Conservation organizations in New Brunswick urge citizens and candidates to vote for nature
TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, N.B.— Four prominent nature organizations in New Brunswick, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Nature NB, and Nature Trust of New Brunswick sent a survey to party leaders to learn more about their plans to champion conservation efforts if elected. To date, three of the party leaders have responded: David Coon (Green Party of New Brunswick), Susan Holt (New Brunswick Liberal Association), and Alex White (New Brunswick New Democratic Party).
“We know that voters have a lot of concerns going into this election,” said Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director of Nature NB. “There’s room for nature, too, because without a healthy and climate-resilient environment in New Brunswick, our health, economy, and cost of living all suffer. We hope that voters will remind candidates of just that, and that party leaders keep nature as a priority.”
In the survey, party leaders were asked if they would match the federal commitment to protect 30 percent of lands and oceans by 2030, if they would modernize the Crown Lands and Forests Act and other outdated environmental legislation, and if they support the creation of new Indigenous-led protected and conserved areas. As answers to these questions are received, they are posted on a joint web page (here) to help inform voters’ decisions when they go to the polls in October.
“Voting for nature has a positive effect on the other issues that are troubling voters,” said Roberta Clowater, Executive Director of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter. “Increasing protections for land and oceans in New Brunswick is good for everyone. New tourism and recreation opportunities can boost economic activity, nature-based solutions can help us become more resilient in the face of extreme weather caused by climate change, and increased green space allows people to improve their mental and physical health.”
New Brunswickers head to the polls on October 21, 2024 to elect New Brunswick’s 61st Legislative Assembly. Until that time, these four nature organizations continue to encourage voters, candidates, and party leaders to vote for nature. More information can be found on the websites of each of the organizations, as well as a pledge that citizens and candidates can take and distribute.
Contacts:
Roberta Clowater, Executive Director
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter
rclowater@cpaws.org
506-452-9902
Beverly Gingras, Executive Director
Conservation Council of New Brunswick
beverly.gingras@conservationcouncil.ca
Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director
Nature NB
executive.director@naturenb.ca
(506) 459-4209
Stephanie Merrill, Executive Director
Nature Trust of New Brunswick
Resources:
- See the party leaders’ responses: https://www.naturenb.ca/2024/09/17/2024-new-brunswick-provincial-election/
- About:
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter: https://cpawsnb.org
- Conservation Council of New Brunswick: https://www.conservationcouncil.ca
- Nature NB: https://www.naturenb.ca
- Nature Trust of New Brunswick: https://www.naturetrust.nb.ca