Substances that are new to Canada are assessed under the New Substances Notification Regulations. If a substance is found to be toxic, consultations are used to determine the best means of managing and reducing the associated risks. CEPA is applicable where another piece of federal legislation does not provide for environmental protection. The PCPA is under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Health and administered through the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Pesticides include fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators, as well as antimicrobials such as disinfectants, swimming pool chemicals and wood preservatives.
Most pesticides are intentionally toxic to the target organisms.
These, too, can be harmful to human health or the environment. The PCPA and regulations provide for the evaluation of detailed information on all pesticides prior to their registration and sale. Risk assessment and risk management are blended during product registration. The risks of a pesticide are managed by means of the instructions on the pesticide label. The Fisheries Act is intended to protect fish and fish habitat.