Environment commissioner to table last report

Scott Vaughan is set to deliver his last semi-annual report as Canada's environment commissioner today before moving to the International Institute for Sustainable Development as president and CEO.

The report will focus on four subject areas; financial assurances for environmental risks, marine protected areas, federal support to the fossil fuel sector and Atlantic offshore oil and gas activities.

The CBC reported last week that the government is already in the process of consulting with industry and other groups about a new law that would force resource companies to pay more for offshore drilling spills. This process will likely lead to "significant" changes to liability for polluters, according to Environment Minister Peter Kent.

"I can't break confidence but I can assure you we are well aware, not only as it pertains for diversifying markets and increased pipeline traffic, but in terms of liability for offshore drilling," said Kent.

Some environmental groups speculated the timing of the law had to do with the environment commissioner's report.

This would allow the government to say it was "working on it," said Will Amos, an environmental lawyer with Ecojustice.

As for marine protected areas, the government has already been the target of criticism from the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). In a report released two weeks ago, CPAWS said Ottawa is moving too slowly on when it comes to setting up marine areas for protection.

The view from Ruckle Park on Saltspring Island, B.C., shows some of the proposed marine conservation area of Southern Georgia Strait. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society says Ottawa has made significant progress towards protecting the area. (Government of British Columbia/Canadian Press)

The federal government wants to protect 10 per cent of Canadian waters by 2020. The group identified 12 sites that the government needed to focus on. So far, none are officially protected but four are very close while another eight are not.

Vaughan's last day in the environment commissioner's chair is March 31.

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