Through the work we do in development projects across Canada, we see a substantive difference in how the act is applied, be it west coast, central Canada, the Prairies, the north, or Atlantic Canada. It comes down to the level of scrutiny DFO's habitat biologists place on the various projects, the level of data required to support a review, and the level of habitat compensation required when a project goes for an authorization. It's quite variable across the country, and it's even reflected in the operational statements DFO has across the different management units.
On May 28th, 2012. See this statement in context.