PLANET IN PERIL

AMAZON WATCH Oil giant asks Canadian Supreme Court to rewrite laws in attempt to avoid seizure of assets by Ecuadorian rainforest communities. Story here.

The Council of Canadians The Enbridge Line 4 pipeline, a 796,000 barrels per day pipeline from Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin, has spilled 1,350 barrels of oil at a pumping station in Regina. Story here.

Winnipeg Free Press A Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. tarsands operation that has contaminated a groundwater aquifer is renewing questions about a technology that has already been linked to another serious leak in northern Alberta. Story here.  

THE GLOBE & MAIL Quebec’s environmental bureau has dealt a setback to companies that want to use hydraulic fracturing techniques to develop the province's promising shale gas deposits, saying it appears the economic benefits would not outweigh the environmental costs. Story here. Related:  "Free Trade - Path to Prosperity or Back Road to Corporatism?"

New charitable status will allow Experimental Lakes Area to realize full fundraising potential. WINNIPEG—The  International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA)  is pleased to announce that it has now been granted full charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency. This is a crucial step in allowing the world-class freshwater research facility to reach its full fundraising potential and to realize its research, educational and operational goals.

By George Monbiot Every child should visit an abattoir. If you disagree, ask yourself why. Story here. Related: "Saving the Planet, One Meal at aTime."

Manitoba Co-Operator Many forage and forage seed importers have zero tolerance for GM crops, including alfalfa. Story here.

National Farmers Union Bringing in the wheat. Larry Powell PinP photo. (Deleau, MB) - The NFU is urging the governments of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC to become actively engaged in the federal government’s plan to dispose of the farmer-paid Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) assets. Story here.