This summer, we were lucky to have five talented law students working with us on a wide range of projects related to fish habitat protection, climate accountability, fossil fuel finance, revitalizing Indigenous laws and more. They share a few reflections on their time with us.
Environmental Law Alert Blog
Through our Environmental Law Alert blog, West Coast keeps you up to date on the latest developments and issues in environmental law. This includes:
- proposed changes to the law that will weaken, or strengthen, environmental protection;
- stories and situations where existing environmental laws are failing to protect the environment; and
- emerging legal strategies that could be used to protect our environment.
If you have an environmental story that we should hear about, please e-mail Andrew Gage. We welcome your comments on any of the posts to this blog – but please keep in mind our policies on comments.
The Sue Big Oil campaign is a collaboration of British Columbians concerned about the harmful impacts of climate change on BC communities and the skyrocketing costs for local governments and taxpayers. As the campaign enters its third year this summer, we asked Staff Lawyer Andrew Gage about the progress and potential of this key campaign.
Throughout West Coast’s history, we’ve been committed to transforming the legal landscape in ways that are more sustainable, more democratic and more just. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re reflecting on five key moments that have made the organization into what it is today.
Canada must act now to establish legally binding targets and thresholds that protect marine life, as well as dedicated quiet areas of the ocean, and requirements that all offshore projects must be designed to reduce underwater noise.
Gitxaała Nation is headed back to court to make sure that BC is held accountable for aligning its laws with UNDRIP. Is BC’s legislated commitment to UNDRIP and Indigenous rights just a political promise, or is it legally enforceable?
This article was originally published in Slaw, Canada's online legal magazine, on June 21, 2024.
This month, the federal government tabled Bill C-73, a Nature Accountability Act, and published a new 2030 Nature Strategy. The question is: will the Strategy and Act work?
As the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion (TMX) commences operations, we reflect on key questions that remain after more than 10 years fighting for climate action, land and water protection, and Indigenous self-determination.
Governments are meeting in Ottawa to negotiate a global treaty to regulate plastic pollution. Let's urge Canada to take leadership role in ensuring an effective treaty – including a strong cap on global plastic production.
Vancouver City Council sues for bridge repairs, but rejects idea of suing fossil fuel companies for climate damages