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December 19th, 2022

NDP: Canada must lead by example in protecting the environment

In response to the agreement at the COP15 UN biodiversity summit in Montreal, NDP Critic for Environment and Climate Change Laurel Collins issued the following statement:

“New Democrats welcome the agreement that came out of the COP15 UN biodiversity summit in Montreal. This agreement highlights the bare minimum that countries around the world, including Canada, must do to protect and preserve our biodiversity.

Today’s agreement also means the federal government must lead by example in protecting our biodiversity at home and abroad. Unfortunately, the Liberals’ track record in the fight against climate change hasn’t been strong. Justin Trudeau and Minister Steven Guilbeault have been saying all the right things on the international stage, but back at home, it’s an entirely different story.

Under the Liberals, Canada ranks second worst in the G20 for fossil fuel subsidies. And they have yet to implement measures to protect green urban spaces like the Technopark wetlands in the heart of Montreal where COP15 was taking place.

The NDP strongly believes that protecting land and waters will help Canada meet its climate change goals while safeguarding a good quality of life for generations of Canadians to come. That's why New Democrats call on the Liberals to take strong action to protect our biodiversity by passing a biodiversity accountability act and immediately implementing a 10-year nature plan to reverse the loss of endangered species.

There is no more time for Liberals' empty words. Canadians expect real and serious action.

The NDP will continue to pressure Liberals to act to protect our biodiversity and fight the climate crisis that is endangering our communities, food systems, farmlands, green spaces and the survival of future generations.