The groups submitted a motion to the Federal Court of Appeal this morning, asking for leave to launch a judicial review of Cabinet’s decision.

They argue that Cabinet failed to comply with its responsibility to protect critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales when it re-approved the project on June 18, 2019.

Spokespeople from the organizations issued the following statements:

Margot Venton, nature program director, Ecojustice:

Living Oceans is appalled by the re-approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline project, coming as it does hard on the heels of a declaration by the federal government of a climate emergency.

“The facts are well known: it is impossible for Canada to meet its Paris climate commitments and build oil infrastructure with a 50-year lifespan as well,” said Executive Director Karen Wristen. “This is a mistake for the economy and the environment.”

VANCOUVER—The National Energy Board’s recommendation report issued today continues to fall short of the mark, according to intervenors in the assessment process.  Living Oceans Society and Raincoast Conservation Foundation earlier mounted a successful legal challenge to the NEB'S original recommendation, with counsel from Ecojustice arguing on their behalf that the Species at Risk Act demands no less than enforceable, effective mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce impacts to Southern Resident Killer Whales.

VANCOUVER:  Living Oceans congratulates the First Nations of the Broughton area on the success of their epic battle to protect the wild salmon of their territories. Today, the Nations, the Provincial Government and salmon farming companies announced a partial withdrawal of farms from the region, together with measures to limit the impact of others.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  The Report of the Independent Expert Panel on Aquaculture Science was released today by Dr. Mona Nemer, Canada’s Chief Scientist.  Prime Minister Trudeau appointed Nemer in September 2017, to the position which had been left vacant since 2008.

This report makes the bold recommendation that DFO’s Aquaculture science needs an external, non-government Science Advisor and Review Panel.  It repeats throughout the 28-page report that DFO science on aquaculture must be more transparent, consider localized impact and be inclusive of indigenous knowledge.

A report issued today by Living Oceans and Raincoast Research reveals that sea lice were out of control on Clayquot Sound salmon farms in 2018 because they have evolved resistance to SLICE, the single drug approved for use in Canada. The report provides evidence that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) knew as early as 2014 that resistance was developing in sea lice, but did  not take measures to ensure the protection of wild juvenile salmon from the parasite.