OTTAWA – A coalition of environmental groups will host a reception and panel discussion next week to discuss vital reforms needed to strengthen environmental assessment in Canada. The panel and Q&A session will be moderated by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Sheila Copps.
WHAT: The federal government is soon expected to introduce significant changes to Canada’s environmental assessment law. The current process is not working for the public, Indigenous peoples, industry or the environment, leading to conflict, uncertainty and environmental risk.
Experts from industry, Indigenous and environmental organizations will share perspectives on what needs to be included in this legislation to regain public trust and ensure environmental protection, a healthy economy and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 25, 2017
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Panel discussion and Q&A will begin at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Room 200, Sir John A. Macdonald Building
144 Wellington Street, Ottawa
WHO: Speakers include…
- Anna Johnston, West Coast Environmental Law Association
- Pierre Gratton, Mining Association of Canada
- Sara Mainville, Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP
This event is hosted by West Coast Environmental Law Association, MiningWatch Canada, Nature Canada and the Ecojustice Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Ottawa.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Anna Johnston | Staff Counsel, West Coast Environmental Law Association
604-340-2304, ajohnston@wcel.org
Hugh Benevides
514-814-1568, hughbenevides@gmail.com