Conor MacNeil
Senior Advisor, Policy & Legal Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)·0 communications in the past year
Lobbied by
David Suzuki Foundation
4Comprehensive public policy reform to protect the environment and well-being, now and for the future. Framework for Implementing the Right to a Healthy Environment in the Administration of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Monitoring Canada's participation in international meetings on climate change. Implementation of 2030 Nature Strategy and Global Biodiversity Framework Strengthening aspects of the proposed regulations Amending the Pest Control Products Regulations (Strengthening the Regulation of Pest Control Products in Canada) relating to species at risk, cumulative risks, and transparency. Emissions cap regulation Biodiversity Accountability Act Sustainable Jobs Act implementation Development of Regulations implementing the modernized Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Well-being economies Urging cancellation of Ontario's Highway 413 The role of natural infrastructure and communities in the National Adaptation Strategy Targeted review of the Pest Control Products Act Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations Regulations under the Species At Risk Act advocating the listing of species, identification of critical habitat, policies related to the spirit and intent of the Act. Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (Upstream Oil and Gas Sector) Regulation of pesticides Proposal to establish mandatory zero-emission vehicle sales quotas (ZEV mandate) Proposal to cap emissions from the oil and gas sector Pesticide Regulations and Pest Management Regulatory Agencies Approval Process Nature-based solutions Monitoring the status of the proposed Aquaculture Act Monitoring design and implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations Monitoring Canadian position in negotiations of the Global Agreement on Plastics Maintaining stringency of the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations Legal protection of environmental rights iZEV Program and achievement of ZEV sales targets Introduction and passage of a Nature Accountability Bill Integration of robust biodiversity objectives in design of the 2 Billion Trees program Implementing the Canada Greenhous Gas Pricing Act Implementation of the Species at Risk Act Implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network Implementation of the Emissions Reduction Plan Implementation of Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative High level input on policy and energy issues Funding mechanisms for natural infrastructure Federal funding for public transit Expanding coverage under the Output-Based Pricing System Regulations Establishment of a National Office of Environmental Justice Establishment of an ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target, pursuant to the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act Ending public financing for fossil fuels Development of the proposed Clean Electricity Regulations, including the role of natural gas Control of plastic waste exports under proposed amendments to Cross-Border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations Conservation of Fish Stocks and Management of Pinnipeds Act (Bill C-251) Bill C-234, an Act to Amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (qualifying farm fuel) Bill C-219, Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights Aquaculture regulations under the Fisheries Act An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (final disposal of plastic wastes) (Bill S-234) Adoption of the Green Budget Coalition recommendations in the federal Budget and budget bill
Environmental Defence Canada
3Advising on the climate, environmental, and economic risks of new bitumen pipelines and related fossil fuel industry expansion, and seeking to mitigate harms. Seeking to stop proposal changes to Impact Assessment Act, Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act that the federal government released a spring 2026 discussion paper concerning proposed changes to the IAA, Fisheries Act and SARA that would significantly weaken protection of environment and human health Seeking that the federal government deny changes to the Tripartite Agreement, and therefore not enable a process toward expanding the Toronto Island Airport to accommodate jets. Supporting the federal government's plans and financial support for decarbonizing steel production in Canada. Seeking Cabinet Emergency Order to protect the critical habitat of piping plover at Wasaga Beach Supporting the federal government in its negotiation of a strong international treaty on plastic pollution. Supporting federal action establishing a Federal Plastics Registry requiring producers to report annually on the quantity and types of plastic they place on the Canadian market, how it moves through the economy, and how it is managed at its end-of-life. Advising on the climate impacts of existing or proposed LNG projects, as well as the global business environment for LNG, and seeking to mitigate harms. Advising on the environmental impacts of projects enabled by Bill C-5 and seeking to mitigate harms. Environmental and industrial strategy approaches to reducing waste and material inputs Seeking a strengthening of the Output-based pricing system intended to make polluters pay Supporting the implementation, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, of Clean Electricity Regulations to mitigate climate change and build a low carbon future. Supporting stronger regulations under the Fisheries Act on Oil Sands Mining Effluent Release. Supporting investment in systems for reuse and refill as an alternative to single-use packaging. Supporting a Climate-Aligned Finance Act, that would include enforcing science-based targets and holding financial institutions accountable to them. Federal Budget - providing resources for environmental initiatives, including climate change, public transit, renewable energy, climate finance accountability, investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, pollution abatement and enforcement, economic transition, sustainable jobs, aligning federal spending with climate objectives and restricting resources for fossil fuels. Rouge National Urban Park expansion involving the former Pickering Airport lands. Supporting the strengthening of current and future federal government emission reduction targets. Ensure a green investments Taxonomy does not include fossil fuels. Advancing climate transition plans across the economy, requiring federally regulated financial institutions and large companies to develop and implement plans that align their business with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Supporting federal action to protect communities and ecosystems from local impacts in the oil sands, including from seeping oil sands process water. Supporting the establishment, under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), of regulations requiring disclosure, and prohibitions, restrictions, or container requirements for certain human health hazards of concern (HHHOCs) in consumer chemical products. Supporting the establishment of the Canada Public Transit Fund and negotiated infrastructure funding agreements with provinces, territories, and cities, where the federal government would establish land-use standards near federally funded transit stations, establish zero-emission bus procurement requirements and expand operations funding to increase transit service levels. Supporting the establishment, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, of regulations to address plastic pollution. Supporting the establishment, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, of reg
Agnico Eagle Mines
2To engage and advocate for the economic and social benefits of mining to the Canadian economy, including Indigenous economic reconciliation, with investment-friendly policies regarding regulatory system, support for decarbonization, skills training and critical mineral development. To raise awareness with government officials with respect to the Company's development plans for new mining projects in Nunavut, including employment and training, opportunities and benefits for Inuit people and communities, the Companys consultation and environmental management programs, and additional environmental sustainability opportunities in line with government and Inuit priorities and policies. To raise awareness with government officials with respect to the Company's development plans for mining projects in Ontario and Quebec, including employment and training, opportunities and benefits for Indigenous peoples and local communities, and the Companys consultation and environmental management programs. To raise awareness with government officials and departments on the need for major infrastructure investment in the Arctic, including high speed internet infrastructure in Nunavut to support industry and community needs and enhance opportunities and economic linkages. To engage and raise awareness with government officials and departments on the need for clean energy infrastructure development in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions of Nunavut. Energy alternatives will significantly reduce the need to rely 100% on diesel generation as the only source of energy in these areas, significantly reducing GHG emissions and improving economic development opportunity for communities and industry.
Obtain repayable and non-repayable contributions towards the implementation of clean technologies for its operations across Canada.
SUSSEX STRATEGY GROUP
Canadian Biogas Association
2Raise awareness and profile of Canadas biogas & renewable natural gas sector, including benefits and opportunities in agriculture, road and marine transportation, buildings, and industry. Engagement regarding policies and regulations related to energy, waste management, energy infrastructure, and use of biogas & renewable natural gas. Engagement regarding policies, programs, and tax incentives to support investments in the development of the Canadian biogas & renewable natural gas industry. Discussions regarding the design, amendment, and implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations, with a focus on pathways for gaseous fuel participation.
Waste management regulations, particularly in relation to landfill gas collection requirements The Clean Fuels Regulation developed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and ensuring biogas and Renewable Natural Gas can be successful credit generators The Canadian Biogas Association advocates for support to biogas projects and infrastructure, including that led by the agricultural sector, the municipal sector, the waste sector and the private sector. Tax regulations as it pertains to exemptions, eligibility, and design of tax treatment for non-fossil clean fuel production and use Strategies, programs and policies that relate to organic waste and landfill management in the municipal and waste sectors Strategies, programs and policies that relate to agricultural waste management, anaerobic digestion, digestate standards and management, and soil health Renewable gas blending requirements for Canada under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act Participating in broad policy discussion with respect to funding energy technology innovation Greenhouse gas pollution pricing and the output based pricing system, and how scheduled increases in pricing impacts the competitiveness and development of biogas, renewable natural gas, renewable electricity and renewable vehicle fuels Government policies that address the procurement and use of biogas, renewable natural gas, renewable electricity, renewable heat, renewable vehicle fuel as forms of low-carbon alternative energy sources for use within government buildings and fleets. Federal carbon offsets protocols and how they can successfully drive more production of landfill gas and agricultural biogas Federal Budget - The CBA is pursuing a variety of program and funding support that will scale up the adoption of biogas and Renewable Natural Gas across Canada. Advocating for the use of cleaner transportation fuels and for policies and standards that support the use of Renewable Natural Gas as a proven low-carbon transportation fuel Advocating for policies and programs that can support biogas and renewable natural gas development in the agricultural, municipal and waste sectors Advancing policies and programs that increase biogas and renewable natural gas adoption by end-consumers in Canada
Canadians for Clean Prosperity
2Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) & equivalency – understanding the timing, objectives, and implementation of the CER to navigate a bilateral equivalency agreement. Includes advocacy for strengthened industrial pricing system to meet Canada's decarbonization goals. Net-zero emissions pathways to 2050 and the use nuclear energy and/or negative emissions technologies to meet Canada's climate goals. Maintaining and improving the large emitter trading systems (LETS) created by the Part 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (2018). Canada Growth Fund (CGF) - Understanding the timing, objectives, function and intended outcomes of the CGF using mechanisms such as carbon contracts (e.g. contracts for difference & offtake agreements). This includes advocacy around how carbon contracts are deployed, and the funding mechanisms used to support carbon contracts. Seeking changes to federal rules around tax treatment of companies (e.g. utilities) that change from not-taxable to taxable status (departure tax). The regulation of greenhouse gas emissions through the federal out-put based pricing system, including expanding fungibility and transparency. The development of a border carbon adjustment mechanism to respond concerns around carbon leakage and Canadian competitiveness. Policy around the design and implementation of a federal Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfD) program. Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change with respect to Canada's implementation of its international policy commitments.
International Institute for Sustainable Development
2Support for the National Adaptation Planning Global Network from Global Affairs Canada of $10 million over 4 years (2021-2025). Established in December 2014, the NAP Global Network works with developing countries to advance adaptation planning and action. This is done through: South-South peer learning and exchange Technical assistance on NAP development and implementation Enhanced bilateral support to adaptation Knowledge production and communications Support for the IISD Experimental Lakes Area from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans of $12.5 million in 2021. These 58 lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario are the only place where scientists can manipulate whole lakes to collect data from all levels of the ecosystem and understand how it all interacts. This support would go towards: maintaining the most comprehensive open dataset on freshwater research in the world, making substantive contributions to science and public understanding of Canada's freshwater resources; building a new public engagement center and replacing aging diesel infrastructure with solar power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 330,000 kg/year; and increasing Canadas cutting-edge water science on climate change, plastics and pharmaceuticals. Strengthening and enacting federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts from the oil and gas sector and other economic sectors Federal budget and spending – providing resources for climate and environmental initiatives, including clean energy; aligning federal spending with climate objectives Climate change and energy policy – strengthening current government climate change policies, and implementation and strengthening of the Emissions Reduction Plan
Canadian Steel Producers Association
1Trade Policy -- Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) and Possible new policies or regulations, and international negotiations, affecting Canada's international trade regime and consequences for the steel industry. Fiscal, program, policies, and other measures important to the Canadian manufacturing sector's international competitiveness, trade policies, innovation, including investment support for the steel sector. Federal Budgets as they relate to the steel sector, including measures associated with economic development, industrial competitiveness, innovation, and improving the climate for investment, including tax incentives. Climate change and air pollutant policies and regulations, particularly the development of government regulations pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, in relation to climate change/greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutant regulations for industrial sectors. Regulations regarding the management and shipment of waste materials, including the transportation of dangerous goods. Programs and/or fiscal measures to support industrial workforce skills developmant
Maple Leaf Foods
1The National Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, planning for a foreign animal disease outbreak and updating the Animal Transport Regulations. The Import for Re-export Program for chicken, administration of import controls for chicken and fowl and design of a Processor Modernization Program. The Food and Drugs Regulations and policies, specifically approval of food ingredients including anti-microbial treatments for meat, approval of health claims, implementation of new allergen labeling regulations and policies on sodium reduction. Temporary Foreign Worker Program and its administration in Western Canada Preparedness for African Swine Fever Policies and Programs to reduce food insecurity Policies and programs that address the social determinants of health Initiatives under the Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance as it relates to the meat and livestock industry. Implementation of the Food Policy for Canada Implementation of a national school food program Healthy Eating Strategy including implementation of the new Nutrition Facts Table, front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulations, development of the new Canada's Food Guide. Government action to stengthen the food safety system through new regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act. Free trade negotiations (Canada-EU, Canada-Japan, Canada-China and Trans Pacific Partnership) and opportunities for enhanced pork trade. Development of a national food policy. CFIA's labeling modernization initiative and impact on food labeling practices in the food marketplace. CFIA's Inspection Modernization initiative - impact on new inspection requirements for meat plants. Action plans under the Regulatory Cooperation Council and the Canada-U.S. Border Action Plan - impact on re-inspection of meat at the border and harmonization of food safety and meat inspection systems. Access to funding under Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs
Neste Canada
1Provide input on policy measures to strengthen the Canadian biofuels sector through the Natural Resources Canada biofuels sector growth consultations. Federal Clean Fuel Standard - development and implementation Engaging on the Greening Government Strategy. Engaging on Action Plan for aviation emission reductions.
Temple Scott Associates
Renewable Industries Canada
1Reforms to the regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act which provide for the implementation of the federal governments renewable fuels standard. Discussion with government officials with respect to procurement policies on liquid transportation fuels, and the increased use biofuels by the Government of Canada and Crown corporations. Consultation with government officials regarding regulations associated with biofuels and the energy sector; vehicle emission regulations for fuel economy effective 2017. Consultation with government officials regarding funding or promoting the availability of biofuels.