Introduction
On July 26, 2019, the National Energy Board (the “NEB” or the “Board”) released its decision concluding that it does not have jurisdiction over the Coastal GasLink Pipeline (“CGL Pipeline”) in British Columbia. The decision is based on a constitutional analysis of the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments, which, in ...
Formal Negotiations between Canada and the United States to modernize the Columbia River Treaty began in May 2018. The Canadian and US delegations have met 6 times, in Washington DC (twice), Nelson BC, Vancouver BC, Victoria BC, and Portland OR. This article describes the current Treaty, the factors leading to the current negotiations, and the stated modernization ...
In a case that pitted the federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) against Alberta’s constitutional rights to legislate in relation to property and civil rights in the Province, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in Orphan Well Association v Grant Thornton Limited (Redwater) has determined that the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has been and continues to act lawfully ...
The Supreme Court of Canada has confirmed in Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada (Governor General in Council) that there is no duty to consult Indigenous groups in the development of legislation.
At issue in Mikisew was whether the Government of Canada had a duty to consult the Mikisew Cree First Nation on the development of environmental legislation that Mikisew said had ...
Impact benefit agreements (“IBAs”) between industrial proponents and Indigenous groups are becoming an important way for proponents to address regulatory risks and for Indigenous groups to benefit from industrial development in their traditional areas. Because IBAs may contain commercially sensitive information such as financial contributions, employment ...
On Friday, December 1, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in the Peel River case that we first reported on here and here. The decision deals with the obligations of the Yukon Government to follow the land use planning process set out in modern land claim agreements with First Nations in Yukon, more specifically the development of a land use plan for the Peel River ...
The Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) rendered its decision in Ktunaxa Nation v. British Columbia (Forest, Lands and Natural Resources Operations) on November 2, 2017. This decision has important implications for both project proponents and Aboriginal groups in Canada.
Background
The Ktunaxa National Council represents the four Ktunaxa communities in Canada ...
In 2016, the Government of Canada began reviews of federal environmental legislation and the National Energy Board (NEB). At the same time, Parliamentary standing committees undertook reviews of changes to federal fisheries and navigable waters laws. Reports from those four processes were released earlier in 2017.[1]
The Government of Canada has now released a ...
On May 18, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear an appeal in an important case that could further define the nature and extent of the Crown's duty to consult Aboriginal people, including the previously unresolved question as to whether the Crown's duty to consult Aboriginal people can be triggered by legislative action.
Background – When Does the Crown Duty to ...
Update: On June 9, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear an appeal from Yukon Court of Appeal’s Peel watershed decision. Click here to read our earlier blog post on the Court of Appeal’s decision handed down November 4, 2015.
About Us
Lawson Lundell's Environmental, Indigenous and Natural Resources Blog focuses on environmental, indigenous and natural resources law, as well as related litigation. Included are summaries of significant cases from Canadian appellate courts, changes in the legal framework governing resource development including energy and climate change policy, and key decisions from the more influential regulatory bodies in Canada.
Legal Disclaimer: The information made available on this webpage is for information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on as such. Please contact our firm if you need legal advice or have questions about the content of this webpage.