Ottawa, 5 February 2013—In 2011–2012, petitioners raised concerns about the consideration given by the government to potential environmental impacts of proposed activities, consultation with the public, the openness of decision making, and public access to information, says the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Scott Vaughan, in his Report tabled today in Parliament. Part I of the Commissioner’s annual report on environmental petitions, provides an overview of petitions submitted between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2012, as well as responses by federal departments. Part II of the report provides an update on the federal government’s actions in response to petitions on hydraulic fracturing for shale gas.
All responses from departments were on time and were found to be complete and relevant to the petition questions. In addition, petitioner feedback showed that while petitioners are very satisfied with the petitions process, they remain dissatisfied with departmental responses.
“Petitioners have repeatedly raised concerns about the toxicity of substances used for hydraulic fracturing of shale gas and the lack of public disclosure of those substances,” said Mr. Vaughan. “Environment Canada and Health Canada have a clear responsibility for assessing and protecting Canadians from exposure to toxic substances.”
Environment Canada and Health Canada are gathering information to determine if changes to their reporting requirements for the oil and gas sector or risk management measures related to the substances used for hydraulic fracturing are warranted. Currently, oil and gas exploration and drilling activities are exempt from reporting pollutant releases to Environment Canada. The departments are working to gain a better understanding of potentially toxic substances, including those used for hydraulic fracturing for shale gas.
“There are 200,000 hydraulic fracturing wells in Canada, and that number is expected to double over the next 20 years,” said Mr. Vaughan. “With the oil and gas sector exempted from reporting pollutant releases, the government cannot know if Canadians are adequately protected.”
The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development administers the petitions process on behalf of the Auditor General of Canada. Petitions and responses, along with details about how to submit a petition, are posted on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
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The chapter “Environmental Petitions” is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
