The Government of Canada’s policies for biotechnology have been successful in realizing a balance between supporting the development and the commercialization of innovative biotechnology products, and protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) is the key authority for the government to ensure that all “new substances” (this includes microorganisms) manufactured in (i.e. produced) or imported into Canada are assessed for their potential to harm the environment or human health. Unique to Canada, all new living organisms, whether naturally occurring or genetically modified must undergo a rigorous environmental and human health risk assessment under the New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms) [NSNR (O)] of CEPA 1999 to determine if they are harmful or capable of becoming harmful to ecosystems, biodiversity, the environment, or humans. Some examples of biotechnology products regulated by the NSNR (O) include live micro-organisms used in bioremediation, biofuel production, aquaculture water treatment/management, biobleaching, biofiltration, biological waste recovery, biomass conversion, carpet cleaning and deodorizing, enzyme and chemical production, microbial drain cleaning and degreasing.
