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2003 October Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Appendix—Petitions activity (16 July 2002 to 18 July 2003)
To access the full text of petitions and replies from December 1995 to 18 July 2003, go to our Petitions Catalogue on our Web site. If necessary, paper copies of the catalogue can be obtained on request.
Petition No. 27D: Destruction of fish habitat from railway decommissioning in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Date submitted: 19 March 2003
Petitioner(s): Algonquin Eco Watch, Wildlands League, Federation of Ontario Naturalists, and the Sierra Club, Eastern Canada Chapter
Summary: This is a follow-up petition on the alleged destruction of fish habitat arising from the decommissioning of the Canadian National (CN) main railway line through Algonquin Provincial Park. According to the petitioners, the construction of a right-of-way to facilitate the removal of tracks and ties during decommissioning caused ballast (smelter slag) to spill into nearby creeks and lakes. Fisheries and Oceans Canada visited the site as a result of the initial petition (petition No. 27A); however, the Department concluded that there had been no harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat as a result of the decommissioning work. In this further petition, the petitioners suggested that the Department should conduct a complete survey along the entire CN right-of-way (about 130 kilometers in length) prior to making a final determination about effects on fish habitat (Other related petitions include No. 27B and No. 27C).
Issues: Fisheries (habitat), biological diversity (wildlife) (watershed protection), water issues (water quality), and transportation (railways)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 89: Possible lead contamination in properties slated for redevelopment
Date submitted: 14 July 2003
Petitioner(s): Faye Morgan and several Canadian residents
Summary: This petition concerns suspected lead contamination in two properties located close to the Rideau and Ottawa rivers in Ottawa, Ontario. The petitioners want federal departments to intervene and require the property owners to conduct soil testing prior to any re-redevelopment of the properties.
Issues: Environmental assessment, fisheries (habitat), human health/environmental health (toxic substances), and water issues (water quality)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 88: Genetically-engineered wheat and the future of Canadian agriculture
Date submitted: 18 July 2003
Petitioner(s): Greenpeace Canada
Summary: According to the petitioner, the federal government received a submission for approval of a variety of genetically engineered (GE) wheat in 2002. The petitioner is opposed to the environmental release of GE wheat. According to the petitioner, the introduction of GE wheat into fields, food, and wheat markets raises agronomic, health, economic, ethical, and social concerns. The petition seeks to clarify the federal government's policy and position on GE wheat and determine what action the government has taken, or will take, to prevent negative environmental impacts from GE wheat.
Issues: Agriculture (sustainable agriculture), biotechnology (GMOs) (regulation and policy), and international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Environment Canada, Finance Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Health Canada, Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada Agency, and Western Economic Diversification Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 87: Advertising and labelling of pesticides
Date submitted: 16 July 2003
Petitioner(s): Earth Action
Summary: This petition concerns pesticide labelling and advertising. The petitioner alleges that certain pesticide manufacturers and lawn care companies are contravening the federal Pest Control Products Act by making claims that certain pesticides are "green" or offer environmental benefits. The petitioner asks Health Canada to investigate and indicate what it is doing to enforce federal pesticide legislation.
Issues: Human health/environmental health (pesticides)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Health Canada
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 86: Commercial tourist operation in Jasper National Park
Date submitted: 16 July 2003
Petitioner: Jasper Environmental Association
Summary: This petition concerns a commercial tourist operation on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. The petitioner contends that the tourist operation's activities are going to expand under new, proposed arrangements between Parks Canada and the operation owners. These include, among other things, longer hours of operation and a doubling of the capacity of tour boats on Maligne Lake.
Issues: Environmental assessment and biological diversity (conservation) (endangered species) (habitat) (protected areas)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Parks Canada Agency and Environment Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 85: Genetically engineered crops and products — trade and other international concerns
Date submitted: 17 July 2003
Petitioner: Greenpeace Canada
Summary: This petition covers a variety of issues pertinent to federal policies and positions with respect to genetically engineered (GE) crops and products. They include the following: Canada's position on the European Union's mandatory labelling and traceability program for GE crops and products, new international guidelines on food labeling, development assistance and GE crops, proposed bilateral arrangements for trade of Canadian agricultural products, and international markets for Canadian agricultural exports.
Issues: Agriculture (sustainable agriculture), biotechnology (GMOs) (regulation and policy) (enforcement), and international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (international development assistance)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Environment Canada, Industry Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canadian International Development Agency, and Health Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 84: Effects of genetically engineered crops on soil health
Date submitted: 10 July 2003
Petitioner: Greenpeace Canada
Summary: According to the petitioner, little attention has been paid to the effects of genetically engineered (GE) crops on soil and soil health. The petitioner suggests that the federal government should invoke the precautionary principle and eliminate GE crops given the scientific uncertainty surrounding their effects on soil health. The petitioner also requests that the federal government undertake a series of independent, peer-reviewed studies on this issue.
Issues: Agriculture (sustainable agriculture), biological diversity, biotechnology (GMOs) (regulation and policy), human health/environmental health, and international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Environment Canada, and Industry Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 83: Air pollution at the Canada-U.S. border
Date submitted: 10 July 2003
Petitioner: Leo Petrilli
Summary: This petition concerns the volume of truck traffic crossing the Canada-U.S. U.S. border at Windsor-Detroit. The petitioner alleges that air quality in Windsor has suffered due to a dramatic increase in trucks crossing the border since the adoption of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The petitioner wants to know what the federal government is doing to protect Canadians from exposure to environmental contaminants and to enforce pollution laws. The petitioner also wants the government to pay for an air quality study at the border.
Issues: Air issues (air quality) (transboundary concerns), and human health/environmental health, international/bilateral issues (trade), and transportation
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada and Health Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 82: Red Hill Creek expressway project, Hamilton, Ontario
Date submitted: 11 July 2003
Petitioner(s): Bob Hicks
Summary: This petition concerns the City of Hamilton's Red Hill Creek expressway project and federal environmental approvals required for the expressway project.
Issues: Biological diversity (watershed protection), environmental assessment, fisheries (habitat)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 81: Fixed link bridge to the Toronto City Centre Airport, Toronto Islands
Date submitted: 14 July 2003
Petitioner: Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
Summary: This petition concerns the federal environmental assessment for the proposed fixed link bridge to the Toronto City Centre Airport. An environmental assessment was carried out for a similar proposal in the late 1990s, but the bridge was never constructed. Some changes have taken place in the meantime, including the construction of the Spadina Quay wetland.
Issues: Biological diversity (wetlands) (wildlife), environmental assessment, other (infrastructure), and water issues
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, and Transport Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 80: Clean-up of the Tracadie military training area in New Brunswick
Date submitted: 7 July 2003
Petitioner(s): Luc Perron, Donald Savoie, and Florent Richardson
Summary: This petition concerns clean-up of the Tracadie military training area and raises the same issues as petition No. 78. The petitioners are concerned that the presence of chemical and metallic contaminants represents a danger for the environment and water quality. The petition contains requests and recommendations about decontamination of the site and asks the government whether it will take additional steps to eliminate all forms of contamination at the former training area.
Issues: Human health/environmental health (contaminated sites) and other (military/defence)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Department of National Defence
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 79: Air quality and health concerns in Windsor, Ontario
Date submitted: 26 June 2003
Petitioner: Joe Comartin, Member of Parliament, Windsor-St. Clair
Summary: A community health study undertaken in Windsor, Ontario is the focus of this petition. The results of this study suggest that cancer rates in Windsor are higher than in other parts of the country. Poor air quality is identified as a possible cause of this problem and other health problems found in the area. The petitioner asks federal departments to investigate the study findings and clarify whether, and to what extent, the government is taking action to address the concerns outlined in the study.
Issues: Air issues (air quality) (transboundary concerns), and human health/environmental health
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, and Health Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 78: Clean-up of the Tracadie military training area in New Brunswick
Date submitted: 28 May 2003
Petitioner(s): Yvon Godin, Member of Parliament, Acadie-Bathurst
Summary: This petition concerns clean-up of the Tracadie military training area in New Brunswick, which was used by National Defence between 1942 and 1994. The petitioner suggests that the federal government should do a full decontamination of the training area. According to the petitioner, the work that has been done on the site was not done properly.
Issues: Human health/environmental health (contaminated sites) and other (military/defence)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Department of National Defence
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 77: The relationship between international trade and the environment
Date submitted: 5 May 2003
Petitioner(s): Yuill Herbert
Summary: This petition examines the relationship between international trade and the environment. The petitioner argued that increased international trade leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions because of trade's heavy dependence on transportation. The petitioner asked the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to explain how it reconciles trade promotion with the need to protect the environment.
Issues: Air issues (climate change), international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (trade) (climate change), renewable and non-renewable resources (energy) (energy conservation), transportation, and other (economic instruments)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 76: Low-level radioactive waste in Port Hope, Ontario
Date submitted: 15 April 2003
Petitioner(s): Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
Summary: This petition concerns the federal environmental assessment of the Port Hope Project for the remediation and management of low-level radioactive wastes located in various sites in the town of Port Hope and the former Hope Township. Natural Resources Canada is the federal responsible authority for the environmental assessment of the project.
Issues: Environmental assessment and human health/environmental health (radioactive waste)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Natural Resources Canada
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 75: Boat mooring development in wetlands along the Trent-Severn Waterway
Date submitted: 28 March 2003
Petitioner(s): South Mariposa Lakefront Ratepayers Association
Summary: The petition concerns a plan to establish boat mooring for 66 boats in a wetland located in Lake Scugog on the Trent-Severn Waterway. According to the petitioner, the mooring facilities cannot be constructed without harming or disrupting fish habitat or wildlife such as migratory birds. The Association addressed several questions to the Parks Canada Agency as steward of the Waterway and administrator of regulations governing historic canals.
Issues: Biological diversity (habitat) (wetlands), environmental assessment, fisheries (habitat), and water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (navigable waters)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Parks Canada Agency
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 74: Ecological integrity of the Great Lakes
Date submitted: 4 April 2003
Petitioner(s): The Georgian Bay Association
Summary: This petition addresses several issues that are important to the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes: the withdrawal of fresh water from Lake Huron and Georgian Bay at the outflow into the St. Clair River near Sarnia; the introduction of invasive species by ships entering the Great Lakes Basin; the Great Lakes Navigation System Review; and, the future of the Welland Canal.
Issues: Biological diversity (invasive species) (watershed protection), environmental assessment, international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (transboundary concerns) (climate change), transportation (shipping), and water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (watershed protection) (Great Lakes)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 73: Environmental assessment of highway extension through Gatineau Park, National Capital Region
Date submitted: 20 March 2003
Petitioner(s): Association des Résidents et Résidentes du Quartier Wright
Summary: This petition pertains to the federal environmental assessment of the proposed extension of the McConnell-Laramée highway through Gatineau Park. The Association is concerned about public participation and the scope of the environmental assessment.
Issues: Environmental assessment, biological diversity (conservation) (habitat) (protected areas), and fisheries (habitat)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 72: Preserving wetlands in the greater Montreal area
Date submitted: 19 March 2003
Petitioner(s): Comité Zip Ville-Marie
Summary: This petition concerns the potential sale of federal property located beside the St. Jacques River in the Greater Montreal area. According to the petitioner, a large portion of the land along the river was declared surplus by Transport Canada and may be sold soon. The Comité is concerned that the land will be sold without consideration for the long-term protection of wetlands on the property or the federal Policy on Wetland Conservation.
Issues: Biological diversity (conservation) (endangered species) (wetlands), water issues (aquatic ecosystems), and other (federal land)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Transport Canada and Environment Canada
Status: Replies pending
Petition No. 71: Access road to the MacKenzie King Estate in Gatineau Park, National Capital Region
Date submitted: 19 March 2003
Petitioner(s): Citizens Concerned about Gatineau Park
Summary: This petition concerns a proposal by the National Capital Commission (NCC) to construct a new access road to the Mackenzie King estate in Gatineau Park in the National Capital Region. The coalition critiqued the environmental assessment conducted by the NCC and posed questions about environmental standards and processes applied by the Parks Canada Agency for similar proposed projects within a national park setting.
Issues: Environmental assessment, biological diversity (conservation) (habitat) (protected areas), and other (federal land) (infrastructure)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Parks Canada Agency
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 70: Draining of Rocky Island Lake in northern Ontario
Date submitted: 17 February 2003
Petitioner(s): Tony Martin, Member of Provincial Parliament, Sault Ste. Marie
Summary: This petition concerns the draining of Rocky Island Lake near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Rocky Island Lake is a man-made reservoir created to generate hydroelectric power. The petitioner alleged that the level of the lake was drawn down substantially in the summer of 2002 in order to meet rising demands for power. He also claims that the draining of the lake led to the destruction of fish, fish habitat, and wildlife habitat, and that it inhibited boat navigation, hindered local businesses, and prevented local residents from enjoying the lake as usual. The petitioner asked Fisheries and Oceans Canada to investigate a possible contravention of the federal Fisheries Act. This is the first petition submitted by a provincial Member of Parliament.
Issues: Fisheries (habitat) (enforcement) and water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (navigable water)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 69: Wind energy project in Prince Edward Island
Date submitted: 6 February 2003
Petitioner(s): Jack Wilderom
Summary: The petitioner raised concerns about the siting of a wind energy complex in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). The proposal involves the placement of 40 or more large wind turbines in the Malpeque Peninsula in P.E.I. According to the petitioner, this area is blessed with significant populations of native, breeding and migratory bird species and is a major staging area for Canada geese and migratory ducks on the Atlantic flyway. It is also adjacent to a wetland of international importance under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention). The petitioner challenges the proposal's conclusion that the project would involve only minimal impacts on birds in the area. He requested a federal environmental assessment to study the potential effects of the wind energy project on bird species and critical wetlands.
Issues: Biological diversity (endangered species) (protected areas) (wetlands) (wildlife), environmental assessment, and renewable and non-renewable resources (energy)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 68: Pesticide spray program in Prince Albert National Park
Date submitted: 3 February 2003
Petitioner(s): Saskatchewan Environmental Society
Summary: This petition concerns a proposal by the Parks Canada Agency to conduct an aerial pesticide spraying program in the town site of Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is opposed to this proposal. It believes that the spraying program to control spruce budworm would pose significant risks to the environment and human health and would contravene the Canada National Parks Act and Parks Canada's Guiding Principles and Operational Policies. The petition contains a series of requests and recommendations.
Issues: Human health/environmental health (pesticides), biological diversity (endangered species) (habitat) (protected areas)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Parks Canada Agency, Department of Justice Canada, Health Canada, Environment Canada, and Natural Resources Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 67: Implementation of Rio Declaration principles for Indigenous people
Date submitted: 31 January 2003
Petitioner(s): A Canadian resident
Summary: This petition concerns sustainable development and Indigenous people and their communities. It follows from Canada's participation in the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. At that meeting, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the principles outlined in the Rio Declaration on the Environment and Sustainable Development and the actions of Agenda 21. These include recognizing indigenous values, traditional knowledge and resource management practices and enabling participation by Indigenous people in sustainable development. The petitioner asks the federal government to outline how it will meet its commitments in these areas. Ten departments and agencies were asked to respond to this petition.
Issues: International/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements), and other (aboriginal concerns)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Canadian International Development Agency*, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Industry Canada, Department of Justice Canada, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Natural Resources Canada, and Parks Canada Agency
Status: Completed
*Action on-going
Petition No. 66: Car-assembly plants and the Kyoto Protocol
Date submitted: 20 January 2003
Petitioner(s): Kevin Davis
Summary: The petitioner asserts that car-assembly plants are to be exempt from the federal emission regulations under the Kyoto Protocol and wants to know why.
Issues: Air issues (climate change) and international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (climate change)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 65: Federal government funding of hydrogen fuel cell research to combat climate change
Date submitted: 20 January 2003
Petitioner(s): Numerous Canadian residents
Summary: This petition follows the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and is concerned about the federal government's research funding for hydrogen fuel cells and environmentally friendly vehicles. The petitioner expressed concern about greenhouse gases and pollution emissions from conventional internal combustion engines. The petitioner suggested that the government should promote sustainable development by increasing funding to develop and produce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles through research grants and tax incentives.
Issues: Air issues (air quality) (climate change), international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (climate change), and renewable and non-renewable resources (energy conservation)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Industry Canada, Department of Finance Canada, and Natural Resources Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 64: Strategic environmental assessment of federal policies, plans and programs
Date submitted: 7 January 2003
Petitioner(s): Rachel McCormick
Summary: This petition concerns the 1999 Cabinet directive on the environmental assessment of federal policy, plan and program proposals. The petitioner suggests that the directive is a tool for helping federal departments move towards a vision of sustainable development, but questions whether this directive has in fact changed any federal policies, plans and programs. The petition addresses many issues including the following: how the directive has changed federal plans, policies and programs; how departmental resources for conducting strategic environmental assessments are allocated; how individuals conducting the assessments are trained; how implementation of the assessments are internally monitored or audited; and how exemptions of specific policies, plans and resources are determined.
Issues: Environmental assessment
Federal departments/agencies replying: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian International Development Agency, Environment Canada, Department of Finance Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, and Transport Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 63: Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
Date submitted: 7 January 2003
Petitioner(s): Eric Kennedy and numerous other students
Summary: This petition concerns the Canadian government's international commitments on climate change and the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The petitioners suggest that ratification of the Protocol is a significant first step in addressing climate change and that it is an excellent example of Canada's solidarity with the international community. The petitioners commend the government's decision to ratify the accord, however, they suggest that more measures need to be taken to slow climate change.
Issues: Air issues (climate change), and international-bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (climate change)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 62: Toxic waste transportation and disposal in Quebec
Date submitted: 19 December 2002
Petitioner(s): A Canadian resident
Summary: This petition pertains to the production and transport of hazardous waste, including hazardous waste imported into the province of Quebec from the United States. The petitioner requested information about how the federal government regulates and monitors the transport of hazardous waste, as well information about waste treatment site locations, procedures, and transportation routes used in Quebec.
Issues: Human health/environmental health (hazardous waste), international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (transboundary concerns), and transportation
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Transport Canada, and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
Status: Completed
Petition No. 61: Species at Risk Act
Date submitted: 3 December 2002
Petitioner(s): Heather Mills and Dorrie Wiwcharuk
Summary: This petition concerns the new Species at Risk Act. The petitioners requested information about the criteria used to generate the list of wildlife species at risk, the protection of critical habitat, and how the Act will help to sustain biological diversity.
Issues: Biological diversity (conservation) (endangered species) (habitat) (wildlife)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 60B: Insurance coverage and possible amendment of the Nuclear Liability Act
Date submitted: 18 July 2003
Petitioner: Siegfried (Ziggy) Kleinau (represented by the Canadian Environmental Law Association)
Summary: This petition is a follow-up to petition No. 60A. The petitioner is seeking more detailed information on federal plans to amend the Nuclear Liability Act, especially those provisions in the legislation related to insurance coverage. The petitioner seeks an increase in mandatory insurance coverage in line with international standards.
Issues: International/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) and renewable and non-renewable resources (nuclear energy)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Natural Resources Canada
Status: Reply pending
Petition No. 60A: Ontario Power Generation's Western Waste Management Facility
Date submitted: 19 November 2002
Petitioner(s): Siegfried (Ziggy) Kleinau
Summary: This petition concerns Ontario Power Generation Inc.'s (OPG) Western Waste Management Facility. The facility, which is located near Tiverton, Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron, is to be used for processing and storing radioactive waste. The petition was prompted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's decision to designate the facility a "nuclear installation" site under the Nuclear Liability Act. As part of its decision, the Commission set the insurance coverage the OPG should maintain for the facility (in accordance with the limits prescribed in the Act). The petitioner suggests that the risks associated with the site are extremely high and that the prescribed insurance levels are inadequate, given the threat the facility poses to the environment and the health of Canadians. The petitioner requested that the Act be amended and that mandatory operator-held insurance coverage be increased substantially.
Issues: Renewable and non-renewable resources (nuclear energy), and water issues (Great Lakes)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Natural Resources Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada, Secretariat
Status: Completed
Petition No. 59: Proposed redevelopment of the Oshawa Marina
Date submitted: 5 November 2002
Petitioner(s): Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
Summary: This petition concerns the Oshawa Harbour Commission's (OHC) proposal to redevelop the Oshawa Marina. The petitioner alleges that the proposal involves infilling a former waste disposal site located on the Marina's property. The petitioner suggested that the site contains hazardous waste that is leaking into the Oshawa Harbour and, subsequently, into Lake Ontario. The petitioner is also concerned about potential violations of the Fisheries Act and has requested information about federal regulatory controls and environmental assessment requirements for redeveloping the site.
Issues: Fisheries (habitat) (enforcement), human health/environmental health (hazardous waste) (contaminated sites), transportation, and water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (enforcement) (Great Lakes) (navigable waters) (water quality)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, and Transport Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 58: Renewable energy production and conventional energy subsidies
Date submitted: 21 October 2002
Petitioner(s): One Sky — The Canadian Institute of Sustainable Living
Summary: The petitioner is concerned that federal government subsidies within the energy sector discourage research into new renewable energy sources and, therefore, inhibit sustainable development. The petitioner suggested that the federal government should remove government subsidies for fossil fuels and nuclear energy to strengthen Canada's renewable energy sector. The petitioner also requested information about current federal initiatives that develop and promote new renewable energy sources. This petition follows the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Issues: Renewable and non-renewable resources (energy), transportation, and other (economic instruments)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, Department of Finance Canada, and Industry Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 57: Coal tar contamination near Randle Reef, Hamilton Harbour
Date submitted: 16 October 2002
Petitioner(s): Mark Sproule-Jones and Lynda Lukasik (represented by the Sierra Legal Defence Fund)
Summary: This petition concerns the presence of contaminated sediment near Randle Reef in the Hamilton Harbour. The petitioners allege that the sediment bed is contaminated with coal tar containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are persistent, carcinogenic, bioaccumulative toxins. The petitioners are requesting that federal government departments do the following: provide funding to clean up the contaminated sediment; take action to prevent the disturbance or dispersion of the contaminated sediment; investigate, under the Fisheries Act, shipping activity within the Hamilton Harbour that is contributing to dispersing the contaminated sediment; and explain the proposal for infilling the contaminated area near Randle Reef.
Issues: Environmental assessment, fisheries (habitat), human health/environmental health (toxic substances), transportation (shipping), and water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (enforcement) (Great Lakes) (water quality)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, Department of Finance Canada, and Transport Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 56: Invasive aquatic species in the Great Lakes
Date submitted: 30 September 2002
Petitioner(s): John E. F. Misener and numerous Canadian residents
Summary: This petition addresses the environmental consequences and economic costs associated with invasive aquatic species, such as zebra mussels, entering the Great Lakes Basin. The petitioners suggest that ship ballast tanks are key points of entry for non-native species. They recommend that Canada could reduce the influx of many of these invasive species by adopting procedures to clean and inspect ballast tanks in Canadian and overseas ports, and by strictly controlling the movement of ships within the Basin.
Issues: Biological diversity (invasive species), transportation (shipping), and water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (enforcement) (navigable waters) (water quality)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, and Transport Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 55: Regulation of air pollution in Canada
Date submitted: 22 August 2002
Petitioner(s): Greenpeace Canada and the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) (represented by the Sierra Legal Defence Fund)
Summary: This petition concerns federal control of air pollution and the creation of legally binding air quality standards. The petitioners allege that the federal government has failed to provide adequate regulations to control air pollution and is therefore violating basic human rights related to life, health and security of person. The petition contains many suggestions for improving air quality in Canada, including the following: establishing binding national ambient air quality standards; using the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to designate more air pollutants as toxic substances; adopting stricter vehicle emission standards; immediately reducing the sulphur content in gasoline; and increasing funding for public transportation planning.
Issues: Air issues (air quality) (transboundary concerns), human health/environmental health, international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements) (transboundary concerns), and transportation
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Department of Finance Canada, Heath Canada, Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Transport Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 54: Sea lice infestation of wild salmon smolts, British Columbia—Federal management of salmon aquaculture
Date submitted: 27 May 2002
Petitioner(s): Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council
Summary: The petitioner raised concerns about the overall management of the salmon aquaculture industry in British Columbia in the wake of an alleged outbreak of sea lice in wild salmon smolts in the Broughton Archipelago (in the Queen Charlotte Sound) in 2001. The Tribal Council asserts that there is evidence to suggest that the sea lice originated from fish farms in the area.
Issues: Fisheries (aquaculture) (habitat)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 52: First Nations participation in climate change strategies
Date submitted: 6 May 2002
Petitioner(s): Assembly of First Nations
Summary: The petition concerns the engagement of First Nations and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in federal climate change activities and the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Environmental Stewardship Strategy for Reserve Lands. The AFN specifically requested information pertaining to funds that had been earmarked to engage First Nations in the development of federal strategies to address climate change, including an Aboriginal climate change strategy.
Issues: Air issues (climate change), international/bilateral issues, and other (Aboriginal concerns)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Environment Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and Natural Resources Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 51B: Proposed boat launch on the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ontario-Follow-up petition on protecting fish habitat
Date submitted: 9 December 2002
Petitioner(s): Peter Weygang
Summary: This is a follow-up to petition No. 51A concerning the proposed construction of a boat launch on the Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario. The petition raises concerns about the possible destruction of sensitive fish habitat along the Waterway, the timing of ecological habitat evaluations, and the protection of stream bank vegetation. It also explores the protection of fish habitat, given the agreement between Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Issues: Fisheries (habitat), biological diversity (habitat), water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (water quality), and other (interdepartmental arrangements)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Parks Canada Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 51A: Proposed boat launch for the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ontario
Date submitted: 30 April 2002
Petitioner(s): Peter Weygang
Summary: The petition concerns the proposed construction of a public boat launch ramp on Pigeon Lake, which forms a part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. The petitioner asserted that notwithstanding Parks Canada's original position to prohibit development at the location in question (sensitive fish habitat), the Agency issued a permit authorizing the construction of a boat launch in February 2002.
Issues: Fisheries (habitat), biological diversity (wildlife), and water issues (water quality)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Parks Canada Agency and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 50: Military dumpsites off Canada's Atlantic coast
Date submitted: 2 April 2002
Petitioner(s): Myles Kehoe
Summary: The petitioner raised concerns about the proposed oil and gas exploration projects off Canada's Atlantic coast. Through his own research, the petitioner has documented the presence of numerous chemical weapons dumpsites and military dumpsites of unexploded ordnances off the coast of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The petitioner expressed concern about the potential impacts that oil and gas exploration might have on these sites.
Issues: Water issues (marine environment/oceans), other (military/defence), and renewable and non-renewable resources (energy)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Department of National Defence, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada, and Natural Resources Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 49: Protecting fish habitat—Forestry practices in British Columbia
Date submitted: 26 March 2002
Petitioner(s): Natural Resources Defence Council Environmental Education Society (NRDC)
Summary: The petitioner is concerned about logging practices in British Columbia relative to fish habitat. The NRDC alleges that government authorities are not enforcing the provisions of the Fisheries Act and policies on buffer zones around small and feeder streams.
Issues: Fisheries (habitat) (enforcement) and renewable and non-renewable resources (forestry)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 48: Environmental impacts of proposed power generating station
Date submitted: 12 March 2002
Petitioner(s): Citizens Environment Alliance of southwestern Ontario and southeast Michigan
Summary: This petition concerns a proposal to locate a 580-megawatt natural gas electricity generating station on the Canadian side of the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario. Among other things, the Alliance is concerned about air emissions and discharges of large quantities of heated cooling water into the river.
Issues: Fisheries (habitat), air issues (air quality), environmental assessment, international/bilateral issues (international environmental agreements), renewable and non-renewable resources (energy), and water issues (aquatic ecosystems) (navigable waters) (water quality)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada
Status: Completed
Petition No. 47: Lifting of the moratorium on new fish farming licences, British Columbia
Date submitted: 27 February 2002
Petitioner(s): David Elderton
Summary: The petitioner expressed concern about the lifting of the moratorium on new fish farming licences in British Columbia. He cited a recent inquiry into salmon farming in B.C. and requested that Fisheries and Oceans Canada take steps to ensure that the provincial decision to lift the moratorium will not lead to further environmental problems.
Issues: Fisheries (aquaculture)
Federal departments/agencies replying: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Status: Completed