In Ottawa, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and MP Mike Morrice comment on changes to the Impact Assessment Act introduced in the federal budget implementation bill.
In a press conference held in Ottawa today, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and MP Mike Morrice addressed the recent revisions to the Impact Assessment Act, as outlined in the federal budget implementation bill. The proposed changes have stirred considerable concern among environmental advocates, including the Green Party, prompting a fervent response from May and Morrice.
May expressed her dismay over what she described as a hasty and inadequate attempt to amend the legislation. She criticized the amendments presented in the ways and means motion, labeling them as “quick and dirty” repairs that fall short of addressing the deficiencies highlighted by the Supreme Court of Canada reference case. The proposed changes, May argued, constitute a violation of several platform promises made by the Liberals during the 2015 campaign.
“The environmental assessment law brought in by 1993 by Brian Mulroney was great,” May asserted. “If we could go back to what we had before Harper repealed it in 2012, everything would be terrific for full, robust, federal review of projects in federal jurisdiction.”
May’s sentiments were echoed by Morrice, who highlighted a pressing case in Ontario where federal intervention is urgently needed. Referring to the Ontario government’s plans to construct highway 413—a project criticized for its potential environmental impact—Morrice emphasized the need for thorough assessment processes. He expressed disappointment over the proposed amendments, lamenting their failure to ensure comprehensive environmental evaluations.
“As Greens, we had already been calling for this government to get it right, to repair and restore the Impact Assessment Act to ensure thorough environmental assessments of projects like these,” Morrice remarked.
The Green MPs urged the federal government to reconsider the proposed amendments and emphasized the importance of upholding commitments to Indigenous consultation and environmental protection. May underscored the feasibility of implementing recommendations from the expert panel on environmental assessment law, urging the Liberals to fulfill their campaign promises.
In response to questions regarding recent parliamentary conduct and fundraising tactics, May emphasized the need for respect and professionalism in political discourse. She criticized the manipulation of parliamentary proceedings for fundraising purposes, calling for a renewed focus on representing constituents and addressing pressing issues.
Despite the challenges, both May and Morrice expressed confidence in the ability of Speaker Fergus to preside over parliament effectively. They highlighted recent instances of constructive debate as a testament to the potential for bipartisan cooperation and meaningful policy discussions.