We use the law to protect life on Earth.
Ecojustice is Canada’s largest environmental law charity. From coast to coast to coast, we have a proven history of winning key cases and securing environmental protections.
Taking governments and polluters to court is in our roots. We started as the Sierra Legal Defence Fund back in 1990 as a direct response to the Exxon Valdez disaster — then the world’s worst oil spill. What began as two determined people working out of the back of a car, is now a leading Canadian charity led by lawyers, scientists, and subject matter experts.
For more than 30 years, Ecojustice lawyers have represented people like you at every level of court— free of charge.
Today, Ecojustice has 80+ staff working to save the only planet we’ve ever called home. We are all on Indigenous land, and we are grateful to operate offices in the cities commonly known as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax.
What we do
Our mission is using the law to defend nature, combat the climate crisis, and fight for a healthy environment for all. To achieve this, Ecojustice does three things:
We go to court. Our lawyers represent citizens, environmental organizations, First Nations, sustainable businesses, labour organizations, and any other groups that share our mission.
We push for better laws. Our experts testify in front of committees and make recommendations to strengthen environmental legislation.
We engage the public. Our work highlights environmental issues and changes the conversation, forcing our leaders to sit up and listen.
Issues we work on
Ecojustice focuses on the most urgent environmental issues in Canada. These include the loss of endangered species and habitats; the growing climate emergency; environmental racism and colonial ideas of conservation; as well as ‘forever chemicals’ and plastic pollution.
Each of these topics is intrinsically linked, which is why each file we take on is chosen with the big picture in mind. We work on behalf of those who share our vision for a thriving environment, safe climate, and healthy communities protected by strong, well-enforced laws.
Funded by supporters like you
Named one of Charity Intelligence’s Top 100 charities in 2021, Ecojustice is proud to be 100 per cent donor-funded and powered by a growing community more than 200,000 supporters strong.
Donors invest knowing that Ecojustice is committed to ethical fundraising and financial accountability. Click to view audited financials.
Join us — let’s put the law to good use.