As part of a broader suite of environmental law reforms, (including the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, National Energy Board Act, and Navigation Protection Act) the Fisheries Act has been under review since 2016.
Publications
Browse our recent publications, including reports, briefs, submissions to government, and other materials.
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In December 2017, the BC government opened an engagement process to solicit feedback from the general public, qualified professionals, and other stakeholders about how the current professional reliance model is working in BC.
The federal government promised to fix Canada’s environmental assessment law by introducing new, fair processes that would win back public confidence.
In the summer of 2017, BC’s new provincial government promised to reform environmental assessment and planning in British Columbia.
In June 2017, the federal government tabled Bill C-55, proposing changes to Canada’s Oceans Act. Unfortunately, Bill C-55 does not go far enough in providing effective protection for marine protected areas (MPAs) under the Act.
West Coast Environmental Law Association was invited to appear as a witness before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans to provide testimony on Bill C-55, An Act to amend the Oceans Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act.
The federal government's review of Canada's environmental laws presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen five of our most important statutes: the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Fisheries Act, Navigation Protection Act, National Energy Board A
There are many different legal authorities and regulations that have a role in the management of coastal floodplains in BC. West Coast Environmental Law has prepared this infographic to help explain the very complicated regulatory environment, and to guide community discussions about planning and implementing green infrastructure in these areas.
In June 2017, the federal government tabled Bill C-55, proposing changes to Canada’s Oceans Act. Unfortunately, Bill C-55 does not go far enough in providing effective protection for marine protected areas (MPAs) under the Act.
In June 2017, over 80 stakeholders from across the country working in government, academia, industry, and the non-profit sector came together in Ottawa for the Oceans20: Canada's Oceans Act Workshop.