November 2011
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
This is a very big day for environmental assessment in BC – one of the very few projects ever to be turned down by the federal environmental assessment process is getting another chance. Read on for background on what this game-changing decision could mean for BC, and what West Coast thinks should be done to make sure the process is rigorous, meaningful and thorough.
Also in this month’s Legal e-Brief, catch up with what West Coast has been up to, including testifying about a cosmetic pesticides ban for BC, participating in the Climate Action Network Conference, offering a professional development opportunity for environmental lawyers, and granting legal aid to environmental causes through the EDRF!
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Déjà vu? CEAA announces today that it will re-assess Taseko’s proposed “New” Prosperity mine After considering Taseko’s New Prosperity project description, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency today announced that the proposed gold and copper mine will undergo a federal environmental assessment – again. Since the first iteration of the project was rejected almost exactly a year ago, the Tsilqot’in National Government, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs & First Nations across Canada, and at least ten environmental and legal organizations remain firmly opposed to the proposal.
West Coast testifies on cosmetic pesticides West Coast lawyer, Andrew Gage appeared before the BC Legislature’s Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides on November 7th to provide the legal argument on why only an outright ban on cosmetic use of pesticides will protect the health of British Columbians and the environment. The Committee is inviting all members of the public to tell them whether or not they support a ban on cosmetic pesticide use. Deadline for submission is December 16th.
EDRF Grantees: Local issues have province wide impact This month the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund (EDRF) announces grants that are local in scale, but whose implications have precedent setting value that affect all British Columbians. From saving Fish Lake from the New Prosperity mine proposal, to altering British Columbia’s online mineral staking system, and re-evaluating how forests killed by pine beetle are harvested, our clients work may have a significant impact on the way our resources are extracted.
What I learned from the Climate Action Network Conference is meant to be shared West Coast is part of the Canadian Climate Action Network – a national coalition of over 75 groups working together to fight climate change. The recent Provincial and Territorial Climate Change Leadership conference was a great opportunity to share victories, stories and ideas, and staff lawyer, Andrew Gage, shares some of the highlights.
West Coast offering new Continuing Professional Development webinar West Coast is pleased to present our second professional development webinar, entitled Legal Ethics in Public Interest Non-Profit Practice, on December 14, 2011, from 3-5 pm. This is directed at lawyers working for public interest organizations, but we also welcome lawyers with a special interest in social justice and environmental issues. The webinar qualifies for CPD credit with the Law Society of British Columbia.
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