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ARTICLE · 11 JANUARY 2024

Regulation Of 'Forever Chemicals' (PFAS) In Canada

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
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Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly of interest to environmental regulators — in Canada, and abroad. Recently, the federal government announced its intention to designate PFAS...

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Richard King
Richard King
Jennifer Fairfax
Jennifer Fairfax
Evan Barz
Evan Barz
Shelby Empey
Shelby Empey
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Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly of interest to environmental regulators — in Canada, and abroad. Recently, the federal government announced its intention to designate PFAS as a class of toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), opening the door to further regulatory restrictions (and potential prohibitions) on the manufacture, use, sale and import of products containing PFAS.

In this Osler Update, we provide an overview of PFAS regulation in Canada (both current and proposed), discuss how Canada's approach to PFAS compares to the United States (including litigation trends), and consider the potential implications of increased regulation of PFAS for businesses operating in Canada.

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