50 years of mercury pollution: Grassy Narrows
Fifty years ago last month, in March 1962, Dryden Chemicals began dumping an estimated 10 metric tonnes of mercury into the Wabigoon River, contaminating the fish which formed the subsistence and economy of three Indigenous communities Asubpeeschoseewagong (Grassy Narrows), Wabaseemoong (Wh…
Continue reading the post titled 50 years of mercury pollution: Grassy NarrowsMine or hauler: Who's responsible for Waste PCB Oil?
In Enviro West Inc. v. Copper Mountain Mining Corp. a waste hauler was hired to remove waste oil from a transformer at a mine. Despite several oral and written warnings, the hauler didn’t realize the oil was heavily contaminated with PCBs. As a result, the hauler mixed the PCBs with ot…
Continue reading the post titled Mine or hauler: Who's responsible for Waste PCB Oil?OBA prods AG on Anti-SLAPP
The Ontario Bar Association has reminded the Attorney General of the need for anti-SLAPP legislation in Ontario:
Continue reading the post titled OBA prods AG on Anti-SLAPPCreditor or regulator? Nortel, the MOE and environment v insolvency
If there are continuing operations, there has to be ongoing compliance with environmental legislation. But if there are no ongoing operations, the environmental regulator has to rely on its security, failing which it has unsecured status.
Continue reading the post titled Creditor or regulator? Nortel, the MOE and environment v insolvencyIs public consultation a political activity forbidden to charities?
With the launch of Conservative Senator Nicole Eaton’s inquiry into the “Involvement of Foreign Foundations in Canada’s Domestic Affairs”, increased scrutiny is being focused on the activities of Canada’s charitable environmental groups. In particular, is participating in public consultation…
Continue reading the post titled Is public consultation a political activity forbidden to charities?Municipal responsibility for cycling safety
As the number of cyclists increases, what must municipalities do to keep them safe?
Continue reading the post titled Municipal responsibility for cycling safetyBP civil claims trial start delayed
Civil claims arising from the explosion and oil spills of BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig were scheduled to start trial today before U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier. More than 500 lawsuits against BP PLC and other defendants were consolidated into one of the largest multidistrict litigatio…
Continue reading the post titled BP civil claims trial start delayedTen top environmental civil cases in 2011
Dianne spoke to an attentive audience at the Ontario Bar Association’s Annual Institute on the ten top environmental civil cases of 2011 (and the first part of 2012).
Continue reading the post titled Ten top environmental civil cases in 2011Ecojustice victory for endangered species
Why doesn’t the federal government protect endangered species without Ecojustice* taking them to court? In December 2010, Ecojustice won their lawsuit against the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for failing to protect killer whale habitat in B.C. In its plan to protect the w…
Continue reading the post titled Ecojustice victory for endangered speciesSydney Tar Ponds class action certified
After eight years of legal wrangling, the Sydney Tar Ponds class action has finally been certified. However, the plaintiffs’ chances of ultimate success will be significantly reduced if the Smith v. Inco decision stands.
Continue reading the post titled Sydney Tar Ponds class action certified