Lawmakers and Environmental Protection: A Canadian Regime of Permission

Governments are increasingly criticized for their inability to respond to growing environmental concerns. However, there seems to be no shortage of environmental or environment-themed laws being discussed and passed in most countries of the global north. This article addresses this apparent paradox by reviewing the legislative process regarding environmental protection in Canada, using Raymond J. Michalowski and Ronald C. Kramer’s state–corporate crime theory as a framework. More specifically, it analyzes parliamentary discussions on environmental laws and regulations using content analysis to identify recurring themes and arguments. We put the debate surrounding four environmental bills under the microscope to show how members of all political parties frame their concerns and express their views on environmental harm, the importance of industrial growth, and other key themes. This analysis highlights the recurring focus on protecting industrial and economic interests, resulting in a regime of permission – a stance facilitating governmental authority and nearly unfettered industrial activity. What results is an industrial environmentalism, reinforcing state power while prioritizing economic growth over environmental concerns.