Comments on Bill 40, the Environment Management Amendment Act, 1998

The Environment Management Amendment Act, 1998, (Bill 40) introduces a number of potentially very significant changes to British Columbia’s environmental management regime. In particular, it allows government to, by regulation, delegate the

1. administration and management of "stewardship programs"
2. "authorities of government" under such programs

to "stewardship agencies". Although regulations and ministerial directives may elaborate on the mandate of an agency, there are few fetters, other than the requirement to exercise their powers in the public interest. Stewardship agencies can sub-delegate their powers and responsibilities to corporations or societies.