Ottawa, CANADA, April 17, 2023: Canada is hosting the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) in Ottawa that will take place on April 23-29, 2024, at the Shaw Center with regional meetings starting at 9:00 a.m. The focus of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee will be on developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. (INC-4), session details can be found online here: https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-4

The World Coatings Council nominated five individuals as official representatives for the paint industry to attend the INC-4. Dave Saucier, CPCA Director of Issues Management will represent CPCA members. CPCA will be joined by other leading industry associations and representatives:

  1. Head of Delegation – Karyn Schmidt, Senior Director, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs, Global Affairs Lead, American Chemistry Council
  2. Raleigh Davis, Director, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs, American Chemistry Council
  3. Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  4. David Saucier, Director, Issues Management, Canadian Paint & Coatings Association 
  5. Heidi McAuliffe, Senior Vice President, American Coatings Association

CPCA is a founding member of the World Coatings Council, which has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is also accredited as a standing member of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). CPCA is looking forward to the opportunity to provide industry concerns and share member company insights on this substantive issue.

The WCC also serves as a member on the UN Business and Industry Major Group (BIMG). The BIMG, a consortium of trade associations and companies, providing information about upcoming meetings of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)/United Nations Environment Assembly and coordinates industry positions, as necessary. BIMG is one of nine major sector groups that work with UNEP as they consider issues concerning sustainable development. CPCA emphasizes how this particular UNEP involvement constitutes an important recognition that coatings are essential in building and maintaining a sustainable economy around the World and how its contribution to UN discussions are key in multiple industries.