environmental law

Explained: Ontario’s Greenbelt Scandal

Explained: Ontario’s Greenbelt Scandal

Amidst embarrassing revelations of procedural irregularities and ethics violations, both Ontario’s Housing Minister and his Chief of Staff have resigned in quick succession, while the RCMP ponders launching a formal investigation into their conduct. We explain what happened in Ontario’s Greenbelt privation scandal and why.

Ontario Superior Court Dismisses Youth Climate Action Climate Case

Ontario Superior Court Dismisses Youth Climate Action Climate Case

On April 14th, Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice dismissed the climate action case Mathur v. Ontario, in which seven youth plaintiffs alleged that Ontario’s lacklustre 2018 climate plan, adopted following Doug Ford’s election to premier, violates the Charter rights of today’s youth and future generations.

Canada Proposes Oil Industry "Cap and Cut" Emission Reduction Options

Canada Proposes Oil Industry "Cap and Cut" Emission Reduction Options

Environment and Climate Change Canada is considering two options to put a steadily-lowering ‘cap’ on oil and gas sector emissions: a national oil industry cap and trade program, or additional regulations under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act that could result in an industry-specific carbon pricing rate.

An Overview of the EU's 'Fit for 55' Climate Plan

An Overview of the EU's 'Fit for 55' Climate Plan

The European Union’s executive branch, the European Commission, last week unveiled its ‘Fit for 55’ climate plan: an ambitious set of policy and regulatory proposals aimed at lowering the bloc’s net emissions by “at least” 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. In this piece, we’ve put together an overview of the plan’s principal components.

Toronto Endorses Call for Fossil Non-Proliferation Treaty, Passes New Sustainable Buildings Measures

Toronto Endorses Call for Fossil Non-Proliferation Treaty, Passes New Sustainable Buildings Measures

Last week, Canada’s largest city endorsed the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, and approved a new green building standard and net zero existing buildings strategy, both of which will put the city “on a solid path to a net zero future.”

Canada Passes Climate Accountability Law, Mandates 2035 Gas Vehicle Phase Out

Canada Passes Climate Accountability Law, Mandates 2035 Gas Vehicle Phase Out

Against the backdrop of an extreme heatwave in Western Canada unlike any seen before and clearly exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change, the Liberal government of Canada on Tuesday announced a 2035 phase out target for light-duty gas cars and passenger trucks, and saw its Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (Bill C-12) pass the Canadian Senate.