Liberal Government Promises to "Make Environmental Assessments Credible Again"

Canada’s new Liberal government has promised to roll back many of the changes to environmental laws introduced under the previous federal government. In particular, the Liberal platform promises to immediately review Canada's environmental assessment processes and introduce new measures to: restore robust oversight; expand opportunities for Canadians to express their views; and to require project advocates to choose the best technologies available to reduce environmental Impacts.

 

The platform promises to "ensure that environmental assessments include an analysis of upstream impacts and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from projects under review" and to ensure that the Crown fully executes its consultation, accommodation, and consent obligations, in accordance with its constitutional and international human rights obligations, including full partnership and consultation with First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation, a full review of laws, policies, and

operational practices.

In addition, the previous government's changes to the Fisheries Act and elimination of the Navigable Waters Protection Act will be subject to review with the aim of restoring lost protections, and incorporating more modern safeguards.