NDP Statement on Earth Day

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

Today is Earth Day, a day to celebrate all gestures – big and small – that contribute to protecting our planet.

As we stand on the precipice of irreversible global warming, we must reduce our ecological footprint and work together to tackle this challenge to our future.

All countries have a part to play in the fight against climate change. Together, we must take concrete actions, like working to reduce plastic consumption, compel industries to prevent and ease environmental harm, and protect our vital lakes and rivers.

As we face the climate change tipping point, it is disheartening to see our government continue to stick with weak emissions targets. And right now, there is no plan or timeline to meet even those low thresholds.

Shockingly, Canada is on pace to exceed our 2030 GHG reduction targets by at least 30 per cent. The Liberal government has also failed to deliver on their promise to restore the federal environmental laws eviscerated by Harper’s government, like Canada’s environmental assessment process, the Fisheries Act and the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

We are on the wrong track and the clock is ticking.

Like the majority of Canadians, New Democrats want to leave a cleaner, greener planet for the next generations.

Jagmeet Singh’s NDP is on your side and we’re ready to make bold decisions that protect our environment – like retrofitting all existing homes in Canada by 2050. This will create jobs, save families money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about three tonnes per house. And that’s just the start.
Transitioning towards a green economy requires courageous actions – and it cannot wait. Through the recent Global Climate Strike, we’ve seen a desire for action from even the youngest environmental advocates. It’s time to make a change – for their sake.

And as we take these steps, we must continue to work with Indigenous Peoples across the world to preserve the planet, and protect their right to have their voices heard.

The greatest legacy we can offer future generations is a clean and healthy planet. Let's work together to make that happen.