On April 26, 2012, the federal government tabled Bill C-38, the 2012 Budget Bill. The Bill was reviewed before the Standing Committee on Finance which just released its report recommending that part 3 of the Bill be carried as written. Part 3 of Bill C-38 contains several significant changes to federal environmental legislation, including:
- the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act,
- the National Energy Board Act,
- the Canadian Oil and Gas Operations Act,
- the Nuclear Safety and Control Act,
- the Fisheries Act,
- the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and
- the Species at Risk Act.
Here we describe highlights of the two most important legislative changes, to CEAA and the Fisheries Act.
Continue reading “Bill C‑38 creates open season on Canada’s natural environment”