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David V. Wright

@davevwright.bsky.social
2.5K followers 251 following 123 posts

Law prof. Environment, natural resources, energy, sustainability, negotiation, treaties, oceans, Arctic. Unapologetic fan of Indie Folk. And 90s rap. And Vegemite. UC: profiles.ucalgary.ca/david-wright

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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Great to join Peter on his fab @cjsw.bsky.social show to discuss Bill C-39. Title for this segment could be “Bill C-39: Building Canada Strong or Building Canada Wrong”. The bill proposes sweeping changes to key federal environmental laws. Risks aplenty. Have a listen. cjsw.com/program/the-...
cjsw.com
INTERVIEW: David Wright – CJSW Radio
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Bill C-10 passed 3rd reading yesterday - a big step toward establishing the new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation. Indigenous parties to modern treaties have been working tremendously hard for twenty years in pursuit of creation of this office. Almost there. www.parl.ca/documentview...
parl.ca
Government Bill (House of Commons) C-10 (45-1) - Third Reading - Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act - Parliament of Canada
Government Bill (House of Commons) C-10 (45-1) - Third Reading - Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act - Parliament of Canada
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
This is a significant early win for anyone interested in transparency and accountability toward achieving (or missing) international climate change commitments. While the youth may not be ultimately successful, this will still get important evidence on the record. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
Carney government dealt an early blow in climate litigation | CBC News
A federal court refused to strike down a climate lawsuit brought against the Carney government by Canadian youth.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Seems timely to repost this item given the bill dropping in Ottawa today proposing further weakening key federal environmental laws. Stay tuned for more.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Some weekend listening for those trying to make sense of escalating controversy around proposed weakening of Canada’s cornerstone environmental laws. Grateful to Peter for having me on his fantastic @cjsw.bsky.social show, The Palgary Almanac. cjsw.com/program/the-...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
“Canada’s Grey New Deal” - my piece in The Star today. TLDR: wave of deregulation crash crashing across Canada can be thought of a Grey New Deal that prioritizes rapid development through deregulation and weakening of existing environmental laws. Days of considering a Green New Deal are long gone.
thestar.com
Gift-redeem
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Massive project, new industry. Can’t get more ripe for a joint fed-prov impact assessment. Perfect way to showcase diligent, good faith implementation of the AB-Ottawa MOU. Will they do it? So far, nope. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
No provincial environmental impact assessment required for Kevin O'Leary's proposed Wonder Valley data centre | CBC News
Kevin O’Leary's proposed Wonder Valley project in northwestern Alberta will not need to undergo an environmental impact assessment from the province due to existing water and power systems. However, t...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Goodnight moon. Dig it. open.spotify.com/track/1bne4g...
open.spotify.com
Space Walk
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
It was a privilege and honour to appear this morning before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs regarding Bill C-10, An Act respecting the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation (CMTI). www.ourcommons.ca/documentview... lop.parl.ca/sites/Public...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Huge win for environmental law today as Federal Court of Appeal reverses lower court by upholding federal listing of Plastic Manufactured Items as toxic. Expect fireworks from all sides politically, but this is a helpful step in clarifying this area of the law. decisions.fca-caf.ca/fca-caf/deci...
decisions.fca-caf.ca
Canada (Attorney General) v. Responsible Plastic Use Coalition - Federal Court of Appeal
The Federal Court of Appeal is a bilingual, bijural court that makes decisions on matters of federal law across Canada.
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ABlawg UCalgary @ablawg.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
New Post: What Are the Implications of the International Court’s Climate Change Advisory Opinion for Provinces? ablawg.ca/2026/01/26...…on-for-provinces/
ablawg.ca
What Are the Implications of the International Court’s Climate Change Advisory Opinion for Provinces?
By: Nigel Bankes Case Commented On: Obligations of States In Respect of Climate Change, Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, July 23, 2025 PDF Version: What Are the Implications …
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ABlawg UCalgary @ablawg.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
New Post: The New Brunswick Court of Appeal Weighs in on Aboriginal Title and Private Lands ablawg.ca/2026/01/14...…nd-private-lands/
ablawg.ca
The New Brunswick Court of Appeal Weighs in on Aboriginal Title and Private Lands
By: Robert Hamilton Cases Commented On: JD Irving, Limited et al v Wolastoqey Nation, 2025 NBCA 129 CanLII; Wolastoqey Nations v New Brunswick and Canada, et al., 2024 NBKB 203 CanLII. PDF Version:…
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Beauty chinook arch this morning. No oil required. #yycbike
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
On the matter of climate policy rollbacks in a context of the AB-Ottawa MOU, UNDRIP, COP30 and so much else going on. Insightful coverage by Moira Donovan via @cba-nationalmag.bsky.social . And an @ablawg.bsky.social post in the works to expand on some of this.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Political hot potatoes giving way to cooler heads? Devilish details will matter. Aspects I’ll be watching: language around Indigenous & B.C. consent, target tanker ban exemption vs repeal, pathways plus price tag… and how this all fits in Canada’s carbon budget (or not!). www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
Ottawa, Alberta agree to broad outlines of energy deal, including path to pipeline | CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have agreed to the broad outlines of a memorandum of understanding that would give Alberta special exemptions from federal environmental l...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
PONIs or PHONIs? My latest ABlawg post on the subject of where things stand following yesterday's announcement of the second tranche of "major projects" / PONIs. And an imperfect glossary to try to make sense of the odd mix of terminology circulating.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Oil pipelines never cease to generate political friction and legal confusion. I spoke w @markhamhislop.bsky.social about the latest Alberta-BC spat and the relevant legal landscape. Might help clear the air to the extent possible, but open legal questions linger. m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt9Q...
m.youtube.com
BC and Alberta's Pipeline Political Fight Takes a Legal Turn
YouTube video by Energi Media
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Helpful modelling from @pembina.org here. Canada and Alberta should both be transparently doing same and then relating it to comprehensive emission reduction plans and scenarios that demonstrate achieving climate commitments (or not). Present “grand bargain” discourse needs to be contextualized.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Bill to create a new Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation re-tabled as Bill C-10. Good to see. www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en...
parl.ca
C-10 (45-1) - LEGISinfo - Parliament of Canada
C-10 (45-1) - LEGISinfo - Parliament of Canada
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
First 5 PONIs now identified under the Building Canada Act. But is it a case of hot to trot, or all for naught? TLDR: legal framework is in place to corral PONIs and lead to greenlight pastures. But it behooves the govt to get implementation right at this early juncture. ablawg.ca/2025/09/25/f...
ablawg.ca
First Five Building Canada Act Projects of National Interest (PONIs): Hot to Trot, or All for Naught?
By: David V. Wright Matter Commented On: Building Canada Act, SC 2025, c 2, s 4 PDF Version: First Five Building Canada Act Projects of National Interest (PONIs): Hot to Trot, or All for Naught? Af…
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
Carbon pricing gone. And now ZEV pause. www.cbc.ca/news/politic... As federal GHG emission reduction measures slip, there’s still a legal requirement for the Carney government to present a comprehensive plan at some point. Will slip lead to fall? Under CNZEAA it shouldn’t ablawg.ca/2025/06/23/f...
ablawg.ca
Federal Climate Plans, Policies and Projections: Have no fear, CNZEAA is (still) here? - ABLawg
By: David V. Wright Matter Commented On: Implementation of the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, SC 2021, c 22 PDF Version: Federal Climate Plans, Policies and Projections: Have no fear,...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
What’s going on with federal climate policy? C-5 has taken up a lot of oxygen so it’s fair to wonder. Also fair to fret. We do have a law to reduce risk of backslipping. Is it up to the task? Can we have no fear, or at least less fear, because CNZEAA is still here? My latest via @ablawg.bsky.social
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Update: Bill C-5 will pass third reading today. Now senate for most of next week. Finish line likely next Friday. BUT amendments from house committee mostly adopted. These create some guardrails and constraints that steer toward transparency and accountability. www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentView...
ourcommons.ca
Committee Report No. 1 - TRAN (45-1) - House of Commons of Canada
Committee Report No. 1 - TRAN (45-1) - House of Commons of Canada
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ABlawg UCalgary @ablawg.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
New Post: Provincial Referendum Legislation, Citizen-Led Secession Proposals, and Non-Derogation Clauses ablawg.ca/2025/06/11...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Bill C-5 / Building Canada Act sure ain’t impact assessment; it’s an unprecedented deregulation move in modern times. Serious risk that ‘move fast and make things’ results in move fast and break things’. Leap before you look = risky at best. w/ @molszyns.bsky.social ablawg.ca/2025/06/10/b...
ablawg.ca
Bill C-5: Move Fast and Make Things, or Move Fast and Break Things? - ABLawg
By: David V. Wright and Martin Olszynski Bill Commented On: Bill C-5 - An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act PDF Version: Bill C-5: Move Fast and...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Latest reports from Canada’s federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development just released: www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/Eng...
oag-bvg.gc.ca
2025 Reports 1 to 4 of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
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Martin Z. Olszynski @molszyns.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Oooooh boy, @davevwright.bsky.social and I have been brewing some hearty @ablawg.bsky.social soup this past weekend. Looking forward to sharing it tomorrow — strong ‘Building Canada’ flavour. #BillC5 #cdnpoli
media.tenor.com
a stove with a clock that says 8:08
Alt: a muppet (chef) cooking soup on a stove.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
And just like that, it’s over. But what a two weeks it was for this special group of students in this year’s Modern Treaties & the Law course in the Yukon. Deep experiential learning, immersed in special spaces and communities. Huge thanks to all involved, including these courageous students.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Fantastic first week of this year’s Modern Treaties and the Law course with @roberthamilton.bsky.social and a group of wonderful @ucalgary.bsky.social students. Amazing to see students’ deep learning happening right before your eyes.
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Robert Hamilton @roberthamilton.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Seem like a good time to re-up this piece from @davevwright.bsky.social and myself: ablawg.ca/2019/11/01/a...
ablawg.ca
Albexit/Wexit/Albwexit and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - ABLawg
By: Robert Hamilton and David V. Wright PDF Version: Albexit/Wexit/Albwexit and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Matter Commented On: Secession by Alberta or Western Provinces Talk of western alienati...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
Haven’t done this for decades but seems wise as summer-spring travel season begins.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
A must read post by my colleague and impact assessment guru, Arlene Kwasniak. The case for federal impact assessment is not just some intergenerational moralistic plea. It’s rooted in economics imperatives, constitutional obligations, scientific integrity, ecosystem realities, and good governance.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
Watching the federal debate? Want fact check resource re ‘C-69’? Voila below. Reality - federal project assessment regime gives ample basis to show case project benefits. For better or worse, thumb is on scale for *approving* all projects, incl energy projects. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com
The New Federal Impact Assessment Act: Implications for Canadian Energy Projects
Implementation of the new Impact Assessment Act regime is now underway, changing the process for federal assessment of energy projects. While the reformed regim
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
So much crap but remember that bikes are still pure goodness. Even with snow and sub-zero temps… IN APRIL! #biketowork #yyc
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Corridors back in the news, once again an election issue. Discussion here on s.35 Indigenous consultation, incl links to deeper dive. ablawg.ca/wp-content/u... TLDR: you can change your approach; you can’t shortcut Crown consultation. (Same for ‘shovel ready zones’, whatev that’s supposed to mean)
ablawg.ca
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Francis Fukuyama @frankfukuyama.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Keep this in mind as you think about today's events: The United States is Appeasing Evil www.persuasion.community/p/the-united...
persuasion.community
The United States is Appeasing Evil
A plea from Ukraine.
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
What a beauty. Goose over eagle, north over south, grit over goons, red & white over fake orange. Sleep well, Canada 💪
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Hey Bluesky gang, a friendly but earnest reminder that if you’re in Canada or care about Canada, here is a go to legal resource that cuts through the fog every time. For information on how to lead in these trying times, give it a follow! bsky.app/profile/abla...
bsky.app
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Rule number one for a lower power party in negotiation and conflict: coalition building. Don’t stand alone. If Canada stays in bilateral tit-for-tat tariff mode we’re toast. It’s time for a coordinated response with intl trade partners, US states, cities, and everyday American friends.
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ABlawg UCalgary @ablawg.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
New Post: ABlawg Year in Review 2024 ablawg.ca/2024/12/31...
ablawg.ca
ABlawg Year in Review 2024
December 31, 2024   ABlawg Year in Review 2024   By: Admin   As is tradition, ABlawg closes 2024 with a summary of highlights over the past 12 months, including some statistics, examples …
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
ICYMI www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7400907
cbc.ca
First Nations call for federal review of carbon capture project for Alberta's oilsands
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Woah. This is a BFD. As any Cdn energy policy fan would know, the Churchill Falls contract debacle has cast a long political and legal shadow for decades. Many good reasons to resolve. One aspect to watch is to what extent are Innu Nation interests represented & satisfied… www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
cbc.ca
The lopsided Churchill Falls agreement with Quebec may soon be replaced with a new deal
Quebec Premier Francois Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador premier Andrew Furey are coming together in St. John's for a potentially historic announcement. It is believed a deal is close on a renewe...
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ABlawg UCalgary @ablawg.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
New Post: A Landmark Decision in Canadian Charter-based Climate Litigation: Mathur v Ontario, 2024 ONCA 762 ablawg.ca/2024/10/31...
ablawg.ca
A Landmark Decision in Canadian Charter-based Climate Litigation: Mathur v Ontario, 2024 ONCA 762
By: Martin Olszynski, Jennifer Koshan, Nigel Bankes, and Jonnette Watson Hamilton Case commented on: Mathur v Ontario, 2024 ONCA 762 (CanLII) PDF Version: A Landmark Decision in Canadian Charter-ba…
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 22/10/2024
Net zero commitments continue to proliferate, incl in Canada at sub-national levels. Latest is Northwest Territories. Meeting the target will be tough, but possible. And an important opportunity at intersection of decarb & Indigenous self determination. www-cbc-ca.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cbc....
www-cbc-ca.cdn.ampproject.org
N.W.T. gov't commits to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 08/10/2024
There’s no such thing as a free ton #Milton
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 01/05/2024
IAA amendments are out! (*Steve Martin phone books GIF*) Initial impression: fed govt took SCC guidance very seriously and meticulously tied key junctures $ definitions back to federal jurisdiction and notions of ‘non-negligible’ effect. A few initial observations 1/ fin.canada.ca/drleg-apl/20...
fin.canada.ca
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ABlawg UCalgary @ablawg.bsky.social · 28/02/2024
New Post: What Did the Court Mean When It Said that UNDRIP “has been incorporated into the country’s positive law”? Appellate Guidance or Rhetorical Flourish? ablawg.ca/2024/02/28...
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ABlawg UCalgary @ablawg.bsky.social · 20/02/2024
New Post: Legislative Reconciliation and Indigenous Rights of Self-Government: Reference re An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families ablawg.ca/2024/02/20...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 09/02/2024
HUGE development in Canadian constitutional law today. SCC finds C-92 constitutional. Door much wider open to exercise of inherent jurisdiction of Indigenous Peoples… and therefore revitalization of Indigenous laws and governance. Long road ahead, but big day. decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-...
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David V. Wright @davevwright.bsky.social · 06/02/2024
Excellent post by my colleagues re climate litigation in Canada…
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