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COURT REJECTS KYOTO LAWSUIT |
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The
Federal Court recently ruled that courts can’t settle a lawsuit against
the government of Canada in relation to the Kyoto Protocol
Implementation Act, a move one lawyer involved in the case called
“distressing.”
“If we can’t turn to the courts to ensure that
the laws of the land are upheld, I fear our government will continue to
drift towards unaccountability on climate change and other issues
Canadians care deeply about,” said Ecojustice lawyer Hugh Wilkins in a
release.
The lawsuit was launched in June for Friends of the
Earth Canada by pro bono lawyers from Paliare Roland Barristers and
Ecojustice. Friends of the Earth wanted a court declaration that the
government failed to meet legal requirements of the KPIA by missing
deadlines and failing to publish regulations.
“The court has
sent a message that the government can pick and choose which laws to
obey,” said lawyer Chris Paliare. “We will undoubtedly be considering
further legal action to ensure that the government is held accountable.”
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