We are pleased to present BLG's review of key developments in British Columbia and federal environmental law. The COVID-19 pandemic, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, climate change, and jurisdictional disputes are key issues that have shaped environmental law in British Columbia and across Canada this past year.
Looking back at 2020 and early 2021, we have highlighted the most significant judicial decisions, regulatory decisions, legislative changes, and policy developments, as well as how these decisions may affect your business in 2021 and beyond. Disputes over natural resource projects, contaminated sites, environmental prosecutions, as well as judicial review or appeal decisions arising from environmental regulatory bodies, have brought many changes to the landscape of environmental law. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed both the federal and provincial legislative processes. However, several significant federal amendments have been proposed, including statutes related to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. At the provincial level, the British Columbia government has implemented new regulations under the Environmental Assessment Act and introduced new obligations for identifying and addressing contaminated sites through amendments to the Environmental Management Act and Contaminated Sites Regulation.
This publication covers the following topics:
- Contaminated sites;
- Regulatory compliance and statutory authorizations;
- Regulatory enforcement;
- Environmental prosecutions;
- Jurisdiction over the environment;
- Environmental assessments;
- Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change;
- Water;
- Waste and recycling;
- Environmental considerations in contracts; and
- Reclamation obligations during bankruptcy and insolvency.
For more information on these key developments, download the B.C. & Federal Review of Environmental Case Law and Legislative Developments, or contact any of the key contacts listed below.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.