Federal Government Increases Oversight Of Activities Impacting Fisheries

Bill C-38, the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act, (the Bill) was passed on June 29, 2012. While the Bill was publicized as streamlining natural resource development approvals, which it does, it also contains substantial amendments to the Fisheries Act (the Act )that have led to allegations that the federal government is reducing protection of the aquatic environment. What has been lost in this public discourse is that changes made by Bill C-38 to the Act actuallyincrease the oversight by the federal government of activities impacting fish-bearing waters and fish habitat. This includes extending the power to order works to mitigate harm, allowing government officials to shut down operations permanently and increasing responsibilities on individuals and corporations to report potentially harmful activities.