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.
Continue reading Carney’s controversial major projects bill becomes law
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.
Continue reading Trump tariff threat a Trojan horse for B.C.’s fossil fuels
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.
Continue reading Sechelt joins Sue Big Oil campaign
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.
Continue reading 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
An online form and $58.75.
That is what it takes to claim a mining stake in the traditional territory of the Gitxaała Nation, according to a written submission to the B.C. Supreme Court. At no point in the process does the mining claim, accessed through a provincial portal, ask the individual or company applying for it to consult with the nation.
For this reason, the Gitxaała Nation is challenging B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act in a case that will test whether the province’s legal commitment to recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples has the teeth to change laws.
Continue reading First Nation launches court challenge testing B.C.’s legal commitment to recognizing Indigenous rights
