Environmental law

• Carbon credit market
• Government controls
• Appeal of government décisions
• Public hearings and BAPE hearings
• The environment in James Bay and northern Quebec
• Penal offences pertaining to environmental law

Cain Lamarre has a number of professionals who dedicate their practice to environmental law. In Québec, the main legal basis in this field is the Environment Quality Act, which establishes the right to environmental quality and thereby prohibits pollution.

The legislation stipulates that certain activities are subject to prior authorization and subsequent monitoring. It governs soil, water, and air quality, residual and hazardous materials management, hygiene of buildings and public places, and rays and other energy vectors. A number of regulations stemming from this act also establish certain standards in various sectors of activity.

Our professionals get involved, for example, during the certificate of authorization or license application process or assist companies at hearings before Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE). This involvement extends to defending companies or individuals who are accused of committing an offence under the Act or an environmental regulation and are being investigated by government authorities.