risk assessment and risk management programs at Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada, including prioritization for activities in 2020 and beyond,” the AIA said. “AIA members may be required to submit information as part of the 2017 Inventory Update.”

These free sessions are being held this month across Canada and will provide “an overview of the initiative, important differences ‎from previous Inventory Updates (IU), clarification on the reporting requirements, as well as an orientation of the mandatory online reporting tool.”

The Toronto session is currently full, but the AIA noted that additional ones may be considered. See sidebar for session details.

The AIA notes that space is limited registration is required to attend. Spots can be reserved by contacting the Substances Management Coordinator at 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232 or by email at eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca. Include the subject line “2017 IU Information Sessions” and the city in the email. Venue information will be provided upon registration confirmation. Once registration is confirmed, attendees will be advised of the venue where the information session will be held.