Take action: Stop the rollback of Canada’s environmental protections

The federal government is threatening to unravel Canada’s hard-won safety net of environmental protections to fast-track major projects like mines, ports and pipelines.

If the government succeeds, this could result in the irreversible loss of endangered species and threatened ecosystems, and have long-lasting climate consequences for future generations.

Some of the most concerning proposals included in the government’s May 8 Discussion Paper are:

Allowing federal cabinet to approve major projects even if they would jeopardize the survival or recovery of federally-listed species at risk, like Southern Mountain Caribou
Designating regions in which major projects would be subject to less environmental scrutiny, and streamlined approvals
Allowing construction to begin on certain projects before environmental impact assessments are complete
Shifting authority over major energy projects like pipelines to regulatory bodies that report to the Minister for Natural Resources
Compressing federal review and permitting processes of major projects into a one-year timeline

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said these changes are necessary to streamline approval processes for major projects and attract more investment. Mr Carney, increasing efficiency does not require the reckless abandonment of environmental protections.

This is an irresponsible and short-sighted attempt to placate industry interests. The world is in the midst of dual biodiversity and climate crises. These crises will threaten human health, destabilize the natural systems that provide our food, clean air and water, and shake our economic stability. The federal government’s proposed slashing of environmental laws undermines every commitment it has made to help prevent the full force of these crises from unfolding.

The government has recently extended its deadline for public consultation to July 22, and we expect it to move quickly to introduce legislation shortly after. Please take the time to tell our leaders that Canadians expect major projects to be reviewed responsibly, not rushed through at nature's expense.

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To: The Privy Council Office (engagement@pco-bcp.gc.ca)

CC: The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature; The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries; The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

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To the Privy Council Office,

I am strongly opposed to the changes proposed in the May 8 Discussion Paper: Getting Major Projects Built in Canada. Furthermore, I object to the fast-tracked review process for these proposed changes and the intention to move forward with legislation immediately following the comment period.

Canadians value nature and have a shared responsibility to steward and protect our lands, waters and wildlife. The changes proposed in the discussion paper would allow: 
- The creation of economic zones where weaker regulations would apply 
- The pre-approval of major projects before they have undergone environmental reviews 
- The ability for Cabinet to override existing environmental laws and regulations for major projects 
- The power to override the protection of endangered species in favour of a major project like a pipeline

Strong environmental laws and regulations ensure the full impacts of projects are considered before they are approved. Major projects are complex and their environmental impacts will outlast any elected government. I urge you to stop your efforts to fast-track major projects with weakened environmental safeguards and instead ensure that all major projects your government considers receive a full environmental review. The changes you seek to make in haste will have long-lasting consequences for generations to come.

Sincerely,