Stephen Hazell
Director of Conservation
and General Counsel

Thanks for raising your voice! On April 5, an independent Expert Panel released its report to the federal government calling for a next-generation law to achieve sustainability through better assessments of projects and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity in Canada.

Environmental assessment is the main tool for making decisions about proposed pipelines, dams and mines that affect communities and the environment; the Expert Panel views the report’s recommendations as a once in a generation opportunity to reinvigorate federal environmental assessment laws.

In developing the report, the Expert Panel heard from experts and Canadians from all across Canada concerned about the environmental effects of development projects. The current Canadian Environmental Assessment act needs to be adjusted to:

1. Account for the economic, ecological, and social aspects of sustainability;
2. Respect Indigenous authority and governance;
3. Connect assessment, decision-making, and action by different levels of government;
4. Provide for full public participation, transparency, accountability, and rights to challenge decisions in court;
5. Address the causes and effects of climate change;
6. Include strategic and regional assessment as fundamental components;
7. Require appropriate assessment of the thousands of smaller projects currently not being studied; and
8. Promote evidence-based decision-making.

If implemented by legislation, the Panel’s recommendations, such as establishing an independent tribunal to conduct environmental assessments, would greatly assist in reestablishing public trust in environmental assessment as well as advancing ecological, economic, social, health and cultural sustainability and promoting reconciliation with Indigenous people.

This new environmental assessment law, from the legislation to the implementation, should give Canadian’s a renewed confidence in the procedures place necessary to protect our beloved environment.

To read news articles on this environmental law reform news:

CBC News: Short timelines for environmental assessments not working, says expert panel

National Observer: Panel recommends overhaul of Harper-era environmental assessment regime

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