Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA)

The Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) was one of the oldest pieces of legislation in Canada. It ensured that, before anyone built something on, in, through, or around the water, they must first have considered the impacts on the environment and navigation, consulted with the people who would be affected, and obtained a permit under the Act from the Minister of Transportation.

The Act has now changed...

07-May-2009:
Paddle Canada presents to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

After being rescheduled, on Thursday, May 7, 2009, Paddle President Richard Alexander finally appeared before the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources to address our members' concerns regarding the changes to the NWPA as passed in the Budget Implementation Act.

Speaking on behalf of all members of Paddle Canada - individual, instructor and regional members - Mr. Alexander acknowledged that its members and paddlers do recognize the need for legislative change as required to help facilitate economic growth. As directed by our members, Paddle Canada continued our focus on the lack of transparency during the consultation process as well as the lack of clear, concise and definable definitions and standards that will impact the rights of paddlers in this country. As stated by Mr. Alexander, "...how consultation is carried out can either alleviate or generate fears. From my constituency I think it is safe to say that it generated a lot of fear."

To further qualify, Mr Alexander noted the most specific concern address by our members. "...our membership has concern with the following: The amendments place broad authority in the minister or cabinet to exclude certain classes of works and certain classes of navigable waterways from the approval process without subjecting such exclusion decisions to any objective criteria or public notification and consultation. It is the lack of any criteria on this exemption power that has our members most concerned. We submit that, at a minimum, criteria should exist for classes of navigable waterways."

Mr Alexander further reiterated Paddle Canada's position by advising the Senate Committee that in an "open, transparent discussion about such definition, I have complete faith that we would be able to come to some common ground on the definition with my organization." For our efforts, Paddle Canada was invited to keep in touch with the Standing Senate Committee as they continue their hearings and review of the evidence in this matter.

Related Articles and Timelines
04-Nov-2009
Navigable Waters Protection Act Regulatory Development PDF (to solicit comments from stakeholders and interested parties)
09-May-2009
Minor Works and Waters (Navigable Waters Protection Act) Order (PDF)
07-May-2009
Paddle Canada presents to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources
30-Apr-2009
Appointment with Senate Committee rescheduled to 07-May-2009
28-April-2009
Paddle Canada to address Senate Committee on 05-May-2009
17-March-2009
Paddle Canada invited to present to Canadian Senators
14-March-2009
The Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-10) is passed.
14-August-2008
Informed Position Notice to our Members regarding the NWPA Changes
09-Jun-2008
Paddle Canada's response to the Standing Committee on Transport, Insfrastructure and Communities
03-Jun-2008
Senate Hearings held
29-May-2008
Senate Hearings held
27-May-2008
Paddle Canada invited to present on proposed changes to the NWPA