See you in court, Enbridge!
- Details
- Published on Friday, 18 July 2014 12:20
- Written by editor
In this issue: See you in court, Enbridge! | What the landmark Tsilhqot'in decision means for Enbridge | Field notes from the fifth (and final) Tar Sands Healing Walk | Dealing with climate change - it's only professional | How not dealing with climate change is killing our economy | Job opportunity | New... faces at West Coast
Dear Paov,
The past month has been extremely eventful for opponents of the proposed Enbridge oil pipelines and tankers project. A long list of First Nations and others have launched a wave of legal challenges that seek to set aside the federal government's conditional approval of the Enbridge project, bolstered by a precedent-setting Supreme Court decision. We are excited to bring you details on the legal challenges, and what might lay ahead for those seeking to oppose the Enbridge proposal using the law.
West Coast has also been ramping up our work on climate change, and we have some encouraging developments to share with you about professional associations leading the way on tackling climate change.
Since the federal government announced their conditional approval of the Enbridge pipelines and tankers proposal, First Nations, environmental NGOs, and Canada's largest private sector union have launched a wave of legal challenges against the project. And just last month, the Supreme Court of Canada issued their decision in Tsilhqot’in Nation v British Columbia, the first court declaration of Aboriginal title in Canadian history, and a strong signal that the governments should be seeking the consent of impacted First Nations on plans to use their land. This precedent-setting decision only strengthens the legal case of First Nations in their challenge to the Enbridge proposal.
- Could the legal challenges launched by First Nations against the conditional approval of the Enbridge pipelines and tankers project shut down the proposal for good? Click here for more information on the legal challenges recently announced by First Nations across BC.
- The Supreme Court’s decision in Tsilhqot’in Nation v British Columbia will have profound implications for the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway tankers and pipelines project - click here to read why we think so.
Field notes from the fifth (and final) Tar Sands Healing Walk
The fifth and final Tar Sands Healing Walk, a grassroots event organized by local Indigenous communities in the heart of the tar sands development, took place in Fort McMurray, Alberta, at the end of June. As with previous Healing Walks, people from across the country joined the local hosts to come together and strengthen the bond between communities dealing with the impacts of tar sands development. West Coast Environmental Staff Lawyer Eugene Kung participated in the Healing Walk and gave workshops on legal strategy in dealing with the challenges of tar sands development, and was accompanied by Summer Law Student Volunteer, Ana Chamgoulova.
- Click here to read a thoughtful reflection by Ana, including an excellent analysis of why the Healing Walk needed to happen and why we should all start to “walk through our own land.”
Dealing with climate change – it’s only professional
A round of applause for four of BC's professional associations, representing 9,000 foresters, biologists and planners, that recently released a joint statement about the "fundamental impacts" of climate change and the roles of professionals and government in tackling climate change. We’re proud to have helped start this conversation and to have supported this important discussion.
- Read our environmental law alert on why it’s critical that the professionals who are making key decisions about our ecosystems and communities incorporate current climate science into their recommendations to government and industry.
- Read “Professional Leadership in a Changing Climate: Joint Statement” on the Association of BC Forest Professionals Website.
How not dealing with climate change is killing our economy
Prime Minister Harper says Canada won't take climate action that destroys jobs - but the reality is that real climate action could create jobs and help protect Canadians from major economic losses.
- Here’s our take on how inaction on climate change is killing our economy.
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