SoVote

Bill C-219

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

December 06, 2023

The Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights is a proposed law that aims to protect the environment and give Canadians certain rights related to the environment. The bill enacts the following rights for people residing in Canada: 1. The right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. 2. The right to reasonable, timely, and affordable access to information about the environment. 3. The right to participate in decision-making processes related to the environment, including in relation to any environmental laws or policies. 4. The right to bring a matter regarding the protection of the environment to courts or tribunals. 5. The right to request a review of any environmental laws, policies, or instruments. The bill also allows individuals to report environmental offences to the responsible Minister for investigation. It provides for environmental protection actions that individuals can take against offenders, under certain conditi

Steelman Argument: The Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights is a crucial step toward protecting the environment and ensuring that Canadians have access to information, public participation, and legal recourse when it comes to environmental issues. This legislation recognizes the inherent value of the environment and establishes the rights of every person residing in Canada to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. By enacting this bill, the government is acknowledging its responsibility as a trustee of the environment and its duty to protect it for present and future generations. The bill also promotes public engagement in environmental decision-making and allows individuals, communities, and public interest organizations to take action to protect the environment through environmental protection actions. By granting Canadians access to courts and tribunals regardless of direct involvement, this legislation strengthens account

review of any Act of Parliament respecting the environment, any instrument made under such an Act, or any environmental policy of the Government of Canada. Steelman Argument: While the intention behind the Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights is noble, there are several concerns and potential negative consequences that need to be considered. First, granting rights related to the environment to every resident of Canada may create confusion and uncertainty, as it does not specify the criteria for being considered a resident. This lack of clarity could lead to misuse or abuse of the rights, as anyone claiming to be a resident could potentially bring forth matters to the court or tribunal, even if they do not have a direct connection or stake in the issue. Second, providing the right to access information regarding the environment to all residents could burden government agencies and organizations responsible for compiling and dissemin