Raising Our Voices For Our Environmental Laws
01/30/2017
Stephen Hazell
Director of Conservation
and General Counsel
Best Opportunity in a Generation for Real Change.
Right now is the best opportunity in a generation for federal environmental law reform. In June, the government announced its decision to establish expert panels to review critical environmental laws gutted by the previous government. This decision shows that our voices were heard. Thank you!
Together with your support, we’ll ensure nature’s voice is heard. Here are just a few crucial changes Nature Canada would like to see to strengthen our laws:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
- Require assessment of climate change effects of all projects with large greenhouse gas emissions or new fossil fuel infrastructure. Require measures to reduce those emissions to meet our international commitments.
- Ensure assessment of the environmental effects of catastrophic events such as oil tanker spills.
- Engage indigenous governments and communities as partners in environmental assessments.
- Guarantee participants the right to be heard and the right to raise questions in hearings.
Fisheries Act
- Bring back protection of all fish habitat, not just habitat that supports commercial, recreational or Aboriginal fisheries; and
- Require environmental assessments of projects that would harm fish habitat before permits to begin construction are issued. Proceeding with construction without a permit should be unlawful.
You can read more about our comprehensive recommendations on all environmental laws under review by visiting our website.
