Creative sentencing- brilliant or cheap?
The same debate recurs every few years: Are “creative” alternatives to conventional fines a brilliant innovation? Or just another way for corporate polluters to get off cheaply?
View the post titled Creative sentencing- brilliant or cheap?Approvals Reform, phase 2
The Ministry of the Environment is moving into the second phase of its long-awaited comprehensive approval reforms. The first part of the new approvals framework became operational on October 31, 2011.Two more parts of this initiative are now open for public consultation. The first is
View the post titled Approvals Reform, phase 2Unsuccessful SLAPPs
Two British Columbia cases show again why we need laws to prevent Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
View the post titled Unsuccessful SLAPPsSet fines under Reg. 347
Many environmental offences can be enforced either as a full-scale prosecution, where the maximum fines are enormous, or as a ticket, where there are modest set fines. For example, the set fine for operating a waste collection vehicle that is not “leakproof”, contrary to section 16 (3) of Re…
View the post titled Set fines under Reg. 347Major changes proposed for shale gas fracking
Advisors to US Energy Secretary, Stephen Chu, have recommended major changes to improve regulation and environmental performance of shale gas fracturing (fracking) in the US. Public consultation is continuing, and the final report will be released in November. Canadian regulators should be …
View the post titled Major changes proposed for shale gas frackingWhat was she thinking?
In R. v. Matchim, a recent case before the Ontario Court of Justice (March 18 2011), firefighters extinguished a blaze in the basement of a home on Vincent Street, in Newmarket. An explosion then occurred in the main sanitary sewer line on the street.
View the post titled What was she thinking?Erickson decision: wind turbines can be built in Ontario
The debate should not be simplified to one about whether wind turbines can cause harm to humans. The evidence presented to the Tribunal demonstrates that they can, if facilities are placed too close to residents. The debate has now evolved to one of degree. The question that should be ask…
View the post titled Erickson decision: wind turbines can be built in OntarioMore on Can they make you talk?
Decades after the adoption of the Canadian Charter of Rights, and Freedoms, and after thousands of Miranda warnings on TV, most Canadians think they have a right to remain silent when the government comes after them. To some extent, this is true–people pulled off the street by uniformed poli…
View the post titled More on Can they make you talk?Ozone depleting substances update
The MOE is proposing to consolidate Ontario’s five ozone depleting substances regulations under the Environmental Protection Act, into one updated regulation.
View the post titled Ozone depleting substances updateEnvironmental Assessment: Worth the cost?
The main finding of this study is that the lengthy time frames and higher costs to comply with the Municipal Class EA process are not providing additional environmental or other benefits.
View the post titled Environmental Assessment: Worth the cost?Receive Blog Posts
By subscribing to our blog, you will receive an email when a new post is added. You can unsubscribe at any time by sending an email to us at [email protected] with the word “unsubscribe” in the subject line.