OTTAWA –  Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, is pleased the Conservative Government has introduced new measures to limit the amount of lead in consumer products, especially those used by children.

“Our Conservative Government is committed to the health and safety of Canadian families” said Benoit.  “While it is widely known that exposure to lead is hazardous, especially for young children, too often it is found in toys and other items that kids use.  That is why we have taken action to reduce the amount of lead in consumer products.”

“With changing and expanding markets, our government sees the need for tough regulations to guarantee that importers, manufacturers and retailers know that Canada is serious about protecting the safety of our children and families” explained Benoit. “New, tough regulations for lead, limited to 90 miligrams per kilogram, will make Canada a world leader in lead reduction for consumer product safety.”  Benoit added that the new amendments to regulations that affect consumer paint and the surface coating materials of toys, children’s furniture and artists’ pencils and brushes will help keep kids safe while playing.

“Our Conservative Government continues to ensure that Canadian product safety regulations are among the toughest in the world, and these new measures to reduce the amount of lead in consumer products is a reflection of this commitment” concluded Benoit. “Above and beyond these new measures, I am looking forward to the passage of our government’s Consumer Product Safety Act, which will change the landscape of product safety in Canada for the better.”