Bill C-88 amends the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act.
For the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, the bill focuses on strengthening environmental oversight and management in the Mackenzie Valley. It introduces an administrative system with development certificates, allows for financial penalties for breaking rules, and creates ways to recover costs related to project reviews. The bill also lets the Minister create committees to study regional issues. It ensures that boards can continue to function smoothly even when members' terms end, and improves consultations with Indigenous groups.
Regarding the Canada Petroleum Resources Act, the bill allows the Governor in Council to stop certain work on frontier lands if it's seen as being in the national interest. It also cleans up some technical and outdated parts of the law, making sure things are consistent with other changes. Finally, the bill includes coordinating amendments to resolve conflicts with other bills introduced in the 42nd Parliament. These coordinating amendments ensure that if similar sections were introduced in other bills, only one version remains in effect, maintaining clarity and consistency in the law.
Spending
The bill introduces a cost recovery scheme for applications related to licenses. The applicant or licensee will be responsible to pay amounts prescribed by regulations related to the functions of a board or its members, as well as costs incurred by a board for services provided by a third party, and amounts related to the functions of the federal Minister. These costs will be considered a debt to Her Majesty and may be recovered in court.
Environmental Protection
This bill amends the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act to strengthen environmental oversight and management in the Mackenzie Valley. It introduces development certificates that are required to carry out a development, as well as a system of penalties and enforcement for non-compliance. It allows inspectors to enter locations where developments are taking place to check for compliance. The bill also ensures consideration of traditional knowledge and scientific information in environmental studies.
Energy
Part 2 of the bill amends the Canada Petroleum Resources Act to allow the Governor in Council to prohibit certain works or activities on frontier lands if they are deemed not to be in the national interest. This could relate to energy projects, depending on the specific activities and the Governor in Council's assessment.
Crime
The bill introduces new offenses and penalties related to non-compliance with the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act. It prohibits obstructing inspectors or making false statements, and sets fines and imprisonment terms for violations. It also establishes a system of administrative monetary penalties for contraventions of the Act.