Why the Nuluujaat Land Guardians’ counterclaim against Baffinland is unique in Canada – CBC

‘It’s very hard, traditionally, to get standing to bring environmental law disputes before the courts’

Aug 05, 2022

A recent legal move by the Nuluujaat Land Guardians, a group of Inuit protesters, to sue Baffinland Iron Mines is unusual in Canada, says one lawyer watching from afar.

And it’s made possible thanks to environmental legislation unique to Nunavut and the N.W.T., which allows people to take up claims of environmental damages within the territories on behalf of everybody who uses the area.

“I can’t think of a case where the defendants have basically turned around and used it as an opening of a door to get some of their arguments and concerns before the court,” said Ben Ralston.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/nunavut-land-guardians-baffinland-iron-mines-court-1.6541562