by Peter K. Krahn

About the author: Peter K. Krahn is the acting head of the inspections division of Environment Canada for the Pacific and Yukon region. Environment Canada is the government agency responsible for enforcing Canada’s environmental laws.

Governments around the world are considering substitutes for monitoring and enforcing environmental law within industries. Many believe the industries that harm the environment should be allowed to monitor themselves and that they will voluntarily comply with the law. Parts of the private sector favour this approach, while many citizens, members of the scientific community and environmental organizations doubt the effectiveness of voluntary compliance, seeing it as no more than wishful thinking on the part of governments. This study provides a factual basis for policymakers when determining the best course of action. Other jurisdictions may find the results of this...