Regulatory Corner - March 2023

Canada – Canada National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy

On November 24, 2022, the federal government (Environment and Climate Change Canada) released the final draft version of the Strategy for a final 90-day comment period. The Strategy discusses the federal government’s role and approach to preparing for climate change hazards and outlines specific investments aimed at addressing the impacts. Information about the Strategy is available at this link. 

In part because the government announced that $489M have been invested in the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, as well as $59.5M of new funding to accelerate the use of climate-informed codes, standards and guidelines for resilient infrastructures, CDA has submitted formal comments on the Strategy. A copy of the CDA submission is available at this link.

Ontario – IESO Pathways to Decarbonization Report

On February 13, 2023 Ontario’s Ministry of Energy announced consultation on the Pathways to Decarbonization Study prepared by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

The consultation will be of interest to dam owners and the waterpower sector as the Pathways Report calls for an additional 650 MW of waterpower in Ontario by 2050 to meet increasing system needs. Information of the consultation proposal is available at this link. 

In support of the consultation, the government also directed Ontario Power Generation to release its Made-in-Ontario Northern Hydroelectric Opportunities Report, which is available at this link. 

Yukon – Public Engagement on New Minerals Legislation

On February 8, 2023, the Yukon government announced the start of consultation on the development of new minerals legislation for the Territory.

This consultation may be of interest of mining industry members of the CDA.  More information on the consultation and a link to a Discussion Paper is available at this link.