Self regulation does not…

Self regulation does not work. Case in point the BP oil spill in 2010 was a direct result of blind faith that the industry could self regulate itself resulted in one of the biggest environmental catastrophes in a generation.

Mines pose one of, if not, the greatest threat to damaging the environment.For example in 2014 Mount Polly tailing dam failure resulted in tailing elevated in Selenium and arsenic entering Polley Lake.

In 1990 in Ontario, Matachewans consolidated mine tailings dam failed releasing 150,000 to Montreal River raising levels of lead to unsafe levels. This occurred before the government had closure plans.

In Brazil in 2019, the Brunmadino tailing dam disaster happened when the dam failed and 270 people died.

In this proposal the government will remove technical specialist review. What will the government do to ensure that self certified experts are not providing false or inaccurate certifications? Will technical specialist do spot audits/reviews? How will the Ministry know if what is being certified is actually what is going on at the mine? How will the Ministry ensure that a Mount Polley, Matachewan or Brunmadino incident not happen.