Climate change and environmental regulation

Canada’s guidance on federal <i>Impact Assessment Act</i> after Supreme Court of Canada rules on its constitutionality: Where do we go from here?

Canada's guidance on federal Impact Assessment Act

On October 13, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in Reference re Impact Assessment Act (IAA Reference Decision), which sets out the scheme for federal environmental assessments in Canada.

Canada | November 01, 2023

Recognition of a right to a healthy environment: Royal assent for Bill S-5 and long-waited amendments to Canada’s framework for protecting the environment

Amendments to Canada’s framework for protecting the environment

On June 13, 2023, Bill S-5, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, received royal assent.

Canada | July 07, 2023

BC proposes changes to regulatory regime governing soil relocation

The BC government has released the Regulating Soil Relocation Final Policy Direction Paper (the Policy Paper), which outlines proposed changes to the Contaminated Sites Regulation under the province’s Environmental Management Act.

Canada | May 04, 2022

Department of the Environment issues notices regarding potentially toxic substances

Department of the Environment issues notices regarding toxic substances

The Canadian Department of the Environment recently released three notices in the Canada Gazette pertaining to the assessment of a series of potentially toxic substances.

Canada | April 21, 2022

Recycled pods make bitter brew

The Commissioner of Competition (commissioner) recently sent a jolt (possibly fueled by caffeine…) to the business community that recyclability claims may face increased scrutiny as part of the Competition Bureau’s efforts to combat misleading environmental claims (AKA “greenwashing”).

Canada | January 21, 2022

COP26 and Canadian energy | S1 EP7

A natural follow-up to our conversation on climate change disputes, in this episode, we talk about what happened in Glasgow last month, connecting key points from COP26 to current efforts in Canada to reduce emissions and develop sustainable technology.

Canada | December 15, 2021

BC announces changes to <i>Environmental Management Act</i> to regulate single-use products

BC announces changes to Environmental Management Act

November 25 marked the coming into force of the BC government’s Environmental Management Amendment Act, 2021 (the Act), which amends the Environmental Management Act to enhance the province’s ability to regulate single-use products.

Canada | December 08, 2021

Climate change disputes S1 EP6

The effects of climate change are proliferating, and litigation is following suit. But what does a climate change and sustainability dispute look like?

Canada | December 01, 2021

ESG regulation: Global themes and what's on the horizon

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) is a key area of importance for businesses globally as the legal and regulatory landscape changes and expectations of investors, customers, employees and other stakeholders grow.

Global | November 18, 2021