Canadians will benefit from federal initiative to modernize Hazardous Products Act and Food & Drugs Act

OTTAWA - Canadian consumers will benefit from greater transparency and accountability and better access to products and brands as a result of amendments to current legislation tabled in the House of Commons April 8, 2008 by the federal government, said the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA).

"Prime Minister Harper and Health Minister Clement have taken an important step forward in the government's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan by modernizing the Hazardous Products Act and the Food & Drugs Act and enhancing the current regulatory framework," said CCSPA President Shannon Coombs.

A key pillar of the government's Action Plan is to improve information for consumers and decision makers. The launch of CCSPA's Consumer Ingredient Communication initiative on April 2, 2008, complements this plan. "CCSPA and our member companies are committed to providing consumers meaningful information about the ingredients in our products, which provide numerous benefits to Canadians," said Coombs.

"We welcome this federal initiative and look forward to working with the federal government on this important project in 2008.

These critical pieces of legislation protect Canadians, which is also a priority for CCSPA's member companies, who are leaders in the responsible use of chemicals for safe and beneficial consumer and institutional products in Canada."