ELP400 - Environmental Law and Policy

Subject Title
Environmental Law and Policy

Subject Description
This course will introduce students to the Canadian legal framework and a number of environmental laws and policies currently used for the protection of the natural environment, and safeguarding employee health and safety.  Emphasis will be given to some of the major instruments used in Ontario by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and Conservation Authorities. Case studies will be examined by students to demonstrate how environmental laws and policies are applied in real situations.

Credit Status
One course credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe the Canadian legal framework including the role of the constitution, how laws and policies are made, and the division of power.
2. Illustrate the basic structure of private and public laws designed to protect and regulate the form and function of the natural environment.
3. Describe how courts, boards and tribunals function to protect and resolve disputes over the protection of the natural environment.
4. Identify stakeholders, their access to information and the role they play in environmental management.
5. Describe environmental assessment principles, framework and process at the federal and provincial levels.
6. Discuss the provisions of environmental statutes and policies with emphasis on the province of Ontario.
7.  Express verbally, and in writing, the application of environmental law and policy through investigative research, stakeholder consultation, presentations, and field investigation.
8. Recognize the relationship between environmental science and its application in the development and execution of environmental law and policy.
9. Identify basic occupational health and safety requirements in the workplace.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.