Media Releases

Ottawa bets on Alberta’s pipe dreams, throws BC, climate action & Indigenous consent under the bus

Lawyers at West Coast Environmental Law criticized the CleanBC Review, released today, for recommending that the BC government reduce its climate ambition and for excusing and downplaying a history of weak climate action that has led to the province’s climate targets being missed.

Joint declaration by civil society organizations working to secure a safe climate system, protect marine and freshwater and uphold Indigenous rights and sovereignty

Following today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney that the federal government will fast-track six additional “national interest” projects, lawyers at West Coast Environmental Law are expressing disappointment at the government’s continued focus on resource development projects, including fossil fuel production and export.

In a world in which Canadian and international courts have found that climate change is violating human rights, lawyers at West Coast Environmental Law warn that Budget 2025 is so weak on climate it could expose the federal government to further legal risk.

In a historic eight-week trial set to begin next October, 15 young Canadians will take their federal government to court, asserting that existing Canadian climate change law is severely inadequate and violates their Charter rights. Today, West Coast Environmental Law is announcing its decision to join this critical case (La Rose et al. v. His Majesty the King) in support of these youth plaintiffs, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and decisive action to safeguard current and future generations from escalating climate impacts.

Lawyers at West Coast Environmental Law are expressing disappointment at the Prime Minister’s announcement that the federal government intends to fast-track five major projects. Rather than truly sustainable projects Canadians need, the government's list emphasizes the production and export of non-renewable resources.

A coalition of Canada’s leading environmental, nature and climate organizations has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and key Cabinet ministers calling on the federal government to adopt seven clear, transparent criteria for determining which projects are truly in the national interest under the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5).

Open letter says the province must align its climate plan with international law, meet its targets, and phase out fossil fuel production

Environmental and civil society groups condemn Parliament’s reckless passage of Bill C-5’s controversial Building Canada Act. The Act erodes democratic principles, runs roughshod over Indigenous rights, shuts Canadians out of decisions that could affect them, and puts the environment at risk.

Leading Environmental and Legal Experts Call for Critical Amendments to Protect Democracy and the Environment and be consistent with the Canadian Constitution, Urge Further Senate Review

Environmental legal experts launched a report today describing environmental disasters that have occurred in Canada when strong environmental laws, impact assessment processes or effective regulatory oversight were absent. These disasters are a harbinger of scenarios that could result from current proposals to fast-track and exempt major projects from environmental regulation and assessment processes, say the lawyers.

Two provincial bills aimed at reducing barriers to development, Bills 14 and 15, were narrowly passed by the BC Legislature last night. According to lawyers at West Coast Environmental Law, both laws promise to rush approval of certain types of projects, and in the case of Bill 15 could actually result in environmental, labour and community safety requirements being amended to allow a specific project to go ahead.

West Coast is excited to recognize 16 inspiring young individuals who have made important contributions to environmental justice in BC, through the Andrew Thompson Award (ATA) Youth Changemakers for Environmental Justice initiative.

The election results are in, and Canadians have elected the Liberal Party to form government. Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-Rac) congratulates Prime Minister Mark Carney, and urges him to use this opportunity to build a fairer, more resilient society grounded in reliable, renewable Canadian solutions.

Canada’s leading environmental organizations have today released responses from federal parties on their environmental and climate plans. This initiative aims to provide voters with insights into how parties will tackle issues like fossil fuel pollution, biodiversity loss, Indigenous-led conservation and a clean electricity grid, if elected.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and West Coast Environmental Law Association ask Attorney General Niki Sharma to confirm whether the BC government will work to recover healthcare costs from global and BC fossil fuel companies.

West Coast Environmental Law is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Andrew Thompson Award, which recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding lifetime contribution to environmental protection and sustainability through law in BC.

The proposed new federal oil and gas greenhouse gas pollution cap regulations will use a cap-and-trade system to limit pollution from oil and gas facilities and ensure the sector does its fair share to help meet Canada’s climate goals.

Lawyers with the West Coast Environmental Law Association expressed shock yesterday after an announcement suggesting that the BC NDP would end its consumer carbon price if the federal government drops its requirement for the law.

The letter was sent in the aftermath of the Jasper Wildfire Complex, which destroyed approximately 30 percent of the community as well as parts of Jasper National Park, and as communities across North America experience an uptick in fossil-fueled climate disasters like fires, smoke, floods, and deadly heat.

Port Moody, BC – Port Moody City Council released a public statement yesterday announcing its commitment to work with other BC local governments to

Burnaby, BC / Unceded Coast Salish Territories – Yesterday evening, Burnaby City Council voted 8-1 to support a class action lawsuit brought by BC local governments against the world’s largest fossil fuel companies.

Environmental and public interest groups are expressing frustration over proposed amendments to the Impact Assessment Act introduced in the Budget Implementation Act.

The Lower Fraser Floodplains Coalition congratulates BC on the release of the BC Flood Strategy. The unique “sharing the pen” approach with eight Nations from major watersheds, including the Lower Fraser, was a good step towards reconciliation in action. While there is a lot to be encouraged by in the language and intentions of the Strategy, the Coalition is left with unanswered questions about dedicated funding and an Implementation Plan.