There were many important developments in environmental law in 2021. Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, climate change, and managing industrial impacts were key topics that shaped judicial, legislative, and policy changes in British Columbia and across Canada.
With respect to judicial developments; jurisdictional disputes, approval of industrial developments, contaminated sites, and environmental prosecutions resulted in groundbreaking changes in environmental law.
There were also important legislative developments: several significant amendments were proposed, introduced, and passed. At the provincial level, there are new regulations that require more rigorous procedures for operations using fossil fuels. Federally, developments include the introduction of new regulations respecting hazardous waste and recyclables, air pollutants, and gasoline.
Finally, key policy developments include the Government of Canada's participation in the United Nations Conference on Climate Action: COP26 and the Government of British Columbia's announcement of various climate action plans to address recent environmental crises in the province.
For more information on these key developments, download the B.C. & Federal Review of Environmental Case Law and Legislative Developments, or contact any of the key contacts listed below.
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