OTTAWA, ON -- April 26, 2008 -- For some time the government has made it clear that all automotive refinish operations in Canada would have to convert to waterborne paint or other form of low-VOC coatings at some point in the near future.

When the plan was first announced, the proposed date was widely believed to be January 1, 2009. Recent speculation, however, suggested that the industry might be given more time. This has indeed proved to be the case, as recorded in Canada Gazette Vol. 142, No. 17, published today. This is the first official step in making the proposed regulations law.

The official deadline has been set for January 1, 2010. To read the official notice, please click http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2008/20080426/html/regle2-e.html.