Officially, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) has abolished most federal environmental assessment screenings, but the practical effect is less than it appears. The new process looks a lot like the old screening EA, but with less clear rules about procedure, content, timing, public consultation and opportunities for appeal.

In the recent announcement about changes to the environmental assessment process, the Conservatives have dropped any pretense they care about Canada's natural environment, and have reduced the federal government's oversight role to miniscule proportions.

This week the House Committee for the Environment issued a pre-ordained set of recommendations to further destroy environmental review. After 35 years of working on environmental assessment, I am watching the current government weaken the process to less than we had in 1977.