NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY OF: CANADA HARI SRINIVAS ROOM: I-312 / International Environmental Policy

Environmental “zones” of Canaga A bioregion, also known as an ecozone, is an area defined by the presence of a combination of specific features, including soils, climate, landforms, and plant and animal species. Canada has more then 10 bioregions

First established by the Department of the Environment Act in 1971, Environment Canada's role is to assess, monitor and protect the environment, and to provide weather and meteorological information to keep Canadians informed and safe. Environment Canada

Environment Canada: the beginning Environment Canada was created on June 11, 1971, from elements of the Government of Canada such as the Meteorological Service of Canada (established in 1871) and the Canadian Wildlife Service (established in 1947). The Department began operation with five services: Atmospheric Environment Service Environmental Protection Service Fisheries Service Land, Forest and Wildlife Service Water Management Service

Today, Environment Canada approaches protecting the environment by: Making decisions based on the best evidence; Using the most effective tools to reach objectives; Using these tools efficiently to minimize public costs; Transparently seeking advice from all partners; and Adapting our approach when new information or objectives come to light. Environment Canada:

Environment Canada's mandate is to preserve and enhance the quality of the natural environment, including water, air, soil, flora and fauna; conserve Canada's renewable resources; conserve and protect Canada's water resources; forecast daily weather conditions and warnings, and provide detailed meteorological information to all of Canada; enforce rules relating to boundary waters; and coordinate environmental policies and programs for the federal government. Environment Canada:

Businesses, civil society and other stakeholders Implementation Framework National Environmental Policy Environmental Issues Environmental Issues Environmental Issues Environmental Issues Environmental Issues Specialized implementation organization of the government

Key partners include: citizens non-governmental groups research facilities other federal departments provincial and territorial governments Aboriginal peoples private sector organizations international organizations Environment Canada:

Environmental Legislation The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 is an Act of the Parliament of Canada, whose goal is:  to contribute to sustainable development through pollution prevention and  to protect the environment, human life and health from the risks associated with toxic substances. It recognizes the contribution of pollution prevention and management of toxic substances and hazardous waste to reducing threats to Canada's ecosystems and biological diversity.

Related legislation Canada National Parks Act Canada Water Act Canada Wildlife Act Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Canadian Environmental Protection Act Department of the Environment Act (Canada) Canadian Environment Week Act, Canadian Fisheries Act International Boundary Waters Treaty Act International River Improvements Act Lake of the Woods Control Board Act Manganese-Based Fuel Additives Act Migratory Birds Convention Act National Wildlife Week Act Resources and Technical Surveys Act Species at Risk Act Weather Modification Information Act Wild Animal and Plant Protection Act Department of the Environment Act Natural Resources Water Management Climate and Weather Biodiversity Data and Information Lakes and Rivers Other Issues

2012: Changes in Legislation In 20212, environmental acts underwent major changes under “Bill-38”. By placing the emphasis on jobs, growth and prosperity significant changes have been made These changes have affected the government’s capacity to carry out environmental assessments and environmental regulations

Influencing national policy National Environmental Policy Global Environmental Agreements National Environmental Issues Environment Canada uses a wide range of tools to promote environmental leadership – from regulations and other means to voluntary partnerships with individuals, organizations, and other levels of government.

Hard and soft approaches National Environmental Policy Laws and Regulations Technology Solutions Soft Approach Hard Approach Education and Awareness

Stakeholder heirarchy Minister and other bureaucrats OfficialsField staff “Environmental Police”

Canada’s EcoLogo The Environmental Choice Program is an “ecolabelling” scheme It was established by Environment Canada in 1988 with over 300 categories of products It helps consumers identify services/products which are less harmful to the environment As of July 2013, there are currently more than 7,000 EcoLogo certified products from more than 300 different companies There are 122 Ecologo standards categories under which products can be certified.

Canada’s EcoLogo The Environmental Choice Program is part of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) (Japan’s EcoMark is also part of GEN)

Eco Lifestyles National Environmental Policy Market for Eco Products Eco Labeling Eco Lifestyle Providing a choice to change their lifestyles through eco labels is just one way that Canada is moving forward sustainably …

Controversy 1: Canada and Climate Change In December 2011, Ministry of the Environment announced Canada's withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol one day after nearly 200 countries met in Durban, South Africa at the 2011 United Nations Climate Change Conference Canada argued that: 1. It was too expensive (nearly US$14 billion fines) 2. It was too complex to work 3. US and China, who emit more than 40% of global emissions, were not part of Kyoto Protocol.

Controversy 2: Air and Water Pollution Significant air and water pollution from USA causes smog and acid rain in Canada Ozone, sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxide (No x ) and other chemicals are being reduced

Controversy 3: Tar/Oil Sands Tar sands are huge deposits of asphalt that is turned into oil through complex and energy- intensive processes This process causes widespread environmental damage. A vast area of Indigenous territories, forests and wetlands in northern Alberta are being affected as a result.

Contact me … Prof. Hari Srinivas Room: I-312 Tel: Class website: