2009:01EI - THE NEED TO PROTECT CANADA’S NAVIGABLE WATERS
Whereas 1: Parliament and the Senate have recently rushed their approval of the Budget Implementation Act, Bill C-10, which included a very much weakened Navigable Waters Protection Act (NCWP); and
Whereas 2: The new NCWP eliminates environmental assessments (EAs) for development projects on Canadian waterways with few exceptions; and
Whereas 3: The new NCWP divides Canada’s rivers into those worth protecting and those not worth protecting, and allows “class” lists to be drafted by Cabinet in secrecy, with no public consultation, scientific basis, or opportunity to appeal; and
Whereas 4: Navigation is a public right, stemming from both Aboriginal Treaty rights and European Common Law; therefore, be it
Resolved 1: That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy, that there be strong legislation to ensure environmental protection for all Canadian navigable waters, and to protect the historic rights of Canadians to navigate these waters; and be it further
Resolved 2: That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to strengthen legislation to protect our navigable waters through:
a. The requirement that all projects e.g., bridge, boom, dam, causeway, or dredging on all Canadian waterways be subject to environmental assessment;
b. Government review of recommendations from a Senate Committee, set up specifically for the purpose of gaining broad public input and scientific analysis and recommendations;
c. Maintenance of the existing common law and traditional use of navigable waters.