Canada’s Bill C-408

On March 14 of this year, a new bill was introduced in the Parliament of America’s northern neighbor.  Although there is little chance that it will pass, FJATA is reporting on this bill to keep you informed since this legislation would create similar burdens to industry as the Prop 65 labeling rule does.  Bill C-408, privately-sponsored by Peter Julian, is called “The Toxic Substances Labeling Act, An Act to ensure that warning labels are affixed to products containing toxic substances”.  According to Julian, a Member of Parliament from the New Democratic Party:

The bill takes very simple lists of toxic substances established by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment of the California EPA, the United States’ National Toxicology Program, and the European Chemicals Agency and ensures that these substances are put on the labels of products available in Canada.

In addition to listing any toxics, even low-level contaminants, Bill C-408 would require the label to include “a description of the risks involved in the use of each toxic substance in the product”, as well as “an indication of the product’s origin, including the name and address of its manufacturer or distributor”.

The problem with Bill C-408 is that it would represent another distinct element involved in packaging and labeling products for the Canadian market.  Thankfully, these “privately-sponsored” bills rarely move in Parliament.  Bill C-408 also has problems because it does not address the trace contaminant issue and the labels as described would be impractical, particularly on small items, such as jewelry and accessories.

FJATA will address any developments in this legislation as they arise.

Read Peter Julian’s Bill C-408 Parliament Speech (includes link to bill text).