Nature NL has put together the following list of conservation questions for candidates ahead of the upcoming 2021 Federal election. These questions are meant to provide clarification of your candidate’s position on a variety of environmental issues. We suggest that you ask your candidate these questions and that you consider their responses when you vote on September 20th.
For information about the election, visit https://www.elections.ca/home.aspx
- Climate change projections suggest the province can expect an increase in sea levels, sea and air temperatures, severe storms, and extreme weather events. These changes will impact the species, ecosystems, and landscapes that support our industries and define our province’s identity. What climate change adaptation and mitigation measures will your government implement to ensure our communities are safe and build the economy of the future?
- While the oil and gas industry continues to provide critical employment and revenue both federally and provincially, these developments will have lasting negative impacts on our environment and on our climate. Canada has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 40‑45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. How will your government achieve this goal while ensuring just transition that supports workers?
- Previous governments have attempted to avoid comprehensive environmental assessments and facilitate new developments with the potential to cause significant long-term changes. These decisions are without legal justification, create costly court battles, and highlight a lack of consideration for public concern. Will your government ensure that the Impact Assessment Act is upheld and that due process is followed for all current and future proposals that may have negative effects on the environment?
- Protection of species at risk and sensitive wildlife habitat has been legislated in Canada, but we continue to see a decline in key species, in part because of insufficient resources, initiative to tackle threats, and slowness in implementing recovery strategies for species at risk. How will your government address species at risk protection?
- Canada has committed to protecting 30% of Canadian lands and seas by 2030. What will your government do to ensure that the parks and protected natural areas of Canada meet or exceed these protected areas targets?
- Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, traditional knowledge systems and Indigenous-led conservation programs are all essential to successful climate and conservation planning in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. How will you ensure that Indigenous peoples, lands, and knowledges are meaningfully included in conservation and climate action plans and planning processes?
