About Us - Frequently Asked Questions
What is CIELAP?
CIELAP is an independent, not-for-profit environmental think tank. We are registered as a Canadian charity.
What does CIELAP do?
CIELAP performs environmental research that is accurate, balanced, and evidence-based, and uses its findings to encourage laws, policies, and decisions in Canada that support the environment. CIELAP analyzes policy processes and recommends decision-making models and practices that promote sustainability and that are transparent, accountable, and that actively involve civil society. CIELAP provides tools that enhance the public’s ability to shape laws, policies, and decisions and hold their governments accountable for environmental protection.
What Does CIELAP Not Do?
CIELAP doesn’t lobby or campaign
How does CIELAP approach its work?
CIELAP uses its research to develop an appropriate way forward, not to prove an already established position. Our balanced perspective and willingness to listen to all sides of a debate allow us to develop a solid analysis of the issue at hand.
What are some of CIELAP’s accomplishments?
CIELAP's accomplishments include our influence on:
- Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights (1994) - CIELAP began planting the seeds for an EBR in 1978 and advocated for it until its establishment
- A provincial Environmental Commissioner (1994) and federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (1995) - CIELAP long advocated for these roles
- The treatment of hazardous waste before landfilling (2002) - CIELAP strongly advocated for this measure in its "Open for Toxics" reports
- Pharmaceuticals listed as a household hazardous waste (2006) - CIELAP's widely circulated publication “There is No ‘Away” pushed for responsible management of pharmaceuticals
Find out more about our accomplishments.
Who uses CIELAP’s research?
Governments use our research to make decisions and to change policy; Other stakeholders including concerned citizens and citizens’ groups, corporate leaders, academics, environmental groups, and students use our research to develop an educated opinion and to participate more fully in decision-making processes.
Why does CIELAP use research as a means for change?
Rather than lobbying or campaigning, CIELAP brings about positive environmental change by developing and communicating research and analysis. We believe that sound research is the bedrock for informed opinion and effective public policy development. Strong research can provide a basis for debate that results in progressive environmental change.
Why focus on public policy change?
The decisions our governments make today will shape the world for generations to come. We cannot create sustainable communities without changing the policy and legal framework that shape them.
Why should a not-for-profit perform policy research - isn’t this the government’s role?
Governments have to respond to a number of competing interests and always have re-election at the front of their minds. As an independent charity, CIELAP develops sound policy alternatives that put sustainability front and centre. We aim for decisions that will work and don’t cater to any political party line.
Does CIELAP take an adversarial stance?
No – we feel that working together is the best way to move an issue forward. We realize that environmental policy cannot be developed in isolation and so our work encourages communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
By developing well-researched policy alternatives, instead of just critiquing, we put ourselves in a position where we can work with governments and other stakeholders to develop lasting positive change.
How does CIELAP get its funding?
CIELAP does not receive core government funding. Most of our activities are supported by project funding from governments, corporations, foundations and individuals for projects that we design and control. We also receive some of our funding from individual donors. Please consider making a donation to help us continue to be an active voice on environmental issues. You will receive a receipt for income tax purposes for any donation over $25.