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First Nations say they've secured major work stoppage on Site C dam in advance of injunction application PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Tuesday, 27 February 2018 14:56
Charlie Smith - February 26th, 2018

West Moberly Chief Roland Willson says "B.C. Hydro wouldn’t send their contractors home and shut down work for the next six months unless their back was against the wall. - Roland Willson

Many assumed the $10.7-billion Site C dam was a done deal when Premier John Horgan announced in December that B.C. Hydro would complete the project.

That perception was reinforced less than when the Crown utilitychose its preferred proponent for the generation station and spillways civil-works contract.

Moreover, the International Union of Operating Engineers, which strongly supports the Site C dam, donated $123,520 to the NDP before the 2017 election.

It left little doubt in the minds of most media commentators that nothing could stop the project.
Last Updated on Thursday, 01 March 2018 17:11
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'Science is being ignored:' prominent Alberta professor sides with B.C. on pipeline PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Tuesday, 20 February 2018 15:10

David Schindler

David Schindler was awarded an Alberta Order of Excellence in 2008 for his work protecting fresh water resources in Canada and around the world and has advised the provincial government on oil spill clean-ups in the past. (University of Alberta)

Notley announced a provincial boycott on all imports of B.C. wines and cut off talks to purchase $500 million worth of electricity from B.C, escalating the inter-provincial spat over the pipeline.

He mentioned a Royal Society of Canada study from 2015 that lays out the unknowns when it comes to the transport of bitumen and said that many of the issues raised then have still not been addressed.

In particular, he said, he is concerned with oil spills during colder months.

"We still don't know how to get bitumen out from under the ice," he said. "If it goes in to one of the major salmon rivers crossing B.C., we will just sit by and helplessly watch it go downstream."

Climate change commitments 

It's not just scientific research and answers that are lacking, Schindler says, but also commitment to promises during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris.

"From what I see, we are not taking this commitment very seriously at all," he said. "We are taking a very 'head in the sand' approach to the problem."

  • NEB clears Trans Mountain to begin pipeline tunnel work at Burnaby Mountain

He says ventures to more renewable sources of energy, particularly geothermal, and away from the oil and gas industry are key to moving forward.

"If this were the beginning of the 20th century, we'd probably be protecting the buggy manufacturers and telling people 

Ecology professor argues the interprovincial dispute is being driven by politics, not science

By Clare Hennig, CBC NewsPosted: Feb 19, 2018 3:35 PM PT Last Updated: Feb 19, 2018 3:35 PM PT

Despite the tough stance from Alberta Premier Rachel Notley about Kinder Morgan Canada's pipeline expansion, a prominent Alberta academic is taking British Columbia's side in the dispute.

David Schindler, professor emeritus of ecology at the University of Alberta, says he thinks B.C.'s concerns about the Trans Mountain pipeline are legitimate.

The issue is one of science and not politics, he argues.

"Somehow, science is being ignored in all this," he told CBC. Early Edition Stephen Quinn. "I think the questions [about spills] are very legitimate."

The National Energy Board recently announced that construction of the TransMountain pipeline expansion can go forward on Burnaby Mountain, but the B.C. government says it will restrict any increase in bitumen shipments until further study is conducted on spills.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 February 2018 19:25
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1993 submitted to CORE Statement of Expectations and Obligations PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Thursday, 15 February 2018 10:59

 

Conservation and Ecologically Sound Practices

From the archives

 

By Joan Russow Sessional Lecture,

Global Issues in Environmental Studies Program

Universityof Victoria

Humanity stands at a defining moment in history.  We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being. ... (1.1 Preamble, Agenda 21)

 

Statement of Obligation 

Conservation and Ecologically Sound Practices

 

"Maxim of Equity:  Equity imputes an intention to fulfill an obligation." (Snell’sEquity 1990)

Canada has made international commitments, and the public can impute an intention to fulfill these obligations (Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties)

RECOGNITION OF URGENCY

• Biological diversity is being significantly reduced by certain human activities, (preamble, Convention of Biological Diversity)

• Importance of biological diversity for evolution and for maintaining life sustaining systems of the biosphere, (preamble, Convention of Biological Diversity)

• Conservation of biological diversity is a common concern of humankind, (preamble, Convention of Biological Diversity)

• This natural wealth is being eroded at an unprecedented rate, because of the rapid growth in human numbers, the uneven and often excessive consumption of natural resources, mistaken and socially harmful styles of development, global pollution and defective economic regimes, so that the future of humanity is now threatened (Caracas declaration)

• Many people must modify their styles of living and the world community must adopt new and equitable styles of development, based on the care and sustainable use of the environment, and the safeguarding of global life-supporting systems (Caracas declaration)
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Lets Party During BC Wine and Cheese Week PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Dragonslayer   
Monday, 12 February 2018 18:25

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley recently attacked the innocent bystander (BC Wine Industry)  because of an unrelated issue about the Kinder Morgan pipe line. 

She went even further by pulling out the Russian playbook and suggested that If BC didn't do what she wants that she would encourage BC residents to vote against the BC NDP in BC byelections.   Blackmail and election tampering for sure.   Maybe she broke the law?  Ya think?

I would like to invite all those thirsty Albertans to come visit us in BC.  Open up the summer cottage and throw wine and cheese parties.  Perhaps we could convince Premier Horgan to declare a wine and cheese holliday so we could all take a day to tie one on.   Oh what the heck...Lets just make it a week and we can super charge our wine industry.  We might even end up with a stimulated cheese industry.
Last Updated on Monday, 12 February 2018 18:50
 
Site C Summit – Accountability and Action PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Wednesday, 31 January 2018 20:51

Site C Summit – Accountability and Action - Published January 26 and 27, 2018

Victoria BC - Over 400 delegates attended the Site C Accountability and Action Summit to un-package the BC NDP’s Site C decision, uphold Indigenous rights and Treaty 8, examine the ongoing Site C train wreck, and to develop action plans to stop Site C.
 
Experts with over 100 years of collective experience in energy economics concluded that the NDP government knew their decision to continue Site C was based on erroneous advice.  Contrary to the words of Premier Horgan and Attorney General David Eby, the facts are: 
Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 February 2018 21:58
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Site C Summit – Accountability and Action PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Wednesday, 31 January 2018 20:40

 

 

 

 

 Site C Summit – Accountability and Action 
January 26 and 27, 2018

Communiqué

 

Victoria BC - Over 400 delegates attended the Site C Accountability and Action Summit to un-package the BC NDP’s Site C decision, uphold Indigenous rights and Treaty 8, examine the ongoing Site C train wreck, and to develop action plans to stop Site C.
 
Experts with over 100 years of collective experience in energy economics concluded that the NDP government knew their decision to continue Site C was based on erroneous advice.  Contrary to the words of Premier Horgan and Attorney General David Eby, the facts are: 

  • Cancellation of Site C will not trigger an immediate 12% rate increase. 
  • Cancellation will not incur a $3 to $4 billion write down. 
  • Cancellation will not mean $125 to $150 million in new annual debt service and postponement of needed capital spending. 
  • Cancellation will not cause a bond rating downgrade. 
  • Cancellation will save $3.5 billion for other infrastructure.


The Summit was advised that the cost of renewable energy has plummeted since the December 11th 2017 decision to proceed with Site C making any further attempt by the NDP to justify proceeding with Site C an exercise in futility.[1]
 
The Summit was briefed on the clear and massive breach of West Moberly, Prophet River, and Blueberry Indian Band Treaty Rights and other Indigenous Rights that will occur upon flooding of the Peace Valley if Site C proceeds.
 
The Summit expressed its strong support for Treaty 8 First Nations and First Nations in Alberta and the Northwest Territories impacted by Site C and the strategies, including legal action to stop Site C as soon as possible and before any flooding of the Peace Valley.
 
The Summit concluded with a number calls for action.  The most urgent are listed here: 

  1. The Province of BC must honour and uphold our treaties with Indigenous peoples, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 
  1. In response to the civil suits brought by the West Moberly First Nations, the Prophet River First Nation and the Blueberry First Nations, the Province of BC must instruct BC Hydro to stop work on Site C and walk away from the project. 
  1. The Province of BC must release publicly the information relied upon by the Province of BC in making its decision to proceed with Site C on December 11, 2017. 
  1. The Province of BC must direct that no public works contracts be granted to AECON if this corporation is to become a state-owned enterprise of the Government of China. 
  1. The Province of BC must replace those responsible at BC Hydro for the mismanagement of the Site C project as described by Premier Horgan in his December 11, 2017 announcement to continue Site C. 
  1. The Province of BC must release all geo-technical studies, memos and emails relied upon to brief the Premier prior to his December 11, 2017 announcement to continue Site C as well as release any information on the geotechnical challenges held by BC Hydro that contradict the Premier’s public assurances that these challenges are not expected to be significant with regard to cost and delay. 
  1. The Province of BC must release immediately its plan in relation to the Site C megaproject to preclude human trafficking and the violence against and murder and/or disappearance of women and children. 
  1. BC Hydro must drop its strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) suit filed against individuals allegedly involved in peaceful protest against Site C on the banks of the Peace River in 2016. 
  1. The Province of BC must pass anti-SLAPP suit legislation in the Spring 2018 sitting of the Legislature. 
  1. The BC NDP Provincial Council meeting on February 2-4, 2018must condemn the Government’s decision to proceed with Site C based on NDP values and commitments (given the information presently available to the public). 

 
                                            -  30  - 
 
Media availability:
 
Site C Summit Co-chairs:     Jackie Larkin   604 253 5068  
                                             Steve Gray       778 679 9011   
 
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
Communique - Site C Summit - Accountability and Action PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Wednesday, 31 January 2018 20:33
Inbox
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 Site C Summit – Accountability and Action 
January 26 and 27, 2018

Communiqué

 

Victoria BC - Over 400 delegates attended the Site C Accountability and Action Summit to un-package the BC NDP’s Site C decision, uphold Indigenous rights and Treaty 8, examine the ongoing Site C train wreck, and to develop action plans to stop Site C.
 
Experts with over 100 years of collective experience in energy economics concluded that the NDP government knew their decision to continue Site C was based on erroneous advice.  Contrary to the words of Premier Horgan and Attorney General David Eby, the facts are: 
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‘Deck Stacked’ Against First Nations Seeking Site C Injunction, Experts Say PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Sunday, 21 January 2018 13:43

Deck Stacked’ Against First Nations Seeking Site C Injunction, Experts Say

 

Sarah Cox • Friday, January 19, 2018 - 11:47

 

Chief Roland Willson

Can the Site C dam still be stopped?

It all boils down to one B.C. Supreme Court judge who will decide whether or not to grant First Nations an injunction against the project this spring, according to legal scholars who are keenly watching a new legal case against the $10.7 billion dam.

This week West Moberly First Nations and Prophet River First Nation filed notices of civil action claiming that the Site C dam — along with two existing dams on the Peace River — infringes on rights guaranteed to them in Treaty 8, which promised they could continue their traditional way of life.

The nations requested the court declare approvals for Site C issued by the B.C. and federal governments “unconstitutional,” and asked for an injunction to halt work on a project that will destroy traditional hunting, trapping and fishing grounds, as well as areas rich in berries, herbs and medicines.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 07 February 2018 21:37
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B.C. First Nations Call For Injunction on Site C as They Prepare Civil Suit PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Friday, 15 December 2017 20:46

 

By Carol Linnitt • Monday, December 11, 2017 - 12:32

Site C Dam First Nations Civil Suit Injunction

The West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations will seek an injunction against the Site C dam, which received a green-light from the B.C. government Monday.

The project, which will now cost an estimated $10.7 billion, has been vigorously fought by both nations, whose traditional territory will be flooded by the Site C reservoir.

In addition to a court-sponsored injunction, the nations also announced they will pursue a civil case against the project for treaty infringement.

“It was John Horgan’s NDP that demanded a Site C inquiry by the B.C. Utilities Commission, and the results they received from it were clear: no need for the power, better alternatives once we do, and no advantage to ratepayers to proceed,” Chief Roland Willson said in a statement. “With those findings, the only responsible choice was to immediately stop destroying the Peace River valley.”
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Peace Valley Solidarity Initiative Sets Date for Accountability Summit on NDP's Reckless Decision to Proceed with Site C PDF Print E-mail
Justice News
Posted by Joan Russow   
Tuesday, 12 December 2017 13:45

 

By Peace Valley Solidarity Initiative

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/peace-valley-solidarity-initiative-sets-date-accountability-summit-on-ndps-reckless-2243055.htm

December 11, 2017 19:31 ET

VICTORIA, BC--(Marketwired - December 11, 2017) - Today the Peace Valley Solidarity Initiative (PVSI) announced that an Accountability Summit on Site C will be held in Vancouver on January 20 - 21, 2018, to hold the NDP government to account for its unconscionable decision to complete construction of the Site C hydroelectric dam project. The Premier and Cabinet, as well as people from all political parties and walks of life concerned with the Site C decision and how it was made, are invited to attend.

PVSI is asking the NDP to provide all the data, analysis and excel spreadsheets underlying their decision before Christmas so the province's business case for proceeding with Site C can be analyzed before the summit.

"The expert evidence we presented to Cabinet to cancel Site C was completely ignored," says Rob Botterell legal counsel to PVLA and PVEA. "Robert McCullough, an independent energy expert with 40 years of experience, was never contacted to provide more detail of his expert analysis to the Cabinet, after November 30, 2017. The silence was deafening. Clearly the decision has been made for some time. At least with Premier Christy Clark, my clients were not promised an open, fair and transparent process as was promised by Premier Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James. That turned out to be a sham."
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 December 2017 13:52
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