Submitted by Section Co-Chairs Robert Lesperance and Elizabeth Rowbotham
Summary of Activities
Number of Meetings Held: 5
July 2010
Synopsis: Executive planning meeting to plan for 2010/2011 term.
October 28, 2010
Guest Speakers: James Macaulay, Crown Counsel, and Brian Springinotic
Synopsis: James updated the meeting on directors' criminal liablity under environmental and sentencing issues and Brian provided explanation on the use of Court ordered monetary payments by the Habitat Trust Conservation Foundation (creative sentencing provisions).
November 25, 2010
Guest Speaker: Gil Yaron
Synopsis: Challenges and opportunities associated with emerging legal and policy issues on 'green buildings.'
April 20, 2011
Guest Speakers: Mark Haddock and Tim Howard
Synopsis: Mark Haddock, the author of Environmental Assessment in British Columbia, provided an overview of that report. Mr. Haddock outlined five broad issues: triggers and scoping, public participation, oversight and decision making, and post-certificate issues. Tim Howard addressed two main topics in his presentation: (1) First Nations concerns regarding the B.C. environmental assessment processes (2) Recent case law and concluded with some observations.
June 22, 2011
Guest Speakers: Donnaree Nygard and Margot Venton
Synopsis: Ms. Nygard and Ms. Venton were opposing counsel in the decision of David Suzuki Foundation et al. v. DFO, a decision relating to killer whale critical habitat and presented their different perspectives on this decision.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
The Environmental Law Section continues to be a source of professional development in the area of environmental law and a convenient forum for members of the environmental law Bar to associate and discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.