By Jason Unger Staff Counsel, Environmental Law Centre In the wake of James Cameron’s visit, and with the knowledge that the next Avatar installment is to take place underwater, it seems like an appropriate time to talk about surface water quality in Alberta. To be blunt, the...
By Jason Unger Staff Counsel, Environmental Law Centre If we are serious about aquatic ecosystem health in the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB) we have to really start talking about two things; irrigation and growth. The South Saskatchewan River Basin in Alberta Water Supply Study (the Supply...
When we talk about accountability we are, by necessity, drawn into the world of law. The word “accountable”, meaning “responsible; answerable” (Black’s Law dictionary 9th ed.), evokes the idea that we must pay the piper for unmet promises. Accountability is a cornerstone of...
By Adam Driedzic, Staff Counsel Federal Bill C-469, the Private Members’ proposal for a Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights, has passed second reading in the House of Commons and will be considered by the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. Environmental bills of rights are emerging...
Last week, the Canadian Press reported the results of a two-year long information request regarding a database held by Environment Canada on spills. The results are disturbing, but not surprising. The Canadian Press claims that the database lists 6,555 spills in 18 metropolitan areas since...
The Canadian Institute of Resources Law has an interesting conference coming up: Aboriginal Peoples and the Future of Water Management in Alberta. Check it out at . Cindy Chiasson from the ELC will be moderating one of the sessions....
A few months ago we posted about the Ministerial Order under the federal Navigable Waters Protection Act - ("Are Canadian Waterways Subject to Public Rights") Where we noted that this seemed to be a step away from treating all waterways equally in Alberta and...
The prosecution has delivered its closing arguments in the 'ducks in tailings pond' case of R. v. Syncrude. Syncrude’s non-suit application was dismissed, meaning that the company will be forced to plead a defence against evidence that could see it convicted. The public interest generated...
Last week, when local media were distracted with cell phone driving proposals, the Auditor General of Alberta released a comprehensive review of Alberta Environment’s management of the province’s water supply. The Alberta Auditor General recognized that Alberta Environment engages in water management at a number of...
MEDIA ADVISORY Edmonton, AB, 21 April 2010 – Last month a public notice appeared on the Alberta Environment website that indicated that the Eastern Irrigation District (EID) had proposed changes to the purpose of its water license from irrigation only to a variety of purposes...
The scales of just-fish: are letters of advice crappie ways to minnow-mize harm? The case of Cassiar Watch The federal Fisheries Act R.S.C. 1985, c. F-14 is one of Canada’s oldest and most important environmental laws. Sections 35 and 36 of the Act are directed...
Apr 03, 2010 06:00 am | By Kevin Ma | St. Albert Gazette The public is at risk of another Walkerton if the government passes proposed changes to the federal environmental assessment act, says a major environmental group. The federal government proposed changes...
