An overview of Bill C-38: The budget bill that transformed Canada’s federal environmental laws

10 Aug An overview of Bill C-38: The budget bill that transformed Canada’s federal environmental laws

An overview of Bill C-38: The budget bill that transformed Canada’s federal environmental laws

In late April 2012, the federal government introduced Bill C-38: An Act to Implement Certain Provisions of the Budget tabled in Parliament on March 29, 2012 and Other Measures which received Royal Assent on June 29, 2012 and is now known as the Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Act, S.C. 2012, c. 19.

While Bill C-38 purports to implement the most recent budget of the federal government, it does much more than implement budgetary objectives.  Bill C-38 substantively changes federal environmental law in Canada. Over ten pieces of federal environmental legislation are amended or repealed by Bill C-38.  Significant changes are made to federal environmental assessment law, fisheries law, and the operation of the National Energy Board.   As well, Bill C-38 amends the charity provisions of the Income Tax Act which may have profound implications for many of Canada’s ENGOs.

The Environmental Law Centre has posted a detailed review of the transformation of Canada’s federal environmental laws as a result of Bill C-38 on its website.

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The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has been seeking strong and effective environmental laws since it was founded in 1982. The ELC is dedicated to providing credible, comprehensive and objective legal information regarding natural resources, energy and environmental law, policy and regulation in Alberta. The ELC’s mission is to educate and champion for strong laws and rights so all Albertans can enjoy clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. Our vision is a society where laws secure an environment that sustains current and future generations.

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