Call to recognize Athabaska River Basin as a legal person

The Jackpine Mine is an open-pit tar sands project north of Fort McMurray. Last year, the operator applied for a renewal of its licence to operate the mine for another 10 years. In response Ecojustice, the Alberta Wilderness Association, and Keepers of the Water filed a statement of concern asking the Alberta Energy Regulator to recognize the Athabasca River Basin as a “legal person” with the right to participate in decisions that affect its health.  We speak with Matt Hulse, a lawyer for Ecojustice.