The Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 (Bill 167) was passed on June 5, 2009, requiring industrial facilities to track and reduce their use of more than 300 toxic substances. A copy of our previous Flash on Bill 167 is available here.

The province has recognized the burden that this legislation places on industry and has promised $24 million in grants, incentives and technical support as industries transform their processes and find alternative substances.

Specifics regarding implementation will not be available until the draft regulations are released but regulated facilities are likely to be those subject to NPRI and toxic substance accounting is expected to be required to begin as early as January 1, 2010. Consultations on regulations are to begin this Summer.

If you would like additional information about Bill 167, please contact Alexandria Pike (416.367.6989) or Sarah Powell (416.367.6931) in our Toronto office or Michel Pelletier (514.841.6455) or Marc-André Boutin (514.841.6527) in our Montréal office.

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, with over 250 lawyers, practises nationally and internationally from offices in Toronto, Montréal, New York and an affiliate in Paris and is consistently at the heart of the largest and most complex commercial and financial matters on behalf of its North American and overseas clients.

The information and comments herein are for the general information of the reader and are not intended as advice or opinions to be relied upon in relation to any particular circumstance. For particular applications of the law to specific situations, the reader should seek professional advice.