VIDEO: The very latest on Terry Sheehan and formaldehyde levels

The government of Canada recently announced its intentions to develop harmonized regulations mirroring the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on formaldehyde emissions in composite panels.  

Once enacted, this new regulation will support the continued success of the Arauco Sault Ste. Marie manufacturing site, along with the many workers and families connected directly and indirectly to it.

The following is a press release from the office of Terry Sheehan, MP for Sault Ste. Marie:

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Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, joined Arauco Plant Manager Dominic Niro and staff at a news conference celebrating the success of the collaborative effort that resulted in the development of harmonized regulations on formaldehyde for composite wood products.

These new regulations will protect Canadians from unsafe high-emitting composite wood products that could otherwise be dumped in Canada from other countries. They will also ensure that the 130 middle class jobs currently at the Arauco Plant in Sault Ste. Marie will continue.

Some months ago, Arauco and the North American Composite Panel Association approached MP Sheehan to explain the implications of this important issue. MP Sheehan then took immediate action.

“I am proud to be the people’s voice in Ottawa. I spoke to Ministers and MPs about the need for these regulations. I am proud to have contributed to the debates in the House of Commons, such as M-102. This Motion supports federal regulations on formaldehyde emissions, protects the health of Canadians, and allows Canadian manufacturers, like Arauco in Sault Ste. Marie, to compete on a level playing field with foreign manufacturers, and supports the growth of jobs in the Riding of Sault Ste. Marie and across Canada.

By following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in enacting emissions standards for formaldehyde in composite wood products, we are moving Canada towards a harmonized North American regulation.”

Arauco is a member of the North American Composite Panel Association, whose members in Canada have all been voluntarily compliant with formaldehyde emissions standards as originally developed through the California Air Resources Board, later adopted nationally by the American Environmental Protection Agency.

“Thanks to the leadership and environmental stewardship shown by Arauco, this new federal regulation will allow Arauco and all other Composite Panel members in Canada to continue manufacturing safe composite materials for distribution across North America,” Sheehan said.

“It will give the government the tools it needs to ensure unregulated materials are not shipped to and sold in Canada, while also supporting the continued success of the domestic composite industry, including right here in the Sault."

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