Environmental Defence

Hallowe'en was yesterday, but this is scary all year round: lakes of toxic water in Canada's oil sands known as 'tailing ponds'. These tailings are leaking in into the nearby area, including the Athabasca River, exposing Indigenous people to toxic chemicals. And what's frightening is that oil companies want to release the tailings into the environment after minimally treating them, which will increase exposure to toxins. Read this blog that is a summary of an academic paper about what to do and not do about the toxic tailings in the oil sands.

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) approaches, it's crucial to understand its role in global climate action. This annual gathering is more than just a diplomatic event—it's a critical checkpoint for our planet's future. At COP29, nations worldwide, including Canada, will report on their climate progress. It's where promises made in previous years are scrutinized, and new commitments are forged. This transparency is vital for holding governments accountable to their climate pledges. COP29 is our opportunity to push for tangible action: accelerating the transition to renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuels, and ensuring equitable climate finance for vulnerable nations most impacted by climate change. It's time for Canada to step up and demonstrate true climate leadership on the global stage. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gTTAzhej

👻 This Halloween, the scariest costume isn't a ghost or goblin—it's a suit! Dress up as an oil & gas CEO, and you'll be the ultimate climate villain. 🎩💼 While the rest of us worry about the planet, these “Suits” rake in massive profits, leaving behind pollution and climate chaos. Want to meet a real-life villain? 👀 Check out Murray Edwards’ CV and see how one oil baron has helped fuel the climate crisis, one project at a time. https://bit.ly/3NNpEqc Let’s hold Big Oil accountable and make sure they pay the price!

Some highlights from Monday's "Transit for Tomorrow" summit, which we hosted in partnership with TransLink Mayors' Council. Four cities and several transit advocacy groups signed a joint declaration asking the federal government to "do their part" for transit funding. Read more on the CBC here: https://bit.ly/40jUtKx

Today, we present the final of four videos featuring Fort McKay First Nation member Jean L’Hommecourt talking about the destructive impacts of the tar sands and toxic tailings on the environment and the Indigenous people who rely on the land. The videos were produced in partnership with Keepers Of The Water In this video, Jean L’Hommecourt talks about how the environmental destruction from the tar sands and toxic tailings makes it impossible for nearby Indigenous communities to practice their traditional way of life. As well the toxic tailings are causing asthma and cancer. But Jean and others will continue to fight to sustain their way of life. Thank you Jean for trusting us with your story, and educating us on the harms of extraction on your territories. Take action to demand toxic tailings are cleaned up: https://lnkd.in/gcUWhiJP

Sharing another one of our public transit #Riderstories, this time all the way from Montréal! Mikellena talks about how public transit is part of her city's culture. Click to send a letter to your MP demanding better federal funding for public transit: https://bit.ly/3zwbuX2

Environmental Defence surveyed plastic in Canada’s major grocery chains—including Loblaws, Sobeys and Metro—nearly two years ago and found disturbing amounts of plastic packaging, especially on the shelves where you’d expect to find the healthiest items like baby food and produce. Since then, thousands of Canadians have sent letters to major grocery retailers demanding they reduce the plastic on their shelves. But have these retailers listened? We checked back this year to see, and the answer is no. We have seen basically no progress on reducing throway packaging. What's worse is a shocking increase in plastic packaging in aisles like baby food and soup. PLUS we found that only 16 per cent of grocery packaging is the type that is actually likely to be recycled in Canada. Check out the full audit at the link below. While you're there, you can use the link to tell the government that measures to reign in plastic in Canada’s grocery stores is overdue. https://bit.ly/3A7zxrK

It's not clear whether Premier Smith believes in chemtrails - a debunked conspiracy theory. But when it comes to the very real #climatecrisis, the Premier isn't just taking Alberta backwards, but is trying to stop Canada from taking climate action #abpoli #cdnpoli Read more ⤵️

This is the third of four videos featuring Fort McKay First Nation member Jean L’Hommecourt talking about the destructive impacts of the tar sands and toxic tailings on the environment and the Indigenous people who rely on the land. The videos were produced in partnership with Keepers Of The Water In this video, Jean L’Hommecourt talks about the impact on animals due to habitat destruction and how in turn this reduces the availability of traditional food for the nearby Indigenous communities. This is a clear infringement of the treaty rights of these communities. Take action to demand toxic tailings are cleaned up: https://lnkd.in/gRVeUk-Y

Our statement on the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook Report: Canada must pay attention to new analysis that reiterates the age of fossil fuels is coming to an end as demand for coal, oil and gas are set to peak before the end of this decade #cdnpoli Read more here ⤵️