Progress in the fight against jets on Toronto’s waterfront

May 9th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

Tuesday was a good day for NoJetsTo, a grassroots organization fighting against Porter Airline’s plan to fly jets our to Toronto’s island airport. Although city council voted in favour of proceeding with a study of the proposed expansion, it also approved four motions which together severely constrain the scope of this study. Together, these motions, which aim to hold Porter to its word and to protect the right of private pilots to use the airport, make the success of the expansion much less likely. Read more on NoJetsTo’s blog.

Brian Iler is Chair of CommunityAIR, a supporting organization of NoJetsTO.

Iler Campbell and AIS, Inc. relationship strengthens

April 30th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

Since 1972, AIS has provided accommodation, information and support to people in Toronto affected by mental health challenges, substance abuse and the trauma associated with homelessness.  Take at look at the AIS website to see some of its great work. Iler Campbell LLP is proud to be a part of AIS’ circle of service providers, providing real estate and corporate/commercial advice to the organization for approximately 15 years.  Together with AIS, we are pleased to announce that one of our associates, Celia Chandler, is volunteering her personal time as a member of the Board of Directors of AIS.  Celia has a growing interest in issues related to housing and mental health and looks forward to broadening her understanding in this new role.   

Free Talk! Board Governance: Roles & Responsibilities

April 29th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

Join the GTA Co‑op Network for this free talk by Paula Boutis
6:30PM Tuesday May 14 at Harvest Noon Cafe + Co-op.

If you’re on the board of a co-op, considering it, or just curious, you’re sure to gain some valuable information!

This talk will review the relevant legislation governing co‑operative governance, the roles of the directors & officers, and their obligations, including potential liabilities that arise when you are a director or officer of a Board.

Here’s the event listing on facebook. No RSVP or registration is required — just show up! This event is also an *optional potluck* so please bring something to share with the group if you have time! Finger-food is preferable. Join us afterwards for a drink, or just to socialize at the GSU Pub — just below Harvest Noon!

Why Canada needs more community power

April 25th, 2013 by Brian Iler

Given the scientific consensus that wind turbines are not dangerous to human health, as opponents have claimed, it is time to shift focus to a real issue: fixing wind energy policy to increase community power in Canada.

After extensive research and investigation, in Canada and globally, the consensus in the scientific community is that there is no direct causal link between wind turbines and adverse health effects. Scientists agree that the noise emitted by wind turbines ‑- the chief source of alleged health effects -‑ is basically indistinguishable from normal background sounds we experience in everyday life, whether we live in an urban or rural area.

Read more on rabble.ca

Federal government posts proposed revisions to regulations under CEAA 2012

April 17th, 2013 by Laura Bowman

Late Friday night, April 12, 2013, the federal government posted the latest revisions to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.   These regulations determine which projects are potentially subject to a federal assessment under the new Act.

The existing regulations were put in force without any public consultations when CEAA 2012 was enacted in July 2012.  The regulations were based on the comprehensive study list regulations under the old version of CEAA which was repealed in mid-2012.

The amendments to the Regulations Designating Physical Activities proposed by the government at this time are limited.  Some projects are removed and others are clarified.   Diamond mines, apatite mines, railway yards, international and interprovincial bridges and tunnels and “the first offshore exploratory wells in exploration licence area” and expansions to oil sands mines would be added to the project list.  Just being on the project list no longer guarantees an assessment is required.

Continue reading “Federal government posts proposed revisions to regulations under CEAA 2012”

Paula Boutis helps Osgoode Law School team make it to the final competition round

April 16th, 2013 by Iler Campbell

Paula Boutis, along with Michael McClurg of Olthius Kleer Townshend, coached one of two excellent Osgoode teams for the Willms & Shier Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, held at the Ontario Court of Appeal on March 9, 2013.

The team placed second overall, and team members Jesse Cohen ’14 and Luke Johnston ’14 both won distinguished oralist awards. Johnston also won the award for top oralist in the final round.

Congratulations to all the participants!

For more details on the event see here.