Regulatory Frameworks in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region

A regulatory framework is a structure of regulations, authorizations, permits and approvals that govern a given development project or activity. Regulatory frameworks aim to manage the potential effects of development, to minimize undesirable outcomes, maximize positive benefits and to provide accountability to the public.

Development in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region is governed by environmental protection provisions of international treaties, federal legislation, and provincial legislation. This chapter focuses on treaties and laws that relate to the aquatic environment covered by RAMP. Canadian regulations include both legislative acts, and rules created by provincial and federal administrative agencies.