Aboriginees warn of litigation over Canadian oil sands

The year 2014 will see a stream of litigation from Aboriginee groups over new resource development legislation, according to lawyers for the Aboriginees.

Oil sands development in Alberta Christopher Kolaczan

In the last year and a half, the Ottowa and Edmonton governments have introduced new rules and laws on the use of oil sands, including planning and consultation. Larry Innes, the lawyer representing the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, said: 'All litigation, all the time, is what I see on the horizon.' That litigation is due to begin this month when his clients challenge the Ottawa government on its new environmental approval laws. These have enabled the approval of a major expansion in oil sands development - but the First Nation says it violates both treaty rights and federal laws. Source: Castanet.net

Email your news and story ideas to: [email protected]

Top