2. Public participation

Public participation in matters related to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) is an integral part of the success of the act. Part 2 outlines participation requirements under the act, such as the establishment of an environmental registry. Related provisions are also covered, such as “whistleblower protection,” allowing an individual who is at least 18 years of age and a resident of Canada to request an investigation of an alleged offence, and reiterating the common law and the Quebec Civil Code right to seek compensation through civil action for loss or damage as a result of an alleged violation of the act or regulations.

In its third year of operation, 2002-03, the Registry’s trend for increased popularity continued, with more site usage than ever before. The CEPA Registry received approximately 100 000 more users and three times the number of hits than in 2000-01, its first year of operation. In comparison to its second year of operation, there was an increase of 20 000 users, with a 30% increase in the number of hits. By the end of fiscal year 2002-03, there were almost 15 000 visitors per month, generating an average of over 25 000 hits per day (over 800 000 hits per month).

Figure 1: Total users per month

Figure 2: Total hits per year

As part of the CEPA Registry’s effort to improve services to Canadians, web access and inquiries about the Registry have been monitored and evaluated. The private sector and general public are the most active users of the site. Significant activity also originates from federal departments, such as:

• Environment Canada;
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada;
• Department of National Defence;
• Health Canada; and
• Public Works and Government Services Canada.