Everything is not right not only here but everywhee:Canada slipping on environment: report
Last Updated Tue, 26 Oct 2004 16:47:02 EDT

OTTAWA - Canada's reputation as an environmental leader is slipping because most federal departments aren't paying attention to the impact of their policies, says a report released on Tuesday.

A report released by environment commissioner Johanne Gelinas says that salmon stocks are dwindling, oil is polluting the coasts and air quality is deteriorating – and all the while the government is failing to lead.

"I am concerned at signs that Canada's environmental status and reputation may be slipping," Gelinas said.

Canada's ranking on environmental objectives slipped to 16th place in 2003, from 12th in 2002, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

A cabinet directive issued 14 years ago, requiring all departments to assess the environmental impact of their policies, is not being followed, the report said.

"The overall results of our audit this year suggest that most departments still have not made serious efforts to apply the directive," Gelinas said.

There are no repercussions for senior officials who ignore cabinet directives on the environment, she said.

Gelinas said the tax system could be one of the most effective tools to promote environmentally sound behaviour, but the Finance Department has yet to try to determine how the system impedes or favours sustainable development.

Other problems identified in the report include:
• Three Pacific salmon populations designated as endangered.
• No decline in ground-level ozone, a component of smog known to damage the lungs and heart.
• Incomplete regulations on genetically modified fish.
• Oil pollution from ships in the Atlantic.

On the positive side, the report finds that Canada is meeting its target to reduce ozone-depleting substances.

Written by CBC News Online staff