EQUITY. JUSTICE. HEALTH.
Who We Are
The Canadian Environmental Law Foundation is the charitable arm of Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA). We influence and use environmental law and policy to safeguard equity, justice and health.
Founded in 1970, CELA is one of the oldest public interest litigation clinics in Canada. Since 1993, the Foundation has been raising funds to support CELA’s charitable projects and archiving documents that chronicle the history of Canadian environmental law.
The Foundation’s key initiatives include the Canadian Environmental Law Archives, an annual fellowship for one aspiring environmental lawyer, and the Access to Justice for Northern Communities Initiative. The Foundation also supports ongoing education and outreach efforts to promote public participation in environmental decision-making.
Our work is not done. Your support is critical to ensure that environmental law continues to evolve and that the gains of the last 50 years are not forgotten.
Canadian Environmental Law Collections
The Canadian Environmental Law Collections is an extensive library of online and printed resources that document Canada’s environmental law and policy history.
These curated collections are an invaluable resource for the legal community and the public.
Key aspects of the Collections include the Environmental Beginnings project, reports from the Environmental Commission of Ontario, and the CELA Archive.
Access to Justice for Northern Communities
The Foundation supports CELA’s regional outreach efforts, working towards environmental justice in communities across Ontario.
Since 2019, CELA’s Northern Services program has collaborated with communities, residents, non-profit organizations and other legal aid clinics in Northern Ontario to identify emerging issues affecting human health and environmental protection, advance public participation in decision-making, and advocate for those lacking access to justice.
Your support is critical to continuing and expanding the Northern Services program.
Education and Training
The Canadian Environmental Law Foundation helps train the next generation of environmental lawyers.
The Foundation supports CELA’s articling program that educates and trains lawyers on important case law, building a knowledge base for legal cases and developing the skills of lawyers who advocate for the environmental and social justice reforms we need.
Your donation to the Foundation will support the next articling student at CELA.
