Increased Environmental Regulatory Activity Across Canada Are we seeing a greater environmental regulatory presence across more market segments as well as more environmental regulatory enforcement across the country? It seems the answer to that is yes. Consider some of the environmental regulatory activity we reported last year that is outside of what you might consider a “traditional” focus by regulators. Banks and Banking Clients In November 2022, we shared the news that...
Read MoreLithium Mine Moves Forward while Cement Plant Faces Opposition
As we have covered in previous blogs, Canada is looking to take full advantage of the country’s natural resources that are in demand for the green economy. Below we share news of a new project to bring more high-demand lithium to market and opposition to a cement plant, which is in high demand for wind energy. Critical Materials Projects In December 2022, the federal government announced that $3.8 billion has been earmarked (over eight years) to develop Canada’s critical...
Read MoreFines for Spills to the Environment
As 2022 came to a close, the Government of Canada announced a seven-figure fine for a company that had releases that resulted in fish kills. Release to the Environment Michels Canada Company, among other services, relines deteriorating sewer and water mains and builds tunnels for wastewater treatment plants. According to a news release from Environment and Climate Change Canada, drilling fluid and “sediment-laden waters” were released on two different occasions from...
Read MoreOntario Excess Soil Requirements for 2023
Environmental regulatory requirements for managing excess soil in Ontario have been on a government seesaw over the past year (O. Reg. 406/19: On-Site and Excess Soil Regulation or “Excess Soil Regulation”). In January 2022, contractors were scrambling to comply with the more-stringent soil management requirements. By April 21, 2022, these new requirements were officially paused by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). This temporary pause was...
Read MoreWindsor Battery Plant, Canadian Natural Resources, and Climate Adaptation Strategy
Canada Boosting Battery Production In our September 12, 2022, blog, we shared the news that Canada began supplying rare earth elements to help meet the needs of the burgeoning “green economy.” This focus seems to be paying dividends. A survey that ranks 30 countries in the battery-supply chain (mining to production) ranked Canada second. Previous rankings had Canada as number four. According to an article in the Financial Post, “Canada has announced more than $15 billion...
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