More than five months after the start of technical hearings on Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, the project’s potential impacts on British Columbia’s coast and marine ecosystems are finally taking centre stage.

And Ecojustice lawyers — thanks to your generous support — will continue to be on the scene this spring, speaking up for environmental interests and challenging Enbridge’s position that the risks associated with the controversial project can be safely managed.

If Northern Gateway is approved, up to 255 large tankers will carry tar-like bitumen through the narrow and unpredictable passages o� B.C.’s north coast each year. Along the way, dozens of species and the precious marine ecosystems we rely on will be put at risk.

We need to look no further than the Exxon Valdez spill and its e�ects on killer whales for a cautionary tale. One Alaskan pod is the living legacy of a spill that unleashed millions of gallons of oil into Alaska’s coastal waters more than 20 years ago. Since surfacing in the massive slick left behind by the tanker, the pod hasn’t given birth to any new calves. One by one, the whales are dying o� and scientists say the pod has no chance for recovery.

These weren’t the only whales a�ected. The Prince William Sound resident killer whales had a death rate 10 times the natural rate in the two years following the Exxon Valdez spill. Scientists have linked this spike to the inhalation of toxic oil fumes and eating of oiled prey.

But the spectre of a catastrophic oil spill isn’t the only thing we’re concerned about. Increased tanker traffic means more underwater noise, which threatens at-risk marine species. While research shows chronic noise can limit the amount of time killer whales spend feeding, studies produced by Enbridge consistently ignore these kinds of impacts.

And here’s the kicker. In the event of a tanker spill, polluter liability for clean-up and restoration tops out at $1.3 billion — just a third of the estimated $3.5 billion spent mopping up the Exxon Valdez spill. After that, it’s taxpaying Canadians like you who will be on the hook.

For Enbridge, the risk associated with Northern Gateway — where it’s not a matter of if a spill will occur, but when — is the cost of doing business. But for us, it’s personal.

And when Ecojustice lawyers stand up before the review panel to ask hard questions and voice important environmental concerns, we do so knowing you stand with us. So thanks — without you, we wouldn’t be able to do this important work.

— Kimberly Shearon, communications coordinator

No tankers, no wayWINTER 2013 | ISSUE 69

PHOTO BY: TING CHENHTTP://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY/3.0/

In some ways, 2012 was memorable for all the wrong reasons. With federal ministers attacking the environmental movement and, even worse, severely weakening federal environmental protection, it would be fair to call 2012 a low point in Canada’s environmental and legal history. Yet, 2012 also proved inspiring for Ecojustice, yielding an organization that is stronger, more focused and excited about the opportunities 2013 has in store.

e X e C u t i V e D i r e C t O r

info@ecojustice.ca | ecojustice.ca

VANCOUVER: 604.685.5618214 – 131 Water StreetVancouver, BC V6B 4M3

TORONTO: 416.368.7533Centre for Green Cities, 401 – 550 Bayview AvenueToronto, ON M4W 3x8

OTTAWA: 613.562.5800 x 3382Room 107 – 35 Copernicus Street Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

CALGARY: 403.705.0202 900 – 1000 5th Avenue SWCalgary, AB T2P 4V1

Charitable Business Number: 13474 8474 RR0001

BOARd Of diRECTORs Cathy Wilkinson, PresidentDeborah Curran, Vice-PresidentMike Cormack, TreasurerRonald H. Pearson, Secretary

MEMBERS: Tricia Barry, Martha Butterfield, Gillian Deacon, Valerie Langer, Murray Duncan McCaig, Judge William A. Newsom, Doug Rae, Will Roush, Stuart Rush, Trip Van Noppen

HONORARY DIRECTORS: Margaret Atwood, Robert Bateman, Doug Chapman, Honourable Claire L’Heureux-Dubé, Gregory J. McDade Q.C., Buck Parker, John Rich, Clayton Ruby, Dr. David Suzuki, Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson

WE iNViTE your feedback about the Ecojustice newsletter. E-mail editor Kimberly Shearon at kshearon@ecojustice.ca or reach her by phone at 604.685.5618 x 242.

ECOjUsTiCE is COmmiTTEd to using environmentally responsible papers. By choosing 100 per cent post-consumer recycled fibre instead of virgin paper for this printed material, the following natural resources will be saved or reduced this year: 41 trees; 10,698 kg of wood; 131,312 litres of water; 1,668 kg of landfill; 3,236 kg of net greenhouse emissions; 47 million Btu energy.

SOURCE: UNISOURCE.CA

A word from the eD

The work featured in this newsletter is proof of this. Rather than holding back, we’ve upped our efforts. For example, we are motivated by media reports character-izing Ecojustice as a hard-hitting cross-examiner of Enbridge in the Northern Gateway pipeline hearings. We’ve also launched our Right to a Healthy Environ-ment campaign, won awards, and made a new strategic hire in Ottawa to bolster our ability to protect some of the country’s most important environmental laws.

All the adversity the environment faced in 2012 simply helped reinforce our commitment to ensuring that your investment in us leads to maximum impact. So we say bring it on — and we’ll respond with strategic battles that make the biggest difference for Canadians and our environment.

A great example of that is our Right to a Healthy Environment campaign.

Canada is currently one of the few coun-tries in the world that doesn’t yet recognize and protect its citizens’ right to a healthy environment. But, as demonstrated every day in countries like France and Finland, recognition of the right to a healthy environment is bringing constitutional force to the human right to clean air, safe water and unpolluted land.

SAVE OUR SPECIES

Protecting endangered species is common ‘cents’

The weakening of national environ-mental laws in 2012 made it clear that we need to do everything we can to ensure Canada’s highest laws protect the ecosystems we depend on to thrive and survive. It’s bold, it’s big and Ecojustice is committed to making it happen in Canada.

More than 100 countries around the world have already taken action to recognize and protect their citizens’ right to a healthy environment. So why doesn’t Canada?

We want you to be part of the move-ment. Visit ecojustice.ca/envirorights to learn more and join the environmental rights revolution.

For months, Canadians have listened to elected officials in Ottawa tell them that protecting the environment is bad for the economy. Luckily, most don’t believe the hype.

According to a national poll (commissioned in part by Ecojustice), nearly all Canadians think it’s important to protect endangered plants and animals. And the majority of those asked (85%) say diverse and abundant populations of wildlife play a crucial role in supporting the country’s economy and health.

The message from Canadians is clear: It’s about interdependence, supporting the delicate relation-ship between economic growth and preserving the ecosystems that sustain this growth, our lives and those of other species. Healthy and intact ecosystems supply our drinking water, enrich our soil and regulate the climate, providing the clean air, water and land we all need to survive.

That’s why Canada’s national endangered species law is so impor-tant. The Species at Risk Act (SARA) doesn’t just protect endangered wildlife, it also protects the ecosystems that they — and we — depend on. More than 500 species are currently listed under the Act.

But now the federal government is talking about watering-down SARA make it more “efficient.” Given the drastic cuts made to key environmental laws last year — also under the guise of greater efficiency — we have reason for deep concern.

Now is no time to weaken SARA and prioritize industrial development over protecting the environment. Making sure we take care of endangered species and the ecosystems we all rely on isn’t just good for business. It’s common sense.

— Kimberly Shearon, communications coordinator

MIGRATORY BIRDS

Safer skies for migratory birdsMerle Young is pleased that fewer birds are striking an office complex in Toronto. For years, she and others collected thousands of fallen birds from downtown sidewalks, lured to their injury or death by the illusion of safe havens like sky and trees in the reflective windows of glass buildings. It’s a fatal attraction, but there’s a solution that building developers are finally putting in place, thanks to Ecojustice.

Partnering with Ontario Nature, in 2010 we sued the property owners of one of Toronto’s most lethal structures for failing to prevent bird strikes. According to the owners, taking expert-recom-mended action to save the birds would have dimmed the buildings’ beauty and their bottom line.

Shortly after the trial began the next year, the property owners began installing window

films. These films have dramatically reduced the number of bird strikes. According to the Fatal Light Aware-ness Program, the number of incidents last year fell to 200.

Last November, a Justice of the Peace dismissed all the charges.We’re appealing that decision, but the outcome outside the courtroom is a good one. Other property own-ers, including the City of Toronto and Markham, are installing window films. Our work reached faraway places like Ireland and Israel. More people are aware of this problem, know there are solutions and have seen how the law can get property owners to take responsibility.

Now that arthritis has ended Merle’s mission to reduce bird strikes, she says she’s glad we got involved. We couldn’t have done so without you.

— Pierre Hamilton, communications associate

Take action today! Visit ecojustice.ca/saveourspecies to learn more.

Check our website to learn the outcome of a related case involving migratory birds and building collisions. A decision is expected in mid-February.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

PHOTO BY: JOHn E.

MarriOTT

Page 2 | ecojustice ecojustice | Page 3

In some ways, 2012 was memorable for all the wrong reasons. With federal ministers attacking the environmental movement and, even worse, severely weakening federal environmental protection, it would be fair to call 2012 a low point in Canada’s environmental and legal history. Yet, 2012 also proved inspiring for Ecojustice, yielding an organization that is stronger, more focused and excited about the opportunities 2013 has in store.

e X e C u t i V e D i r e C t O r

info@ecojustice.ca | ecojustice.ca

VANCOUVER: 604.685.5618214 – 131 Water StreetVancouver, BC V6B 4M3

TORONTO: 416.368.7533Centre for Green Cities, 401 – 550 Bayview AvenueToronto, ON M4W 3x8

OTTAWA: 613.562.5800 x 3382Room 107 – 35 Copernicus Street Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

CALGARY: 403.705.0202 900 – 1000 5th Avenue SWCalgary, AB T2P 4V1

Charitable Business Number: 13474 8474 RR0001

BOARd Of diRECTORs Cathy Wilkinson, PresidentDeborah Curran, Vice-PresidentMike Cormack, TreasurerRonald H. Pearson, Secretary

MEMBERS: Tricia Barry, Martha Butterfield, Gillian Deacon, Valerie Langer, Murray Duncan McCaig, Judge William A. Newsom, Doug Rae, Will Roush, Stuart Rush, Trip Van Noppen

HONORARY DIRECTORS: Margaret Atwood, Robert Bateman, Doug Chapman, Honourable Claire L’Heureux-Dubé, Gregory J. McDade Q.C., Buck Parker, John Rich, Clayton Ruby, Dr. David Suzuki, Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson

WE iNViTE your feedback about the Ecojustice newsletter. E-mail editor Kimberly Shearon at kshearon@ecojustice.ca or reach her by phone at 604.685.5618 x 242.

ECOjUsTiCE is COmmiTTEd to using environmentally responsible papers. By choosing 100 per cent post-consumer recycled fibre instead of virgin paper for this printed material, the following natural resources will be saved or reduced this year: 41 trees; 10,698 kg of wood; 131,312 litres of water; 1,668 kg of landfill; 3,236 kg of net greenhouse emissions; 47 million Btu energy.

SOURCE: UNISOURCE.CA

A word from the eD

The work featured in this newsletter is proof of this. Rather than holding back, we’ve upped our efforts. For example, we are motivated by media reports character-izing Ecojustice as a hard-hitting cross-examiner of Enbridge in the Northern Gateway pipeline hearings. We’ve also launched our Right to a Healthy Environ-ment campaign, won awards, and made a new strategic hire in Ottawa to bolster our ability to protect some of the country’s most important environmental laws.

All the adversity the environment faced in 2012 simply helped reinforce our commitment to ensuring that your investment in us leads to maximum impact. So we say bring it on — and we’ll respond with strategic battles that make the biggest difference for Canadians and our environment.

A great example of that is our Right to a Healthy Environment campaign.

Canada is currently one of the few coun-tries in the world that doesn’t yet recognize and protect its citizens’ right to a healthy environment. But, as demonstrated every day in countries like France and Finland, recognition of the right to a healthy environment is bringing constitutional force to the human right to clean air, safe water and unpolluted land.

SAVE OUR SPECIES

Protecting endangered species is common ‘cents’

The weakening of national environ-mental laws in 2012 made it clear that we need to do everything we can to ensure Canada’s highest laws protect the ecosystems we depend on to thrive and survive. It’s bold, it’s big and Ecojustice is committed to making it happen in Canada.

More than 100 countries around the world have already taken action to recognize and protect their citizens’ right to a healthy environment. So why doesn’t Canada?

We want you to be part of the move-ment. Visit ecojustice.ca/envirorights to learn more and join the environmental rights revolution.

For months, Canadians have listened to elected officials in Ottawa tell them that protecting the environment is bad for the economy. Luckily, most don’t believe the hype.

According to a national poll (commissioned in part by Ecojustice), nearly all Canadians think it’s important to protect endangered plants and animals. And the majority of those asked (85%) say diverse and abundant populations of wildlife play a crucial role in supporting the country’s economy and health.

The message from Canadians is clear: It’s about interdependence, supporting the delicate relation-ship between economic growth and preserving the ecosystems that sustain this growth, our lives and those of other species. Healthy and intact ecosystems supply our drinking water, enrich our soil and regulate the climate, providing the clean air, water and land we all need to survive.

That’s why Canada’s national endangered species law is so impor-tant. The Species at Risk Act (SARA) doesn’t just protect endangered wildlife, it also protects the ecosystems that they — and we — depend on. More than 500 species are currently listed under the Act.

But now the federal government is talking about watering-down SARA make it more “efficient.” Given the drastic cuts made to key environmental laws last year — also under the guise of greater efficiency — we have reason for deep concern.

Now is no time to weaken SARA and prioritize industrial development over protecting the environment. Making sure we take care of endangered species and the ecosystems we all rely on isn’t just good for business. It’s common sense.

— Kimberly Shearon, communications coordinator

MIGRATORY BIRDS

Safer skies for migratory birdsMerle Young is pleased that fewer birds are striking an office complex in Toronto. For years, she and others collected thousands of fallen birds from downtown sidewalks, lured to their injury or death by the illusion of safe havens like sky and trees in the reflective windows of glass buildings. It’s a fatal attraction, but there’s a solution that building developers are finally putting in place, thanks to Ecojustice.

Partnering with Ontario Nature, in 2010 we sued the property owners of one of Toronto’s most lethal structures for failing to prevent bird strikes. According to the owners, taking expert-recom-mended action to save the birds would have dimmed the buildings’ beauty and their bottom line.

Shortly after the trial began the next year, the property owners began installing window

films. These films have dramatically reduced the number of bird strikes. According to the Fatal Light Aware-ness Program, the number of incidents last year fell to 200.

Last November, a Justice of the Peace dismissed all the charges.We’re appealing that decision, but the outcome outside the courtroom is a good one. Other property own-ers, including the City of Toronto and Markham, are installing window films. Our work reached faraway places like Ireland and Israel. More people are aware of this problem, know there are solutions and have seen how the law can get property owners to take responsibility.

Now that arthritis has ended Merle’s mission to reduce bird strikes, she says she’s glad we got involved. We couldn’t have done so without you.

— Pierre Hamilton, communications associate

Take action today! Visit ecojustice.ca/saveourspecies to learn more.

Check our website to learn the outcome of a related case involving migratory birds and building collisions. A decision is expected in mid-February.

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

PHOTO BY: JOHn E.

MarriOTT

Page 2 | ecojustice ecojustice | Page 3

is why this case helps tell the story of our recently launched Right to a Healthy Environ-ment campaign and how Ecojustice is using its unique legal expertise to help win it.

The purpose of the right to a healthy environ-ment is simple: To legally recognize and protect the basic elements of our survival, such as clean air, safe water and unpolluted land. This right has gained global recognition faster than any other human right over the past 40 years. And in the more than 100 countries where the right to a healthy environment is acknowledged, the benefits are clear — stronger environmental laws and lower ecological footprints.

From Norway to Nicaragua, countries across the globe are recognizing their citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. It’s time Canada does the same.

— Justin Duncan, staff lawyer

From inside a courtroom, it’s hard to see what air pollution looks like and how it affects a community. That’s why Ecojustice enlisted the help of photographer Garth Lenz to tell a story in pictures about two of our clients and others living in Sarnia’s Chemical Valley.

Chemical Valley is home to 40 per cent of Canada’s petrochemical industry, whose toxic emissions helped earn Sarnia a reputation for having the worst air quality in Canada. About 800 people — including our clients Ada Lock-ridge and Ron Plain — are members of the nearby Aamjiwnaang First Nation and have been breathing air laced with cancer-causing benzene and sulphur dioxide for decades.

Ron and Ada have asked the provincial government to protect the air in their com-munity, and to consider how much pollution is already present before more emissions permits are issued. When things didn’t get better, Ecojustice was asked to help launch a lawsuit against the provincial government and Suncor, one of the biggest petrochemical companies in Chemical Valley. The case is still making its way through the courts after both groups spent a year trying to exclude much of the evidence and dismiss the case.

Ron and Ada believe that the government is violating their basic human rights, which

Life inside one of Canada’s most polluted communities

Canada ranked third in the world for air quality in 2011, but Sarnia had the worst air quality in the country.

Learn more by visiting ecojustice.ca/envirorights

All photos © GArth lenz www.GArthlenz.com

Special sirens were installed to warn people about chemical emergencies.

Unchecked pollution means that one day, local residents might not be able to safety eat the fish they catch.

Our clients, Ada Lockridge and Ron Plain.

It’s time for Ontario to act so that Ada, Ron and other members of the Aamjiwnaang community aren’t forced to breathe in toxic emissions year after year.

Ron Plain’s toxic tour stops at a contaminated pond.

Children in Aamjiwnaang are being exposed to cancer-causing chemical such as benzene.

There were 62 industrial facilities within 25 kilometres of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation reserve as of 2007.

is why this case helps tell the story of our recently launched Right to a Healthy Environ-ment campaign and how Ecojustice is using its unique legal expertise to help win it.

The purpose of the right to a healthy environ-ment is simple: To legally recognize and protect the basic elements of our survival, such as clean air, safe water and unpolluted land. This right has gained global recognition faster than any other human right over the past 40 years. And in the more than 100 countries where the right to a healthy environment is acknowledged, the benefits are clear — stronger environmental laws and lower ecological footprints.

From Norway to Nicaragua, countries across the globe are recognizing their citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. It’s time Canada does the same.

— Justin Duncan, staff lawyer

From inside a courtroom, it’s hard to see what air pollution looks like and how it affects a community. That’s why Ecojustice enlisted the help of photographer Garth Lenz to tell a story in pictures about two of our clients and others living in Sarnia’s Chemical Valley.

Chemical Valley is home to 40 per cent of Canada’s petrochemical industry, whose toxic emissions helped earn Sarnia a reputation for having the worst air quality in Canada. About 800 people — including our clients Ada Lock-ridge and Ron Plain — are members of the nearby Aamjiwnaang First Nation and have been breathing air laced with cancer-causing benzene and sulphur dioxide for decades.

Ron and Ada have asked the provincial government to protect the air in their com-munity, and to consider how much pollution is already present before more emissions permits are issued. When things didn’t get better, Ecojustice was asked to help launch a lawsuit against the provincial government and Suncor, one of the biggest petrochemical companies in Chemical Valley. The case is still making its way through the courts after both groups spent a year trying to exclude much of the evidence and dismiss the case.

Ron and Ada believe that the government is violating their basic human rights, which

Life inside one of Canada’s mostpolluted communities

Canada ranked third in the world for air quality in 2011, but Sarnia had the worst air quality in the country.

Learn more by visiting ecojustice.ca/envirorights

ALLPHOTOS © G ARTH L ZNEWWW. GA RTHLENZ.COM

Special sirens were installed to warn people about chemical emergencies.

Unchecked pollution means that one day, local residents might not be able to safely eat the fish they catch.

Our clients, Ada Lockridge and Ron Plain.

It’s time for Ontario to act so that Ada, Ron and other members of the Aamjiwnaang community aren’t forced to breathe in toxic emissions year after year.

Ron Plain’s toxic tour stops at a contaminated pond.

Children in Aamjiwnaang are being exposed to cancer-causing chemicals such as benzene.

There were 62 industrial facilities within 25 kilometres of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation reserve as of 2007.

staff profile

Pierre sadik

GREAT LAKES

Continued improvements in Ontario’s water policyThe Great Lakes are a source of drinking water for the vast majority of Ontarians and home to thousands of different types of plants, animals and fish. But without action, the quality of life for the people and species that depend on these mighty bodies of water are in jeopardy. Water levels in the Great Lakes fell to record lows in December and stress from human development is harming Lakes Ontario and Erie, according to a recent study.

That’s why it’s good news that the Ontario govern-ment included several of Ecojustice’s recommendations in its recently finalized Great Lakes Strategy, which aims to keep your water drinkable, swimmable and fishable.

Ecojustice worked hard with our Great Lakes part-ners to advocate and lobby for the inclusion of water conservation and green infrastructure solutions in this

I’m excited to join the Ecojustice team and help it achieve its important mission to protect the environment. And although I’m a lawyer, I’ll be taking on environmental issues from a different perspective — outside the courtroom, as Ecojustice’s manager of law and policy.

strategy. We believe those solutions will reduce stresses on the Great Lakes and provide op-portunities for innovative technologies and practices to be employed in Ontario.

But having a strategy is only the first step. Both the Water Sector Strategy and the Great Lakes Strategy outline a path to protect your water. What’s needed now are measurable goals, funding and a new law that gives the strategies more teeth.

Enacting the proposed Great Lakes Protec-tion Act would help. It would provide the

specific targets and timelines needed to ensure the Great Lakes stay healthy for our generation and the next.

Your support made government aware of these issues and your continued support will ensure that we hold Ontario and the federal government to account.

— Dr. Anastasia Lintner, staff lawyer and economist

AWARDS

ecojustice video wins international award Legal jargon isn’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve started using tools like videos to educate and inspire Canadians about protecting the environment. To our delight, Ecojustice’s short video about protecting sources of drinking water recently won an award for its creative use of design to promote an important cause.

Our water video won a bronze medal at the Bassawards, a global program that promotes excellence in broadcast design. Ecojustice was one of the 15 finalists shortlisted and among the seven that actually received an award.

The video, produced with the help of Toronto-based Smart Bubble Society Inc., uses colourful animation and plain language to explain the issues around source water protection. These issues are critical but often overlooked aspects of making sure all Canadians have access to clean drinking water.

Every glass of water we drink starts out as source water. The raw water you find in places like lakes, streams and underground aquifers feed our local

drinking water systems, which treat, test and deliver this vital blend of hydrogen and oxygen into our homes for so many uses.

And, as our video explains, although we rely on our governments to use laws and policies to protect water at the source and prevent contamination before it happens, we all have a role to play too.

— Kimberly Shearon, communications coordinator

So what does that entail? My role is to ensure your interests are represented in the nation’s capital by standing up for the laws that protect the air, water and land we all count on to lead healthy, productive lives. As a bit of an amateur historian, I take inspiration from those who helped oppose the rise of totalitarian-ism in the 1930s and 1940s. I’m convinced that it’s important for us to fight against injustice, be it social or environmental, even if the odds appear to be long.

My career up to this point has covered a lot of ground. I’ve done litigation, worked in government and lobbied and been lobbied on a variety of envi-ronmental issues both in Canada and the United States. Common themes that have run through my work include protecting endangered species, tackling climate change, and promoting the green economy. Many of these will continue to be issues I advocate for Ecojustice, and for supporters like you.

I’m motivated by the need to act and speak on behalf of those who can’t fend for themselves. I’m a vegetarian and hold a great deal of respect for other living things.

I also subscribe to the notion that our North American lifestyle has become out of balance in terms of consumption, particularly when it comes to energy. This is just another reason why we need ef-fective laws and regulations that make sure industrial growth doesn’t come at the expense of our — and the planet’s — long-term well-being.

How do I recharge and rejuvenate in the midst of all of this? My family and I head out to the wild spaces that are less than 30 minutes from our home in Ot-tawa. There I’m among some of the many ‘clients’ we work on behalf of at Ecojustice. The beauty of the wilderness is both deeply calming and at the same time highly motivating.

— Pierre Sadik, manager of law and policy

Watch the video to learn more and make sure to sign the petition to protect Canadians’ right to safe drinking water: ecojustice.ca/blog/ecojustice-video-wins-international-award

Page 6 | ecojustice ecojustice | Page 7

staff profile

Pierre sadik

GREAT LAKES

Continued improvements in Ontario’s water policyThe Great Lakes are a source of drinking water for the vast majority of Ontarians and home to thousands of different types of plants, animals and fish. But without action, the quality of life for the people and species that depend on these mighty bodies of water are in jeopardy. Water levels in the Great Lakes fell to record lows in December and stress from human development is harming Lakes Ontario and Erie, according to a recent study.

That’s why it’s good news that the Ontario govern-ment included several of Ecojustice’s recommendations in its recently finalized Great Lakes Strategy, which aims to keep your water drinkable, swimmable and fishable.

Ecojustice worked hard with our Great Lakes part-ners to advocate and lobby for the inclusion of water conservation and green infrastructure solutions in this

I’m excited to join the Ecojustice team and help it achieve its important mission to protect the environment. And although I’m a lawyer, I’ll be taking on environmental issues from a different perspective — outside the courtroom, as Ecojustice’s manager of law and policy.

strategy. We believe those solutions will reduce stresses on the Great Lakes and provide op-portunities for innovative technologies and practices to be employed in Ontario.

But having a strategy is only the first step. Both the Water Sector Strategy and the Great Lakes Strategy outline a path to protect your water. What’s needed now are measurable goals, funding and a new law that gives the strategies more teeth.

Enacting the proposed Great Lakes Protec-tion Act would help. It would provide the

specific targets and timelines needed to ensure the Great Lakes stay healthy for our generation and the next.

Your support made government aware of these issues and your continued support will ensure that we hold Ontario and the federal government to account.

— Dr. Anastasia Lintner, staff lawyer and economist

AWARDS

ecojustice video wins international award Legal jargon isn’t for everyone. That’s why we’ve started using tools like videos to educate and inspire Canadians about protecting the environment. To our delight, Ecojustice’s short video about protecting sources of drinking water recently won an award for its creative use of design to promote an important cause.

Our water video won a bronze medal at the Bassawards, a global program that promotes excellence in broadcast design. Ecojustice was one of the 15 finalists shortlisted and among the seven that actually received an award.

The video, produced with the help of Toronto-based Smart Bubble Society Inc., uses colourful animation and plain language to explain the issues around source water protection. These issues are critical but often overlooked aspects of making sure all Canadians have access to clean drinking water.

Every glass of water we drink starts out as source water. The raw water you find in places like lakes, streams and underground aquifers feed our local

drinking water systems, which treat, test and deliver this vital blend of hydrogen and oxygen into our homes for so many uses.

And, as our video explains, although we rely on our governments to use laws and policies to protect water at the source and prevent contamination before it happens, we all have a role to play too.

— Kimberly Shearon, communications coordinator

So what does that entail? My role is to ensure your interests are represented in the nation’s capital by standing up for the laws that protect the air, water and land we all count on to lead healthy, productive lives. As a bit of an amateur historian, I take inspiration from those who helped oppose the rise of totalitarian-ism in the 1930s and 1940s. I’m convinced that it’s important for us to fight against injustice, be it social or environmental, even if the odds appear to be long.

My career up to this point has covered a lot of ground. I’ve done litigation, worked in government and lobbied and been lobbied on a variety of envi-ronmental issues both in Canada and the United States. Common themes that have run through my work include protecting endangered species, tackling climate change, and promoting the green economy. Many of these will continue to be issues I advocate for Ecojustice, and for supporters like you.

I’m motivated by the need to act and speak on behalf of those who can’t fend for themselves. I’m a vegetarian and hold a great deal of respect for other living things.

I also subscribe to the notion that our North American lifestyle has become out of balance in terms of consumption, particularly when it comes to energy. This is just another reason why we need ef-fective laws and regulations that make sure industrial growth doesn’t come at the expense of our — and the planet’s — long-term well-being.

How do I recharge and rejuvenate in the midst of all of this? My family and I head out to the wild spaces that are less than 30 minutes from our home in Ot-tawa. There I’m among some of the many ‘clients’ we work on behalf of at Ecojustice. The beauty of the wilderness is both deeply calming and at the same time highly motivating.

— Pierre Sadik, manager of law and policy

Watch the video to learn more and make sure to sign the petition to protect Canadians’ right to safe drinking water: ecojustice.ca/blog/ecojustice-video-wins-international-award

Page 6 | ecojustice ecojustice | Page 7

LEANER&

GREENER

Victories report:

Our work to protect the environment doesn’t just happen in the courtroom, but in our offices too.

We’re proud to announce that this year’s Victories Report will be primarily an online publication. We’ve hatched a great plan to keep delivering inspiring stories of success while reducing our carbon footprint — and production costs. The money saved by reducing printing and mailing expenses will be invested back into our legal and scientific work.

We’re also making it easier to get the informa-tion you want, faster. By signing up to receive Ecojustice updates by email (see enclosed reply form), you’ll get a copy of the Victories Report delivered straight to your inbox, as soon as it’s ready in May.

Don’t have a computer? Don’t worry! A small number of hard copies will still be available by request. If you would prefer to receive one of these, please fill out the enclosed reply form and return it with the postage-paid envelope provided.

Questions? Concerns? Please get in touch with the Donor Relations team by calling 1.800.926.7744 x295 or sending an email to donor@ecojustice.ca

Thank you for your commitment and support!

Frances Litman, Victoria, B.C. Monthly giving and legacy donor

As a professional photographer, Frances Litman sees the world from many perspectives. it’s this type of vision that results in a passion for environmental protection and education.

Frances engages the public about the importance of protecting and preserving the planet by producing an annual earth Week festival, Creatively united for the Planet, in Victoria, B.C. this year’s festival runs April 19-21.

“My goal is to see the environment become as well-supported and funded as the disease charities. A healthy planet is the ultimate in disease prevention,” she said.

“The lack of integrity shown by our government has created huge legal battles for environmental and indigenous groups doing the hero work on our behalf, which is why I support Ecojustice monthly and with a future gift of my RRSP.”it’s by supporting ecojustice that Frances ensures the environment has a strong legal advocate — now and for many years to come.

— Jocelyn Anderson, philanthropy coordinator

For more information on the benefits of giving RRSP and RRIF gifts please see the back of the enclosed gift reply form or visit our website at ecojustice.ca/support/rrsp-or-rrif

Learn more about Creatively United

for the Planet at creativelyunited

fortheplanet.com

Donor Profile

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