Media Releases

VANCOUVER, COAST SALISH TERRITORIES - Lawyers at West Coast Environmental Law applaud the BC Government’s CleanBC plan as an important step towards reducing the province’s greenhouse gas pollution while moving to attract environmentally-minded businesses and investment.

But lawyers say more must be done to ensure independent evidence and safeguard climate

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – West Coast Environmental Law is calling for stronger and more consistent legal standards for Canada’s marine protected areas (MPAs) and other conservation areas, following the release of a new report from a National Advisory Panel appointed to offer guidance to the federal government regarding categories and associated protection standards for federal MPAs.

Pushback is an attempt to bypass crucial environmental oversight

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – The federal government’s “first step” to proceed with the Trans Mountain pipeline and tanker project fails to address the critical issue of Indigenous consultation, says West Coast Environmental Law.

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – Today, lawyers at the West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation released two resources aimed at promoting discussion in BC’s local government elections about the climate costs – wildfires, flooding, drought – being experienced by BC communities, an

Union of BC Municipalities to vote on sending letter to Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil 

Ruling confirms that Canada acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally in approving controversial project

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – Lawyers at West Coast Environmental Law issued the following statement in response to the

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories - West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation welcomed a

Trappers’ stories illustrate cumulative impact of industrial activity on lands, waters and wildlife

RELAW project works with Indigenous nations to revitalize Indigenous environmental laws

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – More than 50 BC environmental, Indigenous, human rights and faith organizations sent a letter to Premier John Horgan today asking that the province enact a Liability for Climate-Related Harm Act, clarifying the legal responsibility of fossil fuel c

Passing of Bill C-68 and C-69 a critical step in fixing Canada’s broken environmental laws, but supporting regulations will be key to the Bills’ success

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – West Coast Environmental Law Association is encouraged by the release of the BC government’s

BC communities say new owner must honour NEB pipeline process Prime Minister Trudeau put in place

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories — West Coast Environmental Law Association is astounded at the Canadian government’s decision to nationalize the Trans Mountain pipeline and tanker project – despite substantial financial risk, strong community opposition and ongoing court challenges that could overturn the project’s approval.

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – Environmental lawyers expressed concern over this morning’s announcement about the federal government’s plans to provide financial support for the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline and tanker project.

Judge slams federal Environment Minister for failure to protect at-risk caribou herds

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – Lawyers and local environmental advocates are celebrating a victory in the Federal Court of Canada on behalf of endangered caribou herds in British Columbia.

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – West Coast Environmental Law Association welcomes the BC government’s introduction of the Protection of Public Participation Act, a much-needed law that aims to protect British Columbians from costly SLAPP lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public parti

OTTAWA – A report released today by the leaders of Canada’s top environmental organizations reviews the progress of the federal government in meeting its platform and mandate commitments on environmental issues across the country.

Estok-Na Territory/Houston, Texas – Indigenous leadership from Canada made an emergency trip to the Kinder Morgan AGM in Houston this morning to present an overview of Indigenous opposition to the proposed Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.

23 environmental, social justice and community groups present Minister with recommendations on future of assessments in BC

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – Twenty-three allied organizations – including environmental organizations, legal experts, social justice and community groups – are calling on the provincial government to introduce a series of bold reforms in its upcoming overhaul of BC’s environmental assessment (EA) regime.

VANCOUVER, BC, Coast Salish Territories – Environmental lawyers are celebrating the news that Bill C-48, the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, has passed the House of Commons.