Latest news with #DavidSuzukiFoundation
Winnipeg Free Press
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
UN court opinion on climate change could boost scrutiny of major projects: expert
OTTAWA – A warning from the United Nations' top court that failing to address climate change could violate international law could lead to greater public scrutiny of major projects in Canada, one expert says. The International Court of Justice opinion, released Wednesday, said everyone is entitled to a habitable planet. The non-binding opinion applies to all countries and paves the way for legal actions. Those actions could include states challenging other states before the International Court of Justice, lawsuits and legal instruments like investment agreements that have to conform with international law. Sabaa Khan, the David Suzuki Foundation's climate director, said the court explicitly stated that any move to expand the fossil fuel industry could be seen as a breach of international legal obligations. 'For a country like Canada that has had historically high emissions, that has the means necessary to accelerate its decarbonization, I think that it's clear more than ever that our government really has to eliminate any sort of public support of fossil fuels,' she said. 'I think there's going to be much greater public scrutiny when it comes to nation-building projects.' The Liberal government has passed controversial legislation granting cabinet the power to fast-track major projects it deems to be in the national interest, and is set to open its major projects office by Labour Day. Projects qualifying for accelerated approval could include ports, railways, mining projects and pipelines. Governments have been encouraging First Nations leaders to support such projects through loan guarantees and promises of financial incentives. But many First Nations leaders fear their ways of life could be irreparably harmed if governments evade environmental standards. Many Indigenous leaders have also argued elements of the law could be used to undermine their rights. Khan said she expects the court opinion will affect the work being done on major projects. 'There's no way to look at this without seeing clearly that investment in fossil fuels is a breach of human rights law,' she said. 'I think that it lays down a legal foundation that can really create that certainty for investors where if you start funding or you continue funding fossil fuel developments, then you are at risk of being held responsible.' Khan said Bill C-5 states that approved major projects have to meet Canada's climate change objectives. She said the government will have to take the court opinion into consideration. 'If it doesn't, then it could open up just more legal challenges to the way that law now is being implemented,' Khan said, adding that Canada should be investing in things like renewable energy and interprovincial electricity grids. Khan said that while the opinion is non-binding, it has a 'very strong interpretive power.' Supreme Court of Canada decisions often cite advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice, she said. Fraser Thomson, a lawyer at Ecojustice, said International Court of Justice advisory opinions are viewed as authoritative interpretations of international law around the world and have influenced court decisions in Canada. 'Canadian courts at every level have to look to these opinions when they are faced with interpreting what is international law and how it impacts Canadian domestic law,' he said. Thomson said it's reasonable to assume the court opinion will open the door to more climate litigation in Canada. 'All governments are now on notice that they cannot continue to put our future at risk,' he said, adding that Canada could be asking for legal trouble if it decides to build more pipelines. Keean Nembhard, a spokesperson for the office of Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, said the government recognizes the 'crucial role' Canada plays in contributing to the global fight against climate change and remains committed to that work. The court opinion also said that some countries or individuals suffering from the effects of climate change could be eligible for compensation. The judges acknowledged that financial compensation might be difficult to calculate. The case was led by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and backed by more than 130 countries. All UN member states are parties to the court. — With files from Alessia Passafiume, Dylan Robertson and The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025.
CTV News
24-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
UN court opinion on climate change could boost scrutiny of Canada's major projects: expert
Ralph Regenvanu, center, Vanuatu's minister for climate change, speaks after the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion about nations' obligations to tackle climate change on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in The Hague, Netherlands. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) OTTAWA — A warning from the United Nations' top court that failing to address climate change could violate international law could lead to greater public scrutiny of major projects in Canada, one expert says. The International Court of Justice opinion, released Wednesday, said everyone is entitled to a habitable planet. The non-binding opinion applies to all countries and paves the way for legal actions. Those actions could include states challenging other states before the International Court of Justice, lawsuits and legal instruments like investment agreements that have to conform with international law. Sabaa Khan, the David Suzuki Foundation's climate director, said the court explicitly stated that any move to expand the fossil fuel industry could be seen as a breach of international legal obligations. 'For a country like Canada that has had historically high emissions, that has the means necessary to accelerate its decarbonization, I think that it's clear more than ever that our government really has to eliminate any sort of public support of fossil fuels,' she said. 'I think there's going to be much greater public scrutiny when it comes to nation-building projects.' The Liberal government has passed controversial legislation granting cabinet the power to fast-track major projects it deems to be in the national interest, and is set to open its major projects office by Labour Day. Projects qualifying for accelerated approval could include ports, railways, mining projects and pipelines. Governments have been encouraging First Nations leaders to support such projects through loan guarantees and promises of financial incentives. But many First Nations leaders fear their ways of life could be irreparably harmed if governments evade environmental standards. Many Indigenous leaders have also argued elements of the law could be used to undermine their rights. Khan said she expects the court opinion will affect the work being done on major projects. 'There's no way to look at this without seeing clearly that investment in fossil fuels is a breach of human rights law,' she said. 'I think that it lays down a legal foundation that can really create that certainty for investors where if you start funding or you continue funding fossil fuel developments, then you are at risk of being held responsible.' Khan said Bill C-5 states that approved major projects have to meet Canada's climate change objectives. She said the government will have to take the court opinion into consideration. 'If it doesn't, then it could open up just more legal challenges to the way that law now is being implemented,' Khan said, adding that Canada should be investing in things like renewable energy and interprovincial electricity grids. Khan said that while the opinion is non-binding, it has a 'very strong interpretive power.' Supreme Court of Canada decisions often cite advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice, she said. Fraser Thomson, a lawyer at Ecojustice, said International Court of Justice advisory opinions are viewed as authoritative interpretations of international law around the world and have influenced court decisions in Canada. 'Canadian courts at every level have to look to these opinions when they are faced with interpreting what is international law and how it impacts Canadian domestic law,' he said. Thomson said it's reasonable to assume the court opinion will open the door to more climate litigation in Canada. 'All governments are now on notice that they cannot continue to put our future at risk,' he said, adding that Canada could be asking for legal trouble if it decides to build more pipelines. Keean Nembhard, a spokesperson for the office of Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, said the government recognizes the 'crucial role' Canada plays in contributing to the global fight against climate change and remains committed to that work. The court opinion also said that some countries or individuals suffering from the effects of climate change could be eligible for compensation. The judges acknowledged that financial compensation might be difficult to calculate. The case was led by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and backed by more than 130 countries. All UN member states are parties to the court. — With files from Alessia Passafiume, Dylan Robertson and The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025. Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
UN court opinion on climate change could boost scrutiny of major projects: expert
OTTAWA - A warning from the United Nations' top court that failing to address climate change could violate international law could lead to greater public scrutiny of major projects in Canada, one expert says. The International Court of Justice opinion, released Wednesday, said everyone is entitled to a habitable planet. The non-binding opinion applies to all countries and paves the way for legal actions. Those actions could include states challenging other states before the International Court of Justice, lawsuits and legal instruments like investment agreements that have to conform with international law. Sabaa Khan, the David Suzuki Foundation's climate director, said the court explicitly stated that any move to expand the fossil fuel industry could be seen as a breach of international legal obligations. 'For a country like Canada that has had historically high emissions, that has the means necessary to accelerate its decarbonization, I think that it's clear more than ever that our government really has to eliminate any sort of public support of fossil fuels,' she said. 'I think there's going to be much greater public scrutiny when it comes to nation-building projects.' The Liberal government has passed controversial legislation granting cabinet the power to fast-track major projects it deems to be in the national interest, and is set to open its major projects office by Labour Day. Projects qualifying for accelerated approval could include ports, railways, mining projects and pipelines. Governments have been encouraging First Nations leaders to support such projects through loan guarantees and promises of financial incentives. But many First Nations leaders fear their ways of life could be irreparably harmed if governments evade environmental standards. Many Indigenous leaders have also argued elements of the law could be used to undermine their rights. Khan said she expects the court opinion will affect the work being done on major projects. 'There's no way to look at this without seeing clearly that investment in fossil fuels is a breach of human rights law,' she said. 'I think that it lays down a legal foundation that can really create that certainty for investors where if you start funding or you continue funding fossil fuel developments, then you are at risk of being held responsible.' Khan said Bill C-5 states that approved major projects have to meet Canada's climate change objectives. She said the government will have to take the court opinion into consideration. 'If it doesn't, then it could open up just more legal challenges to the way that law now is being implemented,' Khan said, adding that Canada should be investing in things like renewable energy and interprovincial electricity grids. Khan said that while the opinion is non-binding, it has a 'very strong interpretive power.' Supreme Court of Canada decisions often cite advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice, she said. Fraser Thomson, a lawyer at Ecojustice, said International Court of Justice advisory opinions are viewed as authoritative interpretations of international law around the world and have influenced court decisions in Canada. 'Canadian courts at every level have to look to these opinions when they are faced with interpreting what is international law and how it impacts Canadian domestic law,' he said. Thomson said it's reasonable to assume the court opinion will open the door to more climate litigation in Canada. 'All governments are now on notice that they cannot continue to put our future at risk,' he said, adding that Canada could be asking for legal trouble if it decides to build more pipelines. Keean Nembhard, a spokesperson for the office of Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin, said the government recognizes the 'crucial role' Canada plays in contributing to the global fight against climate change and remains committed to that work. The court opinion also said that some countries or individuals suffering from the effects of climate change could be eligible for compensation. The judges acknowledged that financial compensation might be difficult to calculate. The case was led by the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and backed by more than 130 countries. All UN member states are parties to the court. — With files from Alessia Passafiume, Dylan Robertson and The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Vancouver Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Suzuki Foundation accused of using misleading American photos to portray B.C. gas projects
OTTAWA — The David Suzuki Foundation has repeatedly used false and alarmist imagery to exaggerate the ecological impacts of natural gas development in northeastern British Columbia, a new complaint to Canada's Competition Bureau alleges. The complaint, put forward by eight B.C. residents, says that the Vancouver-based environmental charity repeatedly misled the public by using an aerial image depicting a dense cluster of natural gas wells scarring a landscape in Wyoming , taken in 2006, to falsely depict modern natural gas development in British Columbia's northeast. '(T)he Wyoming image paints a picture (that is) dirty, desolate and packed with natural gas well pads, as opposed the reality of a green area where natural gas development takes place around farms and public infrastructure,' reads the complaint. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The 11-page complaint includes multiple screenshots of foundation materials that use the Wyoming photo, dating back to 2019. In one case, the foundation included text acknowledging the photo was from Wyoming, but it did not do so in other cases, the complaint alleges. One June 2024 Instagram post, for example, uses the image to promote an investigative report into the Montney Formation in northeastern B.C. and northwestern Alberta, a region that accounts for roughly half of Canada's natural gas production . The foundation continued to use the image after being made aware of concerns surrounding its use that summer, according to the complaint. Deena Del Giusto, one of the complainants, said in a statement to the media that the principle of truth in advertising should apply equally to charities. 'This is about fairness and truth. The people of Northeast B.C. … deserve honest debate, not scare tactics and misleading imagery used to raise millions in donations,' said Del Giusto, a resident of Fort St. John, B.C. 'We're asking the Competition Bureau to hold the David Suzuki Foundation to the same standard businesses face: tell the truth.' Del Giusto told the National Post she was inspired to take action when a client of hers in the trucking industry brought the foundation's use of the image to her attention. 'I just didn't feel like it fairly reflected what was happening in the community, and felt strongly that I needed to do something about it,' said Del Giusto. Representatives from the David Suzuki Foundation did not immediately respond to National Post questions about the Competition Bureau complaint. The complaint also claims that the Wyoming image has in several instances appeared in close proximity to messages soliciting donations to the foundation. 'It is clear that (the image) is being used … to benefit the organization through donations.' The group is asking that the foundation to issue a corrective notice informing the public of its deceptive practices and pay a fine of up to $15,000,000 per offence. The environmental charity raised $12.1 million in Canadian donations and $38,000 from abroad last year, according to publicly available filings . It has roughly $22.5m in reserve funds, of which $8.9m are donor-endowed. National Post rmohamed@ Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Edmonton Journal
09-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Suzuki Foundation accused of using misleading American photos to portray B.C. gas projects
OTTAWA — The David Suzuki Foundation has repeatedly used false and alarmist imagery to exaggerate the ecological impacts of natural gas development in northeastern British Columbia, a new complaint to Canada's Competition Bureau alleges. Article content The complaint, put forward by eight B.C. residents, says that the Vancouver-based environmental charity repeatedly misled the public by using an aerial image depicting a dense cluster of natural gas wells scarring a landscape in Wyoming, taken in 2006, to falsely depict modern natural gas development in British Columbia's northeast. Article content Article content Article content '(T)he Wyoming image paints a picture (that is) dirty, desolate and packed with natural gas well pads, as opposed the reality of a green area where natural gas development takes place around farms and public infrastructure,' reads the complaint. Article content Article content The 11-page complaint includes multiple screenshots of foundation materials that use the Wyoming photo, dating back to 2019. In one case, the foundation included text acknowledging the photo was from Wyoming, but it did not do so in other cases, the complaint alleges. Article content One June 2024 Instagram post, for example, uses the image to promote an investigative report into the Montney Formation in northeastern B.C. and northwestern Alberta, a region that accounts for roughly half of Canada's natural gas production. Article content The foundation continued to use the image after being made aware of concerns surrounding its use that summer, according to the complaint. Article content Article content Deena Del Giusto, one of the complainants, said in a statement to the media that the principle of truth in advertising should apply equally to charities. Article content 'This is about fairness and truth. The people of Northeast B.C. … deserve honest debate, not scare tactics and misleading imagery used to raise millions in donations,' said Del Giusto, a resident of Fort St. John, B.C. Article content 'We're asking the Competition Bureau to hold the David Suzuki Foundation to the same standard businesses face: tell the truth.' Article content Del Giusto told the National Post she was inspired to take action when a client of hers in the trucking industry brought the foundation's use of the image to her attention. Article content 'I just didn't feel like it fairly reflected what was happening in the community, and felt strongly that I needed to do something about it,' said Del Giusto.
