SIDNEY – The Green Party of Canada is calling for a stronger federal law to ensure that our rich biodiversity is protected through rigorous assessment of fossil fuel developments.
“Canadians are demanding that we not neglect our commitment to climate action, even as we fight the Trump tariffs,” said Elizabeth May, co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “Unfortunately, the Carney Liberals and Poilievre Conservatives plan to abandon the federal assessment of major developments. They want to offload it to the provinces and have them gain overriding authority to assess developments even when a federal decision is required.”
Unfortunately, provincial assessment laws are generally weak and do not require an assessment of GHG emissions, climate impacts or cumulative effects. For example, Ontario regulations do not even apply to private sector developments.
“The Liberal/Conservative proposals would increase Canada’s GHG emissions and accelerate the loss of biodiversity as outdated oil and gas developments come on stream,” said Jonathan Pedneault, Green Party Co-Leader.
“An assessment law should guarantee that federal ministers and agencies look before they leap. Assessments of projects should be required if they are likely to have adverse environmental effects and require a federal decision.”
“Investment in an East-West electricity grid is urgently needed to strengthen Canadian energy independence and build a future-ready economy, but grid projects too must be assessed, and with proper consultation with First Nations,” said May. “Canada’s path forward must be charted towards both a self-reliant and a post-carbon economy.”
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