Key Environmental Legislation in Canada Navigable Waters Protection Act The Navigable Waters Protection Act has been

an act refered to by environmental activists in regards to protecting the bodies of water in Canada. It requires any man-made work that will obstruct or alter navigation whether permanent or temporary, to be apporved by the government beforehand. It also holds the owner of the work to be accountable for any and all alterations of the navigation; e.g. if the work being done leaves debris or accumulations on the bed or on the surface of the water, the owner is responsible for eliminating the debris or accumulation. Fisheries Act The Fisheries Act outlines "the proper management and control of fisheries and the conservation and protection of fish" (Justice Laws Website, 1985). The purpose is to sustain commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fisheries by managing threats to fish (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2012). It also includes a list of penalties for the cases in which the act is infringed upon to ensure compliance of the Act (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2012). Environmental Assessment Act: Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act requires an environmental assessment of any major public sector undertaking that has the potential for significant environmental effects. This includes public roads, transit, wastewater and stormwater installations. Environmental assessments determine the ecological, cultural, economic and social impact of the project. Environmental assessment is a key part of the planning process and must be completed before decisions are made to proceed on a project. The act does not apply to major private sector projects unless so designated by regulation. The act exists to "provide for the protection, conservation, and wise management of Ontario's environment". The act mandates clear terms of reference, focused assessment hearings, ongoing consultation with all parties involved - including public consultation - and, if necessary, referral to mediation for decision. The Environmental Assessment Act also establishes a "Class Environmental Assessment" process to streamline the planning of municipal projects - including some road, water, and sewage and stormwater projects. ____ Works Cited Fisheries and Oceans Canada. (2012). Changes to the Fisheries Act. Retrieved from <http://www.dfompo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/changes-changements/index-eng.html>. Justice Laws Website. (1985). Fisheries Act. Retrieved from <http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/F14/page-5.html#h-8>. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. (2012). Changes to the Fisheries Act. Retrieved from <http://www.dfompo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/changes-changements/index-eng.html>. Environmental Assesment Act. (n.d.). Ministry of Environment. Retrieved from http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/legislation/environment_assessment_act/