All hands on deck for climate action
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- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Donate today! Dear Paov,
This month, with momentum building around the upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, people worldwide are looking at solutions to accelerate climate action towards a livable future.
At home, we’re experiencing a case of déjà vu. Not only does our new federal government look a lot like the old one, but the Alberta Inquiry has reared its head again – finding, after two years and at a cost of $3.5 million, that groups like West Coast did nothing wrong but care about climate change.
In any case, Canadians are making it clear: we must close the gap between our global environmental ambitions and the policies and laws we actually pass. Our legal experts will be here to demand accountability, all the way.
From aquatic habitat restoration and climate-resilience planning to co-management with Indigenous nations – the new federal government has a long to-do list for protecting the seas. West Coast’s Marine team reviewed the Liberal party’s ocean commitments in its election platform and assessed how they measure against the work that needs to be done. Read more about key ocean promises we'll be watching for. Climate change showed up in a new way in Canada’s 2021 Election, and we're glad to see it
The 2021 campaign trail saw parties' climate plans under higher voter scrutiny – and climate modelling added a level of accountability we haven't seen before. This represents a shift in how climate change is discussed and debated in an election context, and we believe that the planet and Canadian communities will be well served if we see these new trends continue in future elections. Staff Lawyer Andrew Gage explains in this recent blog post. Confront the Climate Emergency: An Urgent Call to the BC Government
In the wake of this summer’s deadly heat wave and unprecedented fires, West Coast joined over 200 organizations in calling for the BC government to fundamentally reboot its CleanBC plan.The open letter – “An Urgent Call to the BC Government to Confront the Climate Emergency” – calls on the government to demonstrate the necessary leadership and immediately undertake 10 bold emergency actions. View the full letter and list of signatories here, and you can join us by signing this petition from our friends at My Sea to Sky. Read our 2020-2021 Impact Report
With another year under our belt, West Coast is excited to share what we’ve accomplished in our efforts to transform environmental decision-making.Read West Coast’s 2020-2021 annual Impact Report for a snapshot of our legal programs, along with recent wins, important milestones, and more. Answering your questions about our Access to Justice programs
Curious about West Coast Environmental Law's free legal services? We’ve compiled helpful information and answered your most frequently asked questions about our Access to Justice programs in a new FAQ page, live on our website now. Check it out and learn more about how West Coast may support you in tackling environmental challenges in your community.
COP26: ‘What’s at Stake?’ Webinar
Tune in next Wed. October 27 (6-7:30 pm PDT) for ‘What’s at Stake?’ – a deep dive into the world of COP26 – three days before events kick off in Glasgow. Hear how climate negotiations really work from people who’ve been there before, and find out what’s at stake for communities in BC, Canada, and across the world.The panel will feature insights from West Coast Staff Lawyer Andrew Gage alongside Elizabeth May (Green Party of Canada), Anjali Appadurai (Sierra Club BC), and Rachel White (UBC). Save your spot.
Hey, BC Public Service Employees!
Did you know you could use your PECSF deductions to protect the environment by choosing West Coast Environmental Law as your charitable designee? Simply visit your Employee Self Service login and set up automatic deductions to support our work at West Coast. Thank you!
Are you our next Access to Justice Program Manager?
After more than a decade at West Coast, we are sad to say goodbye to Barbara Everdene. Barbara has worked tirelessly with our Access to Justice programs, bringing together diverse communities with the legal support they need to defend the places and people they love from environmental harm. She will be missed by colleagues and clients, and we wish her all the best on her new adventure!
On that note, we are seeking our next Access to Justice Program Manager. If you have exceptional administrative, relationship-building, outreach, coordination, and organizational skills, and want to use them to advance environmental protection and justice, view the full job posting and apply by November 1.
West Coast depends on donations from individuals like you to help us protect the environment. If you enjoyed this issue of the Legal e-Brief and want to contribute to our lawyers’ work, please consider a small monthly donation of $5 to support West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation.
Questions? Feedback? Want more?
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The Legal E-Brief is a publication of West Coast Environmental Law Association