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Environment Canada uses a number of acts, regulations and agreements to fulfil its mandate.
The Department was first established by the Department of the Environment Act in 1971. Today, Environment Canada administers nearly two dozen acts either in whole or in part. It also assists with the administration of many others.
Environment Canada uses regulations to place strict controls on areas governed by these acts. It also enters into agreements with individual or multiple parties to define mutual commitments, roles and actions on specific environmental issues.
Access to the full text of federal acts and regulations is provided by the Department of Justice (Consolidated Statutes and Regulations).
Chemical substances are everywhere around us--in the environment, our food, clothes, and even our bodies. Many of these chemical substances are used to improve the quality of our lives. Most of these chemical substances are not harmful to the environment or human health. However, some have the potential to cause harm, in certain doses, and should only be used when the risks are appropriately managed.