The Environmental Law blog published by Siskinds LLP focuses on legal issues related to environmental protection, climate change, and Indigenous rights in Canada. It covers topics such as the recognition of the right to a healthy environment, environmental racism and justice, climate change litigation including government disclosure obligations, and significant court decisions affecting environmental assessments and Indigenous land rights. The blog discusses legislative developments, human rights implications of environmental policies, and the intersection of environmental law with constitutional and administrative law. It also addresses the role of government and corporations in environmental governance and the impact of environmental harm on public health and vulnerable communities.
In a ground breaking decision on Friday, October 8, 2021 the United Nations Human Rights Council recognized the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
Resolution 48/13 calls on the countries throughout the world to work cooperatively in the…
On February 26, 2020, Bill C-230, a private member’s bill, was introduced by Nova Scotia MP Lenore Zann to seek environmental justice in Canada.
Bill C-230 requires the Minister of the Environment to develop a national strategy to promote…
On July 22, 2020 a 23 year old individual led the filing of a class action lawsuit against the Australian government alleging that the government failed to disclose the material risk of climate change to investors in government bonds1. Instead…
On July 12, 2020 a special virtual hearing was held to argue whether the case brought by seven young people1 against the Ontario government alleging that the watered down provincial climate targets in 2018 violated the Charter rights to life,…
On May 14, 2020 the Supreme Court of Canada (“Supreme Court”) dismissed Taseko Mines Limited’s (“Taseko Mines”) application for leave to appeal a decision of the federal court of appeal. The decision of the Supreme Court resulted in the refusal…
We
have written numerous blogs over the years on the difference between inspections
vs. investigations. This blog is a reminder on the general distinction between
an inspection as opposed to an investigation and the authority of Provincial
Officers (“PO”) and…
In R v Great Lakes Stevedoring Company Ltd,[1]companies are given a stark
reminder that provincial environmental laws and regulations must be complied
with notwithstanding compliance with all applicable federal laws and
regulations and operating exclusively on federal property.
Great Lakes…
Reinsurance is the insurance that is purchased by another insurance company to partially insulate itself from the risk of major claims events. Reinsurance companies provide insurance against loss for other insurance companies, particularly losses related to catastrophic risks such as hurricanes,…
The
protection of our health and environment is a fundamental right of all Canadians.
The recent events of COVID-19 including the designation of essential and
non-essential services, suspension of limitation periods in certain
circumstances has businesses questioning what statues, regulations,…
On March 31, 2020 the Alberta government enacted Ministerial Orders suspending existing environmental reporting requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministerial Orders signed by Environment Minister Jason Nixon states “All requirements to report information pursuant to provisions in approvals…
