Karin Buss

Lawyer Karin Buss grew up in Calgary with the Rocky Mountain Foothills as her playground. With a trusty pair of Nordic skis and hiking boots she avidly explored the wilderness on foot.

Karin Buss, staff lawyer

By age 18, Karin was president of her local outdoor adventure club, but it would be several more years until her interest in the outdoors would prompt a career move toward environmental protection.

Academically, Karin excelled at law, finishing second in her law class of 500 at the University of Alberta. Upon graduation, she decided to stay and practice law in Edmonton where mountain adventures were replaced by long walks along the River Valley Trail System. Her cases ranged from environmental regulatory matters, to malpractice claims, and Aboriginal land claims.

Over time, Karin developed an increasing interest in environmental law. She represented many clients before the courts, the Alberta Energy Resources Board and Alberta Environmental Appeal Board. She has  also served as president of the Environmental Law Centre and director for many years.

Since joining Ecojustice in 2008, Karin has had the distinction of being a founding member of our first team of legal experts in the province. Based out of Edmonton, she said is pleased to offer one more tool in the public’s arsenal of environmental strategies.

“Environmental groups in Alberta have done a great job using public education and political lobbying to good effect, but they have never really had access in any significant way to the justice system,” she said. “My role is to advocate for justice for the environment and provide access to the courts.”

One of her greatest concerns is the effect of oil and gas exploration and development on Alberta’s boreal forest region. The issue hit home for her after an airplane ride presented a bird’s eye view of the problem.

“From above, you can see how the forest is increasingly crisscrossed, breaking the connectivity of wilderness that animals depends on,” she said.

When needing a quick escape from the challenging world of environmental law, Karin delves into the wilds of her own backyard where she maintains a thriving vegetable garden.