SPECIAL REPORT by Cher Brethour, Peter MacGowan, Al Mussell and Holly Mayer

This special report identifies the key components of agricultural operations environmental legislation in Ontario and Alberta, and compares and contrasts the legislative and regulatory approaches and the driving forces behind the introduction of the legislation in these two jurisdictions.  While the report focuses on the legislative initiatives underway in Ontario and Alberta, it should be kept in mind that similar initiatives have also been undertaken in Quebec.  Competitive pressures and a public demand for consistent agricultural operations environmental standards across Canada mean that the precedents established in any particular province or provinces are likely to be followed to a significant degree across Canada.