Investor-State Dispute Settlement - aka ISDS

Hi all.

Clearly, I must live in a hole and not be paying enough attention to the much bigger picture. In my defence I can only take so much so I don’t apologize for it but, it re-enforces the notion that we never (me at least) stop learning.

ISDS, a clever attachment to perhaps, “contractual obligations” as pointed out by Energy Minister Brian Jean, may well be the international tool of choice by our Australian coal interests. The $15B number with the threatened lawsuit against the Alberta government (we citizens) is certainly a fit.

How does ISDS work?

• Investors can sue governments in a neutral forum through binding arbitration

• ISDS agreements are often found in international treaties, domestic legislation, and contracts

• These agreements outline the protections and obligations that investors are entitled to

Sounds like pawns on a chessboard with the companies being the pieces with power and exquisite moves.

A friend sent me this article and yes, it’s interesting, but more so for me, very depressing. It’s speaking to the continuing use of fossil fuels regardless of countries genuinely wanting to move to the greener targets under the commitments made at the Paris Climate Agreement.

However, these countries are now finding themselves under the pointed financial gun of companies operating oil & gas as well as various types of mining, inclusive of offshore.

Given the state of affairs we are currently in here in Alberta regarding foreign interest coal developers, I think you’ll find that our situation is pretty much a dovetail fit with the content of the following article in The Guardian.

You can read it here.