ELR451 - Environmental Law and Regulations

Subject Title
Environmental Law and Regulations

Subject Description
This is an introductory course on the laws and regulations of Canada aimed at the protection of the natural environment. It begins with the Canadian constitution and the sharing of jurisdiction between the federal and provincial governments. The roles of the three branches of government are examined; as are general legal principles, concepts and terms used in environmental laws and regulations. The course also examines environmental protection through impact assessment and stakeholder participation in the legal processes. Specific environmental statutes and regulations that are significant in Canadian practice today are highlighted.

Credit Status
One subject credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Differentiate between the federal parliament and the provincial legislatures in terms of legal authority, division of powers between the governments, and the private and public legal systems.
2. Identify the role of each branch of government for making and enforcing laws dealing with the natural environment.
3. Illustrate how environmental laws and regulations designed to protect and regulate the environment are created.
4. Describe the role stakeholders play in legal processes related to environmental issues and their relationship to each other.
5. Describe environmental assessment processes and follow the current changes occurring in the environmental assessment regimes applicable to natural resources and other undertakings at both the federal and provincial levels.
6. Discuss the provisions of environmental statutes in effect in Ontario, such as the Canadian/Ontario Environmental Assessment Acts, Fisheries Act, Environmental Protection Act  (Ontario), Ontario Water Resources Act, Endangered Species Act, Conservation Authorities Act and Planning Act.
7. Identify the regulatory boards, agencies and tribunals at the federal, provincial and municipal levels that are responsible for appeals and other forms of dispute resolution, and explaining their operation and procedures.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.