Environmental bill of rights one step closer to being law: NDP

OTTAWA - New Democrat Environment Critic Linda Duncan (Edmonton-Strathcona) was pleased to see her ground-breaking Environmental Rights Bill clear another hurdle today, as it was reported back to the House of Commons following study and amendment by the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.

Duncan’s private members’ bill, C-469, An Act to establish a Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights, will enshrine environmental rights in Canadian law.

“I am delighted the bill has survived Committee and is now headed for 3rd reading and a final vote in the House,” said Duncan. “This marks an important step forward towards extending to Canadians the environmental rights enacted by over 140 countries. It is high time Canadians had the same rights and opportunities.”

The bill gives Canadians the right and opportunities to hold the federal government accountable to enact and enforce measures to a clean, healthy environment. The bill would also protect whistle-blowers.