Articles 2019

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The Overview You Have “Bin” Waiting For: The New Blue Box Program Shifts Accountability on to Producers

  • October 18, 2021
  • Susan Fridlyand

The new Blue Box Regulation came into force on June 3, 2021. This regulation shifts the responsibility of operating and paying for Ontario’s recycling program on to Producers of Blue Box Materials. The transition will take place between July 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025; however, there are important registration requirements effective as of this year to be aware of, as detailed below.

Environmental Law, Student Forum

Does CEPA Adequately Protect Canadians and Communities from the Threats Posed by Emerging Biotechnologies and GMOs? Will Bill C-28 Address the Need for Changes?

  • July 13, 2021
  • David McRobert and Angela Dittrich

This article examines whether Part 6 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) adequately regulates the animate products of biotechnology. The authors propose changes to Part 6, and examine the extent to which Bill C-28 could address the challenges identified.

Environmental Law, Student Forum

Does Bill C-28, the Proposed Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, Address the Need for Changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to Protect Canadians and Communities from the Threats Posed by Toxic Chemicals?

  • July 13, 2021
  • David McRobert and Angela Dittrich

This article examines various regulatory reforms to strengthen the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) that Canadian environmental groups, public health advocates, occupational health experts and Indigenous organizations have advocated for since the mid 2000s. It focuses on reforms to protect vulnerable individuals and communities from toxic substances.

Environmental Law, Student Forum

Supreme Court of Canada Decides the Federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act is Constitutional

  • April 05, 2021
  • Jennifer King, Liane Langstaff, Michael Finley, Chris Hummel and Graham Reeder

On March 25, 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada released its highly anticipated decision in the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act references, with the majority confirming that the federal carbon pricing backstop is constitutional. This article unpacks the Court's decision, and reflects on its impacts.

Environmental Law, Student Forum

Fueling the Future: Canada’s Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions under the Clean Fuel Regulations

  • April 05, 2021
  • Holly Sherlock, Talia Gordner, Julia Loney and Ralph Cuervo-Lorens

On March 3, 2021, the public consultation period for the federal government’s proposed Clean Fuel Regulations ended. The Regulations are intended to contribute to Canada’s reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This article provides an overview of the proposed Regulations and a survey of their potential impact.

Environmental Law, Natural Resources and Energy Law, Student Forum

Federal Government Releases Offset Projects Regulations

  • March 23, 2021
  • Joanna Rosengarten

This article discusses the federal government's recent publication of the Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations. These proposed regulations aim to govern offset projects in order to allow industrial emitters subject to the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act to meet their compliance obligations by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Law, Student Forum
Using Law and Advocacy to win Accommodations for Clients with Electromagnetic  Hypersensitivity (EHS): Part 2

Using Law and Advocacy to win Accommodations for Clients with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS): Part 2

  • March 18, 2021
  • David McRobert

Part 2 of the 2-part series on electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) examines the significant challenges facing lawyers and experts associated with addressing alleged injury caused by EHS and other toxic substances through tort lawsuits. The article makes an argument for short-term practical accommodation options and the long-term development of EMF metapolicies and related laws and policies preventing EHS.

Environmental Law, Student Forum
Using Law and Advocacy to Win Accommodations for Clients with Electromagnetic  Hypersensitivity (EHS): Part 1

Using Law and Advocacy to Win Accommodations for Clients with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS): Part 1

  • February 06, 2021
  • David McRobert

There are currently few legal protections available in Canada for those living with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). This paper discusses the relationship between law, scientific advances, and the role of metapolicy in developing preventative policies on EHS that protect vulnerable persons and overall populations. The paper deals with, amongst other things, the role played by medical professionals in providing accommodation for EHS.

Environmental Law, Student Forum

Government of Canada Releases New Federal Climate Plan

  • December 17, 2020
  • Michael Fortier and Henry Ren, Torys LLP

The Government of Canada recently released its new climate plan, “A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy – Canada’s strengthened climate plan to create jobs and support people, communities and the planet” (Plan). Building on the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework, the Plan proposes to exceed Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and create over one million jobs, restoring employment to pre-pandemic levels.

Environmental Law, Student Forum

Cannabis and Waste: Another “Green” Opportunity

  • December 15, 2020
  • Holly Sherlock, Talia Gordner and Ralph Cuervo-Lorens

While the rapid growth of the cannabis industry in Canada has created new and exciting opportunities, this breakneck pace raises questions regarding the management of cannabis-related waste. Despite the general emphasis of regulators on the importance of proper waste management, there is little guidance from either the federal or the provincial governments on this issue specific to the cannabis industry.

Environmental Law, Student Forum