Friends of the Earth, Ecojustice fighting for Polluter Pays Principle at Supreme Court
Tuesday, November 15th 2011 12:47:20pm
Why: This is the first time Canada’s insolvency procedure is challenged to deal with the polluter pays principle, in this case, for historic contamination by Abitibibowater’s mining, shipping and pulp and paper operations in Newfoundland.
What: Friends of the Earth, represented by Ecojustice, will appear before the Supreme Court of Canada in the case of Newfoundland and Labrador v. Abitibibowater Inc. The Supreme Court is considering whether insolvent corporations in Canada must fulfill their past environmental obligations to the public or whether taxpayers must bear the full cost of an environmental clean-up.
Friends of the Earth CEO Beatrice Olivastri and Ecojustice lawyers will be available for comment after the hearing, which is scheduled to end at 1 p.m.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
Where: Supreme Court of Canada, 301 Wellington St. Ottawa, Ontario
For further information, please contact:
Beatrice Olivastri, CEO, Friends of the Earth (613) 241-0085 x26 or (613) 724-8690 (cell)
Pierre Hamilton, Ecojustice Communications Associate (416) 368-7533 x526
Will Amos, Director, Ecojustice Clinic at the University of Ottawa (613) 255-7505 (cell)