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. In addition, this course addresses environmental regulation of various natural resource sectors in BC, including forestry, mining, energy, and fishing. The course covers laws regulating environmental impact assessment and environmental aspects of municipal and regional land use planning processes and the role of aboriginal rights in environmental and natural resource management. The course also identifies and applies the various sources of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) legislation and regulation, explaining policy considerations and developing understanding of the legal issues concerning CSR protection of selected stakeholders, including employees, creditors, tort victims, consumers and the environment.
Prerequisite(s)
- Successful completion of Term 1 courses.
Credits
3.0
- 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
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and apply the various sources of CSR legislation and regulation.
- Explain the policy considerations behind CSR.
- Identify and understand the legal issues concerning CSR protection of selected cohorts of stakeholders, including employees, creditors, tort victims, consumers and the environment.
- Identify and analyse the legislative and practical constraints in enforcing CSR protection for corporate stakeholders.
- Apply the constitution and case law to determine jurisdiction, degree of conflict or harmonization with respect to environmental protection issues.
- Differentiate between the levels of appeal upon which legal action may take place to resolve cases of environmental law.
- 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 jurisdiction of the federal and provincial governments regarding environmental protection and liability issues.
- Assess the direction governments and industry are taking in regard to environmental regulations and issues.
- Interpret the basic laws and regulations applicable to natural resource use in British Columbia.
- Discuss the enabling provisions of the local Government Act to protect the environment.
- Outline the 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.