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West Coast Environmental Law

@wcelaw.bsky.social
2.1K followers 184 following 569 posts

Transforming the legal landscape. We’re a non-profit org safeguarding the environment with legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law. Since 1974 🌱 Visit: wcel.org

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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 4h
The #OneDaysPay campaign is mobilizing non-Indigenous folks to donate a day's pay (or what you can afford) to support Indigenous organizations on Sept. 30 - the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 🧡 Learn more about the campaign and donate what you can: www.onedayspay.ca
onedayspay.ca
One Day's Pay | Take Action Today: Support Indigenous Causes
Support Indigenous-led initiatives through donations on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Join us in honoring culture, history, and community resilience.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
2026 is RELAW's 10 Year Anniversary. In honour of this milestone, the RELAW team at WCEL has put together a list of ten meaningful ways to recognize and celebrate the National Day for #TruthAndReconciliation on September 30th with events in Vancouver and Victoria. #orangeshirtday #everychildmatters
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Bill C-39 threatens to rip Canada's environmental safety net apart. Tucked inside are a dizzying array of amendments to claw back protections for species at risk, water quality, fisheries and more, while expanding powers to exempt major projects from certain protections. #cdnpoli
cbc.ca
Critics accuse Carney government of proposing 'sacrifice zones' for the environment | CBC News
The federal government says the purpose of Bill C-39 is to make project decisions in one year. But tucked inside are a dizzying array of more than 300 clauses that amend more than a dozen separate pie...
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Tallgrass Institute @tallgrassinst.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Learn how investors can effectively hold a high watermark given the current ecosystem in both Canada and the United States in the webinar: Trends and Tools to Advance Indigenous Peoples’ Rights through Shareholder Proposals 🗓️ September 29, 1:00pm PT 🌐 Registration: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
On Monday, the federal government introduced Bill C-39, which proposes to rollback many of Canada's core environmental laws in the name of speeding up development. Our Staff lawyer Anna Johnston spoke to Althia Raj about how destructive these changes could be: www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Some good news for the ocean 🌊 Thank you to all our supporters who urged Canada to take this key step!
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Want to learn more about the historic youth climate case going to trial next month? Join us for a free webinar 10/7 at 12pm PT. Hear from one of the youth plaintiffs and the legal team about why they brought the case, what they’re asking the court to do & how to get involved. bit.ly/LaRoseWebinar
Four youth plaintiffs in the La Rose case are pictured collage-style under the headline "Canadian Youth Make Climate History: La Rose v. His Majesty the King"
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Bill C-39, the so-called “Building Canada Strong Act,” is the federal gov’s latest legislative effort to weaken environmental rules for major industrial projects. “This bill is slash and burn, not responsible development," says West Coast Lawyer Anna Johnston. Our full take: wcel.org/media-releas...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
#Hiring: Senior Climate Communications Specialist (one-year contract) – West Coast is seeking an experienced climate communicator for a one-year position (covering parental leave), to support digital communications on key climate campaigns. Learn more and apply by October 7: wcel.org/job-posting/...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The federal government has exempted a range of major projects from #impactassessment, including pipelines, transmission lines & many #fossilfuel projects – part of its ongoing agenda to roll back key enviro safeguards. Read about Ottawa's latest move to weaken oversight below. #cdnpoli
wcel.org
The end of independent pipeline reviews? Carney’s deregulation drive has eradicated federal assessments
On September 3, the federal government quietly made one of the most consequential environmental deregulation decisions in recent Canadian history.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
RELAW’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration is coming up next month 🌟 Is your work or passion focused on #IndigenousRights? Environmental protection? Nation to Nation gathering? Then please join us Oct 28–29 at the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat7úl Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC. Details & registration below!
eventbrite.ca
RELAW 10-Year Anniversary Gathering
We are honoured to invite you to register for a special gathering celebrating 10 years of the RELAW Program.
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Julia Levin @jflevin.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Ahead of the government's caucus retreat & Parliament's return next week, we released new polling. The results? The federal government’s plans to subsidize a new pipeline plan & fast-track mega projects are hurting their popularity. environmentaldefence.ca/2026/09/16/n...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Mass shootings in the US bring “thoughts and prayers” from pro-gun politicians but no action to curb gun violence. Wildfires and floods in Canada brings “thoughts” from pro-oil politicians—followed by more industry subsidies. Staff Lawyer @singingwithin.bsky.social unpacks this hypocrisy
wcel.org
Thoughts and prayers for climate victims...while building pipelines
Every time there’s a mass shooting in the U.S., pro-gun politicians, backed by the National Rifle Association, take a moment to send “thoughts and prayers” to the victims. And then do nothing to curta...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Canada is considering whether Alberta's proposed west coast oil pipeline & tanker project is in the "national interest". How does it stack up against the 5 factors to consider for national interest projects under the #BuildingCanadaAct? Read our take in this blog. #cdnpoli
wcel.org
5 reasons why Alberta’s bitumen pipeline through BC is not in the national interest
In the immediate wake of Canada Day and in the middle of another summer of wildfires, on July 2 Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a new bitumen pipeline project to the BC coast that would run t...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The feds have quietly moved to exempt nearly all major federally-regulated projects—incl. pipelines—from review under Canada's #ImpactAssessmentAct. It's the latest in a series of changes dismantling key legal safeguards that protect our health & environment. Our reaction: wcel.org/media-releas...
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Seniors for Climate @seniorsforclimate.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
🚨This October, join @youthvgov.bsky.social, @wcelaw.bsky.social and the 15 young Canadians taking the federal gov't to court for the first-ever youth-led climate trial in Canadian history. 🌏 RSVP to attend: bit.ly/rsvp-larosetrial
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Protect Orcas. Act Now❗ Ottawa is proposing sweeping changes that would gut endangered species protections and fast-track risky pipelines. The Southern Resident #Orca can't afford this. Can you take 30 seconds to say so? Send your MP a message before it's too late: savetheorcas.ca
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Are we watching extinction unfold? The federal government is moving forward with projects that threaten orcas' habitat, prey and survival, and proposing changes that make it easier to approve such projects. Staff Lawyer Michael Bissonnette explains in our new blog. #SRKW
wcel.org
Orcas in the crosshairs: how government decisions could drive endangered whales to 'wilful extinction'
In the 1960s, the federal Department of Fisheries (DFO) met with fishers in the Campbell River area to talk about what to do about the prevalence of orca whales who were viewed as a hindrance to the s...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
New blog: Once a thriving ecosystem, colonization, destructive industry and development have transformed Vancouver's beloved False Creek into a polluted waterway plagued by sewage, derelict vessels and a gridlocked governance system. False Creek Friends Society wants to change that 👇
wcel.org
Making False Creek swimmable – a community group’s vision to restore Vancouver’s beloved urban waterway
How can a community turn a polluted metropolitan waterway into a vibrant and thriving urban ecosystem? This loaded question may have a relatively simple answer. Make it swimmable.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
#Rossland residents are organizing to prevent an open-pit mine from being built on #RecordRidge. We spoke to Melanie Mercier & Nils French from Save Record Ridge Action Committee to learn more about their concerns, the upcoming BC Supreme Court appeal and what they’ve learned from the journey so far
wcel.org
EDRF Grantee Spotlight: Save Record Ridge Action Committee
We spoke to Melanie Mercier and Nils French from Save Record Ridge Action Committee to learn more about their concerns about the mine, their hopes for the upcoming BC Supreme Court appeal, and what th...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The trade war is a huge concern, but BC's response shouldn't take for granted the massive role our ocean plays in BC’s economic security and prosperity. “The #CoastalMarineStrategy can help us weather this storm by supporting a resilient, thriving local economy and ensuring our local food security."
nationalobserver.com
BC blames trade war for scaled-back coastal commitments. Experts don't buy it
Two years after British Columbia released a long-awaited strategy for its coastal waters, the ministry responsible says Donald Trump’s trade war is forcing it to rethink what it can accomplish.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Major projects are being pushed forward across the country, bypassing vital safeguards that protect nature, clean air and water, and the wildlife we love. Not all nation-building requires breaking ground. With strong environmental protection, we can build a clean, fair and responsible Canada.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Our RELAW program (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air & Water) is celebrating ten years 🎉 We spoke with Eugene Kung, one of RELAW’s longest-serving team members, and Joanna El-Mikati, one of its newest. Read the full convo across RELAW generations: wcel.org/blog/looking...
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Climate Action Network Canada @canrac.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Tariff retaliation is necessary, but not enough. True resilience demands we not only diversify trade, but move away from a volatile high-carbon status quo. Canada must support workers and communities as we build the economy of the future. shorturl.at/rihP6
shorturl.at
Climate Action Network Canada reacts to the collapse of the Canada-U.S. trade talks - Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-Rac)
Unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin Territories , 25 August 2026: In response to the collapse of the U.S.-Canada trade negotiations over the weekend, Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director of Climate Ac...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Restricting access to this information is a problem for democracy, transparency and accountability. Get in touch with your MLA to urge the BC government to find another solution that doesn't compromise public info and trust! ✉️ #bcpoli
cbc.ca
Transparency issues raised over B.C. gov't decision to remove public employee directory | CBC News
The B.C. government says it took down its public employee directory due to cybersecurity and privacy concerns, but now some are worried the restricted access amounts to a loss of transparency.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Join us TOMORROW for this critical conversation. We'll hear from @johnvaillant.bsky.social (author of Fire Weather), Kelsey Winter (Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre), and Carly Phillips (Union of Concerned Scientists). Register through the link below!
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
“Wildfire impacts are one example of the incredibly expensive public costs of #ClimateChange, yet there’s no provincial acknowledgment that these costs are exacerbated by domestic fossil fuel production, or that they put a significant dent into royalty revenues.”— @traceysaxby.bsky.social 👇
vancouversun.com
Opinion: B.C.'s wildfires and fossil fuels: We need to connect the dots
Wildfire is a public cost of climate change yet there's no provincial acknowledgment they're exacerbated by domestic fossil fuel production
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Scientists are warning that proposed changes to the Species At Risk Act are a “sledgehammer to the law” and could lead to the wilful extinction of endangered species such as the southern resident killer whale.
cbc.ca
Proposed changes to endangered species law would 'stab it to death,' says scientist | CBC News
The former chairs of a panel that advises the federal government on endangered wildlife have published an open letter highlighting concerns over proposed changes to the Species At Risk Act, which they...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
So much for government transparency 🫤 #BCgov is shutting down public access to its online directory, leaving taxpayers in the dark about the structure of ministries, government staff, titles and contact info. #bcpoli
nsnews.com
Rob Shaw: B.C. cutting public access to decades-old government directory
Province cites cybersecurity, privacy risks
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
On Sep 21, join Se’Si’Le, @sierraclubbc.bsky.social and others for Seven Sisters for the Salish Sea, a powerful evening of Indigenous women leaders, knowledge keepers, and speakers sharing stories & teachings. This gathering will explore the urgent transborder threats facing the #SalishSea.
eventbrite.com
Seven Sisters Speak: Stand for Our Lands and Waters
Join a powerful gathering where women's voices unite to protect our sacred lands and waters together.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
New blog: In 2015, then-Bank of England Governor Mark Carney gave a massively influential speech, warning insurers and investors that fossil fuel-driven climate change posed a serious risk to financial stability. What would he think of himself today? 👇 #cdnpoli
wcel.org
Revisiting Mark Carney’s Tragedy of the Horizon
In 2015, when Mark Carney was Governor of the Bank of England, and had not yet ascended to the role of Canada’s Prime Minister, he gave a massively influential speech to insurance companies in which h...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
We’ll be at Garlic Fest in Richmond talking about @suebigoil.bsky.social — a bold campaign to make polluters pay their fair share of climate costs. Check it out! 📍 2771 Westminster Hwy (10–3pm) 🔗 www.sharingfarm.ca/garlicfest #SharingFarm #RichmondGarlicFest
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
As Canada weighs the prospect of another publicly funded pipeline to the west coast of BC, WCEL Lawyer Eugene Kung noted the public could again own a pipeline that companies will not want to pay for. “Trans Mountain is a red flag. It’s not a blueprint.” #cdnpoli
thetyee.ca
Trans Mountain Looks to Slash Pipeline Shipping Fees | The Tyee
The deal would leave the public on the hook for more of the TMX megaproject’s cost overruns.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Another fantastic cohort of summer law students is wrapping up their time at West Coast after spending the past few months getting hands-on experience with environmental and Indigenous law. Read on to hear what they had to say about their time with us! www.wcel.org/blog/between...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
As wildfires burn across Canada and around the world, communities are once again confronting the realities of a changing climate. Join us on 8/26 at 12pm PST for a free webinar exploring how we can protect our communities on an overheating planet. RSVP: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Free webinar - August 26, 2026, 12pm PST
Red tinted image of a forest fire with helicopter dumping water
Title: Protecting our communities in a world on fire
Headshots of John Vaillant - Kelsey Winter - Carly Phillips
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
With international and regional scrubber restrictions progressing, Canadians demanding action and mounting evidence of environmental harm, federal restrictions on scrubbers are overdue. #MarinePollution #CruiseShips
nationalobserver.com
The case for the end of scrubbers on ships
Scrubbers allow ships to continue burning the dirtiest marine fuels by ‘scrubbing out’ the sulphur dioxide from its exhaust. However, that scrubbed out sulphur has to go somewhere — and the wastewater...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
What could explain a supposedly climate-smart Prime Minster completely dismantling Canada's climate policies in his first year in office?
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Sue Big Oil @suebigoil.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
At least 5 U.S. climate lawsuits brought against fossil fuel companies have proceeded to the discovery stage, the last major step before a trial, when oil executives would be forced to defend their actions in front of a jury...They're panicking. grist.org/accountabili...
grist.org
As climate lawsuits advance, the oil industry enters 'panic mode'
With a wrongful death suit among scores of cases creeping toward trial, oil executives might have to defend themselves to a jury soon.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
They thought we wouldn't notice them slip this in during the long weekend ‼️ As Canada burns, the federal gov wants to designate the proposed west coast oil pipeline as a "project of national interest"—allowing it to sidestep critical environmental laws & assessments. Feedback is being accepted now.
gazette.gc.ca
Canada Gazette, Part 1, Volume 160, Number 31: SUPPLEMENT
August 1, 2026, Part 1, Volume 160, Number 31, Canada Gazette
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
We need your voice! The federal government is seeking feedback on the draft National #EnvironmentalJustice Strategy until Aug 10. In our blog, we provide context on #EnvironmentalRacism in Canada, discuss gaps in the current draft & how we can support you in sharing your story.
wcel.org
Share your feedback on Canada’s draft National Environmental Justice Strategy
Environment and Climate Change Canada is accepting public comments on the draft National Environmental Justice Strategy until August 10, 2026. In this blog, we discuss the draft Strategy in more detai...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Canada's push to reduce oversight and "streamline" major project approvals (including proposed changes to the Species at Risk Act) is especially concerning for the fate of wild Pacific salmon. Impact assessments & enviro laws aren't inconveniences; they manage risk before irreversible damage occurs
theconversation.com
Canada’s infrastructure projects could damage Pacific salmon habitats
Biodiversity policies fail because governments lack the safeguards, accountability mechanisms and political commitment needed to implement them consistently.
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
We'll be at the Vancouver Dyke March on Saturday August 1 at Grandview Park (12-5pm). Come talk to us about our Access to Justice programs 👋 We provide legal info and advice to individuals, community groups and First Nations facing #EnnvironmentalJustice and environmental health problems in BC
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Our Children’s Trust @youthvgov.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Canada says net-zero by 2050, but plans to extract fossil fuels that'll emit 29.4 billion tons of CO2 through 2050. Our Senior Climate Scientist, Anders Carlson, breaks down the hypocrisy behind Canada's climate plan and why La Rose v. His Majesty the King matters. bit.ly/44WHKP0 @wcelaw.bsky.social
bit.ly
“They desire a better country”  — Our Children's Trust
The Crown of Canada can bestow on worthy Canadians the Order of Canada (Ordre du Canada au français), which has the motto “ Desiderantes meliorem patriam” or “They desire a better country.” I think this motto exemplifies the Canadian plaintiffs in La Rose v. His Majesty the King . The La Rose pl
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Climate inaction can violate human rights protected under Canadian law, says West Coast lawyer Andrew Gage. The ICJ opinion opens Canada to legal challenges from states harmed by its failure to slash emissions, as well as domestic cases like La Rose v. Canada. www.theenergymix.com/landmark-icj...
theenergymix.com
Landmark ICJ Ruling Could Pose Liability in Canada
One year after the world's highest court ruled that countries have a legal duty to fight climate change, Canada's federal and provincial governments are expanding fossil fuels anyway, a move that coul...
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Our Children’s Trust @youthvgov.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Youth in La Rose v. His Majesty the King have been fighting for 7 years. On October 26, 2026 they finally head to trial! Sign up for YouthvGov and @wcelaw.bsky.social mailing list for updates: bit.ly/canada-signup / wcel.org/newsletter
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Climate inaction can violate human rights protected under Canadian law. The ICJ opinion opens Canada to legal challenges from states harmed by its failure to slash emissions, as well as domestic cases like La Rose v. Canada.
theenergymix.com
Landmark ICJ Ruling Could Pose Liability in Canada
One year after the world's highest court ruled that countries have a legal duty to fight climate change, Canada's federal and provincial governments are expanding fossil fuels anyway, a move that coul...
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Sue Big Oil @suebigoil.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Across Canada, summer has become a season of harrowing headlines & #climateimpacts – from #heatwaves and record-breaking #wildfires to intense storms and flooding in multiple provinces. 🧵#extremeweather #climatechange
cbc.ca
What's behind all the wild weather in Canada this summer? | CBC News
Many climate monitors have been predicting an extra-strong El Niño this year that's expected to peak in the winter. But the summer season has already brought weather-related chaos and even devastation...
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West Coast Environmental Law @wcelaw.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A few minutes of your time can make a huge difference for the largest intact wilderness in BC! Kaska First Nations have spent years developing a vision for an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area called Dene K’éh Kusān. Right now, BC gov is deciding whether to support this IPCA biggestwildest.ca
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Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative @y2y.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Do something small to save something big. On July 29, join a virtual action party to fill out a survey and support Dene Kʼéh Kusān, a proposed Indigenous protected area in northern B.C. Help conserve the province's largest intact wilderness! RSVP:
eventbrite.ca
Campaign Action Party - Support Dene Kʼéh Kusān
By filling out an online survey together in just a few minutes, we can make a huge difference for one of the biggest, wildest places in BC!
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Climate Justice Victoria @climatejusticeyyj.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Stuck inside with all the wildfire smoke? Why not use the time to read @wcelaw.bsky.social's BC's Dirty Secret report. "The BC government has moral and legal responsibilities as the owner of fossil fuel reserves... for the resulting climate harm" #bcpoli #bcwildfire #climatelaw
Cover of BC's Dirty Secret report with a photo of a gas flare reflected on ocean.
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