Canadians head to the Polls September 20th
SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 — Canada is heading into a federal election on September 20th, 2021. This election will be crucial in deciding the future we want for nature and for our communities. We are seeing the effects of the climate and nature crises now, and it is imperative that we speak up for nature, and voice our concerns and demands of our leaders.
Working together with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter, we have sent an open letter to all candidates across the province with clear questions regarding nature and climate change, conservation, private land protection, and Indigenous engagement.
We encourage you to get in touch with your local candidates to ask them questions so they know that the environment is important to their constituents, and that we will hold them accountable when decisions are being made. Read on for the questions.
- What will you do to protect wetlands, mature forests, and coastal habitats, which are essential to protecting our communities from flooding, ice storms, sea level rise and other adverse effects of climate change and rising carbon emissions?
- What will you do to ensure the federal government achieves its commitment to protect 25 percent of land by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030?
- What will you do to ensure the federal government achieves its commitment to protect 25 percent of oceans by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030?
- How will you support environmental organizations to help you achieve Canada’s commitments to land and ocean protection?
- What will you do to empower and incentivize New Brunswick landowners to become involved in advocating and managing for conservation and protected areas as part of community climate response?
- What will you do to further the Canada Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the empowerment of Indigenous Nations in environmental conservation?
- What will you do to invest in Indigenous-led land-use planning in New Brunswick, including the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and their stewardship by Indigenous Guardians, Indigenous-led efforts to restore and steward species-at-risk and habitat, and recognize and respect Indigenous knowledge in all aspects of nature conservation?
Candidate Responses
- Jason Hickey, Liberal candidate for NB Southwest
- Kenneth Langford, PPC candidate for Acadie-Bathurst
- “Merci. We have already established our campaign agenda and since this is the shortest time for campaigning in the history of Canada, may I direct you to our platform regarding the environment. We believe in responsible stewardship. Clean Lakes, Rivers, Fresh Drinking water for all communities.”
| Watch: 100 Debates on the Environment (Fredericton 2021)
