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Natural Resources: Development and Environmental Compliance
There has been a significant push to develop Canada’s abundant natural resources in recent years. As we covered in our October 31, 2025, blog, one of the Key Measures of Ontario’s Bill 5 is to “Accelerate mining development in every part of the province.” In our January 13, 2026, blog, we covered the News Release from the Ontario Government regarding the One Project, One Process, One Decision model. The agreement between the provincial and federal governments is intended to “build infrastructure faster and unlock resource development...
read moreCanada’s Risk Assessment Framework for Nanomaterials
Potential human health and environmental risks evolve as our various technological developments also grow and change. One of those newer technologies is the use of engineered nanomaterials. While natural nanomaterials have been present since our planet was formed (volcanic emissions, sea spray, etc.), engineered nanomaterials are relatively new. In 1959, the physicist Richard Feynman laid the scientific foundations for the nanomaterial revolution (Source: EUON). Nanotechnology Growth and Applications According to Fortune Business...
read moreEnvironmental Compliance Tips and Insights
If you have a question about an environmental compliance issue or would like us to address a specific environmental compliance concern in the future, please contact Christopher Paré, P.Geo., Q.P., at 519-948-7300, ext. 114. Are you managing excess soil? See our summary: Excess Soil Regulation by Province Environmental Compliance Tips and Insights 2026 June: National Pollutant Inventory List Am I required to submit an NPRI Report by June 1st? If one or more of the National Pollutant Inventory List (NPRI) substances were manufactured,...
read moreProposed Amendments to Extended Producer Responsibility
On April 2, 2026, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) proposed several amendments to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The EPR is part of the Circular Economy, which makes producers responsible for their products at the end of their life. The EPR regulations are implemented under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 (RRCEA). Specifically, the MECP is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the following regulations: The Tires Regulation (Reg. 225/18) The Hazardous and...
read moreAre You Prepared for these Toxic Substance Prohibitions?
As we mentioned in our April Environmental Compliance Tip, on June 30, 2026, Canada will enact new prohibitions under the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. While at first glance, the list of substances may not look familiar, these substances may be in products that you are currently using. 2025 Toxic Substance Prohibitions The updated Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025, will prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, and import of certain toxic substances (including PFAS) and products containing...
read moreCompany and Directors Fined, Decades-Long Release Reported
As we pointed out in our recent blog post, a second cosmetics company was fined for using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its consumer products. While PFAS regulations continue to develop, as well as risks associated with PFAS, traditional enforcement actions have been in the news. Below, we look at some environmental enforcement actions that include individuals being fined, as well as a decades-long release. Company and Directors Fined A “numbered company” (11705580 Canada Inc.) and its directors were fined in excess of...
read moreThe Elevated PFAS Liability in Canada
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 Columbia government filed a proposed national class action in the Supreme...
read moreCuts at Environment Canada and Update to Regulating Plastics
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), Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Innovation,...
read morePFAS Enforcement and Other Environmental Violations
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 plant’s technical and environmental director at the time of the...
read moreAuditor General Critical of Environmental Bill of Rights under Ford
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 administration of Ontario’s finances to help the Legislature hold the government...
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