CCSPA has developed a bilingual consumer information website at www.healthycleaning101.org with the help of our Public Affairs Committee. The site provides Canadians with a one-stop source for information about the consumer products produced by CCSPA member companies, including Soaps and Detergents, Disinfectants and Sanitizers, Pest Control Products, Household Cleaning Products and Air Care Products. The Questions and Answers page includes Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about each group of products as well as specific issues of current interest, like bacterial resistance and so-called "natural" cleaning products. Our Media Room contains CCSPA News Releases on current issues of interest with many information tools related to H1N1 pandemic in Canada. In May 2009, the William! Won't You Wash Your Hands? initiative was launched with the Minister of Health, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq. In 2011, in collaboration with Canadian Institute for Child Health, the materials in this kit were translated into 5 additional languages.

Consumer Ingredient Communication Initiative (CICI)

On April 2, 2008, CCSPA announced the launch of a consumer ingredient communication initiative. On January 1, 2010, members have provided ingredient information to consumers on labels and/or members' websites. On March 17, 2010, CCSPA announced 100% compliance with the program. CCSPA was recognized as an industry leader by Prime Minister Harper, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Lung Association of Canada and the Institute of Child Health and the Ontario McGuinty Government.

In May 2011, the program was expanded to ensure greater transparency for preservatives, dyes and fragrances. This CICI was lauded by the federal government at a recent Chemical Management Plan (CMP) Council Meeting as an effective tool for communicating to consumers.

Efficacy Claims for Disinfectants

CCSPA has been working with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure balanced and correct information is available for consumers with regard to efficacy claims for disinfectants - specifically for disinfectants used against H1N1. For more information, go to our www.healthycleaning101.org website.

"Recochem has been an active member of CCSPA since 1958. Both our company and the Association have changed names in that time, but what has not changed is our reliance on each other to help the industry navigate the ever changing maze of regulations and legislation. I cannot imagine anyone doing business in Canada in the consumer specialty products chemical sector being successful and legally compliant without being a member of this Association." Brian Prendergast Senior Vice President, Consumer Division Recochem Inc.

Review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act

The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) includes a provision for mandated review every 5 years. In 2004, the government began its review of CEPA 1999. CCSPA participated on the Advisory Committee for CEPA Review (ACCR), and we commented on all five versions of the Scoping Paper that the ACCR developed for public use. CCSPA has been working with our parliamentarians in 2007 as the Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development reviewed this important piece of legislation. CCSPA made 5 submissions and appeared 7 times at Committee and our key recommendations were adopted. We are the industry spokesperson for our sector!

Phosphorus in Cleaning Products

On June 23, 2009, the Government of Canada published the final Regulations Respecting the Concentration of Phosphorus in Certain Cleaning Products (replacing the Phosphorus Concentration Regulations) in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The proposed regulation limits the phosphorus content of household products such as laundry detergent, dishwashing compounds, and general purpose cleaners manufactured for sale in Canada, to a maximum of 0.5 per cent phosphorus by weight, effective July 1, 2010. CCSPA worked with Environment Canada to ensure that this important regulation was finalized and that commercial and institutional dishwasher detergents continue to provide the level of sanitization Canadians demand. Please see our press release.