The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) works with the federal government on policy and regulation, as it relates to the waterpower industry.
Fisheries Act
The Fisheries Act contains two key provisions on conservation and protection of fish habitat essential to sustaining freshwater and marine fish species. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans administers section 35, the key habitat protection provision, prohibiting any work or undertaking that would cause the harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction of fish habitat. Environment and Climate Change Canada administers section 36, the key pollution prevention provision, prohibiting the deposit of deleterious substances into waters frequented by fish, unless authorized by regulations under the Fisheries Act or other federal legislation.
Ontario Waterpower Association Standing Guidance Notification Form
Navigation Protection Act
The Navigation Protection Act (formerly the Navigable Waters Protection Act) is one of the oldest regulatory statutes enacted by the Parliament of Canada. It requires approval for any works that may affect navigation on navigable waters in Canada.
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) and its regulations establish the legislative basis for the federal practice of environmental assessment in most regions of Canada.
