Dragun’s Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation Webinars Available Here:
Changing Federal and Provincial Environmental Focus
With new leadership in Ottawa and growing global economic pressures, governance at the federal and provincial levels appears to be changing. These changes, if finalized, will likely affect several environmental policies. Federal Environmental Policy Changes Going in to the recent election cycle, Mark Carney was known as a strong advocate for net zero and other programs focused on the climate. A March article in Covering Climate Now states, “Carney has repeatedly stated that the vast majority of Earth’s remaining reserves of oil, gas, and...
read moreCanada Changes Course on Climate-Related Disclosures
Several of our blogs over the past few years have discussed the increased focus on mandatory climate-related disclosures and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). This trend has taken a sharp turn in recent months, including an announcement by the Canadian Security Administrators (CSA). On April 23, 2025, the CSA announced, “The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) is pausing its work on the development of a new mandatory climate-related disclosure rule and amendments to the existing diversity-related disclosure requirements. ...
read moreOntario Responds to Tariffs with Focus on Resource Development
As global demand for natural resources continues to grow, countries rich in those deposits are looking for ways to responsibly develop these resources. This demand and the increased trade pressures appear to be the impetus for recent proposed Ontario legislation. On April 17, 2025, the Ontario Government announced Bill 5, “The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act 2025.” In a Technical Briefing by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, they state that the action is, “in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats of...
read moreCanadian Natural Resources: Liquefied Natural Gas
Politicians and environmental groups have recently been weighing in on the topic of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) development in Canada. Will we see a boost in LNG production, and what are the environmental benefits of LNG? In a March 25, 2025, article in the National Post, they state, “After years of acrimony over the obvious, the Liberals and the NDP are finally embracing natural resources as a key prong of Canada’s economic future. BC Premier David Eby now unabashedly lauds LNG as crucial, while Liberal leadership contender Chrystia...
read moreEnvironmental Liability and Enforcement
Environmental liability is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes across Canada. Recently, there has been a focus on the liability associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as well as the liability related to sustainability claims, the plastics registry, and managing excess soils. Concerning PFAS, according to the Canadian Bar Association, “PFAS lawsuits have been proliferating in Canada in recent years. Private firms are pursuing class actions in Ontario and British Columbia against major chemical manufacturers on...
read moreGlobal Politics and Green Initiatives
The political and policy changes in the United States (US) are having a ripple effect as they relate to global climate policies and green initiatives such as Environmental Social and Governance (ESG). How or will these changing policies affect Canada? From Environment and Energy Leader: “The 2024 U.S. election has introduced new uncertainties into global markets, with investors closely watching potential shifts in sustainability policies, trade relations, and climate regulations. While some feared that Donald Trump’s return could set back...
read moreProposed Risk Management Approach for PFAS
As we reported in our July 25, 2024, blog, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the “Updated draft state of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) report.” In March 2025, ECCC issued a notice: “Government of Canada publishes State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and proposed Risk Management Approach.” The notice outlines the proposed approach to address PFAS. PFAS Background PFAS are a class of chemicals used worldwide for a variety of applications since the 1940s. Thousands of PFAS have been...
read moreGrowing Federal Regulations and Recent Enforcement Developments
The number of federal environmental regulations continues to grow, and, in some cases, these regulations have substantial penalties for non-compliance. Some of these recent regulations include the deadline that recently passed for Mandatory PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Reporting, the Plastics Registry Reporting that commences later in 2025, and the amendments to the Competition Act that will focus on environmental claims made in marketing and promotional material. With this as a backdrop, we provide an update on recent...
read moreGuidance: Environmental Claims and the Competition Act
In our July 15, 2024, blog, we discussed Bill C-59 and the substantial changes to Greenwashing under the Competition Act. On December 23, 2024, the Competition Bureau released draft guidelines: “Environmental Claims and the Competition Act.” Comments close on February 28, 2025. Competition Act: Six Principles As stated in the draft guidance, while the Bureau does not tell businesses what they can or cannot say, “The Bureau has developed six high-level principles that together can help your business stay onside of the law when it comes to...
read moreChanges to Ontario’s Records of Site Condition May Help Redevelopment
Developing property in Ontario can, at times, be time-consuming and expensive, especially if the project involves filing a Record of Site Condition (RSC). There may be some relief as The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) is proposing amendments to Ontario Regulation 153/04. These proposed changes will prohibit the submission of an RSC for filing in specified circumstances and expand an exemption from RSC filing requirements for changes in the use of buildings from commercial or community use to mixed-use,...
read more