Of serious and persistent concern to most Canadians, environmental protection is governed by a complex and controversial legal regime that is affected by constitutional division of jurisdiction, corporate and taxation laws, international trade law, and traditional private law doctrines such as torts and contract law. Statutes and regulations that are specifically designed to protect the environment, and the institutional frameworks within which they operate, are often the subject of competing political agendas.

This authoritative book has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of major changes in the field since publication of the second edition in early 2002 and includes a new chapter on the legal and policy responses to climate change. The text describes the evolution and current practice of environmental law and policy in Canada. It will be of interest to concerned individuals, environmental groups, corporate officials, technical and scientific experts, public servants, and legal professionals whose practice is increasingly affected by environmental considerations.

Summary Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction
CHAPTER 1: Basic Concepts in Environmental Law
CHAPTER 2: The Constitutional Allocation of Environmental Responsibilities and Interjurisdictional Coordination
CHAPTER 3: Environmental Rights
CHAPTER 4: The International Context of Canadian Environmental Law
CHAPTER 5: Civil Liability for Environmental Harm
CHAPTER 6: Environmental Regulations and Approvals
CHAPTER 7: Administrative Compliance Mechanisms
CHAPTER 8: Offences, Prosecution, and Penalties
CHAPTER 9: Corporate Environmental Obligations and Directors' and Officer' Liability
CHAPTER 10: Environmental Valuation and Compensation
CHAPTER 11: Remediation and Restoration of Contaminated Lands
CHAPTER 12: Environmental Assessment
CHAPTER 13: Toxic Substances
CHAPTER 14: Endangered Spaces and Species
CHAPTER 15: Environmental Law and the Citizen
CHAPTER 16: Consultation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Voluntary Measures
CHAPTER 17: Economic Instruments
CHAPTER 18: Environmental Reporting and Information Sources
CHAPTER 19: Climate Change: Canadian Legal and Policy Responses
Conclusion