The study revealed that the coatings industry, while continuing to address certain challenges, continues to be a stable and steadily growing industry in Canada.

Canada’s approach to chemicals management over the past decade is an evidenced-based assessment of chemicals in commerce, using the latest scientific data to determine a chemical’s risk to human health and the environment.

Working closely with industry partners, CPCA has developed expert knowledge of the Canadian regulatory process with an advanced “early warning” system of what is coming down the pipe that could potentially impact raw material supply.

While the United States and Canada are like-minded on the importance of strong economic linkages, which will likely be the case for the foreseeable future, there will be differences in how each addresses other issues like the environment.

Phase 3 of the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP-3), which has just begun, will assess 1,500 substances over the next five years, 30 percent of which are used in the paint and coatings industry.

CPCA seeks to play an instrumental role in helping its members find ways to attract qualified people to the coatings industry and effectively compete in a shrinking workforce.

With one of the highest standards of living, Canada is similar to the United States as an international leader in per capita coatings consumption rates at 8.4 kg/person.