Big greenhouse-gas emitters will be able to take advantage of new federal tax incentives Finance Minister Bill Morneau promised on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, even if that means more emissions, the government says.
"Off the chart" toxic releases in Saskatchewan have been going unpunished for years. Provincial air quality standards have been breached hundreds of times since 2014, but those living nearby were not warned and oil companies responsible for some of the emissions have faced no charges or fines.
A prominent government scientist says he felt compelled to "back down a bit" from advice about improving pollution monitoring by Environment and Climate Change Canada after getting some pushback over his proposal's modest $60,000 price tag.
Any changes to Canada's laws on pollution and toxic chemicals will likely not be made until after the next federal election, said Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna in a new letter.
The average Canadian refinery produced less oil while emitting substantially higher rates of sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides compared with the U.S. average in 2014, the data shows from a joint investigation by National Observer, Global News and The Toronto Star.
Imperial Oil Ltd. shareholders are seeking to force the company to be more transparent about its water-related risks from pollution and climate change, as well as its lobbying activities and expenditures.