1A – Environmental Regulation & Compliance 2026
April 28 – Taking place in-person
Course Description
Stay current on environmental regulatory requirements and enforcement trends with CANECT’s most popular environmental compliance course.
For more than 25 years, this course has delivered Canada’s leading overview of environmental regulation and compliance, trusted by environmental professionals and practitioners across the country. Newly updated for 2026, the program provides a practical, case study-driven examination of current and emerging issues in environmental regulation, compliance, and enforcement in Ontario and Canada.
The interactive course format encourages questions and discussion throughout the day, giving attendees direct access to expert insight and practical guidance they can apply to their own organizations.
Course Chair
Guest speakers
- Jeff Baker, Manager, Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS), City of Markham
- Jennifer Danahy, Partner, Certified Specialist (Environmental Law), Gowling WLG
- Michael Finley, Partner, Gowling WLG
- Jennifer King, Partner, National Co-Lead – Administrative Law Practice Group (Canada), Gowling WLG
- Stacy Porter, Associate, Gowling WLG
- Graham Reeder, Associate, Gowling WLG
- Gordon Reusing, M.Sc., P.E., P.Eng., Principal, GHD
- Alex Sadvari, Partner, National Co-Lead – BioEnergy Group (Canada), Gowling WLG
April 28 – Course begins 9 AM
Course Agenda
Introduction
- Overview of environmental law and municipal, provincial and federal authorities
- Sources of environmental law and key resources
- Introduction to due diligence
Environmental Assessments, Approvals and Permits
- Federal, provincial and municipal requirements for projects and facilities
- Federal and provincial environmental assessment and planning processes
- Special project approvals under federal and provincial reforms
Regulation of Air, Odour, Noise and GHG Emissions
- Approvals – ECAs/EASRs (Environmental Compliance Approval) / (Environmental Activity and Sector Registry)
- Air Regulation 419/05
- Noise and vibration
- Greenhouse gas developments in Ontario
Spills, Discharges and Environmental Incidents
- Key terms and concepts
- Federal, provincial and municipal requirements
- Prevention, reporting and mitigation obligations
Waste and Extended Producer Responsibility
- Classifying and managing waste
- Extended producer responsibility obligations
- Enforcement and reporting
Regulation of Chemicals and Plastics
- Information gathering and risk management under CEPA
- Emerging issues relating to PFAS
- Federal Plastics Registry update
Enforcement of Environmental Laws
- Recent enforcement trends and compliance strategies
- Director and officer personal liability developments
- Managing enforcement actions, including inspections, investigations, orders and charges
Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs)
- Overview of AMPs and administrative penalties
- Strategies for responding, including appeals and reviews
- Case study: City of Markham
Managing Environmental Liabilities
- Due diligence
- Beyond the regulatory – managing civil liabilities, ESG, stakeholders and the public
- Best practices for training, policies and procedures
Networking Reception
Course ends 4:30 PM
EVENT SCHEDULE
8 AM: Registration opens
9 AM: Courses begin
12 PM: Lunch
4:30 PM: Courses finish