Changes Weakening Environmental Protection Laws Passed
On July 8, Liberal and independent senators voted for the removal of changes weakening environmental protection laws, namely the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), amongst other sections of Bill C-9 they believed did not belong in the bill. Unfortunately, yesterday, Bill C-9 was passed after a 48 to 44 vote – bad news for environmental protection because the sections, that were removed by the Senate finance committee, have now been reinstated and the bill received royal assent last night.
On a more positive note, ‘turning the CEAA amendments into a public and political issue is a great achievement which demonstrates the collective influence environmental organizations are capable of’ said Mr. Stephen Hazell of Ecojustice. And this work will, of course, continue!!
