Environmental – Page 49

Report commented on: Enhancing Assurance: Developing an integrated energy resources regulator, A Discussion Document, May 2011

It has been over a year since the latest proposal to move to a single regulator for energy development in Alberta was released (see Enhancing Assurance: Developing an integrated energy resources regulator, A Discussion Document, May 2011 (Discussion Document)). Many Albertans are likely asking what, if anything, has happened since then. This post outlines the proposal currently before government, updates readers on any progress made, and highlights the critical issues that ought to be addressed on a go-forward basis.

Gardening on Vacant Land –Through Calgary’s Lens

By David Laidlaw

On July 9, 2012

In Environmental, Municipal Law, Property

PDF version: Gardening on Vacant Land –Through Calgary’s Lens

Comment: Gardening on Vacant Land in Calgary – Part II

The ABlawg post Part I of Gardening on Vacant Land in Calgary, Verdant History, Volatile Endeavor, described the rich history of gardening on vacant land in Calgary, and discussed law and policy challenges posed by the Occupiers Liability Act, RSA 2000, c O-4. This ABlawg post turns to issues of vacant land use for gardening in Calgary.

Gardening on Vacant Land –Verdant History, Volatile Endeavor

By David Laidlaw

On June 18, 2012

In Environmental, Municipal Law, Property

PDF version: Gardening on Vacant Land –Verdant History, Volatile Endeavor

Comment: Gardening on vacant land in Calgary – Part I

On the Victoria Day long-weekend in 2012, Donna Clarke and some volunteers planted potatoes on a vacant lot next door to her home in Scarboro on 17^th Avenue S.W. The fence was painted in bright colours and painted tires were used as planters. The lots were owned by Scarboro Projects Ltd., an affiliate of Vancouver mortgage firm who had foreclosed on a number of adjacent properties in 2009. Three of the buildings had been ordered demolished by the City of Calgary in 2011 as part of a crackdown on derelict properties.

Decapitating the Fisheries Act by removing the HADD: A Critique of the Rationale

By William Donahue

On March 27, 2012

In Constitutional, Environmental, Fisheries Regulation, Natural Resources

PDF version: Decapitating the Fisheries Act by removing the HADD: A Critique of the Rationale

Decision considered: Federal government proposal to remove habitat protection from the Fisheries Act.

The federal government of Canada proposes to remove the habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act RSC 2000, c F-14, s 35. Countless Canadians have vigorously spoken out against this proposal because removing these provisions would be a critical and fundamental change not only to federal legislative approach, but also to the management, protection, and well-being of fisheries in Canada.

The European Fuel Quality Directive: Will It Slay or Will It Go?

By Matthew Ducharme

On March 12, 2012

In Climate Change, Environmental, International Law, Oil & Gas

By: Matthew Ducharme

PDF Version: The European Fuel Quality Directive: Will It Stay or Will it Go?

Document Commented On: Draft Implementing Measure to the European Union Fuel Quality Directive, February 23, 2012

On February 23, 2012, a European Union (EU) drafting committee voted on a draft law that discriminates against bitumen. This was the Draft Implementing Measure to the European Union Fuel Quality Directive (Implementing Measure). The Canadian press reported the vote ended in a stalemate. The press also noted that the law would be reconsidered in the late spring or early summer (National Post; CBC; Globe and Mail).

If the EU enacts the law it will have made a step in its fight against climate change, but the market for bitumen may be negatively impacted. If the law dies, Canada can expect a higher price on the sale of its bitumen in overseas markets. This note examines the February 23 vote within the EU law making process.

Category: Environmental Page 49 of 59

The Proposed Single Energy Regulator: Where Are We Now and Where Do We Go from Here?

Gardening on Vacant Land –Through Calgary’s Lens

Gardening on Vacant Land –Verdant History, Volatile Endeavor

Decapitating the Fisheries Act by removing the HADD: A Critique of the Rationale

The European Fuel Quality Directive: Will It Slay or Will It Go?