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April 22nd, 2018

NDP Statement on Earth Day

Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie), the NDP critic for the Environment and Climate Change made the following statement:

"Today, we celebrate Earth Day and acknowledge all gestures, big and small, that contribute to protecting our planet, reducing our ecological footprint and fighting climate change. We must continue the work of all Indigenous Peoples around the world to preserve this Earth.

It is a fact that human activity threatens our ecosystems, our forests and our water. We are at a tipping point to prevent the irreversible global warming that will cause countless more disasters. We will only get there if we all work and take concreate actions, together.

Citizens everywhere are doing their part to help our planet, whether it’s opening zero waster grocery stores, installing geothermal systems, supporting organic agriculture or building energy efficient homes and buildings.

All levels of government must work to build on this movement as it transcends all borders. Be it by banishing plastic bags or straws, by forcing mining companies to clean up abandoned sites, by protecting our coasts or by collaborating to clean up plastic waste from our polluted oceans and seas.

While Canada should be championing the fight against climate change, it is alarming to see the government continuing to subsidise oil and gas companies, instead of investing in the development of renewable and green energies. We are clearly on the wrong track when we hear that we will miss Stephen Harper’s 2030 GHG reduction target by 66 megatonnes.

The transition towards a green economy cannot wait, and it won’t happen without bold and courageous actions by all levels of government. People are ready. The protests against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project, here in Canada, and around the world, tell us that people want to fight climate change and the federal government must become a part of this movement.

It’s time for Canada to be on the right side of history. Our planet cannot wait any longer."