OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, issued the following statement:
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to present our response to a submission filed with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation regarding the enforcement of the Fisheries Act in Alberta's oil sands region. This is an example of the public's ability to raise important questions on environmental performance through NAFTA's parallel environment agreement.
"The environment and the economy go hand in hand. Canada's oil sands are an important contributor to the economy, but they must be developed in a manner that protects the environment.
"Environment and Climate Change Canada remains committed to the effective enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act. Our actions in the oil sands region—including our record of inspections, our continuing scientific research, and our ongoing work through the renewed Canada-Alberta Oil Sands Monitoring Program—demonstrate how we are meeting these commitments.
"Scientists at Environment and Climate Change Canada are supporting these efforts through science and research. This important work improves our ability to test for compliance and enforce the laws that prevent industrial pollution and protect our environment.
"We prioritize our enforcement activities using a risk-based approach, including in the oil sands, to ensure areas of greatest non-compliance are addressed. When we are made aware of a possible violation to the Fisheries Act, or other cases of non-compliance, our enforcement officers inspect and take appropriate action.
"Environment and Climate Change Canada continues to work with the Province of Alberta, Indigenous Peoples, industry, and stakeholders to ensure we use the best available science and technology in environmental monitoring of oil sands development."
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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free), [email protected]
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