David V. Wright
@davevwright.bsky.social
2.4K followers 190 following 91 posts
Law prof. Environment, natural resources, sustainability, dispute resolution, treaties, North. Never played for the Mets, sadly. UC: https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/david-wright
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davevwright.bsky.social
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.
pembina.org
A new pipeline paired with carbon capture may sound promising, but the numbers tell a different story.

Our analysis finds the so-called “grand bargain” would result in oilsands emissions going up, even with the Pathways carbon capture project.
davevwright.bsky.social
The pathway to a credible “climate competitiveness strategy” is getting narrower by the day: www.ipolitics.ca/2025/10/07/p...

Grey Cup is Nov 16

Next climate summit is Nov 10 - 21

Canada now poised to further repeal and weaken climate policies right before COP30. Tough needle to thread. We’ll see
davevwright.bsky.social
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...
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…
ablawg.ca
davevwright.bsky.social
@ABlawg is having some tech issues this week that we are working to resolve. Will take a few days. But be sure it will be back.
davevwright.bsky.social
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
ablawg.bsky.social
New Post: Federal Climate Plans, Policies and Projections: Have no fear, CNZEAA is (still) here?

ablawg.ca/2025/06/23...
davevwright.bsky.social
Ha. True. But it is really going to come down to what projects are on that list. High chance of mis-steps and friction, yes. But also might be possible to harness unicorns.
davevwright.bsky.social
Key amendment to note:
- Public registry
- More Parliamentary oversight
- National security review
- Conflict of interest safeguards
- Explicit consent of provinces
- Stronger language re Indigenous consultation (but still not consent)

Upshot: still ‘leap before you look’ but less reckless.
davevwright.bsky.social
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...
Reposted by David V. Wright
ablawg.bsky.social
New Post: Provincial Referendum Legislation, Citizen-Led Secession Proposals, and Non-Derogation Clauses

ablawg.ca/2025/06/11...
davevwright.bsky.social
I think at least part of the logic, legit or not, is that the NIPs will be ‘well advanced’ enough that what would be accomplished in the planning phase is already done. That, and the planning phase is at least 180 days under the IAA, so low hanging timeframe fruit to trim. We’ll see.
davevwright.bsky.social
We are hearing 5 - 10 initially
davevwright.bsky.social
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...
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...
ablawg.ca
davevwright.bsky.social
Even giving out assists now
Reposted by David V. Wright
molszyns.bsky.social
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
a stove with a clock that says 8:08
Alt: a muppet (chef) cooking soup on a stove.
media.tenor.com
davevwright.bsky.social
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.
davevwright.bsky.social
We are so grateful for the precious time and perspectives our guests share with us, including from senior government officials, and Indigenous lawyers, leaders, and negotiators. Students also got to meet with not one but *two* Chief Justices this week. Growth mindset activated.
davevwright.bsky.social
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.
davevwright.bsky.social
Haven’t done this for decades but seems wise as summer-spring travel season begins.
davevwright.bsky.social
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.
davevwright.bsky.social
Contrary to what’s being said in the debate, the federal assessment regime provides multiple avenues for there to be a streamlined “one window”
or “one project - one review” approach. See discussion starting at p.14 of the above-linked article.