This summer we wrote about changes to Canada’s environmental legal landscape introduced by the first budget bill (Bill C-38), and their significance to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and the Fisheries Act.
CEAA, 2012 is now in force, and regulations designating projects requiring environmental assessment (EA) are in place. The Fisheries Act amendments are coming into force in two phases. Phase one has already occurred. So far, there is no date set for Phase Two.
In the midst of this overhaul of environmental laws, Ottawa introduced Bill C-45, the Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 for First Reading on October 18, 2012. Bill C-45 introduces further amendments to CEAA, 2012 and the Fisheries Act. Most significantly, Bill C-45 introduces substantial changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
Given all the changes, this article provides an update on what is in place and what to expect.
To read the complete article, click here.