The Elevated PFAS Liability in Canada

The Elevated PFAS Liability in Canada

Posted by on Mar 19, 2026 in Blog | 0 comments

  The regulatory framework for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to develop on the federal level and, to a lesser extent, on the provincial level.  As you may recall, there have been two recent enforcement actions against cosmetic companies for the use of PFAS in their products. Developing more quickly is litigation, including many class action lawsuits involving PFAS. Significant Proposed or Pending Class Actions Involving PFAS In 2024, the British...

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Cuts at Environment Canada and Update to Regulating Plastics

Cuts at Environment Canada and Update to Regulating Plastics

Posted by on Feb 24, 2026 in Blog | 0 comments

  The environmental regulatory playing field continues to change in response to economic conditions and court decisions.  Economic or budget considerations have also affected Canada’s federal regulator. Cuts at Environment and Climate Change Canada The Canadian Federal Government is reducing the headcounts at several federal agencies.  According to The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, the reductions affect Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC),...

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PFAS Enforcement and Other Environmental Violations

PFAS Enforcement and Other Environmental Violations

Posted by on Feb 11, 2026 in Blog | 0 comments

  A recent environmental enforcement notification involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) garnered some interest, but it was not the largest environmental fine that was in the recent news cycle. Company and Environmental Director Fined As reported in January 2026 by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Superior General Partner Inc. was ordered by the Court of Québec to pay a $1,350,000 fine for violating the Fisheries Act.  “Jean-François Roux, the...

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Auditor General Critical of Environmental Bill of Rights under Ford

Auditor General Critical of Environmental Bill of Rights under Ford

Posted by on Jan 27, 2026 in Blog | 0 comments

  In our January 13, 2026, blog, we discussed the recent agreement between Ontario and the Federal Government.  This agreement is intended to streamline the environmental permitting process.  Some groups were critical of the agreement, and now a report from the Auditor General of Ontario provides additional criticism of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s environmental policies. Auditor General’s Criticism of Environmental Policies The Auditor General watches over the...

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Ontario Cooperative Agreement with the Federal Government to Eliminate Duplication on Impact Assessments

Ontario Cooperative Agreement with the Federal Government to Eliminate Duplication on Impact Assessments

Posted by on Jan 13, 2026 in Blog | 0 comments

  The relatively short history of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), which was enacted in 2019, has been marked by controversy and two court decisions, one by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). The IAA provides for the assessment of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of major projects that are likely to have significant effects in areas of federal jurisdiction (dams, mines, ports, pipelines, etc.).  The SCC’s decision (October 2023) essentially held that the IAA...

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