Open Call for Chemicals Management Plan Outreach Program (Canada)

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) Engagement and Outreach Contribution Program provides funding to support projects that increase public awareness and engagement on chemicals and human health in Canada. With up to $586,000 available over two years, the program prioritizes initiatives that engage populations disproportionately affected by harmful chemicals and ensure diverse voices contribute to chemicals management policies.

Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan Engagement and Outreach Contribution Program

The Government of Canada has launched the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) Engagement and Outreach Contribution Program to support projects that improve public understanding of chemical safety, human health, and environmental protection.

The funding program aims to strengthen public participation by ensuring that communities, organizations, experts, and individuals with lived experience contribute to decision-making related to chemicals and health. Through engagement and education, the initiative seeks to create more informed policies that reflect the needs of diverse populations across Canada.

What is the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP)?

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a federal initiative designed to reduce risks associated with chemical substances that may affect human health and the environment.

The program supports:

Chemical risk assessment
Public health protection
Environmental protection
Scientific research and evidence-based decision-making
Community engagement and awareness
Inclusive policy development

By involving communities and stakeholders, the CMP helps ensure that Canada’s chemical management decisions are informed by scientific evidence as well as community knowledge and lived experiences.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive funding from a total program budget of:

Up to $586,000 available over two years
Projects may begin as early as November 2026
All funded projects must conclude by March 31, 2028

Funding supports projects that improve public awareness, encourage participation, and strengthen knowledge sharing related to chemicals and health.

Program Focus Areas

The funding program supports projects that contribute to:

Public engagement on chemicals and human health
Community outreach and education
Chemical risk awareness
Environmental health education
Inclusive decision-making
Community participation in chemicals management
Knowledge sharing
Health equity
Environmental justice
Capacity building
Evidence-informed policy development

Priority Populations

The current funding round places special emphasis on projects involving populations that are disproportionately affected by harmful chemical exposure.

Priority populations include:

Infants
Children
Youth
Pregnant people
Racialized communities
Newcomers to Canada
People facing socio-economic challenges
Individuals with health vulnerabilities
Communities located near pollution sources
Other marginalized and underrepresented populations

Projects that successfully engage these communities are strongly encouraged.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for activities such as:

Organizing public engagement sessions
Community workshops
Educational campaigns
Public awareness initiatives
Plain-language educational materials
Knowledge translation activities
Technical and scientific consultations
Traditional knowledge engagement
Community discussions
Analysis of priority chemical substances
Research to support public participation
Reporting findings that contribute to future CMP policy development

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit organizations
Educational institutions
Community organizations
Regional governments
Municipal governments
Indigenous governments
Indigenous organizations
Government agencies
Health authorities

Applicants should have the capacity to engage communities and deliver outreach or education activities related to chemicals and human health.

Why This Program Matters

Chemical exposure affects people differently depending on factors such as age, health status, occupation, income, and where they live.

This funding program helps:

Increase public awareness of chemical risks
Improve community participation in government decision-making
Ensure vulnerable populations have a voice
Promote health equity
Support evidence-based environmental policies
Strengthen public trust in chemicals management
Encourage inclusive and informed policy development

Ultimately, the initiative contributes to healthier communities and better protection of both people and the environment.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should follow these general steps:

Review the program objectives and eligibility requirements.
Develop a project focused on chemicals, human health, or public engagement.
Identify the target communities and explain how they will be involved.
Prepare a realistic project plan, timeline, and budget.
Describe expected outcomes and methods for evaluating project success.
Submit the complete proposal before the application deadline through the designated Government of Canada application process.
If selected, implement the project within the approved funding period and submit required progress and final reports.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

Clearly identifying the community need.
Demonstrating meaningful engagement with priority populations.
Using plain-language communication approaches.
Including measurable outcomes and evaluation methods.
Showing partnerships with community organizations or health experts.
Presenting a realistic and detailed budget.
Explaining how project results will contribute to future chemicals management policies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following issues when preparing an application:

Failing to focus on chemicals and human health.
Not engaging priority or underserved communities.
Submitting incomplete project plans.
Providing unclear budgets or timelines.
Lacking measurable outcomes.
Ignoring accessibility or inclusion considerations.
Failing to explain how findings will be shared or used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Chemicals Management Plan Engagement and Outreach Contribution Program?

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, community organizations, Indigenous governments and organizations, regional and municipal governments, government agencies, and health authorities.

How much funding is available?

The Government of Canada has allocated up to $586,000 over two years for this funding opportunity.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects that promote public awareness, community engagement, education, knowledge sharing, technical participation, and outreach related to chemicals and human health are eligible.

Which communities are prioritized?

Priority is given to projects engaging infants, children, youth, pregnant people, racialized communities, newcomers, people with health vulnerabilities, socio-economically disadvantaged populations, and communities living near pollution sources.

When can funded projects begin?

Projects may begin as early as November 2026.

When must projects be completed?

All funded activities must be completed by March 31, 2028.

Why is public engagement important in the Chemicals Management Plan?

Public engagement ensures that scientific evidence, community knowledge, and lived experiences are considered together when developing policies that protect human health and the environment.

Conclusion

The Chemicals Management Plan Engagement and Outreach Contribution Program provides an important opportunity for Canadian organizations to strengthen public understanding of chemical safety while ensuring diverse communities participate in environmental and public health decision-making. By supporting outreach, education, and inclusive engagement, the program contributes to healthier communities, stronger environmental protection, and more informed chemicals management policies across Canada.