Quarrying the Niagara Escarpment: Conflicting Decisions Leave Observers Puzzled December 17, 2012 David Donnelly, Anne Sabourin Two recent decisions of the Joint Board pursuant to the Consolidated Hearings Act present conflicting perspectives on the application of the Niagara Escarpment Plan vis-à-vis the Provincial Policy Statement; a conflict which may be settled by a judicial review of one of the decisions.
Fisheries Act Amended – Again! December 17, 2012 Ian Richler Ian Richler provides a succinct overview of the recent changes to section 35 of the Fisheries Act via Bill C-45, which were layered over the changes set out via Bill C-38 in June 2012.
New Website Makes House of Commons Environmental Debates More Accessible October 29, 2012 Will Amos Have you ever wondered what was said during parliamentary debates about a particular environmental issue? It’s very easy to find out with a new database and search tool being maintained by the Ecojustice Clinic at the University of Ottawa.
Ontario Ministries are Ignoring the Public’s EBR Rights, says Environmental Commissioner October 29, 2012 Carolyn Shaw A recent report of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario shows how several ministries are increasingly frustrating citizens’ rights under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993.
Ontario Moves to Limit the Risk of Explosions from Installing Geothermal Systems October 29, 2012 Marc McAree The provincial government moved quickly to tighten the regulation of geothermal systems after a release of underground natural gas during the installation of a system earlier this year.
Canada and the U.S. Update the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement October 29, 2012 Julia Schatz, Neil Morgan The authors describe the evolution of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, culminating in its most recent update which contains timelines for developing strategies and phosphorus reduction targets.
A New Direction for Extended Producer Responsibility in Ontario October 29, 2012 Usman Valiante The recently filed pharmaceutical and sharps regulation under the EPA marks a quiet shift away from the Waste Diversion Act, 2002 approach for extended producer responsibility to a more hands-off, outcome-based approach.
Message from the Chair October 29, 2012 Kristi M. Ross In her inaugural Message from the Chair, incoming Environmental Law Section Chair Kristi Ross describes the section's activities and what's in store for the upcoming year.
Academic Article Roundup May 23, 2012 Julia Croome Julia Croome has collated Environews's first “Academic Article Roundup”, a list of recent academic journal articles that may be of interest to the Environews readership, complete with a short synopsis.
What’s in the Water? Understanding Legal and Technical Protocols for Water Testing May 23, 2012 Chirasthi C. Mendis The last Passport Series breakfast seminar of this OBA year addressed some of the water testing issues that could sink or float your next environmental case.