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Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00

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r1 See where parties stand on the environment and social justice ... r19 September 2021 | Legal e-Brief Donate today!

Dear Paov,

Election day is fast approaching and many voters have already begun casting their ballots.

This federal election period has shown that environmental protection and climate issues are top of mind for many Canadians, especially after a summer that brought the consequences of inaction to our doorsteps in the form of wildfires, droughts, and record-breaking heat. The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is also a hot-button issue on the campaign trail as it gets increasingly harder to justify how the project fits within promises of a net-zero future.

Now, more than ever, we need thoughtful and decisive leadership that puts the health of our families, communities, and environment first.

Where do federal parties stand on the environment and social justice? Wondering where Canada's federal parties stand on climate action, Indigenous rights, conservation, and other key issues? Check out this website that breaks down the official responses of the five main political parties on a range of environmental and social justice concerns – and make an informed decision before casting your ballot.

For a different perspective on the parties’ election commitments, see our new blog using word clouds to illustrate the topics found most frequently in their platforms. Trans Mountain: Delays into 2023 will add millions to public cost West Coast compiled and analyzed hundreds of Trans Mountain (TMX) documents for a new report projecting that delays will drive the $12.6 billion cost millions overbudget, and result in hundreds of millions of dollars of lost revenue.

As the debate over how to address the climate crisis reaches a fever pitch, Canada’s next government must release a transparent update on the ongoing delays and the true costs of TMX construction. Read the full report here. The oily elephant in the room in Election 2021 Federal parties are finally breaking a political taboo by talking about the role of the fossil fuel industry in Canada’s missed climate targets.

Staff Lawyer Andrew Gage examines how politicians have traditionally avoided this touchy subject, and drills into how major party platforms grapple with oil and gas emissions. You have one vote – make it matter This election will be pivotal in determining the future we want for our families, communities, and the planet. Any government that represents us must rise to the challenge of building an equitable, carbon-neutral, and nature-positive future for all.

If you haven’t done so yet, take action with us by telling your local election candidates that we need a government that will uphold environmental protection, social justice, and Indigenous rights. WEBINAR: Access to Environmental Justice – How West Coast can help On October 6th, West Coast is hosting a free one-hour webinar to discuss the different ways we can support Indigenous peoples, individuals, and organizations in using the law to protect land, water and communities from environmental harm.

From free legal information and advice, to funding to pay for lawyers and experts, our Access to Justice team may be able to assist. Click here to register. New at West Coast This month West Coast is happy to welcome our new Development Officer Faria Bhuiyan and Climate Accountability Strategist Fiona Koza into the team, as well as Hanna Araza who is rejoining us as our Communications and Engagement Specialist.

We are also seeking a couple of talented individuals to fill two positions on our staff team and board of directors:

• Executive Coordinator – Deadline Sept. 30
• Volunteer Board Treasurer – Applications accepted on a rolling basis

RELAW Community Call-out

Our RELAW (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air & Water) team is now accepting Expressions of Interest from Indigenous individuals nominated by their nation to participate in our RELAW Co-learning Program.

Read more about this opportunity to learn about approaches to applying and enforcing Indigenous law to address environmental challenges in your territory. Space is limited and first consideration will be given to applications received by October 15, 2021.

Environmental Justice in Action Webinar Recording

Last month, we hosted our Environmental Justice in Action webinar, discussing how we may leverage the law to address root causes of harm, equalize power imbalances, and co-create an equitable and sustainable future. View the full recording and see what panelists had to say about environmental racism and collaborative legal solutions to advance environmental justice.

Take your support of West Coast to the next level by making a donation today. Your gift helps us transform the legal landscape to protect and defend the environment in ways that are inclusive, sustainable, democratic, and just. Please donate here.

*If you have donated recently or are a monthly donor, thank you for taking action.*

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The Legal E-Brief is a publication of West Coast Environmental Law Association