A new research paper was published on FACETS on November 3, 2025, analysing the environmental impact assessment process for Canadian mines. The paper presents the first complete list of IA laws that apply to mining in Canada; provides an open-source database of mine and quarry projects subject to IA; quantifies mining and IA trends; andContinue reading “New study finds gaps in environmental impact assessments of Canadian mining projects “
Category Archives: MEDIA
Fining big polluters can reduce environmental damage, but only if the fines match the crimes
Some of the country’s biggest polluters are multibillion-dollar companies. Limited fines may not be enough to stop them, but other potential solutions exist. Read the full article by Ben Collison on The Conversation or The Narwhal Monetary penalties for breaking environmental laws continue to rise. Yet, many companies are failing to maintain compliance and pollution continuesContinue reading “Fining big polluters can reduce environmental damage, but only if the fines match the crimes “
New studies find Canadian researchers in the environmental studies and sciences are still experiencing interference in their work
On November 30, two new studies were published in FACETS documenting researchers’ perceptions of the prevalence of interference in science, its sources, and effects and considered whether these perceptions differ by region, career stage, research area, membership to any scientific society, and social identity. The articles were accompanied by an op-ed in the Conversation and a blog post inContinue reading “New studies find Canadian researchers in the environmental studies and sciences are still experiencing interference in their work “
Dr. Alana Westwood featured in artist Kimberly Glickman’s Voices for the Wild project
Montréal-based artist Lisa Kimberly Glickman has started a new series called Voices for the Wild, which honours female land defenders and environmentalists from across Canada. Lisa’s work highlights poets, artists, scientists, activists, and others and poses each of the women with animals from the impacted area in the landscapes they are trying to protect. Alana’sContinue reading “Dr. Alana Westwood featured in artist Kimberly Glickman’s Voices for the Wild project”
Battling Canadian wildfires in Nova Scotia: Preparing for the next bout
Photo from: Saltwire (2023) Starting on May 27, Nova Scotia experienced unprecedented wildfires starting in Tantallon, NS that spread over 230 square kilometers. Thousands of individuals residing in the affected areas were forced to evacuate from their homes. No human lives were reported lost, but the impacts were devastating. Experts say we are far fromContinue reading “Battling Canadian wildfires in Nova Scotia: Preparing for the next bout”
Get with the times: old laws can’t keep up with Nova Scotia’s new gold rush
An increase in mine staking in the province needs to be met with a rigorous environmental assessment process — not the tight timelines, loopholes and lax consultation requirements of the past. Read the full article by Alana Westwood on The Narwhal. Nova Scotia has had three gold rushes since colonization: one in the 1800s, one atContinue reading “Get with the times: old laws can’t keep up with Nova Scotia’s new gold rush”
Dalhousie forestry research team led by Westwood lab receives $1.57 million to study Nova Scotia forests
Read the full article from Research Nova Scotia. A team of forestry researchers led by Dalhousie University is receiving $1.57 million to undertake research on Nova Scotia’s forests and the industries and communities who depend upon them. The new project forms the cornerstone of Research Nova Scotia’s (RNS) forestry research program, which seeks to identifyContinue reading “Dalhousie forestry research team led by Westwood lab receives $1.57 million to study Nova Scotia forests”
Cape Breton “Green hydrogen” project goes to environmental assessment – Dr. Alana Westwood identifies an opportunity for change
On January 6, 2023, Dr. Alana Westwood was featured on a CBC segment, Information Morning – Cape Breton hosted by Steve Sutherland. During her interview, Dr. Westwood was asked about environmental assessment (EA), specifically in relation to the “Green hydrogen” project by EverWind Fuels to develop a hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Point Tupper. In addition to describingContinue reading “Cape Breton “Green hydrogen” project goes to environmental assessment – Dr. Alana Westwood identifies an opportunity for change”
PRESERVE WHAT’S LEFT: RILEY SCANLAN WEIGHS IN ON NOVA SCOTIA’S ECOLOGICAL FORESTRY STATUS
“The few areas of remaining old forest are wonders to explore. However, I fear the combined effects of industrial forestry, climate change and invasive species will quickly eradicate what is left.” Riley, Westwood Lab member and Master of Environmental Studies candidate at Dalhousie University, submitted a short response to Lindsay Lee’s June 6 opinion pieceContinue reading “PRESERVE WHAT’S LEFT: RILEY SCANLAN WEIGHS IN ON NOVA SCOTIA’S ECOLOGICAL FORESTRY STATUS”
PUSHING POLICY AT IAIA 22 TO REDUCE FRESHWATER IMPACTS FROM BC’S MINES
Recent Master of Resource and Environmental Management graduate and future member of the Westwood Lab, Ben Collison, joined Dr. Alana Westwood in Vancouver, British Columbia from May 4 – 7 to attend the International Association of Impact Assessment Conference (IAIA 22) alongside hundreds of impact assessment specialists from around the world. The conference was hostedContinue reading “PUSHING POLICY AT IAIA 22 TO REDUCE FRESHWATER IMPACTS FROM BC’S MINES”
Westwood Lab 