The Green
Party of Canada is expressing outrage over the termination of the legally
required review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and is
calling for committee meetings to begin again. All committee meetings
have been cancelled and no further input is being accepted. “This is just
another example of the Harper government’s disdain for proper procedure,” said
Saanich-Gulf Island MP Elizabeth May, Leader of the Greens. “The Act requires
a review but it is becoming obvious that what this government really wants is
just to throw CEAA out altogether.”
May had
offered to be a witness during hearings on needed changes to CEAA but with the
cancellation of any further input, will not have her voice heard. “The
short review that has happened so far is nowhere close to sufficient,” said
May. “Many interested parties have not yet had a chance to present.
This termination is totally disrespectful and in contravention of legislation.”
CEAA
requires assessments of any environmental impacts from development projects and
lays out a process for public participation.
“With what
we know about the fragility of our environment, we should be seeking ways to
improve the effectiveness of environmental assessment. Industry has told
us that what they want is consistency and clarity. Instead, the Harper
government just wants to throw the regulations away and let any project go
through, regardless of consequences,” said May.
Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
media@greenparty.ca
613-614-4916