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Read the latest stories, updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, and more.
3 lessons from the Supreme Court of Canada’s Castonguay decision
The Castonguay case comes at an important time. It’s been a tough few years for environmental law. Three national laws that offered Canadians some of their most valuable environmental protections were stripped and defanged - the Fisheries Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the Navigable Waters Protection Act. At the same time, the people responsible for giving meaning and force to the law (scientists and staff at places like the Department of Fisheries and Oceans) were systematically silenced, defunded, and fired. Provincially, government is shifting to a “self-regulation” process that means fewer officials looking out for you.
In the face of all these rollbacks, the Environmental Protection Act is more important than ever before. We’re honoured to have had an opportunity to be part of this historic case. Our counsel at CELA deserve much credit for their effort. And we thank our generous donors whose donations make our work possible.
Enbridge submits final Line9B arguments in writing
On Friday afternoon, Enbridge submitted its final written reply arguments to the Board. Below you'll find a summary of of the written arguments.On Friday afternoon, Enbridge submitted its final written reply arguments to the Board. Here's a summary of of the written arguments.
Inaugural swim race in Toronto a huge success!
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper partnered with the Toronto Island Lake Swim to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting our public swimming areas.Lake Ontario Waterkeeper partnered with the Toronto Island Lake Swim to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting our public swimming areas.
Confirmed: Toronto dumped 1-billion litres of sewage after July storm
It will take years to fix Toronto’s infrastructure problems. We know that. We also know that public health should be protected in the meantime. One of the first steps is better public reporting. We think it’s outrageous that you aren’t informed about sewage spills so that you can take steps to protect your health. Cities like Kingston have started alerting the public. Toronto, the biggest city in the country, should be able to do the same.
Broad interpretation of environmental laws upheld by Canada’s highest court
Supreme Court of Canada affirms for first time validity of applying precautionary principle to Ontario environmental legislation
7 things you should know about the Enbridge Line 9 hearing
Enbridge is seeking approval from the National Energy Board to reverse the flow of oil in a pipeline that runs from Sarnia to Montreal. The 639 kilometre stretch of pipeline between Sarnia and Montreal (mostly in the Lake Ontario watershed) is the focus of an NEB hearing that moves from Montreal to Toronto this week. The hearing is expected to be well-attended and eventful. Within the first hour of the Toronto hearings, two peaceful protests were staged by Amjiwnaang First Nation and 350.org members.
Here are 7 things you need to know about the Line 9 hearing.
Canada’s highest court to release decision on how broadly environmental laws may be interpreted to protect the public
On Thursday, October 17, 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada will release its decision on how broadly environmental laws may be interpreted to protect the public.
The case raising this issue involves a company acquitted in 2010, but convicted on appeal in 2011, for failing to report to the Ontario environment ministry under the province’s Environmental Protection Act (“EPA”).
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