Environment

AFAC is an association started in 1993 by the livestock producers of Alberta to: promote responsible, humane animal care; engage in discussion with the public; monitor and participate in issues and legislation, and; encourage animal care research. AFAC’s goal is to improve animal handling and promote responsible animal care. The partnership recognizes that animal welfare issues are a growing international concern and the public expect all animals to be humanely treated throughout their lifetime.

This information is intended as a general guide to some of the regulations under the Provincial Parks Act and a variety of other provincial and federal legislation that apply to recreational activities in Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation areas. Covers boating, camping, hunting and fishing, permits, firearms, to name just a few.

The Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Alberta SPCA) is a provincially-incorporated nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. They encourage the humane treatment of animals through enforcement of animal protection legislation and through education programs throughout Alberta. They will investigate reports from the general public of animal cruelty or neglect.

Animal Justice Canada is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to advancing public knowledge of animal practices and preventing the abuse and killing of animals through the enforcement of existing laws. Website includes a library of relevant case law and legislation, information on recent campaigns and a blog about animal welfare issues.

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) helps companies of all sizes and sectors to achieve success in ways that demonstrate respect for ethical values, people, communities and the environment. BSR leads or participates in a range of working groups and collaborative initiatives, undertakes research and provides a variety of reports and publications.

CELA is a specialty legal clinic within the Ontario-wide network of clinics. CELA works to protect human health and our environment by seeking justice for those harmed by pollution and by working to change policies to prevent such problems in the first place.  As a Legal Aid Clinic their top priority is to represent low income individuals and communities and to speak out for those with less influence and who receive less of a say in decision-making.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is the national voice of humane societies and SPCAs promoting the interests and concerns of animal welfare to government, policy makers, industry and the public. 

The Canadian Institute of Resources Law is a national centre of expertise on legal and policy issues relating to Canada’s natural resources. Since its establishment in 1979, the Institute has pursued a three-fold mandate of research, education and publication. The Institute initiates projects and responds to requests from the public and private sectors and from non-governmental organizations. The Institute publishes the results of its research and the proceedings of conferences which it sponsors as monographs and occasional papers. It also sponsors the publication of manuscripts on issues within its mandate.

Animal welfare advocacy is a priority of the CVMA.  Through its Animal Welfare Committee, the CVMA concentrates its efforts on developing science-based guidelines, standards and position statements that address the welfare, humane treatment, and care of animals.

The CEC is an international organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. The CEC was established to address regional environmental concerns, help prevent potential trade and environmental conflicts, and to promote the effective enforcement of environmental law. The Agreement complements the environmental provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Ecojustice is a national independent charitable organization which provides legal services free-of-charge to charities and citizens on the front lines of the environmental movement, helping ensure equitable access to environmental justice nationwide. We advocate for effective laws, use the courts to make sure they are implemented and enforced, and give a voice to Canadians in decisions that affect the air, water and land we all depend on.

This service is offered by Alberta Environment. If you witness or have information about a potential environmental emergency or a complaint, contact 1-800-222-6514. This is a 24-hour emergency line and your anonymity is guaranteed.

Energy Probe Research Foundation is an environmental and public policy research institute which has four main goals: to provide the public, media, business, and government with information on resource-related issues; to promote sustainable resource use; to encourage individual responsibility and accountability; to help Canada contribute to global justice and prosperity.

Protecting Alberta’s environment and natural resources includes preserving the quality of our water, air, natural lands and wildlife. This Alberta government site provides links and information on the following topics of interest to Albertans:

Environment Canada is responsible for protecting the environment, conserving the country’s natural heritage, and providing weather and meteorological information. The website provides information about programs and services related to air, water, nature, climate change, pollution and waste, sustainable development, environmental enforcement, environmental emergencies, science and technology and weather. One section deals with the numerous acts, regulations and agreements related to their mandate.

The Environmental Appeals Board is the independent board that gives Albertans a way to appeal decisions made under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the Water Act  the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act, and Schedule 5 of the Government Organization Act about development approvals, environmental certificates, or other orders.

This blog written by Diane Saxe of Saxe Law Office discusses all areas of environmental law in Canada, especially Ontario. Topics covered include contaminated sites; air and water emissions; waste and recycling; due diligence, compliance and enforcement; director’s liability; environmental assessment and approvals; renewable energy, and climate change.

The Environmental Law Centre (Alberta) Society (“ELC”) is a registered charitable organization incorporated in Alberta in 1982 to provide Albertans with an objective source of information about environmental and natural resources law. The ELC website includes fact sheets, downloadable publications and a frequently asked questions section. The ELC library is accessible to the public; the catalogue can be accessed on their website. As well, any person can contact the ELC and receive information on environmental law.

Every Living Thing is the Alberta SPCA’s humane education website for teachers who aim to inspire compassion for animals, people and the environment – every living thing! The Alberta SPCA believes people have a duty to accept responsibility for the welfare of animals. The SPCA hopes to nurture a humane attitude toward animals through a humane education program.

ICC is the body that represents all Inuit from Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka on matters of international importance. The principal goals of ICC are to strengthen unity among Inuit of the circumpolar region; promote Inuit rights and interests on an international level; develop and encourage long-term policies that safeguard the Arctic environment; and seek full and active partnership in the political, economic, and social development of circumpolar regions.

This primer is a tool for landowners who find themselves with inactive, suspended, abandoned or orphaned wells on their property. While it focuses on wells, much of the content applies to other oil and gas infrastructure on your property, including pipelines and control sheds. This primer was prepared by the Pembina Institute.

My Wild Alberta operates in order to encourage hunting, fishing and trapping in Alberta and support habitat conservation. Provided by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and community stakeholders, the website provides information about relevant legislation and regulations, licenses and fees, safety and procedures, education opportunities and other online resources.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal agency that regulates several aspects of Canada’s energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety, environmental protection and economic efficiency in the Canadian public interest within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade. Links to acts and regulations, regulatory documents, hearings, and publications.

The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is an agency of the Government of Alberta and reports to the Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. Established in 1991, the NRCB has mandates under two Acts – the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act and the Agricultural Operation Practices Act. Under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act, the NRCB reviews proposals that affect the province’s non-energy natural resources. The NRCB has been responsible for regulating Alberta’s confined feeding operations since 2002.

Canadian provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for protecting the welfare of animals, including farm animals. All provinces and territories have laws in respect to animal welfare. This webpage from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency lists the relevant legislation across the country.

This Library is housed in the offices of the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) in Toronto. The website contains the catalogue of the collection database, including numerous topical research files. The collection reflects the multidisciplinary nature of many environmental issues with a focus on environmental law and policy and includes access to the publications of the former Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy.

This online resource is operated by CONCERN Inc. based in Washington, DC. The initiatives and resources on this website have been selected to help you learn about ways to make your community healthier, safer, greener, more livable, and more prosperous. Topic areas include: Community engagement, Community conflict resolution, Economy, Environment, Health and education, Governance, and Smart Growth.

A project of the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy, the purpose of this guide is to harness the citizens’ ability to prevent pollution. Citizens can prevent pollution through individual actions, consumer behaviour, and by applying pressure on industrial and commercial operations, and institutions (e.g., our governments) to practice the principles of pollution prevention. (PDF – 48 pages, 2005)