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wcelaw.bsky.social
West Coast Environmental Law
@wcelaw.bsky.social
1.6K followers 180 following 330 posts
Transforming the legal landscape. We’re a non-profit org safeguarding the environment with legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law. Since 1974 🌱 Visit: wcel.org
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wcelaw.bsky.social
Setting and acting on strong climate targets is not only required under BC’s Climate Change Accountability Act, but also under international law. Read our full take on the CleanBC Review: www.wcel.org/media-releas...
November 28, 2025 at 7:14 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
A new bitumen pipeline is a pipe dream. Coastal First Nations have stated their unwavering opposition to the project, the Province of BC is staunchly opposed & the last time this project was proposed it failed in court. Our reaction to the Canada-Alberta Energy MOU: wcel.org/media-releas... #cdnpoli
November 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
We're looking for a Staff Lawyer to join our Marine program—Canada’s only dedicated public interest #MarineLaw program. Use your legal skills to support First Nations, local groups, ENGOs and Crown govs to maintain and restore the health of the coast & ocean. Apply by Jan 6: wcel.org/job-posting/...
November 26, 2025 at 10:11 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Over 40 organizations stand with Coastal First Nations to protect the north Pacific coast—a globally significant ecosystem and vital economic hub. Oil tankers put communities, wildlife & our climate at risk.
💧 No consent. No plan. No pipeline.
📢 Read the full statement: www.wcel.org/media-releas...
November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Are you our next Climate Campaign Strategist? This role engages in local gov outreach, volunteer mobilization and campaign strategy to help the public to draw links between their experiences of #ClimateChange, climate science & the need to make polluters pay. Apply by Dec 7: wcel.org/job-posting/...
November 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
It's wrong headed to call liquified natural gas "nation building" and irresponsible of Canada to double down on such high polluting projects, particularly when they have highly questionable benefits. Our full reaction: www.wcel.org/media-releas... #LNG #cdnpoli
November 14, 2025 at 1:48 AM
wcelaw.bsky.social
#Budget2025 is so weak on climate it could expose the federal government to further legal risk. The new "Climate Competitiveness" Strategy offers handouts to polluting industry and walks back climate action.

Our full reaction: www.wcel.org/media-releas... #cdnpoli
November 5, 2025 at 12:19 AM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Nation-building projects should benefit communities and respect Indigenous rights, not give handouts to Big Oil. This is why we are joining 48 orgs telling PM Mark Carney: No public funds for the Pathways Alliance #CCS project.

Read the letter: bit.ly/4qHUSBg #CarbonCapture #ClimatePolicy #cdnpoli
November 3, 2025 at 11:43 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Friends of Falls Creek is hosting a fundraising festival to support the Bonnington & Beasley communities against BC Timber Sales' proposed commercial logging in the watershed. A day of music and gratitude for nature's life-giving source!

⭐ FB event details: www.facebook.com/events/13588...
November 3, 2025 at 9:43 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Amidst worsening climate, biodiversity & pollution crises, the #GreenBudgetCoalition – including WCEL – has been promoting these comprehensive federal budget recommendations to create major progress addressing these crises. greenbudget.ca
October 29, 2025 at 8:58 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Every story in BC starts in the wild. This one does too. Follow along at keepitwildbc.ca to see what's stirring. #keepitwildbc
October 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
A year from now, 15 youth from across Canada will take the federal gov to court for failing to protect their right to a safe, stable climate.⚖️ We're proud to stand with them as part of their legal team, supporting their demands for bold national #climateaction. www.wcel.org/media-releas... #cdnpoli
Graphic with photo of 13 young people posing with title text: One year from historic climate trial, West Coast stands with youth taking Canada to court.
October 27, 2025 at 7:55 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
New Staff Picks – documentary edition! Swipe for #naturedocumentary recs to watch and keep cozy this Fall 🍂

◉ Wild Pacific (BBC Earth, 2009)
◉ Baraka (1992)
◉ My Octopus Teacher (Netflix, 2020)
October 22, 2025 at 9:51 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Canada passed the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5), a law aimed at fast-tracking the approval "national interest" projects by "streamlining" processes and "structuring" financing 👉 What does that even mean, and what will that look like in action? We answer key questions: www.wcel.org/publication/...
October 15, 2025 at 6:39 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
What could the future of environmental law look like? Earlier this year, a group of young changemakers gathered in an inspiring dialogue where they explored how strong Canadian and Indigenous laws can shape a more resilient, just, and sustainable BC.

⭐️ Read the report: wcel.org/publication/...
October 10, 2025 at 7:46 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
On Monday, @theglobeandmail.com hosts a free virtual event on how climate change is reshaping Canada’s health care system. We're glad to see Cecilia La Rose, one of the youth taking the federal government to court over climate inaction, contributing her perspective.

Register: tgam.ca/454lVxR
October 3, 2025 at 7:41 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report & its 94 Calls to Action. In honour, the RELAW team at WCEL put together a list of 10 meaningful ways to recognize National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sep 30) w/ some events in BC 🧡 #OrangeShirtDay
Photo of a child with drum next to a body of water, with title text: "Ten ways to honour National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on its 10th anniversary" Poster image with text: Ten ways to celebrate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (September 30, 2025) 1. Start Small - Talk to a friend, family member or colleague about the significance of the day. 2. Show your colours - Wear an orange shirt to commemorate the day. 3. Honour Walk - "Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future" - Grandview Park | Vancouver | 10am 4. Cultural Sharing and Reflection - Including all ages activities and interactive displays - MONOVA | North Van | 11am-4:30pm 5. Visit a Museum - Sun. Sept. 28 the Museum of Anthropology is hosting "Imprints for Truth & Reconciliation" - UBC MOA | Vancouver | 11am-2pm Poster image with text: Ten Ways to Celebrate National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (September 30, 2025) 6. Attend a Powwow - 4th Annual South Island Powwow - Royal Athletic Park | Victoria | 10am 7. Attend an Indigenous Market - Truth & Rec Pop Up Market, Hosted by Sisters Sage - 1312 Kingsway | Vancouver | 10am-6pm 8. Join a community celebration - Kay Anniversary and National Day of Truth & Reconciliation - Haida Heritage Centre | Skidegate | 10am-4pm 9. Participate in Educational Events - Learn about the day with Manuel Axel Strain, two-spirit artist from Musqueam, Simpcw and Syilx peoples - Noons Creek Hatchery | Port Moody | 10am-2pm 10. Teach a Child about the Day - Scholastic Canada has compiled a list of resources for parents, kids, and educators - https://www.scholastic.ca/reconciliation-resources/
September 29, 2025 at 9:07 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
10 years ago, then-Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, delivered his landmark "Tragedy of the Horizon" speech—highlighting the systemic financial risks posed by climate change. Today, WCEL joins 54 int'l climate finance orgs calling for bold financial reforms. www.tragedyofthehorizon.org
September 29, 2025 at 5:35 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Pics from #DrawTheLine on Saturday 📸 Really powerful and inspiring to see Vancouver and 70+ communities across Canada come together in cross-movement unity and solidarity. Hands up to all involved, and the fight for a better future continues!
September 24, 2025 at 6:03 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Marine protection, Indigenous law revitalization, access to justice, climate accountability, and the health of land, air and water are all connected. We're working to develop lasting protections for the environment but we can’t do it without your support. Please join us! wcel.org/ActionEcosys...
September 22, 2025 at 6:40 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Katłıà currently works as Co-learning Manager for our RELAW Program (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air and Water). Learn more about the program here: www.wcel.org/what-relaw
September 16, 2025 at 11:15 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
BC is deciding whether “fast-tracked” infrastructure speeds a just transition or locks in more destruction. Join us for webinars on Sep 17 & 18 on what you should know about the BC Infrastructure Projects Act (Bill 15) and how to engage + a live Q&A.

⭐ Register here: linktr.ee/Bill15Survey...
September 15, 2025 at 10:45 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
Today the federal gov unveiled its first list of “nation-building” projects and it's disappointing. At the top? Phase 2 of #LNGCanada, an expansion that would double the facility's #fossilfuel production in the middle of a #climatecrisis.

Our reaction➡️ www.wcel.org/media-releas...
#cdnpoli #BillC5
Photo of Parliament building tower with overlaid text: "The government released its first list of major "national interest" projects today. It's disappointing." Parliament building photo in background with quote: "We’re disappointed that a carbon bomb of an LNG project is considered to be in the national interest. Doubling LNG Canada’s output is a dangerous bet and will lock in decades of new fossil fuel production and export in the middle of a climate crisis." Parliament building photo in background with quote: "We are staring down the barrel of an economic crisis while also trying to reverse the climate and biodiversity crises. A response to one can't come at the expense of the other, which means doubling down on projects that will bring us into the 21st century like renewables and public transportation while making sure peoples' voices are heard."
September 11, 2025 at 10:20 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
It's been 5 yrs since BC's #OldGrowth Strategic Review report, and key recommendations – like a law for #biodiversity & ecosystem health – are languishing while BC moves to fast-track resource development. 🌲Today, 88 groups are calling on #BCgov to act: www.wcel.org/media-releas... #bcpoli #forests
Photo of foggy forest landscape with coniferous trees on a slope. Overlaid text: "BC's Old Growth Strategic Review Five Years On - 88 organizations are raising the alarm about the delay in implementing key OGSR recommendations - including a new law for biodiversity and ecosystem health - while resource development projects are fast-tracked."
September 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
wcelaw.bsky.social
For Indigenous community members: RELAW (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air & Water) is hosting an Indigenous-led #LandBack Art Build on Thurs. Sept 18 ahead of the #DrawTheLine Day of Action! Join us on Musqueam, Squamish & Tsleil-Waututh territories 🎨🖌️RSVP: www.facebook.com/events/58000...
Promo poster with Indigenous-led rally photo, logos and event info in text: "Indigenous Art Build - Hey Indigenous Kin, join us for the eve to create art for Draw the Line. Thurs. Sept 18 | 6-9pm. 1943 E. Hastings St. By Indigenous for Indigenous. Decolonial Mobilizing Gathering. Bring your Drums! Organized by RELAW (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air & Water)." Event poster with headline, logos and text: "Hey Indigenous kin, Join us on Sept. 18, 6-9pm for a Land Back Art build. We'll make a collective art piece, silk screen and ground ourselves in decolonized conversations. Bring your drums, big voices and good spirits! 6pm Drop in art build & refreshments. Bring a t-shirt/sweater to screen print! We will have some available from Decolonial Clothing (while supplies last). 7pm Indigenous Sovereignty sharing ft. Kayah George (Tsleil-waututh), Jada Pape (Snuneymuxw), Rayanna Seymour (Anishinaabe)" Event poster with title and text: "Calling all Hand Drummers. Draw the Line. xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories - VANCOUVER, September 20, 2025. 2pm march from Vancouver Public Library (350 W. Georgia St) to Science World. Indigenous Peoples to the Front! Allies Welcome. Calls to uphold Indigenous Sovereignty." Photo at bottom of poster feat. Indigenous led rally. Poster with text: "On September 20th - Draw the Line for People, for Peace, for the Planet. xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories. This is a global solidarity movement. For Indigenous rights, climate justice, migrant justice, economic justice and peace. From rallies to strikes, marches to gatherings, this September 20th, communities from coast to coast will mobilize across the country and demand that Prime Minister Carney and the Canadian government align its policies and laws to a just and safe future for us all. Sept 20th march from Vancouver Public Library - 350 W Georgia St to Science World."
September 10, 2025 at 11:37 PM