What is the role of the Environmental Commissioner?

The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly and is appointed for a five-year term. The Commissioner reports annually to the Legislative Assembly — not to a political party or to a ministry.

In the ECO annual report to the Legislature, the Environmental Commissioner reviews and reports on the government's compliance with the EBR. The ECO carefully reviews how ministers exercised discretion and carried out their responsibilities in relation to the EBR. How did the minister respond to applications from the public requesting ministry action on environmental matters? Did ministry staff comply with the procedural and technical requirements of the law? And were the actions and decisions of the minister consistent with the ministry Statement of Environmental Values and with the purposes of the EBR?

To make sure the EBR is upheld, the Environmental Commissioner and ECO staff review how ministries use public input to draft environmental Acts, regulations and policies, and how ministries investigate reported violations of Ontario’s environmental laws. Let the ECO know if your comments weren’t considered. Each year the ECO also reviews the use of the Environmental Registry, monitors appeals and court actions under the EBR, and reviews the use of EBR procedures to protect employees who experience reprisals for "whistle-blowing."

Clearinghouse

The office of the ECO serves as a clearinghouse for Applications for Review and Investigation. For example, if you want a ministry to review an existing environmental Act, regulation or policy, you may obtain an Application for Review from the ECO. Staff will assist you with any questions you may have in filling out your application. Send your completed Application for Review to the ECO, and it will then be forwarded to the appropriate ministry.

ECO Web Site

Many of the ECO’s educational publications and forms, as well as copies of the annual reports, are available online at the [ECO’s Web site].

Resource Centre

The ECO is home to a Resource Centre Library with a strong and growing collection of environmental resource documents. The Centre is open to the public, who are welcome to use the facility to find out more about the EBR and related issues and legislation. You can also access the Environmental Registry at the Resource Centre. Call us for Resource Centre hours at (416) 325-0363, (416) 325-3377 or 1-800- 701-6454.