Compliance

Growing environmental concerns, public pressure and regulatory measures are changing the way people do business around the world. Business is progressing on a journey from environmental compliance, through environmental risk management, to long-term sustainable development strategies.

• In the initial phases, the necessity to comply with environmental laws and regulations drives improvements in environmental performance.
• In the next phase, businesses adopt a more proactive approach. Environmental risk management is introduced to reduce environmental liabilities and to minimize the costs of regulatory compliance.
• Finally, a substantial number of companies recognize that the implementation of sustainable strategies can translate into new opportunities and improved business results, leading them to the business and sustainable development phase.

Compliance Is Important In Maintaining Healthy Communities

In many cases, laws have been established to protect both the environment and the health of Canadians. They balance the need to use chemicals for economic purposes and the levels at which these substances pose a risk to human and ecosystem health. Responsible businesses choose to comply with these laws because they protect the environment.

Preventing Environmental Impact Is Everyone's Responsibility

As a business owner or employee, you need to understand how your work can affect the environment and what you can do to limit or prevent that impact. As a citizen, you have a responsibility to become informed on community issues, to support initiatives to monitor the environmental performance of all members of the community, and to support good corporate citizens, where possible, with your business.

Related Internet Resources

Checklists, Tip Sheets, Guides and Resources

Federal Environment Law (Environment Canada)