This introduction to environmental law contains three papers, each highlighting a different topic related to environmental law. The first paper provides a general introduction to environmental law issues that may arise in practice. It gives an overview of jurisdictional issues related to environmental law and reviews applicable legislation. It also discusses a few of the key principles in environmental law. The second paper deals with regulatory offences. It reviews the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, including penalties and appeal mechanisms. Finally, the third paper highlights federal legislation that may be encountered in environmental law matters, such as the Fisheries Act, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Environmental Law: Key Strategies for Everyday Practice program in Edmonton on October 17, 2018 and in Calgary on October 24, 2018.