2008-04 (April)
BLAINE CALKINS MP REPORT
April 24, 2008
Protecting Our Health
The health and well-being of Canadians is a priority for Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our Government. Canada’s old product safety rules were drafted decades ago and have fallen behind rapid changes in technology and trade. While the rest of the world tightened their product safety laws, the previous government chose to do very little, allowing substandard and shoddy products to sit on Canadian shelves.
Delivering on the commitment we made in the Speech from the Throne, Health Minister Tony Clement tabled the new Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (Bill C-52) and introduced amendments to the Food and Drugs Act (Bill C-51). Taken together, these measures represent a tough and thorough new approach to consumer safety. Our aim is to prevent problems from occurring, target the highest risks, and respond rapidly to problems that occur.
While consumer products are generally safe, they could be safer. Since sixty-five per cent of products sold in Canada are imported, we feel that it is important to set and enforce state-of-the-art safety standards on both domestic and imported goods.
Under a new initiative known as the Chemicals Management Plan, Canada became the first country in the world to conduct risk assessments on a number of chemicals of concern. This triggered action on Bisphenol A (BPA), a polycarbonate that is used in baby bottles and for lining cans of baby formula.
The baby bottles are the main area of concern because Health Canada’s research showed that health effects have only been seen in early development. The general public is not at risk. BPA can be used safely in products (such as in sports equipment and adhesives).
Concerned parents can take practical steps to reduce exposure and minimize risk. They should use glass bottles, bottles with disposable liners or BPA free-plastic bottles. If a BPA plastic bottle is used, boiling water should not be poured into them because BPA in the baby bottles leaches out most when hot/boiling water is added.
Canada initiated a 60 day public comment period that began on April 19, 2008 on whether to ban the importation, sale and advertising of this type of plastic in baby bottles. During the consultation period, Health Canada will consider more science concerning BPA. If no new information comes forward to change the position of Health Canada, it is Minister Clement's intention to ban the importation, sale and advertisement of BPA baby bottles.
When it comes to protecting consumers, the choice is clear. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Government will always put the health and safety of Canadians first.
For information on Bisphenol A you can visit www.healthycanadians.ca or call 1-866-891-4542. Please contact my Constituency office for assistance on federally related matters, postage free at: #6, 4612 - 50th Street, Ponoka, T4J 1S7 tel: (403) 783-5530; toll free: 1-800-665-0865 or visit my web site: www.blainecalkinsmp.ca
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