Xu, Xiao. “Groups urge probe into water pollution.” Globe & Mail [Toronto, Canada], 22 July 2021, p. A6. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A669266669/OVIC?u=usfca_gleeson&sid=bookmark-OVIC&xid=9496faa6. Accessed 20 Jan. 2022.
In Ottawa, Canada, Teck Resources, a mining company was fined $60M after investigations showed the company’s reckless disregard of the rules and regulations protecting the ocean from water pollution. Environmentalist groups highlighted that the company released selenium and calcite pollution into the North American waters. Both US and the International Joint Commission released a letter holding Canada responsible for not reprimanding Teck for the violations. The Canadian government responded that there will be new regulations finalized by 2023 to limit the levels of pollutants.
This article highlights the need for government oversight “watchdogs.” This article questions Canada’s reputation for being eco-friendly. It seems that this huge oversight, failing to monitor mining companies and their practices, will be detrimental not only to the Canadian environment but also to the world. A $60M fine to the largest coal mining company, Teck Resources, who pleaded guilty over the misdeed, seems criminal. Although the article stated that revised and stricter regulations will be made final in 2023, I am curious to see how Canada will clean up the mess at hand.
I thought this article was interesting because of the Us and the Internation Join Commission’s involvement in this environmental issue. But since this event happened in 2021 and Canada is releasing new regulations in 2023, why do you think they are taking so long to implement new rules? What do you think those laws will be?
This is an interesting article. It definitely makes you wonder if the same thing is happening in The US. I think the “watchdog” idea could really help, but we would need to make sure that these officials don’t become corrupt. Large companies could easily bribe individuals. Do you think there is any other way to enforce environmental legislation, especially with big companies who only have to pay affordable fines relative to their wealth in most cases.