UNIT 4: CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW VISUAL TIMELINE

By leniblu
  • Fisheries Act

    Fisheries Act

    Canada passed the Fisheries Act to regulate fishing practices and protect fish habitats in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. It is one of Canada’s oldest environmental laws and established the federal government’s authority to protect aquatic ecosystems.
  • Banff National Park Establishment

    Banff National Park Establishment

    Banff National Park became Canada’s first national park, created to protect natural hot springs and surrounding wilderness. It marked the beginning of Canada’s national park system and the idea of conserving land for public benefit.
  • Algonquin Provincial Park Established

    Algonquin Provincial Park Established

    Ontario created Algonquin Provincial Park to protect forests and wildlife while allowing limited logging and recreation. It became a model for balancing conservation with resource use at the provincial level.
  • Boundary Waters Treaty Signed

    Boundary Waters Treaty Signed

    Canada and the United States signed an agreement to manage and protect shared waterways along the border. It helped prevent water pollution conflicts and established the International Joint Commission (IJC).
  • National Parks Service Created

    National Parks Service Created

    Canada established the world’s first national parks service to manage federal parks. It professionalized park management and strengthened long-term conservation efforts.
  • Migratory Bird Convention Signed

    Migratory Bird Convention Signed

    Canada and the United States signed an agreement to protect migratory birds and regulate hunting seasons. It recognized that wildlife protection requires international cooperation.
  • Canada National Parks Act

    Canada National Parks Act

    This act formally protected national parks from industrial development and exploitation. t prioritized conservation over resource extraction within national parks.
  • Canadian Wildlife Federation Founded

    Canadian Wildlife Federation Founded

    The Canadian Wildlife Federation was created as a non-profit organization to promote wildlife conservation. It increased public involvement and advocacy in environmental protection.
  • Greenpeace Founded

    Greenpeace Founded

    Greenpeace began in Vancouver as an environmental activist organization focused on protests and direct action. It brought global attention to environmental issues and influenced public opinion and policy.
  • Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act

    Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act

    Canada passed this act to prevent pollution in Arctic waters, especially from shipping. It strengthened Canada’s sovereignty and environmental protection in the Arctic.
  • Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement

    Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement

    This agreement aimed to reduce air pollution causing acid rain in both countries. It showed successful cross-border cooperation to address environmental problems.
  • Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights

    Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights

    Ontario passed legislation giving citizens the right to access environmental information and sue polluters. It increased government accountability and public participation in environmental protection.
  • Clayoquot Sound Blockade

    Clayoquot Sound Blockade

    Thousands protested logging in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to protect old-growth forests. It led to changes in forestry practices and greater Indigenous involvement in land-use decisions.
  • Kyoto Protocol Signed

    Kyoto Protocol Signed

    Canada signed an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It marked Canada’s commitment to addressing climate change, though implementation was controversial.
  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)

    Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)

    CEPA became Canada’s main law regulating toxic substances and pollution. It strengthened federal authority to protect human health and the environment.
  • Species at Risk Act

    Species at Risk Act

    This act aimed to protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats. It created legal responsibilities for species recovery across Canada.
  • Ontario Clean Water Act

    Ontario Clean Water Act

    Passed after the Walkerton water crisis, this act protects sources of drinking water. It emphasized prevention and public health in environmental policy.
  • Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

    Canadian Environmental Assessment Act

    The federal government revised environmental assessment rules for major projects. The changes sped up approvals but reduced environmental oversight, sparking controversy.
  • Paris Climate Change Agreement

    Paris Climate Change Agreement

    Canada signed a global agreement to limit global temperature rise and reduce emissions. It reinforced international cooperation and long-term climate goals.
  • Great Bear Rainforest Agreement

    Great Bear Rainforest Agreement

    An agreement between governments, Indigenous groups, and industry protected much of British Columbia’s coastal rainforest. It is a landmark example of conservation combined with Indigenous leadership and sustainable development.