Media Releases

Environmental groups and intervenors warn of further legal challenges

VICTORIA, Territory of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations – Lawyers with West Coast Environmental Law applauded BC’s Budget 2019 for delivering on funding promises to implement the government’s climate plan, CleanBC.

VANCOUVER, BC, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories – Environmental lawyers are optimistic about new legal protections for free expression in BC, after the reintroduction of a bill to protect British Columbians from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).

VANCOUVER, BC, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories - The Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources voted unanimously yesterday to travel to select regions in Canada during its study of Bill C-69, which introduces important measures to improve federal

VANCOUVER, BC, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories - A new report released by Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer challenges proponents’ claims about the financial benefits of the Trans Mountain pipeline, says West Coast Environmental Law.

VICTORIA, Territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations – A resolution passed by Victoria Council late last night (8-1) challenges BC municipalities to work together on a class action lawsuit against global fossil fuel companies for a share of BC climate costs.

Ensuring federal assessment of high-carbon projects is critical if Canada is to step up Paris Agreement ambitions at COP 24

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.