Canada’s natural beauty and wildlife along with our multiculturalism and social responsibility were at the core of the Canadian character. Today, this country is a driving proponent of all that is leading our world into environmental and economic decline, with social disparity for aboriginal people and younger generations.
How did this change in Canada’s core values happen?
The Cowen Commissions’ Inquiry into the decline of the Fraser River salmon shows contagious disease traveling from farmed fish to wild salmon. Nevertheless, the latest federal bill makes significant changes to the Fisheries Act before the commission gives their recommendations.
The International Food and Inspection Agency has been ordered to close its Research and Inspection Office in Saanich. The budget eliminated more than 11,000 staff, notably biologists and veterinarians and Canadian Park staff. Cuts have led to moving B.C.’s command centre for oil spill response to Montreal. This reduces science, oversight and on-site knowledge. Who will provide research to protect our wild fish, our food, our oceans and our public health?
The latest Bill C-38, disguised as an adjunct budget bill eliminates decades of environmental protection including: Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), Fisheries Act, Navigable Waters Protection Act, Species at Risk Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, National Round Table on Environment and Economy Act, Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act. This bill allows cabinet to overrule independent committees, such as the National Energy Board. These major decisions can now made by politicians, rather than by scientists.
Isabelle Moody
Parksville