"First they promised a made-in-Canada plan and there is no plan. Then Prime Minister Harper promised a new Clean Air Act. Now we know there isn't one," said Beatrice Olivastri, head of the Friends of the Earth Canada.
"Based on the draft reviewed, this bill is mainly housekeeping and minor adjustments in language. It shuffles air pollution and greenhouse gas provisions to a new section of CEPA." Olivastri said the bill does not appear to enhance federal regulatory authority to curb greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Previous federal efforts to set national air-quality standards have run aground over provincial reluctance to regulate polluters within their jurisdiction.
According to the environmentalists, the draft bill would give the provinces more authority over pollution, making national standards even harder to attain.
"There are no new (federal) powers and standards," said John Bennett, executive director of the Climate Action Network.
"This is a significant delay tactic," said Stephen Hazell, executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada. "Obviously, this means that there is no Clean Air Act. We're still waiting."
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 15th October 2006
Latest Posts
-
IEMA focus on skills, adaptation and nature-based solutions in CCC report
- 18th July 2024 -
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024