Relevant Environmental Regulation
Fisheries Act: The federal Fisheries Act deals with the management of Canada’s fisheries resources and the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat. It applies to all Canadian fisheries waters, including private property and provincial Crown lands. It gives the federal government the power and authority to protect the unobstructed passage of fish, provide sufficient water flow for fish, prevent fish mortality and prohibit harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): CEPA aims to prevent pollution and protect the environment and human health. It gives the federal government the authority to prevent and manage the risks posed by harmful substances, and to assess the environmental and human health impacts of new and existing substances.
Species at Risk Act (SARA): The purpose of SARA is to prevent Canadian species from becoming extirpated or extinct, to provide for the recovery of endangered or threatened species and prevent other species from becoming at risk. It provides the federal government with the authority to identify species at risk and their critical habitat, and creates a ‘safety net’ provision for the federal government to step in to protect a species if a province is failing to do so.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA): The need for federal environmental assessments for new oil sands projects is triggered by the impact of oil sands activities on fish and fish habitat. These environmental assessments have taken the form of Joint Panel Reviews with representatives of the federal government and the Alberta government.
Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA): The MBCA prohibits the release of substances that can harm migratory birds in waters used by them, and gives the federal government the authority to develop regulations to protect migratory birds.
Source: Pembina Institute’s Duty Calls– Federal responsibility in Canada‘s oil sands
The content for this section was peer reviewed August 2013.
We’d like to acknowledge the assistance of the external reviewers.
