Tag Archives: West Coast Environmental Law

Energy

Pipeline north or south? Risks follow either BC route

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Another pipeline along the existing Trans Mountain corridor may be the most realistic route from Alberta to tidewater, but many agree the environmental risks still follow the oil.

The federal government is currently considering various pipeline routes from Alberta — to the Lower Mainland of BC near Vancouver, or a northern line to the port of Prince Rupert. The move comes as Ottawa and Alberta build on an MOU signed in November 2025 to potentially ship another million barrels daily to Asia. 

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Environment, Politics

Carney’s controversial major projects bill becomes law

By Natasha Bulowski, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Bill C-5 is now law after the Senate passed the bill without any changes.

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Energy, Indigenous Nations, Industry

Trump tariff threat a Trojan horse for B.C.’s fossil fuels

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Trump’s tariff threat provides convenient cover to accelerate the expansion of fossil fuels and raises alarm bells about First Nations rights tied to mining, say critics.

The B.C. government announced it is fast-tracking an “initial” mix of 18 energy, mining and fossil fuel projects, valued at $20 billion, that have business cases still needing government permits or approval.

It’s a bid to diversify trade markets so B.C. is never again exposed “to the whims of one person in the White House,” Premier David Eby said this week.

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Cost of Climate Change

Sechelt joins Sue Big Oil campaign

By Jordan Copp, Coast Reporter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The District of Sechelt will support the Sue Big Oil campaign in its filing of a class action lawsuit against global fossil fuel companies.

The decision commits $1 per resident (Sechelt has about 12,000 people) as a contribution to the campaign.

Dawn Allen, Sue Big Oil Sunshine Coast organizer, spoke at the June 12 Committee of the Whole asking for the district’s support. 

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Indigenous Nations, Industry

Mining companies are snapping up claims to develop Indigenous land. But what happens when a nation doesn’t consent?

By Matteo Cimellaro, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Reconciliation isn’t the only thing threatened when mining exploration companies fail to get consent from Indigenous nations, says one ethical investor.

Provinces — and the junior mining companies that obtain exploration permits connected to a nation’s ancestral territories — ignore consultation with Indigenous Peoples at their own peril, as the oversight can set the stage for future conflict, court challenges and delays, hampering any future economic development before it begins.

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