Ottawa, 5 February 2013—The gaps found in audits indicate that environmental protection may not be keeping pace with resource development, says Scott Vaughan, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, in his report tabled today in Parliament.
The report notes that the expected boom in natural resources development will bring environmental challenges as well as economic opportunities. A key challenge will be in meeting environmental standards and consumer expectations in foreign markets.
“Given the central role of natural resources in the Canadian economy, it is critical that environmental protection keeps pace with economic development,” said Mr. Vaughan. “I am concerned by the gaps we found in the way federal programs related to natural resources are managed.”
The Commissioner cites a number of concerns about the government’s practices, including low inspection levels for major resource projects in the North relative to the level of activity. In addition, offshore resource development continues to expand even as the government makes slow progress establishing marine protected areas.
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The chapter “The Commissioner’s Perspective” is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
