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Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights
Status: In Progress
Researched and drafted by Ecojustice lawyers, the Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights (CEBR) is model legislation that would formally enshrine in law the right of all Canadians to a healthy environment.
The Bill would strengthen Canada’s framework for protecting the environment by establishing a statutory (rather than a constitutional) right to a healthy environment and by imposing a legal duty upon the federal government to protect this right. It would also guarantee key procedural rights, such as access to environmental information, the ability to participate in environmental decision-making, and the ability to request investigations and policy reviews. As well, it would empower Canadians, in specific and limited circumstances, to sue the federal government when it fails to enforce its environmental laws.
The proposed Environmental Bill of Rights was presented to parliamentarians from all federal parties in June. It is hoped the parties will advance the legislation through the House of Commons.
Staff:
Margot Venton, Staff Lawyer, Vancouver
Will Amos, Staff Lawyer, uOttawa-Ecojustice Law Clinic, Ottawa
Clients:
Friends of the Earth Canada
Sierra Club of Canada
