West Coast Environmental Law
@wcelaw.bsky.social
1.5K followers 180 following 290 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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wcelaw.bsky.social
On Monday, @theglobeandmail.com hosts a free virtual event on how climate change is reshaping Canada’s health care system. We're glad to see Cecilia La Rose, one of the youth taking the federal government to court over climate inaction, contributing her perspective.

Register: tgam.ca/454lVxR
wcelaw.bsky.social
“The fact that there is not a private proponent despite obviously huge willingness on the part of Alberta to subsidize this using tax dollars should tell you everything you need to know about the reality of this project, which is that it is not a real project," commented BC Premier Eby. #bcpoli
As Smith Pushes New Pipeline Plan, Eby Says No Way | The Tyee
BC premier decries environmental risk of tanker traffic from proposed northern terminal.
thetyee.ca
wcelaw.bsky.social
Coastal First Nations have fought to keep crude oil tankers out of territorial waters for over 50 years, and remain opposed to plans to push a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the BC northwest coast. Read CFN's full statement below.
CFN Responds to Alberta’s Pipeline Announcement: Oil Tankers are not Welcome in Our Coastal Waters
Coastal First Nations remain opposed to any project or proponent that would bring crude oil tankers into our coastal territories.
coastalfirstnations.ca
wcelaw.bsky.social
"I think any federal government would lift the existing oil tanker moratorium at their political peril. The fear and the concern about an Exxon Valdez-style oil spill is still very live and it would be both a political and an economic mistake."—West Coast Executive Director Jessica Clogg. #cdnpoli
Alberta 'on notice' as B.C.'s coastal First Nations oppose pipeline proposal
The head of a group representing First Nations along British Columbia's coast says they will not support a new pipeline proposed by Alberta and nothing can be done to change that.
www.timescolonist.com
wcelaw.bsky.social
The #HighSeasTreaty reached a recent milestone of 60+ ratifications worldwide 🎉 Canada has signed the treaty and was instrumental in moving it forward – but "it's not ratified till it's ratified," says WCEL Lawyer Stephanie Hewson. Read more via @thenarwhal.ca #cdnpoli
Canada hasn’t ratified the High Seas Treaty it championed | The Narwhal
Canada has signed on to the High Seas Treaty but not yet ratified it. Its role in big ocean conservation decisions will be limited until it does
thenarwhal.ca
wcelaw.bsky.social
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report & its 94 Calls to Action. In honour, the RELAW team at WCEL put together a list of 10 meaningful ways to recognize National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sep 30) w/ some events in BC 🧡 #OrangeShirtDay
Photo of a child with drum next to a body of water, with title text: "Ten ways to honour National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on its 10th anniversary" Poster image with text: 
Ten ways to celebrate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (September 30, 2025)
1. Start Small - Talk to a friend, family member or colleague about the significance of the day. 
2. Show your colours - Wear an orange shirt to commemorate the day.
3. Honour Walk - "Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future" - Grandview Park | Vancouver | 10am
4. Cultural Sharing and Reflection - Including all ages activities and interactive displays - MONOVA | North Van | 11am-4:30pm
5. Visit a Museum - Sun. Sept. 28 the Museum of Anthropology is hosting "Imprints for Truth & Reconciliation" - UBC MOA | Vancouver | 11am-2pm Poster image with text: Ten Ways to Celebrate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (September 30, 2025)
6. Attend a Powwow - 4th Annual South Island Powwow - Royal Athletic Park | Victoria | 10am
7. Attend an Indigenous Market - Truth & Rec Pop Up Market, Hosted by Sisters Sage - 1312 Kingsway | Vancouver | 10am-6pm
8. Join a community celebration - Kay Anniversary and National Day of Truth & Reconciliation - Haida Heritage Centre | Skidegate | 10am-4pm
9. Participate in Educational Events - Learn about the day with Manuel Axel Strain, two-spirit artist from Musqueam, Simpcw and Syilx peoples - Noons Creek Hatchery | Port Moody | 10am-2pm
10. Teach a Child about the Day - Scholastic Canada has compiled a list of resources for parents, kids, and educators - https://www.scholastic.ca/reconciliation-resources/
wcelaw.bsky.social
10 years ago, then-Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, delivered his landmark "Tragedy of the Horizon" speech—highlighting the systemic financial risks posed by climate change. Today, WCEL joins 54 int'l climate finance orgs calling for bold financial reforms. www.tragedyofthehorizon.org
wcelaw.bsky.social
Bill 15 could lead to projects bypassing critical enviro assessments & gov accountability. It passed in May with almost no debate or consultation with First Nations or the public, making it all the more important to weigh in now. See our guide to taking the survey: organizingforchange.org/ipa-survey
IPA Survey Guide — Organizing For Change
organizingforchange.org
wcelaw.bsky.social
Watch: A recording of our webinar on the Infrastructure Projects Act (BC Bill 15) and how to participate in the engagement process (a 15-20min survey) is now available. #bcpoli
IPA/Bill 15 Phase One Engagement Guidance
YouTube video by Organizing for Change
youtu.be
wcelaw.bsky.social
Pics from #DrawTheLine on Saturday 📸 Really powerful and inspiring to see Vancouver and 70+ communities across Canada come together in cross-movement unity and solidarity. Hands up to all involved, and the fight for a better future continues!
Reposted by West Coast Environmental Law
blueprint4coast.bsky.social
Calling all ocean lovers! 🌊

The Union for BC Municipalities has begun and we need your help to get our resolution endorsed.

The #CoastalMarineStrategy is a plan to better protect and manage the coast, but it needs legislation to succeed.

Send a letter to your local government now! 💌 #bcpoli
wcelaw.bsky.social
Without legislation to support it, the BC #CoastalMarineStrategy is at risk of becoming yet another well-intentioned plan that never reaches its full potential.

Take action today: send a letter to your mayor and council telling them to vote YES to a coastal law at the UBCM 2025 Convention⤵ #bcpoli
Tell Your Local Government to Support “Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy” at the 2025 UBCM Convention | BlueprintForTheCoast
Send a letter to your mayor and council telling them to vote YES on Resolution NR69: Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy at the Union of BC Municipalities 2025 Convention.
blueprintforthecoast.ca
wcelaw.bsky.social
This study outlines how existing regs across multiple jurisdictions in BC are failing to manage the cumulative impacts of development and climate change on #BCSalmon and watersheds. Co-authored by West Coast Lawyer Deborah Carlson and Summer Law Student Kai Fig Taddei—check it out! #bcpoli
B.C. Salmon Threatened by Fragmented Policy Landscape
New research from Simon Fraser University (SFU) Biological Sciences researchers finds that Pacific salmon are facing escalating threats due to a lack
www.miragenews.com
wcelaw.bsky.social
Marine protection, Indigenous law revitalization, access to justice, climate accountability, and the health of land, air and water are all connected. We're working to develop lasting protections for the environment but we can’t do it without your support. Please join us! wcel.org/ActionEcosys...
Reposted by West Coast Environmental Law
fionakoza.bsky.social
Awesome turn out today at Vancouver #DrawtheLine. Fun to see so many friends and colleagues. Fabulous speeches and music. Thanks all for coming out!
wcelaw.bsky.social
Red Chris mine (co-owned by the same company responsible for the Mount Polley disaster) has been fined a second time in less than three months, in addition to its years-long record of noncompliance. Yet Canada has fast-tracked its expansion as one of five "nation-building" projects.
B.C. penalizes mine again amid federal plan to fast-track expansion
Newcrest Red Chris Mining Ltd. was penalized for a second time in less than three months for failing to monitor groundwater at a site that could soon produce 15 per cent of Canada's copper.
www.biv.com
wcelaw.bsky.social
BC government wants to hear residents’ opinions on what may be fast-tracked under the new Infrastructure Projects Act (BC #Bill15). Take the 15–20min survey and share so more environmentally-minded voices are heard! See this helpful guide on taking the survey ⬇ #bcpoli
IPA Survey Guide — Organizing For Change
www.organizingforchange.org
wcelaw.bsky.social
It's been 10 years since PM Carney's famous climate finance risk speech and the #ClimateCrisis is no longer the "tragedy of the horizon" – it's here. Join us for a webinar with leading experts to discuss what progress has been made and what has to change.

💻 Sep 29 (8am PDT). Register below!
Tragedy of the Horizon
10 years after this famous climate finance risk speech, experts are taking stock: What progress has been made? and, What needs to change?
www.tragedyofthehorizon.org
Reposted by West Coast Environmental Law
suebigoil.bsky.social
Join us in Victoria for a free Climate Impacts Bike Tour as part of the Sept 20th Day of Action. 🚴‍♀️🚴

📅 Sat. 9/20
⏰ 10a.m. – 12
📍 Starting: 398 Harbor Rd.
📍 Ending at the B.C. Legislature right on time for the #DrawtheLine rally. Come ride with us: suebigoil.ca/climate-bike-tour-victoria/
September 20th, 2025: Climate Impacts Bike Tour (Victoria)
Sue Big Oil Greater Victoria and Seniors for Climate are hosting a Focus on the Climate Bike Tour on September 20, 2025 to visit sites that demonstrate how climate change is harming Victoria residents...
suebigoil.ca
wcelaw.bsky.social
Making plans for #DrawTheLine this Saturday? March with us and @suebigoil.bsky.social! We're meeting at 2pm outside the VPL Central Branch (350 W Georgia St) and marching to Science World, where there will be music, dancing and speeches (including one from West Coast's Rayanna Seymour-Hourie)
wcelaw.bsky.social
Communities across the country are mobilizing on September 20th to demand that Prime Minister Carney and the Canadian government pick a side: injustice, violence, and climate destruction— or a just and safe future for all of us.

Find a #DrawTheLine action near you: drawtheline.world/canada
Canada | Draw the Line - For people, for peace, for the planet
We refuse to stand by while the government and Canada’s richest corporations hoard wealth, gut our public services, fuel climate collapse, attack migrants, exploit Indigenous lands, and prop up a geno...
drawtheline.world
wcelaw.bsky.social
Katłıà currently works as Co-learning Manager for our RELAW Program (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air and Water). Learn more about the program here: www.wcel.org/what-relaw
wcelaw.bsky.social
West Coast's Katłı̨̀ą Lafferty, Indigenous storyteller & legal rights advocate, delivered an inspiring TED Talk on how Indigenous storytelling traditions offer crucial insights for addressing water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable living practices rooted in earth-centered wisdom. Watch now 💚
The prophetical gift of Indigenous story | Katłıà (Catherine) Lafferty | TEDxVictoria
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
www.youtube.com
wcelaw.bsky.social
Without legislation to support it, the BC #CoastalMarineStrategy is at risk of becoming yet another well-intentioned plan that never reaches its full potential.

Take action today: send a letter to your mayor and council telling them to vote YES to a coastal law at the UBCM 2025 Convention⤵ #bcpoli
Tell Your Local Government to Support “Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy” at the 2025 UBCM Convention | BlueprintForTheCoast
Send a letter to your mayor and council telling them to vote YES on Resolution NR69: Legislating the BC Coastal Marine Strategy at the Union of BC Municipalities 2025 Convention.
blueprintforthecoast.ca