Media Release: CELA’s Environmental Services for Northern Ontario

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – The Canadian Environmental Law Association announces it will continue to provide direct legal services in Northern Ontario, to communities and low-income citizens seeking environmental justice.

Last year, CELA launched its Northern Services pilot project to increase access to environmental justice in communities which have been historically underserved. During the pilot, CELA’s Northern Services Counsel Kerrie Blaise met with colleagues at community legal aid clinics throughout the Northeast and Northwest and those who serve fly-in communities in Ontario’s Far North.

CELA’s Northern Services collection on our website documents the organization’s work and discussions with community leaders, non-profits, academics, Indigenous community members, and elected municipal and Indigenous officials, about ways to improve environmental equity and meaningful participation in environmental decision making.

To best serve client and community needs, CELA’s Northern Legal Counsel will be based at the Algoma Community Legal Clinic in Sault Ste. Marie on a part-time basis. CELA’s reach in other communities will continue with Counsel Kerrie Blaise frequently travelling throughout the North.

CELA extends its appreciation and thanks to all who have connected with its Northern Services pilot and looks forward to a renewed ability to advocate on behalf of Northern Ontario’s communities, our shared values and the long-term health of the environment.

For more information:

Kerrie Blaise, Northern Services Counsel, kerrie@cela.ca