Today, the Province announced five possible new regulations aimed at protecting our region from the threats of transporting bitumen and heavy oil. Included is the intention, that while a Science Panel conducts research into the unique properties and behaviour of bitumen, that the Province will restrict increases in the transport of this substance. In response, Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of…
Read more »Press Category: Environmental policy & regulation
Feds to increase approach distance to 200m from orcas
On October 26, 2017, the federal government announced it will enact an enforceable requirement for all water-based vessels to maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres from southern resident killer whales beginning by next spring. In response, the Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, Christianne Wilhelmson, made the following statement: “With this policy, the federal government is strengthening the current…
Read more »Time is running out to fend off orca extinction
Federal government’s orca symposium failed to establish concrete action on recovery measures, say seven conservation groups
The federal government’s southern resident killer whale Symposium, held as part of the Oceans Protection Plan this week in Vancouver, failed to identify concrete actions to ensure the recovery of the endangered killer whales, according to seven environmental organizations. “Threats to southern residents are well-documented and to support recovery we need to be implementing tangible measures immediately,” says Christianne Wilhelmson,…
Read more »GSA responds to Province’s announcement on Kinder Morgan
Province confirms that Kinder Morgan’s pipeline project has not met five conditions
The Province of BC cannot support Kinder Morgan’s application for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion based on the evidence the company has filed to date with the National Energy Board (NEB), the Ministry of Environment said this morning. “During the course of the NEB review, the company [Kinder Morgan] has not provided enough information around its proposed spill prevention and…
Read more »New poll shows majority of British Columbians want Kinder Morgan review halted
Sixty-eight per cent of British Columbians favour halting the National Energy Board’s review of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline proposal to allow the federal government to complete a promised overhaul of Canada’s environmental assessment process, according to a poll released today by Justason Market Intelligence. There is agreement in all parts of the province that the Kinder Morgan review should…
Read more »100 groups call on Trudeau to stop pipeline reviews before Paris climate talks
Fixing the process isn't enough
A broad cross-section of 100 environmental, business and community interests, including many participants in the current National Energy Board (NEB) reviews, are asking Prime Minister Trudeau, before heading to Paris, to keep his promise and stop the costly, broken pipeline reviews, including Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain and TransCanada’s Energy East proposals. “Stopping the pipeline reviews is one of Prime Minister…
Read more »Commitment to Environmental Protection Lacking in BC Budget
Future of BC built on shaky ground of LNG expansion
VICTORIA, BC – The 2014 Budget released by the provincial government today made clear that the future of BC is being bet on LNG expansion with little regard for environmental protection or the long-term climate change impacts that this and other fossil fuel proposals will have on the province. “As the industry and government are attempting to turn the Salish…
Read more »Cohen Inquiry recommendations lay groundwork for salmon recovery
Report condemns gov't policy inaction, highlights risks from salmon farms
October 31, 2012 VANCOUVER BC – The recommendations of the Cohen Inquiry into the Decline of Fraser River Sockeye released today make clear that though there was no ‘smoking gun’, there are multiple threats that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term health of the Fraser River sockeye. In 75 broad ranging and specific recommendations, Commissioner Cohen gave the…
Read more »Health and environmental organizations call for province-wide ban on cosmetic pesticides
Georgia Strait Alliance joins other groups in asking the BC government to ban the use of all lawn and garden pesticides. Please read our statement here. Dozens of BC communities have already banned local use, and opinion polls show British Columbians don’t believe the health and environmental risks posed by chemical pesticides for non-essential, “cosmetic” uses are worth taking. Thanks to…
Read more »Legal Victory for Endangered Species Across Canada
Court ruling means Department of Fisheries and Oceans must overhaul recovery plans September 10, 2009 Vancouver, BC – A precedent-setting legal victory for endangered species may put an end to years of unlawful action by the Government of Canada. In a September 9 ruling, the Federal Court admonished the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for failing to identify the habitat…
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