Related Principles
Related Principles
The framework will describe how integrating certain principles into CEPA processes can be relevant in fulfilling the Government’s duty to protect the right under CEPA. Such principles can help guide decision makers to interpret and administer the law in different circumstances.
CEPA specifies that the framework must, at a minimum, elaborate on three newly recognized principles:
environmental justice,
non-regression, and
intergenerational equity.
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice addresses discrimination against specific communities as it relates to pollution. Discrimination can be a result of where people live in relation to pollution or from barriers to participating in decisions that impact their health. In CEPA, this includes the consideration of the avoidance of adverse effects that disproportionately affect populations who may be impacted by pollution or chemical exposure.
- Example: Under CEPA, where information is available, populations who may be disproportionately impacted by pollution or chemical exposures are considered in risk assessments as some segments of the population may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of substances than others, or more exposed (for example, as a result of their life stage or behaviours).
For more information and to contribute on the work on environmental justice more broadly than CEPA through Bill C-226, please click here.
Non-Regression
While there is no universally established definition, it can generally be understood as the notion that current levels of protection must be maintained. It may also include the continuous improvement in environmental and health protection.
- Example: The process for making regulations includes a cost-benefit analysis, which is summarized in the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement. Cost-benefit analysis is undertaken from a societal standpoint and aims to quantitatively (and/or qualitatively, where data are unavailable) demonstrate the incremental net societal benefit (or loss) of a proposed regulation, consistent with the principle of non-regression.
Intergenerational Equity
Intergenerational equity means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This is fundamental to the concept of sustainable development and aligns with many First Nations’ teachings about respecting and protecting the needs of and impacts on people seven generations in the future.
- Example: The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) platform looks at the effects of chemicals throughout generations. One of the goals is to understand the potential impacts of environmental chemical exposures during pregnancy on the health of the next generation. These results are considered in CEPA decision-making.
For more information on these principles, please see section 3.2 of the Discussion Document.
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