Canadian Environmental Network

RCEN E-Bulletin — 11 March 2009

Network News — March 11th, 2009

Ontario Bans Cosmetic Pesticides

Taking effect on April 22nd, Ontario's cosmetic pesticides ban will prevent over 250 pesticides from being used for cosmetic purposes on lawns, vegetable and ornamental gardens, patios, driveways, cemeteries, and in parks and school yards. The provincial ban supersedes local municipal pesticides bylaws to create one clear, transparent and understandable set of rules across the province. With last week’s announcement, Ontario now joins Quebec in banning the use of cosmetic pesticides. See this week’s Action Alert to voice your support for strong regulations in your province.

Environmental Enforcement Act introduced by Government

Last week, the Federal Government introduced Bill C-16 The Environmental Enforcement Act, which proposes to amend the fines, sentencing provisions and enforcement tools of six Environment Canada administered statutes and three Parks Canada administered statutes. The Bill also introduces a new Act – the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Act, which would authorize the use of administrative monetary penalties for infractions under several environmental Acts. An overview of the Bill is available at www.ec.gc.ca. Read More

RCEN E-Bulletin — 25 February 2009

Canadian Environmental Network

Network News — February 25th, 2009

Sharing your Stories: Vote Now!

This past month we’ve been asking for your ideas on how the RCEN can facilitate the online sharing of your stories, experiences and best practices with other environmental groups and individuals across Canada. We’ve had many interesting suggestions, thank you. Read More

RCEN E-Bulletin — 11 February 2009

Canadian Environmental Network

Network News — February 11th, 2009

Commissioner’s Report Says "We are not on an Environmentally Sustainable Path"

On February 5th, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development released his first Report to the House of Commons. In it, the Commissioner states that the government cannot demonstrate that some of its key environmental programs are making a difference.

The Report also says that environmental problems such as species extinction, risks to human health from environmental contamination and climate change are serious problems that governments and the public must face today. On a more positive note, the Commissioner recognizes that the federal government is moving in the right direction by providing Canadians with better information and encouraging changes in environmental behaviour.

Read the Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Read More

RCEN E-Bulletin — 4 February 2009

Canadian Environmental Network

Network News — February 4th, 2009

ENGO Views on the Convention on Biological Diversity

To ensure that ENGO contributions are included in Canada’s 4th National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the RCEN is conducting a short survey on behalf of Environment Canada. Organizations currently working on biodiversity related issues and those with past experience or a marked interest in biodiversity are encouraged to share their views with respect to progress, challenges, lessons learned and biodiversity priorities in the post 2010 period. Complete the survey…

Sharing Your Stories

This year, the RCEN is exploring new ways for members to share their stories, experiences and best practices with environmental groups across Canada. Current suggestions include an ENGO video wall on our website, and publishing interviews with individual members in the e-Bulletin. Please take a moment to send us your ideas by email at [email protected]. In February, we will post your suggestions in the e-Bulletin and let you vote on which ones you think are best. Read More

RCEN E-Bulletin — 21 January 2009

Canadian Environmental Network

Network News — January 21st, 2009

A Guide to the Environmental Petitions Process

This week, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development announced the publication of Getting Answers: A Guide to the Environmental Petitions Process. The federal environmental petitions process was established to provide a formal means for Canadians to bring their concerns about environmental issues to the attention of federal ministers and departments.

This new 27-page guide explains the purpose and mechanics of the process, describes the scope of requests that can be made within petitions, and provides guidance on how to write and submit a well-designed petition.

Exploring Ways to Share Your Stories

This year, the RCEN is exploring new ways for members to share their stories and experiences with other environmental groups across Canada. Already, one member in Edmonton has suggested that we feature photo slide shows or a video wall on our website, showcasing each group’s activities.

Take a moment to send us your ideas by email at [email protected]. In February, we will post your suggestions in the e-Bulletin and let you vote on which ones you think are best.

This Week's Headlines

Calls for Delegates

Calls for Comments

Announcements

Resources

Employment

RCEN E-Bulletin: December 17, 2008

Canadian Environmental Network

Network News — December 17th, 2008

NGOs Urging Strong Precautionary Approach for Bisphenol A

In a Consolidated NGO Report submitted today, health and environmental NGOs are urging the Government of Canada to go further than banning baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA).

Participants in the RCEN-coordinated Chemicals Management Plan’s Capacity Building Project are calling on the Government to take a strong precautionary risk management approach toward the elimination of the use of BPA. The groups are drawing attention to research that found BPA can accumulate in the womb, exposing the foetus to levels five times higher than maternal levels.

Please read this week’s Action Alert for details on how your organization can support this submission.

Happy Holidays!

Please note that the next edition of the e-Bulletin will be published on January 7th, 2009. Until then, the RCEN wishes everyone a happy holiday season!

RCEN E-Bulletin: November 26, 2008

Canadian Environmental Network

Network News — November 26th, 2008

RCEN Supports Proposed Measures to Prime Minister to help Canadians and Communities during Economic Downturn

On November 21st, the RCEN and several other Canadian charities and nonprofits published an open letter urging Prime Minister Harper to consider their important role during periods of economic hardship. Published in select newspapers across the country and drafted by Imagine Canada, the letter asked the Federal Government to maintain existing levels of funding and provide special giving incentives. Read the media release and letter

Join the 2009 AGA Planning Committee!

We are currently looking for volunteers to join the Planning Committee for the next RCEN Annual General Assembly. The AGA will take place in Edmonton from June 12-14, 2009. Participating RCEN members will be asked to attend monthly conference calls and provide guidance and ideas in order to make the event a success!

For more information, please contact Joséphine Hénault at (613) 728-9810, ext. 221 or by email at [email protected]. Read More

RCEN E-Bulletin: November 5, 2008

Canadian Environmental Network

Network News — November 5th, 2008

AGA 2008: Presentations and Photos

Click here to access presentations from the wonderful workshops that took place at the AGA. For your viewing pleasure, we’ve also posted photos from the event!

Jim Prentice Appointed New Environment Minister

The RCEN would like to congratulate the Honourable Jim Prentice, who this week was named Minister of the Environment after the cabinet shuffle that followed the October 14th election. The RCEN looks forward to meeting with Minister Prentice in the near future and wishes him success with this important portfolio. 

Please note that the E-Bulletin will not be published for the next two weeks. The following edition will be sent on November 26th, 2008. Read More

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