Pollution and Waste - Regulations

Regulations are the rules issued by federal departments to carry out the intent of statutes (acts) enacted by the Government of Canada. They are instruments of legislative power and have the force of law.

Regulations contain more specific guidelines than acts. These can include definitions, licensing requirements, performance specifications, exemptions, forms and other details. All of the acts administered by Environment Canada have their own accompanying regulations.

Canadian Environmental Protection Act

An act to prevent pollution, protect the environment and human health, and contribute to sustainable development.

Fisheries Act

An act providing the legal basis for protecting and conserving fish and fish habitat.

Solvent Degreasing Regulations

Solvent degreasing is a process that uses cleaning agents to remove oil, grease, dirt, loose particles, and any other contaminants that may exist on the surface of a material. Trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, two solvent degreasing agents commonly used in Canada, were deeemed toxic by the federal government in 1988. Find out about efforts to reduce their use.