Oil Sands

EDMONTON — The fight to save woodland caribou herds threatened by oilsands development in northeastern Alberta is headed to Federal Court for the second time.

Ecojustice, on behalf of the Pembina Institute and Alberta Wilderness Association, filed an application in the Federal Court today, seeking a court order to force Environment Minister Peter Kent to recommend emergency protection for the caribou and the habitat they need in order to survive.  The groups have joined forces with the Athabasca Chipewyan, Swan River, Beaver Lake and Cold Lake First Nations to challenge Kent. 

Last year, the Alberta government killed 145 garbage-habituated black bears at oilsands camps in Alberta. Poorly-managed oilsands camps are known to attract bears to garbage. But rather than enforcing regulations, or prosecuting the guilty companies, Alberta government staff simply move in and kill bears. Lots of bears. Read more about Alberta Government Kills 145 Bears at Oilsands Camps

Read more about Beyond Monitoring— Responsible Management Needed for Oilsands Environmental Impacts

EDMONTON — Environment Minister Peter Kent’s failure to reconsider emergency protection for woodland caribou in northeastern Alberta has prompted environmental groups to ask for the Federal Court’s help.

Six months ago, the Court called Minister Kent’s decision not to recommend emergency protection for woodland caribou “out of the blue,” and ruled that it ignored scientific evidence and must be set aside. The Minister was instructed to reconsider the government’s position, but has yet to show any signs of activity on the file.

Ecojustice, on behalf of the Pembina Institute and Alberta Wilderness Association, has asked the Court to amend its ruling to include a deadline to force a response from the Minister. Read more about Environment groups ask Federal Court to force minister’s hand on caribou protection