EDMONTON — Ed Whittingham, executive director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the federal government's passage of Bill C-38, the omnibus budget bill:

“The Harper government’s insistence on passing this bill to weaken Canada’s environmental laws demonstrates that it is not listening to the concerns of the many thousands of Canadians calling for more environmental protection, not less.

“The federal government has a critical role to play in ensuring that Canada’s environmental review process is rigorous enough to allow resource development to happen in a responsible manner. Unfortunately, Bill C-38 undermines the government’s ability to play that role.

“Responsible resource development requires listening to scientists and making decisions based on the best available information. It means properly assessing the impacts of proposed projects and requiring strong environmental protection. The passing of this bill is a significant step backward and will result in unnecessary damage to Canada’s land, freshwater and fish habitat.”

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Contact

• Ed Whittingham
  Executive Director
  (403) 899-0578

Background

• Blog: “It’s time to speak out for nature and democracy”
• Blog: “Weaker federal laws will increase pressure on Alberta to deliver on environmental management”
• Blog: “Federal budget strips accountability and transparency from climate policy”

Posted June 19, 2012 by AEN