The Government of Canada's Search for Environmental Legitimacy: 1971-2008

Abstract

Although the term "greenwash " has now entered the language, there has been little academic analysis of environmental legitimacy as a factor in environmental politics. This article examines claims to environmental legitimacy made by the Government of Canada with respect to seven policy initiatives. The most common claims have been: (I) action exceeds that of previous governments; (2) Canada is doing more than other countries; (3) the policy will aid economy as well as environment (sustainable development); and, (4) the transparent policy process is itself legitimate. Exaggeration and downplaying related action by the provinces are other common themes