While opinions will vary about what level of environmental regulation is appropriate, there is little dispute that regulations are mounting. Further, those who are regulated continue to grow well beyond what was long thought to be reserved for the typical “smoke-stack” industry. This growth of regulations and restrictions is personified in the recent efforts to eliminate plastics in various products. As we have previously covered, Environment and Climate Change Canada...
Read MoreA Challenging and Consequential Environmental Regulatory Environment
Environmental regulatory and non-regulatory pressures continue to grow. This includes amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the pending regulations governing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and developing reporting requirements under Environmental Social and Governance. This is in addition to the existing federal and provincial environmental regulations, which as we witnessed with the Ontario Excess Soil regulations can quickly change. We are also...
Read MoreEnvironmental Regulations Continue to Grow
In our February 8, 2023 blog, we discussed the growing environmental regulatory and enforcement activity in Canada. Based on recent activity, this regulatory pressure is continuing to mount for businesses. Increased Regulation for Chemical Industry In a July 27, 2023 article in Coatings World, J. Gary LeRoux, President and CEO of Canadian Paint and Coatings Association outlined the increased regulation of the Chemical, Adhesive, Sealants, and Elastomer (CASE) industry....
Read MoreRecent Environmental Enforcement News
Environmental enforcement actions can often be costly for companies especially as six-figure fines are becoming more commonplace. Increasingly, enforcement has the potential to affect a wide-range of industries as is evident in some of the environmental enforcement cases outlined below. Cat Litter Company Fines and Penalties Approach Six Figures According to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), Normerica, Inc. (manufacturer of cat litter)...
Read MoreCEPA is Amended: The Right to a Healthy Environment and Tougher Chemical Management
Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection Act for a Healthier Canada Act, has received Royal Assent. This Bill amends the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). The amendments update the Canadian law (established in 1999) in two significant ways. First, it recognizes that all Canadians have a right to a healthy environment and second, it amends the assessment of toxic chemicals. Right to a Healthy Environment Similar to some provincial legislation such as...
Read More