West Coast Environmental Law

After 7 years, 15 Cdn youth are getting their day in court. They argue that the federal gov’s actions are worsening the climate crisis, violating their Charter rights. Help fund this case—donate now at wcel.org/ClimateTrial. A group of generous supporters are ready to match your donation up to $50k!

Despite the Carney gov’s claims to the contrary, Bill C-39 would give the federal gov sweeping powers to fast-track major projects while weakening enviro protections and public oversight. Tell your MP to scrap this reckless bill: wcel.org/blog/scrap-bill-c-39-protect-canadas-environmental-laws

The forest industry is riled up re: #BCgov's proposal to limit payments of taxpayer funds to companies when land is set aside to fulfill First Nations treaty obligations. But the reality is that limits on compensation have been in place for decades. Our new blog explains ⬇️ #bcpoli

Organizing for Change sent a questionnaire asking BC political parties where they stand on climate action, conservation, watershed security, and more. Here are responses from the three official parties to help you make an informed decision! #bcpoli organizingforchange.org/bcelectionsu...

Starting Monday, October 26, La Rose v. Canada will be heard by the Federal Court. It has the potential to force politicians to recognize that our weak climate policies are contributing to the destruction we're experiencing. Its implications on Canadian climate policy could be stunning. Read on 👇

New blog: What do Indigenous protected & conserved areas mean for the future of conservation? Three RELAWyers share their thoughts on #IndigenousLaw, caring for the land and waters, and what they hope to see in the future for #IPCAs. Plus, get to know the people behind the work with a few fun facts!

Wondering where your BC local election candidates stand on #ClimateAccountability? Check out this helpful resource from @suebigoil.bsky.social to see their responses ahead of election day: suebigoil.ca/election-gui... #CivicElxn #Elxn2026

West Coast lawyer Anna Johnston was on Parliament Hill this week sounding the alarm over #BillC39, which aims to speed up major projects by creating Wild West zones where enviro laws don't apply & getting rid of independent reviews for many projects. Read more: www.wcel.org/blog/bill-c-... #cdnpoli

Presentations and videos from a network of 30-plus pro-fossil fuel groups show a coordinated effort to influence public opinion on climate change, and challenge environmental groups, journalists and First Nations land defenders. @meyer.bsky.social has the exclusive.

"Oil companies are getting a sweet deal" on #TransMountain shipping tolls, approved last week by Canada's Energy Regulator. The decision means Canadians won't recoup the $40B in public funds spent on the project. Staff Lawyer Eugene Kung weighs in: www.nationalobserver.com/2026/10/05/n... #cdnpoli

Calling #Climate Comms pros! 📣 We're #hiring a communications specialist to join our team and support digital campaigns on important climate law initiatives. Deadline is coming up this Wed. Oct 7! Check out the details & apply now: www.wcel.org/job-posting/... #greenjobs #communications #nonprofit

The deadline to register for RELAW’s 10-Year Anniversary Celebration has been extended to October 9 🌟 Is your work or passion focused on #IndigenousRights? Environmental protection? Nation to Nation gathering? Then please join us! Visit our Eventbrite (linked below) for more info + registration.

The West Coast oil pipeline has been designated a project of national interest, side-stepping environmental safeguards that have been in place for decades and charting a course that could irrevocably alter the Salish Sea. thetyee.ca/News/2026/10...

First Nations along the 'Pacific Link' pipeline route are speaking out about the lack of consultation by the Carney government over the project now designated in the national interest. One is pondering legal action. www.aptnnews.ca?p=295352

Canada's decision to pre-approve the "Pacific Link" pipeline & tankers project is reckless, short-sighted & could lead to legal challenges. We're calling on the government to de-list the pipeline so proper assessment & meaningful consultation can take place. ⬇️ www.wcel.org/media-releas... #cdnpoli

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

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

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...

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...

Some good news for the ocean 🌊 Thank you to all our supporters who urged Canada to take this key step!

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

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...

#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/...

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

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!

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...

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

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...

🚨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

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

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 👇

#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

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."

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...

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

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