Compliance and Enforcement Policy for the
Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
(CEPA, 1999) - March 2001

Introduction

Canadians expect their government to provide laws and regulations, in order to protect them and their society. However, it is not enough to adopt laws; legislation must be effectively enforced.

In the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999), Parliament has made it matter of law that enforcement of the Act must be fair, predictable and consistent.

In keeping with the duty to enforce imposed in the Act, this Compliance and Enforcement Policy establishes the principles for enforcement of CEPA, 1999 and tells everyone who shares a responsibility for protection of the environment - governments, industry, organized labour and individuals - what is expected of them. It also lets everyone know what to expect from Environment Canada and the officers who enforce the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and its regulations. The policy has been developed in co-operation with the Department of Justice.

This document is intended to provide guidance only. It is not a substitute for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. In the event of an inconsistency between this document and the Act, the statute prevails.