An Opposition MLA says he isn’t impressed with some new regulations released by the provincial government.
Buckley Belanger feels the province’s new draft Environmental Code is inadequate when it comes to protecting the wilderness and safe-guarding northern interests.
Belanger says the new rules seem to hand certain responsibilities over to the companies themselves like permitting.
He believes the government is shying away from its traditional responsibilities and putting the onus on industry:
“They’re trying to use industry as a scapegoat if something does happen. Under this new code, the onus is on industry itself.”
Belanger adds he’s also not sure how the province’s duty to consult First Nations over development in their traditional lands will be affected by the new code.
Meantime, the government says a public review of the code will take place in a few weeks’ time.
According to minister responsible Dustin Duncan, “The code is a critical element of the results based approach, which includes increased transparency and stronger accountability tools, more attention on high-risk areas, improved client service and ultimately, enhanced environmental management.”
Stakeholder and Aboriginal meetings are being held January 30 in Regina; February 2 in Prince Albert; and February 3 in Saskatoon.
The intent is to have the first edition of the code approved and the legislation proclaimed in 2012.