New amendments may be made to legislation to ensure high-risk industrial projects are held accountable.
Proposed legislation would make companies responsible for the full cost of environmental clean up if their projects are abandoned, follwoing the polluter pays principle.
Companies would also be obligated to plan for decommissioning and closure of their operations and may be required to provide financial security for the clean up in advance.
If the legislation passes, existing and future high risk industries under the Environmental Management Act would be considered and the highest risk industries would be prioritized.
According to the province, the amendments were made with consultation from Indigenous people, industry, local governments and non-profit organizations.
Pending the passing of the legislation, more engagement and assessment will follow to establish further regulations.
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