Articles

The Ontario Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 (TRA) provided cost-effective benefits that were distinct and broader in scope than the federal Chemicals Management Plan under CEPA. The TRA had potential to make large reductions in toxic discharges over time, particularly if more of its provisions were brought into force. Despite this, however, Ontario proposed to repeal the TRA by the end of 2021. Doing so, significant transparency in toxics reduction could be lost, as well.

This article provides an overview of the limitations of the Cap and Trade Cancellation Act, 2018 (the “CTCA”) and recommendations for its implementation in 2019 and beyond. It discusses the public consultation process leading to the enacted CTCA as well as the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks’ compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights.

What level of information does a proponent need to start an EA? This question was addressed in Carhoun and Sons Enterprises ltd. v Canada (Attorney General) . A regulatory authority has considerable discretion when exercising its decision-making authority to issue authorizations under the CEAA when a project proposal is submitted. Early referral of an incomplete application would mean completed applications would have to await processing of incomplete applications to their detriment.

OBA section editors interview David McRobert, former In-house Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor at the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, 1994-2010.

In Eagleridge International Ltd. v. Newfoundland and Labrador, following a change of government, the new provincial Minister of Environment and Conservation withdrew approval for the construction of a gravel road intended to facilitate mineral exploration on lands and ordered that the project be subject to a full environmental assessment (EA). Eagleridge was entitled to proceed in accordance with the release from the full EA granted by the Minister before the change in government.

In October, the federal government made further announcements regarding the federal carbon-pricing “Backstop”, providing details on where the pricing system will apply and how the revenues for provinces and territories will be used. The Backstop ensures a national carbon-pricing system that applies to greenhouse gas emissions from a broad set of sources, which is revenue-neutral to the federal government. Ontario and Saskatchewan have commenced legal actions to challenge the Backstop.

In October, Canada published new regulations prohibiting the import, sale, and use of all forms of asbestos, as well as the manufacture, import, sale, and use of products containing asbestos filaments. In addition, under amendments to the Environmental Protection Act, Canada now prohibits the export of asbestos in all its forms. This article gives an overview of the affected industries, exceptions and activities not covered, as well as the new import and use permit regime.

The Court of Appeal in the Hague upheld the District Court's order that the Netherlands reduce CO2 emissions by 25% relative to 1990 levels by the end of 2020. The Court concluded that "a reduction obligation of at least 25% by end - 2020" is in line with the State's duty of care." The Appellate Court rejected the argument that there were multiple pathways to achieving the higher threshold of 2oC and concluded that the technology to achieve these pathways was uncertain and unrealistic.

On October 26, 2017, the Ontario government issued its latest Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) pursuant to the Energy Statute Law Amendment Act, 2016, replacing earlier plans issued in 2013 and 2010. The LTEP, which includes forecasts as far as 2035, sets out the government’s goals and objectives relating to the electricity sector.