Canada will actively pursue the reduction of harmful hydroflurocarbons (HFCs), Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced during the recent United Nations Climate Summit.

The publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to regulate HFCs will be the beginning of a process to limit potent greenhouse gas emissions, which are expected to increase significantly in the next 10 to 15 years if left unregulated.

“Our Government is once again taking action to address climate change,” said Aglukkaq. “We have already taken action on some of the largest sources of emissions in this country, the transportation and electricity generation sectors, and today, building on our record, we are proud to announce that Canada will be taking pre-emptive action to reduce and limit harmful HFC emissions before they increase.”

The NOI will summarize the timelines for stakeholder consultations and the scope of regulations, which will apply to HFCs imported in bulk and contained in specific manufactured products.

In May 2014, Canada, the United States and Mexico submitted a proposal to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol, which the international community has not yet adopted.

Canada’s recent announcement signals further advocacy to diminish the man-made chemicals that are rapidly increasing in the atmosphere due to heightened demand for refrigeration and air conditioning in homes and industrial buildings.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) will be actively involved in the new measures the Canadian government plans to pursue.

“We will obviously be watching this process very carefully and ensuring that HRAI is aggressively involved in the consultation on this proposed regulation,” said Warren Heeley, president of HRAI.