Updating the Navigable Waters Protection Act

Friday, 08 May 2009 09:38

Transport Minister, JohnBaird, released a Ministerial Order outlining criteria for determining classes of minor works and minor waterways under the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA).

Defining classes of minor works and waters that have no significant impact to navigation, such as irrigation and drainage ditches, will enable the government to streamline the approval process for infrastructure and natural resource projects.

Recent changes to the NWPA were made to ensure that the Act is applied only to infrastructure development projects and activities that actually pose a risk to navigation safety.

The amended Act includes provisions for enforcement, the creation of a continuing offence provision and the addition of inspection powers. It also provides the authority to establish fines from $5,000 to $50,000.

The order was published in the Canada Gazette, PartI on May9,2009.  Backgrounder about the Navigable Waters Protection Act.