The Canadian Navigable Waters Act
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![The Canadian Navigable Waters Act](/content/dam/themes/environment/conservation/environmental-reviews/nav-waters-current-proposed-e.png)
Long description
What will be different?
Navigation Protection Act | Proposed Canadian Navigable Waters Act | |||
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Scheduled waters | Non-scheduled waters | Scheduled water | Non-scheduled water | |
New Works |
* Some project proponents voluntarily sought approvals for greater certainty |
A better process with clear criteria for adding navigable waters to the list of waters needing extra oversight (Scheduled waters) |
Project proponents must notify and consult on proposed works on all navigable waters |
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Minor works |
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Deems minor works, as pre-approved on all navigable waters when built to established criteria |
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Major works |
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* *Some project proponents voluntarily sought approvals for greater certainty |
Requires approval of major works that greatly interfere with navigation on all navigable waters in Canada. |
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Transparency |
Discretionary |
Requires project proponents to notify the public and give people the opportunity to raise navigation concerns before construction begins on any navigable water |
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Navigational obstructions |
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Minister of Transport would have authority to remove obstructions (e.g. a partially sunk vessel) on all navigable waters in Canada |
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Indigenous engagement |
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Legal duty to consult
Introduces a new, more comprehensive definition of a “navigable water” that includes travel on the water to exercise Indigenous rights; and |
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Navigability test |
Common law test |
Contains a new, more comprehensive definition of a “navigable water” |
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Prohibited activity |
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More clearly explains the prohibitions related to dewatering |
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Enforcement |
Delegates powers to enforce the new protections of the public right of navigation |
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