The Quebec Environmental Law Centre
For the past 25 years, the CQDE has fulfilled its mission to dedicate its legal expertise to the service of citizens and protection of the environment. The CQDE aims to raise awareness and make accessible the legal tools necessary for organizations and citizens to defend their rights and ensure the implementation of environmental law in Quebec. It is the only organization that offers independent expertise in issues pertaining to environmental law in Quebec, and that gives citizens access to justice in environmental matters – a need that grows as the number of environmental legal cases multiplies.
The vision for the Quebec Environmental Law Centre / Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement (CQDE) is to evolve in a society where all living beings and the environment are legally protected for their intrinsic value, and where all members of society actively collaborate to ensure this protection.
The CQDE plays an essential role in the evolution of law and access to justice in environmental affairs. The CQDE contributes to the development of a legal framework that responds to emergent environmental challenges. Through its actions, the CQDE acts as a guardian of environmental laws, and ensures that these laws are respected. The CQDE aims to:
- Contribute to the development, distribution and respect of environmental law in order to protect the environment and means of life
- Protect the environmental rights of citizens to ensure / prioritize their access to justice in environmental matters
- Offer training services and information for citizens and interveners concerning the legal tools at their disposal to preserve their right to a healthy environment
The CQDE considers the environment as part of the common heritage of humanity, and assumes the responsibility of protecting it. In fulfilling this obligation, the CQDE prioritizes the following values:
- Integrity
- Independance
- Expertise
- Innovation
- Collaboration