Statement by NDP Environment critic, Megan Leslie (Halifax) on World Environment Day

World Environment Day is a welcome opportunity to boost global awareness of the need to protect and preserve our environment for future generations.

This day is meant to be a time for positive action. Yet today’s events unfold in the shadow of Conservative attacks on the environment—and the vital science and research we need to protect it. Canadian scientists are world leaders in their fields, and we salute these women and men for the excellent work they do to protect our air, water and soil.

This year’s World Environment Day theme (“Think.Eat.Save”) challenges us to reflect on our relationship with food—how it affects our environment, and how we can make more informed choices. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, we waste 1.3 billion tonnes of food every year. When food is wasted, the resources used to produce that food are lost as well.

We can do better.

The greatest legacy we can offer future generations is a clean and healthy planet—instead of compromising their health, livelihoods and quality of life for our own short-term gain. Failing to address climate change and to sustainably develop our natural resources will hurt not only the environment, but also Canadians’ health and economic prosperity.

While the Conservative government continues to push its regressive policies, New Democrats are renewing our commitment to protect our environment and fight climate change. We owe it to future generations to keep our country strong, healthy and green.