INSIGHTS
Ontario Releases Regulation Finalizing its Overhaul of the Province’s Blue Box Program
On June 3, 2021, Ontario’s Environment Minister Jeff Yurek released the final and approved regulation overhauling the province’s Blue Box Program. The shift to extended producer responsibility transfers all costs and control over the province’s blue box programs from municipalities to product and packaging producers. Today, producers and municipalities split the annual cost of roughly $300 million for blue box recycling, while municipalities operate the patchwork of 243 programs.
Prime Minister Trudeau & Minister O’Regan Announce Launch of Greener Homes Program
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau along with Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan announced the launch of the Canada Greener Homes Grant program, which provides grants of up to $5,000 for green home retrofits and free EnerGuide energy assessments to homeowners. The program, first outlined in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, commits to spending $2.6 billion over 7 years.
Ontario Proposes Regulatory Amendments to Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) for Large Emitters
Today, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) posted proposed amendments to the Ontario Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) regulations for comment. The proposed amendments are to support the transition from the federal Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) to the EPS, which will be in effect January 1, 2022. The posting also includes proposed changes to the administration and enforcement of the program intended to clarify certain compliance and reporting requirements.
Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Releases Ontario’s Draft Forest Biomass Action Plan for Consultation
Today, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), John Yakabuski, released Ontario’s draft Forest Biomass Action Plan (FBAP). In August 2020, the Minister launched the province’s “Sustainable Growth: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy,” which built on its draft Forest Sector Strategy released the previous year.
Ontario Election: One Year Out
May 4th is an important day in the world of Ontario politics: it marks one year until the official campaign for the 2022 provincial election begins.Of course, with a fixed election date, the “unofficial election campaign” will get underway well before May 4, 2022 and, despite the pandemic, some might argue the election is already heating up.
Federal Budget 2021: A Liberal Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland today released the federal government’s 2021 Budget in the House of Commons. Titled A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience, the plan aims to support Canadian families and businesses during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, layout a strategy for a post-pandemic economic recovery, and act as a blueprint for a Liberal campaign platform ahead of a potential 2021 federal election.
Ontario Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Delivers His Third Regulatory Modernization Package
Ontario’s Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, the Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria tabled another red tape reduction bill this afternoon, Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act. This bill, along with regulatory and policy changes, is aimed at modernizing and streamlining government, improving provincial rules and processes affecting people and businesses.
Conservative Party of Canada Release Climate Plan: Overview & Analysis
Earlier today Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole released the Conservative Party’s Climate Plan, titled Secure the Environment. The 15-page document details the Party’s approach to reducing emissions in line with Canada’s 2030 targets.
Minister Wilkinson Introduces CEPA Amendments & the Government of Canada and FCM a Major Initiative
Today, the Government of Canada made two significant announcements related to energy and the environment. The government tabled new legislation, Bill C-28, which proposes significant changes to the Canadian Environmental Protections Act. The government also launched the Community Building Retrofits Initiative in partnership with FCM.