Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 07 OCTOBER 2025

Canada Consults On Phase 1 Of Risk Management For PFAS

Torys
Torys
Contributor
Torys

Torys

Torys LLP is an international business law firm that works with clients who expect the best advice...

View firm profile
Explore more from Torys

On September 26, 2025, the Government of Canada launched the first part of its risk management plan for regulating PFAS: consultation on the regulation of PFAS used in firefighting foams...

CanadaEnvironment
Alicja Puchta
Alicja Puchta
Grant Worden
Grant Worden
Nicole Mantini
Nicole Mantini
Sylvie Rodrigue
Sylvie Rodrigue
Anne Merminod
Anne Merminod
Alec Angle
Alec Angle
Michael Fortier
Michael Fortier
Teresa Reguly
Teresa Reguly
Author LinkedIn connections

On September 26, 2025, the Government of Canada launched the first part of its risk management plan for regulating PFAS: consultation on the regulation of PFAS used in firefighting foams, including Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). Under Phase 1, Canada is proposing to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale and import of PFAS, not currently regulated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), in firefighting foams through new regulations. Canada has published a consultation document to inform interested parties and solicit comments on its proposed regulatory approach.

What you need to know

  • Proposed regulatory framework. Although the Government is proposing a prohibition on PFAS-containing firefighting foams (not already otherwise regulated), its plan includes several nuances around time-limited exemptions, transitional periods, disclosure and labelling requirements, site-specific management plans, permits and incidental thresholds.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Amendments Streamline Project List Under Impact Assessment Act

The Government of Canada has amended regulations under the Impact Assessment Act to streamline environmental reviews for major infrastructure projects, particularly interprovincial pipelines. These changes shift regulatory responsibility for certain energy projects to the Canada Energy Regulator while removing other project types from federal review following the Supreme Court's 2024 constitutional ruling.
CanadaEnvironment
MLT Aikins LLP
MLT Aikins LLP
Article

Federal Government Removes Certain Energy Projects From The Impact Assessment Act Project List

The Canadian government has removed seven types of energy projects from federal impact assessment requirements, shifting review responsibilities to the Canada Energy Regulator and provincial processes. This regulatory change affects pipelines, electrical transmission lines, oil sands facilities, and power plants, fundamentally altering how major energy infrastructure projects will be evaluated and approved across Canada.
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Ontario Invites Expressions Of Interest For Licences Under The Geologic Carbon Storage Act

Ontario has launched its first call for expressions of interest in carbon capture and storage licences under the new Geologic Carbon Storage Act, targeting Crown-owned pore space beneath lakebeds surrounding the Ontario Peninsula. The detailed submission requirements reveal expectations that proponents have advanced well beyond initial planning stages, with the process serving as a critical test of Ontario's emerging CCS framework and its attractiveness to industry.
CanadaEnvironment
Torys
Torys
Article

Canadian Product Stewardship And EPR: 2026 Summer Update

Canadian governments and producer-responsibility organizations are refining extended producer responsibility programs across the country, affecting packaging, batteries, electronics, and hazardous products. Recent regulatory changes include expanded collection obligations, adjusted compliance timelines, and new enforcement measures, with significant developments in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic provinces.
CanadaEnvironment
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG
Article

Changing Lanes: Canada Proposes To Replace Its ZEV Sales Mandate With Technology-neutral Emission Standards

Canada is proposing to eliminate its federal zero-emission vehicle sales mandate and replace it with technology-neutral greenhouse gas emission standards. The shift comes amid declining EV sales, affordability concerns, and trade uncertainty with the United States, raising questions about how the automotive industry will balance climate goals with market realities. What will this regulatory transformation mean for manufacturers, consumers, and Canada's electrification timeline?
CanadaEnvironment
McCarthy Tétrault
McCarthy Tétrault
Article

Changes To Fisheries Act Authorizations Regulations Streamline Application Process

On October 15, 2026, amendments to Canada's Fisheries Act Authorizations Regulations will streamline the application process for projects affecting fish and fish habitat. How will the new risk-based approach to offsetting requirements, deferred financial guarantees, and expanded ministerial powers reshape regulatory compliance for proponents navigating federal environmental approvals?
CanadaEnvironment
McMillan LLP
McMillan LLP
Article

Attorney General Of Canada Fails To Land Knockout Punch Against Application On Climate Change (Maltais v. Minister Of Environment)

Although there is debate about whether the world is suffering from climate change, according to a 2024 United Nations survey, 80 percent of people worldwide want their country to do more about it. Based on measurements of the world’s glaciers, there is certainly scientific evidence that they have receded each year for the past 37 years and that they are melting faster than ever.
CanadaEnvironment
Gardiner Roberts LLP
Gardiner Roberts LLP
Article

Ontario Invites Expressions Of Interest For Licences Under The Geologic Carbon Storage Act

Ontario has launched its first call for expressions of interest in carbon capture and storage licences under the new Geologic Carbon Storage Act, targeting Crown-owned pore space beneath lakebeds surrounding the Ontario Peninsula. The detailed submission requirements reveal expectations that proponents have advanced well beyond initial planning stages, with the process serving as a critical test of Ontario's emerging CCS framework and its attractiveness to industry.
CanadaEnvironment
Torys
Torys
Article

Government Of Canada Makes Significant Changes To Energy Project Approvals Process

On September 3, the Government of Canada published amendments removing seven types of energy projects from the Physical Activities Regulations (the Project List) under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). As a result, these types of projects will no longer be subject to the IAA but will continue to be regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) or applicable provincial environmental assessment regimes.
CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Torys
Torys
Article

New Flight Path: Canada Seeks Private Investment In Airports Through Long-term Concession Arrangements

Canada has announced plans to attract private investment through long-term concessions to operate its four largest airports: Toronto-Pearson, Vancouver International, Montréal-Trudeau, and Calgary International. The federal government will retain ownership of the underlying airport land and assets while seeking tens of billions of dollars in private capital to be reinvested in regional airports and local transport infrastructure. Key details regarding the scope of private operational involvement, award
CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Torys
Torys