In recognition of World Environment Day earlier this month, CELA reflected on the state of environmental justice in Canada. There are a number of critical pieces of legislation on the federal order paper right now, and CELA is concerned they may stall or be lost entirely as Parliament pauses for summer break.

First and foremost, Bill C-230, an Act respecting the development of a national strategy to redress environmental racism – this bill is a recognition of environmental racism in Canada and provides the mechanism to create a national strategy that addresses that racism. While CELA has some concerns about the bill – overall it lacks teeth, and we’d like to see the timelines shortened, the addition of definitions of key terms, and the inclusion of quantitative benchmarks – this is a critical first step for Canada, as we lag behind many other countries on this issue. 

Also in play right now is Bill C-28, an Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).  CEPA provides the legislative framework for protecting human health and the environment from toxic substances. CELA has long advocated for strengthening CEPA, including through the recognition of a right to a healthy environment, and remedies to effectuate that right.

Lastly, Bill C-12, an Act respecting transparency and accountability in Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050, was amended and given Third Reading by the House of Commons in late June 2021, and it has now been referred to the Senate. In our view, the Senate should prioritize the speedy passage of Bill C-12 so that the Bill can be fully implemented at the earliest possible opportunity.

As Parliament heads into summer recess, we hope to see these critical pieces of legislation picked up on the fall agenda, and that these issues get the sustained attention and resources needed to advance environmental rights and equity.