In an article in early January 2020 by the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), they wrote, “As the New Year approaches there are numerous environmental issues that will continue to command the attention of litigators and legislators across Canada.” The article then lays out why it will be a busy year for environmental issues in Canada. In closing, they state, “For these and other reasons, 2020 is shaping up to be a busy (if not intriguing) year for...
Read MoreThe Environment, The Economy, Reporting Deadlines, and Delays
Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic is a challenge on many fronts, not the least of which are economic recovery and environmental protection. First, an important reminder on an upcoming deadline: the Environmental Emergency (E2) regulations. As we shared about a year ago, “In August 2019, the updated Environmental Emergency (E2 Regulations) will officially repeal and replace the existing Environmental Emergency Regulations.” We also said that the regulations affect about...
Read MoreBusinesses Start the Process of Recovery from COVID-19
Many people have commented on how quiet it was as we were in lockdown due to COVID-19. In some places, wildlife found once-busy urban environments now very appealing as traffic all but disappeared. The lack of cars, trucks, air traffic, and industrial activity did lend itself to peaceful evening walks and allowed us to, at least for the moment, forget about the tragic situation across the globe. Reopening the Economy We are now in the slow process of carefully and...
Read MoreLingering Environmental Issues and Some Remediation Progress
While environmental headlines may tend to focus on the issue du jour (PFAS, plastics, microbeads, etc.), we still have plenty of older, unresolved environmental issues that require our attention. However, we have made some significant progress along the way. Old Sewer Systems There was another reminder about the problems we continue to have with infrastructure, specifically our aging sewers and outdated combined sewer overflows (CSOs). 24-Billion-Litre Spill over Four...
Read MoreMaintaining Your Environmental Obligations During Difficult Times
What are Canadians concerned about as we are dealing with COIVD-19? According to Statistics Canada, 84% of us are concerned about overloading the healthcare system and 54% are concerned about the health of a loved one. However, we are being proactive. 92% of us are washing our hands more frequently and 87% are maintaining social-distancing requirements. Environmental Obligations Remain If you are in charge of environmental compliance/management, you may have other...
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