In June 2016, the government announced a sweeping review of federal environmental laws – including Canada's environmental assessment (EA) law and processes, the Fisheries Act, Navigation Protection Act, and National Energy Board. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Canada’s environmental laws and to contribute to decisions that affect land, air, water and the climate.
We’ve put together a set of online resources to help you understand these important federal reviews, including key information about timelines, law reform priorities and ways you can get involved.
Click here to view the complete guide at www.envirolawsmatter.ca
The federal government wants to hear your views on how to strengthen these laws and processes, and is collecting public input over the coming weeks and months.
Here are some of the important details and upcoming dates for participation in the ongoing reviews:
- The Expert Panel appointed to review EA processes is holding in-person events across Canada, wrapping up with meetings in British Columbia this December. The final meeting is in Nanaimo, BC on December 15th, 2016.
- Written submissions are being accepted until December 23rd, 2016.
Click here to submit your comments using our letter-writing tool.
- The Parliamentary Committee on Fisheries and Oceans conducting the review will hold hearings on changes to the Fisheries Act from November 2016 until January 2017, and is accepting written briefs until November 30th, 2016.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada is collecting input through its online consultation portal – Let’s Talk Fish Habitat – until November 25th, 2016.
- The House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities is accepting submissions until November 30th, 2016.
- After the deadline, you may submit comments by email to Transport Canada at NPPHQ-PPNAC@tc.gc.ca
- The Expert Panel is accepting written submissions via its online portal until February 17th, 2017.
- Other details about public engagement for the NEB review (including in-person sessions) is yet to be released.
We hope you’ll be inspired to participate, and help strengthen the laws and processes that safeguard Canada’s environment and communities!Please visit www.envirolawsmatter.ca for more information about each of these important reviews.