Cutting Red Tape to Dam Rivers and Damn Future Generations

(Ottawa) The Conservatives must stop playing political games and get on with the economic stimulus. Changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act and pay equity for women have no business being included in the budget.

”This is an ideological attack on both environmental protection and women’s rights buried in a response to an urgent economic crisis,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada.

The Senate Finance Committee is not holding up the stimulus package or playing political games. It is examining the government’s stimulus budget. The 500 page bill contains numerous extraneous items including the Navigable Waters Protection Act. It was rushed through Parliament without properly considering the implications to Canada's waterways of reducing environmental protection. It will also violate the Aboriginal rights to consultation on issues impacting treaty rights.

"Any changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act will impact Aboriginal and treaty rights.  It's irresponsible to rush through legislation without meeting the legal equirements to consult with Aboriginal people. The courts have been clear on this," said Aboriginal Affairs Critic, Lorraine Rekmans. "This kind of blunder is an invitation by government for more legal challenges."

The Green Party of Canada urges the Senate to provide sober second thought and divide the budget bill. Pass the economic stimulus and send unnecessary ideological attacks back to the House of Commons for reconsideration.

“There is absolutely no reason to destroy Canada’s ability to protect waterways and the environment in response to the economic crisis,” said Ms. May.


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Michael Bernard
Communications Officer
Green Party of Canada
613-562-4916 ext. 244
(c) 613-614-4916