The Case for Indigenous Guardian Programs
Indigenous Guardians monitor and protect the lands and waters on their territory. They are the “eyes and ears” of a First Nation on the ground. Guardians monitor the activities of resources users, enforce federal, provincial, and Indigenous laws, gather data >
Enhancing Plastic Recycling in Canada
Our latest report on dealing with plastic pollution calls for the introduction of plastic recycling standards in Canada. This is the fourth report in the series of our work on plastics issues. Only 9% of total plastic is actually recycled, >
ELC’s Next Generation in Action
Over 550 law students have taken the ELC Clinic. Given that we know one-third of the UVic Law students enrol in the ELC Clinic and we’ve been at it for almost 25 years, that number in itself is not surprising. >
Raising the Alarm: the Case for Better Flame Retardant Regulation in Canada
A new ELC report prepared for the Victoria Fire Fighters Association shows the need for federal action in order to protect Canadian consumers, fire fighters, and the environment. The report, Raising the Alarm: the Case for Better Flame Retardant Regulation >
BC must act to protect spawning beaches
Opinion article as submitted to Vancouver Province and Times Colonist When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. John Muir Nature is wondrously complex. Who would have thought that >
The Case for Provincial Plastic Reform
Many Canadians are concerned about plastics pollution, and governments at all levels are seeking ways to take meaningful action. Continuing our work on finding solutions to plastics pollution problems, the ELC recently helped clients Kids for a Plastic Free Canada >
Forests for Future Generations
Old growth forests are valuable to BC’s ecological and economic health and vital in the fight against climate change. However, standards to protect these important resources vary across the province and, in many areas, are inadequate. On behalf of Sierra >
Private Forest Rules Betray Nature
With contributions from Emily Benoit, ELC Clinic (Fall 2018), Coop student (Spring 2019) Current rules for managing private forest land in BC fail to protect the province’s streams, fish, wildlife and other natural values. If not managed responsibly, logging activities >
Check-up Report: Stormwater Management in the Capital Region
Much of the infrastructure that deals with stormwater in the Capital Regional District (CRD) is in urgent need of upgrading, a problem that was highlighted in 2017 when Victoria’s annual Gorge Swimfest was cancelled caused by cross contamination of sewer >
Federal government action and climate change
The ELC has developed a comprehensive overview that identifies how Canada provides billions of dollars in subsidies each year to the fossil fuel industry. “Despite Canada having committed to the Paris Agreement, it is still subsidizing the fossil fuel industry >