RCABC environment

Navigable waters legislation

listed chronologically (recent first)

"Canadian Rivers" Protests Potential NWPA Changes

Canadian Rivers is a group that has formed to protest the changes proposed for the Navigable Waters Protection Act. Check out their website to see which actions they have taken.

http://www.canadianrivers.net/

Guidelines for Input to a Parliamentary Committee

If you or your organization would like to provide input to proposed ammendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, use the guide linked below.

http://www.parl.gc.ca:80/information/about/process/house/WitnessesGuides/guide-brief-e.htm

NWPA - Proposed Ammendments

This is an official document from the federal government that outlines the proposed changes to the act, and explains why the changes are being considered.

http://www.bccanoe.com/enviroflash/NWPA - Official proposed ammendments.pdf

Link to the Navigable Waters Protection Act

The link below is to an official "interpretation" of the act, which is probably more useful than looking at the act itself. You'll also find links to Navigable Waters Bridges and Works regulations, which are quite brief.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/GENERAL/N/nwpa/menu.htm

What is the Navigable Waters Protection Act?

The text below is taken directly from the Transport Canada Website and applies to any waterway that canoeists use. What is the purpose of the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA)? A public right of navigation exists in Canada. This right is not written anywhere; it is a Common Law right. If the waters are navigable, then the public has the right to navigate. This right can only be restricted by an act of Parliament. The NWPA is one of these acts. It ensures a balance between the public right of navigation and the need to build works, such as bridges, dams or docks for example, in navigable waters. The Act provides for the prohibition to build works in navigable waters, unless the work, its site and plans have been approved by the Minister of Transport on such terms and conditions as he deems fit. In addition, the Act provides for measures regarding removal of wreck or other obstacles to navigation and for the prohibition to throw or deposit any material in navigable waters. What are "Navigable Waters"? Defined as including any body of water capable of being navigated by any type of floating vessel for the purpose of transportation, recreation or commerce. Follow the link below to get more information.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/Ships-and-operations-standards/nwp/faqs.htm#purpose

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