SPECIFIC WATER ISSUES INVOLVING SHALE GAS AND COAL‐BED METHANE

Certain industries create insatiable demand for or unique challenges related to water and water
protection. None are more topical then the extraction of natural gas from coal beds and shale deposits.
Can the demand for energy be safely balanced against the protection of vast volumes of groundwater?
Attend and find out about the risk, opportunities and whether the regulatory frameworks and common
law and civil law protections are up to the task.
Speakers:
Sander Duncanson, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Mark Boling, Executive Vice‐President of Southwestern Energy Corporation
Chair:
Jim Thistle Q.C., McInnes Cooper

Canada's Recent Position

Canada said a new mechanism should not be created, and suggested extending the concept of “One UN” to sustainable development, possibly through a troika of regional commissions, UNEP and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), periodically bringing issues to the international community through the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) or a reformed CSD. Bolivia said the CSD should ensure participation by all stakeholders. Indonesia supported empowering and strengthening UN components such as ECOSOC and the CSD. Australia said reform proposals should go beyond UNEP and consider other actors, including the CSD. Canada is more a trade mission, akin to the present British Government under Cameron. Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade have merged as one ministry within the past 2 years. Any NAFTA conflicts (i.e. Metalclad Mexico vs US) the court is held in Vancouver.

Banff Springs Location

Most of the sessions were held in the Albert Room, with massive arched Romanesque windows displaying the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Even StatOil was convening a meeting in the Conservatory- the surroundings so breathtaking. Very busy place, with ballet/dance auditions also being held .

Note:(What I learned from the dancers- I have to learn to put on make-up; with out looking like a grossed out clown.Lips too red..etc.)

Eco-bulletin, August 2010

Eco-bulletin, August 2010
Federal Government responds to Supreme Court of Canada decision in Miningwatch
By Stuart Chambers
In our article published in the March 2010 Ecobulletin, we discussed the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in MiningWatch Canada v. Canada (Fisheries and Oceans), otherwise known as the “MiningWatch” decision.

Attorney General of Quebec v. Moses - Supreme Court of Canada decision on environmental assessments in northern Quebec
By Charles Kazaz
On May 14, 2010 the Supreme Court of Canada handed down its long awaited decision in Attorney General of Quebec v. Moses.

Globe 2010: A recap of sessions
By Tony Crossman, John Tidball, Bryan Buttigieg, Tamara Farber, Sarah Hansen, Charles Bois
On February 9, 2010, Canada’s Environment Minister submitted a draft of the proposed Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations to public consultation.

WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CO‐CHAIRS

Dufferin Harper, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Calgary
John Stefaniuk, Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP Winnipeg

The Canadian Bar Association's National Environment, Energy and Resource Law Section is pleased to present the latest instalment in its popular, ongoing, annual summit, focused this year on water rights and water protection and regulation, in a new, expanded two-day program format. We are especially pleased to have the participation of the International Law Section in this year's program.

Water is life. As the demand for clean water increases and as supplies are threatened, it is crucial that lawyers hone their understandings of the federal, provincial and international laws and rules surrounding this invaluable, irreplaceable and scarce resource.