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Examines the ways in which the new Canadian federal cabinet are working to establish their green credentials. Prime Minister Jean Chretien would turn B.C.'s Clayoquot Sound into a national park; Environment Minister Sheila Copps announced Ottawa would review the environmental impact of all federal taxes, subsidies and grants; Finance Minister Paul Martin's 1992 paper on redirecting national economies toward environmental sustainability through taxes; Details.

Cites a background paper issued by the federal government on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (awaiting royal assent) which found the act significantly broadens Ottawa's power to block projects deemed ecologically unsound. The act also appears to enhance the federal government's ability to scrutinize projects related to the development of natural resources. Examples of Ottawa's over-reaching its constitutional powers; Details.