BCEIA Executive Director Moves On

January 25, 2010 – BCEIA members will be interested to know that the Association’s Executive Director, Jeff Eltom, has decided to take an extended vacation in southern climes and has resigned from his position with the Association. We will miss him greatly, as Jeff brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the position. A search is on now for a replacement. Interested candidates may contact the Association’s President.

Seminal Environmental Assessment Decision by Supreme Court of Canada

January 21, 2010 – Today, the Supreme Court of Canada released its much anticipated environmental law decision in MiningWatch Canada v. Canada (Fisheries and Oceans), 2010 SCC 2. The court unanimously held that, under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, S.C. 1992, c. 37 ("CEAA"), the level of scrutiny to be imposed by a federal environmental assessment is determined by the project "as proposed" by a proponent, rather than by a discretionary scoping decision of the federal authority charged with carrying out the assessment.
To read full text, please click here

B.C. government approves controversial Prosperity mine project

VANCOUVER – Taseko Mines Ltd's ambitious $800–million Prosperity gold–copper project cleared a major hurdle Thursday with the awarding of a provincial environmental assessment certificate. Taseko's certificate is contingent on fulfilling 103 commitments – including the creation of a new lake as a replacement for the destruction of Fish Lake and Little Fish Lake for the sake of the 20–year open pit mine near Williams Lake.
More

Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program

Toyota Canada Inc. and Earth Day Canada established the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program to help cultivate and nurture this environmental leadership. The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program encourages and rewards graduating Canadian high school students who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence. The Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program grants 20 awards of $5000 each annually, to be applied directly towards tuition, books, room and board (where applicable) or other educational expenses for the first year of post-secondary full–time studies in Canada.
Click Here to View Eligibility Requirements and Selection Criteria

Joint Review Panel Established for the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project

OTTAWA, Jan. 20, 2010 – Environment Minister Jim Prentice and Mr. Gaétan Caron, Chair and CEO of the National Energy Board have announced the establishment of a three–member joint review panel for the environmental and regulatory review of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project and appointed Ms. Sheila A. Leggett as the Panel chair, and Mr. Hans Matthews and Mr. Kenneth M. Bateman as Panel members..Public and Aboriginal groups are encouraged to bring their views on the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project forward to the Joint Review Panel the Panel). For more information: www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca, under reference number 06-05-21799, and on the National Energy Board's website at www.neb-one.gc.ca.

Government of Canada and Council of the Haida Nation Agree to Share Management of the Waters Around Gwaii Haanas

VANCOUVER (January 16, 2010) - Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and Guujaaw, President of the Haida Nation, today signed a momentous agreement that commits the Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation to share in the planning, operations and management of the waters surrounding the Gwaii Haanas protected area in southern Haida Gwaii.
More

Natives urge Metro to incinerate, not dump

January 15, 2010 - Don’t dump your garbage and poison our land, water, deer and salmon. That was the impassioned plea from Interior aboriginal leaders Friday who urged Metro Vancouver directors to stand firm against expanded use of the Cache Creek regional landfill.
More

Wind energy association seeks renewable energy subsidy extension

The Canadian Wind Energy Association along with GE Energy Financial Services is asking the federal government to extend a federal subsidy that promotes renewable energy development in Canada.
More

Sewage-to-heat neighbourhood energy centre live

VANCOUVER January 14, 2010 – North America’s first neighbourhood energy centre which uses sewage to create enough heat and hot water for the Olympic Village and thousands of new homes and businesses in southeast False Creek was switched on Thursday. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said the $30 million False Creek Energy Centre located under the south end of the Cambie Bridge “would keep 2,800 athletes and officials warm during the Olympics.”
More

Light House Sustainable Building Centre Seeking Volunteers

January 13, 2010 –Lighthouse is offering a number of exciting volunteer opportunities for students and emerging professionals wishing to gain experience related to green building. Click here for descriptions of the volunteer positions currently available. To apply, please download an application form from the Lighthouse website and return it (along with a resume and cover letter) by noon on Thursday, January 21 to Helen Carruthers, Manager of Public Outreach and Volunteer Programs.