Course Overview
This course provides an overview of the Canadian legal system and sources of environmental law. It addresses federal, provincial, and local government powers to regulate the environment, as well as British Columbia and federal environmental laws governing water, air, transportation of dangerous goods, contaminated land, and waste and hazardous substance management. Sources of liability for individuals, directors and officers, companies and environmental professionals and the basic elements of due diligence are also covered. Lastly, the course touches on laws regulating environmental impact assessment and environmental aspects of municipal and regional land use planning processes and the role of aboriginal rights in environmental management.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
1.5
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply the constitution and case law to determine jurisdiction, degree of conflict or harmonization with respect to environmental protection issues.
- Outline the requirements imposed by statutes enacted by the federal and provincial governments to lay charges, determine liability and impose penalties.
- Differentiate between cases of civil and regulatory law.
- Discuss the enabling provisions of the Local Government Act to protect the environment.
- Outline the fundamental environmental assessment processes applicable to new projects in accordance to environmental assessment legislation and the impact they can have on the environment or the economy.
- Interpret the interplay between aboriginal rights and environmental law.
- Advocate avenues available for public involvement in environmental protection.
Effective as of Fall 2012
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.