Review: The Environmental Management and Protection Act

The Ministry of Environment has initiated a review of The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010 (the Act). The Act is the overarching legislation that protects the province's air, land and water resources by regulating and controlling potentially harmful activities and substances. The Act enables the Government of Saskatchewan’s use of results-based regulation by adopting the Saskatchewan Environmental Code.

The ministry is seeking input and suggestions on improving the Act and intends to identify and address critical gaps within the legislation and provide recommendations on proposed changes to the Act. The ministry is seeking to achieve an Act:

1. with enhanced enforceability by supporting effective compliance and enforcement activities within an effective legislative framework;
2. that is consistent with existing provincial legislation;
3. that is harmonized, where appropriate, with other provinces’ and federal legislation;
4. that continues to support the management and protection of Saskatchewan's air, land and water and balances growth with sustainable development; and
5. that continues to reflect contemporary values and facilitates the results-based regulatory approach.

The review will take place over two years and includes stakeholder and Indigenous engagement, committee hearings and legislative assembly debate. We are currently in phase one of engagement.

An Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010 discussion paper was developed to provide background information on the Act and described some key areas under consideration.

The comment period for the discussion paper has now closed. A summary report will be available fall 2023.

The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010

Read the Legislative Review Discussion Paper