VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — (Marketwire) — 10/19/12 — The federal government has repeated its anti-democratic and draconian tactics of Spring 2012 by introducing an omnibus bill that goes far beyond what is justifiable in an actual budget bill -compromising safeguards for the environment and human health without proper study and debate.
Along with over 30 other pieces of legislation, Bill C-45 again takes aim at the Navigable Waters Protection Act (now the Navigation Protection Act) and the Fisheries Act. Once used to steward a sustainable environment, clean water and healthy oceans, these foundational Canadian laws continue to be rewritten to give oil companies an easier ride.
An independent body charged with making science-based decisions to protect Canadians from toxic chemicals and hazardous materials in the workplace has also been eliminated.
“The Bill C-45 –budget bill– is a wolf in sheep–s clothing that will have major implications for the environment and human health,” said Jessica Clogg, Executive Director and Senior Counsel, West Coast Environmental Law. “So much for the federal government–s promise that the bill would and focus on budget implementation and contain no surprises.”
Lowlights of Bill C-45 include:
Contacts:
West Coast Environmental Law Association
Jessica Clogg
Executive Director & Senior Counsel
604.601.2501
West Coast Environmental Law Association
Rachel Forbes
Staff Counsel
604.601.2508
cell: 604.345.9129