Oceans
New research questions need for streamlining enviro assessments
Research is questioning the logic behind the federal government's move to streamline environmental assessments.
After tracking thousands of assessments over a decade, the peer-reviewed findings of Derrick de Kerckhove suggest a great majority of Fisheries Act environmental reviews over the last decade were completed well within recommended timelines.
Nor was there a bottleneck of projects being held up by a clogged review process, he said.
"We didn't find any. Even when the input was high, it seemed to be handled very well."
De Kerckhove, a University of Toronto PhD candidate, analyzed 10 years worth of data from Department of Fisheries and Oceans annual reports on the progress of environmental assessments triggered under the Fisheries Act. That legislation generates more such reviews than almost any other — anywhere from 7,700 to more than 12,000 in a single year.... Read more »
Link to source site:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/technology/Research+questions+need+Ottawa+streaml... - Login to post comments
Ancienne Loi sur les pêches: les évaluations étaient efficaces
Montré du droit par le gouvernement Harper l'an dernier au moment des réformes des lois environnementales, le processus d'évaluation de l'ancienne Loi sur les pêches était en fait très efficace.
C'est ce que conclut une étude, la première du genre, réalisée par une équipe de l'Université de Toronto et publiée par NRC Research Press, une entité indépendante du Conseil national de recherche du Canada depuis 2010.
Jusqu'à la réforme Harper, le ministère fédéral des Pêches et Océans évaluait annuellement des milliers de projets susceptibles de toucher l'habitat du poisson. Entre 2001 et 2011, jusqu'à 13 000 projets ont été évalués chaque année, et au moins 7700 pour l'année la moins occupée.... Read more »
Link to source site:
http://www.lapresse.ca/environnement/economie/201304/05/01-4637831-ancienne-loi-... - Login to post comments
New National Sierra Club President in Halifax on Heels of Protests in Washington
February 19, 2013
Howie Chong is the new National President of the Sierra Club Canada, and he is in Halifax this week to meet supporters, and to get input and ideas about organization priorities and direction.
He is here to introduce himself to members of the Sierra Club Atlantic, based in Halifax, and to encourage involvement and participation on important regional and national issues including: oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, opposition to fracking, and promoting renewable energy.
... Read more »
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Canada’s Environment Watchdog Warns our Oceans At Risk from Oil Spills, Lack of Protection
February 5, 2013
Halifax, NS –Sierra Club Canada –Atlantic Canada Chapter is calling for immediate action to remedy gaps on ocean protection outlined in the Fall 2012 Report of the Commissioner on the Environment and Sustainable Development, released today. The Report focused on the offshore petroleum boards and federal departments’ ability to safeguard the environment, oil spill readiness, and progress in establishing a network of marine protected areas in Canada.... Read more »
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Action Alert: Ban the sale, trade and possession of shark fins!
Dear Friend,
Over the past two years, a growing number of individuals, businesses, and governments in Canada and around the world have been rallying against the cruelty and ecological destruction caused by the practice of shark finning. Next Monday, January 28th, all eyes will be on Calgary City Council when they vote on a proposed bylaw to ban the sale, trade and distribution of shark fins in the city. If successful, Calgary will become the largest city in Canada to ban shark fins, and the 18th municipality in Canada to do so.
Thus far, Calgary City Council has shown resolve in moving this bylaw forward, and they have been strongly encouraged to do so by over 11,000 Calgarians who signed petitions to show their support. But Monday is the final vote, and City Council needs to hear your support more than ever.... Read more »
