Are political donations affecting BC
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 18 April 2017 16:45
- Written by editor
Corporate donations and the environment |
Environmental assessment report |
Secwepemc Ajax Mine decision |
Northern Gateway celebration |
Marine protection |
Jobs at West Coast
Dear Paov,
With BC's provincial election around the corner, this month we're taking a look at some of the key environmental issues on many British Columbians' minds. See below for our latest... news and analysis on BC mining enforcement, climate platforms, federal environmental assessment and more.
Is Teck Resources getting off easy because of political donations?
Big corporate donations to political parties raise fundamental questions about democracy and the rule of law. For example, when the largest BC Liberal corporate donor, Teck Resources Ltd., owns companies that fail to comply with BC's environmental laws, can we be confident that politicians will regulate the hand that feeds their re-election campaign?
- Read the analysis from West Coast Environmental Law Association's Andrew Gage to see how corporate donations can lead to a more relaxed regulatory culture.
- In other election news, we've updated our comparison of the parties' climate plans in light of the newly released Green Party platform. Click here to read more.
Expert Panel report on environmental assessment review -- an overview
The Panel leading the federal environmental assessment review has released its report, offering a roadmap to improve decision-making on projects that affect the environment and communities.
- Check out this update from West Coast's Anna Johnston for some highlights from the report, and see how its recommendations fit with our vision for next-generation environmental assessment.
- The Standing Committee on Transport also finished its review of the Navigation Protection Act. Read about the review's shortcomings and how Canada can do more to protect our waterways in this post from Andrew Gage.
Solidarity with the Secwepemc: Yes to a healthy environment, no to Ajax Mine
Earlier this month, our Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) team joined over 30 groups in declaring support for the Stk'emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation's decision to reject the proposed Ajax mine.
- EDRF Project Manager Barb Everdene shares an account of this moving event, and tells why BC should no longer be the sole decision-maker on big mining projects that threaten the environment, communities and culture.
United we beat Enbridge: Celebrating the defeat of Northern Gateway with the people of Haida Gwaii
West Coast was recently invited to Haida Gwaii to attend a wonderful celebration marking the defeat of the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipelines and tankers project.
- Gavin Smith and Eugene Kung recount their experience at this inspiring event, reminding us why it's so important to celebrate the strength of our environmental victories.
Where there's a will, there's a way -- Canada's commitment to marine protected areas
The latest report from the federal Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development is a must-read for anyone concerned about protecting biodiversity in Canada. It lays out a path for the government to rapidly increase the extent of our protected spaces -- including marine protected areas (MPAs).
- Linda Nowlan breaks down the Committee's recommendations, and explains how they could help ramp up marine protection on the Pacific coast.
- Marine Campaigner Maryann Watson takes a look at how different designations are being used to identify sensitive areas in the ocean, such as herring habitat in Baynes Sound.
New job opportunities at West Coast
We’re currently accepting applications for two job openings in our Vancouver office. Please share and help us spread the word!
- Summer Community Outreach Coordinator - applications due April 28, 2017.
- Financial Manager - applications due May 8, 2017.
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Legal e-Brief is a publication of the West Coast Environmental Law Association. wcel.org. View past issues of Legal e-Brief
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