Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
3 lessons from the Supreme Court of Canada’s Castonguay decision
The Castonguay case comes at an important time. It’s been a tough few years for environmental law. Three national laws that offered Canadians some of their most valuable environmental protections were stripped and defanged - the Fisheries Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the Navigable Waters Protection Act. At the same time, the people responsible for giving meaning and force to the law (scientists and staff at places like the Department of Fisheries and Oceans) were systematically silenced, defunded, and fired. Provincially, government is shifting to a “self-regulation” process that means fewer officials looking out for you.
In the face of all these rollbacks, the Environmental Protection Act is more important than ever before. We’re honoured to have had an opportunity to be part of this historic case. Our counsel at CELA deserve much credit for their effort. And we thank our generous donors whose donations make our work possible.
Broad interpretation of environmental laws upheld by Canada’s highest court
Supreme Court of Canada affirms for first time validity of applying precautionary principle to Ontario environmental legislation
Canada’s highest court to release decision on how broadly environmental laws may be interpreted to protect the public
On Thursday, October 17, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada will release its decision on how broadly environmental laws may be interpreted to protect the public.
The case raising this issue involves a company acquitted in 2010, but convicted on appeal in 2011, for failing to report to the Ontario environment ministry under the province’s Environmental Protection Act (“EPA”).