Have a say in protecting BC's coast - speak up before May 26th.
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 23 May 2015 06:45
- Written by editor
Getting ready for sea level rise | MaPPing a new ocean future | On the trail of Kinder Morgan | Talking tough on pipelines | A victory for wild salmon | What's new at West Coast?
Dear PAOV,
June 8th is World Oceans Day,... and this month's issue celebrates that great source of life. Our BC coast is many things: sustenance, culture, heritage, livelihoods. Our coastal ecosystems give and receive, supporting a spectrum of life from fish populations to human communities throughout the province.
But from oil tankers to LNG, coal to aquaculture, a myriad of industrial proposals threaten those communities and ecosystems. With the dismantling of core federal environmental laws, it is now more essential than ever that British Columbians are able to have a say in environmental decision-making.
Right now, it is a critical time to speak up and help shape public participation in the review of projects that affect us. BC's Environmental Assessment Office is inviting comments on public participation until 9:00 am on May 26th. We encourage you to read our recommendations on ways the EAO can improve public participation in environmental reviews, and then submit your own comments.
We hope you'll take the time to have your say.
This month’s “Oceans” edition offers stories of hope for BC's coastal ecosystems and all the life they sustain. New and progressive marine planning, diverse solutions to sea-level rise, and stronger regulations for fish farms render an inspiring image of a possible future for BC and beyond.
All (green) hands needed on deck: Getting ready for sea level rise
Some call sea-level rise a "slow-moving emergency", with a 1m rise predicted by 2100 and an estimated $9.5bn price tag to prepare the Lower Mainland for that rise. BC needs to act -- but we also need to think beyond the usual solutions like expensive cement "super-dikes” that ultimately lead to the destruction of coastal ecosystems. There are diverse, green solutions available, but there are also legal barriers that could stop us from implementing them.
- Click here to read more about this slow-onset crisis and possible green solutions for BC's coastal communities.
MaPPing a new ocean future for BC
The Province of BC and 18 First Nations have unveiled Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) plans for BC's North and Central coast. The MaPP plans, and the process that lead to them, are unique and precedent-setting, and should help ensure that our northern Pacific coast is managed sustainably.
- Click here to read more about how a process co-lead by 18 First Nations and the Province is leading the way on marine planning.
Field notes: On the trail of Kinder Morgan
Staff Counsel Eugene Kung reports on a landmark journey with Tsleil-Waututh Nation leadership to New York and Texas to meet with Kinder Morgan investors and attend the megacorporation's AGM. Along the way he makes connections between oil giants and families in the path of health hazards, and reflects on the meaning of environmental justice.
- Click here to read about Eugene's journey with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation leadership to support their position against Kinder Morgan's pipeline proposal.
Talking tough while passing the buck: The Province of BC on oil pipelines
Despite the provincial government’s tough talk about its conditions for oil pipelines, BC is fighting to defer decision-making responsibility to the federal government in ongoing litigation regarding the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipelines and tankers proposal.
- West Coast staff counsel Gavin Smith and summer law student Lucy Yuan highlight how BC is trying to have its cake and eat it too.
Earlier this month, a federal court struck down parts of licenses granted to salmon farms that allowed diseased fish to be moved into open-ocean pens. The judgement also reinforces the responsibility of the government to proceed cautiously when its actions have the potential to seriously harm fish.
- Click here to read more about the case and how it helps protect wild salmon.
The office has come alive for the summer as West Coast welcomes six law student volunteers. This diverse group will be supporting the West Coast legal counsel and taking on special projects. They all bring sharp minds and a passion for this work - we're very grateful to have them!
- Click here to read our students' bios.
Six new faces: West Coast volunteer law students kick off the summer term at Kits Beach.
