I’ve used my blog to talk about First Nations poverty during the election, but haven’t spoken much about environmental issues.
An important issue in this election is Canada’s place in the world. Unfortunately, in the last five years or so, Canada has not stepped up to the plate when it comes to issues of foreign policy, advocating for human rights, and most importantly, protecting the environment.
For Anishinaabe people, there is nothing more important than protecting Shkaakamik-kwe, our Mother Earth. From the time of Creation, Gzhemnidoo gave the responsibility to the Anishinaabeg to be stewards of the earth. Our Anishinaabe-kwe (women) were given the responsibility to look after and speak to the water. More and more, Anishinabe people are taking those instructions and sacred duty very seriously.
However, we all need to speak up in ensuring Canada takes their role as global environmentalists seriously.
It wasn’t long ago that Canada played a leadership role in developing the Kyoto Accord. We were serious in putting a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and introduce a carbon tax.
However, under the Harper government, all that environmental progress has been lost in favour of big business, oil pipelines, oil sands development and corporate tax cuts. Harper has bowed to American interests, rather than do what needs to be done. The Conservative government wasn’t a signifcant factor in either the Copenhagen climate change conference in 2009 nor the Cancun climate conference in 2010.
The Liberal Party has provided a platform that First Nations people can be proud of. They continue to assert their position and commitment to a long-term greenhouse gas reduction target of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. In the meantime, a Liberal government will work with domestic and international partners on practical, but meaningful medium-term goals.
More significantly for us Anishinaabe living in our Great Lakes territory, the Liberals have promised to develop the first ever Canadian Freshwater Strategy. As in the past, I’m certain that the LPC will be working with First Nations in ensuring our traditional territories and cultural perspectives are an important consideration in this important initiative.
The freshwater strategy also includes a ban on the exporting of freshwater, something many environmentalists and First Nations have been calling for. I know I will be working to ensure this ban includes eliminating the loophole that allows the exporting of containers 20 litres or less (i.e. bottled water).
Finally, it’s always nice to get an endorsement from leading environmentalists.
“We applaud the Liberal party’s funding allocation for restoration of the Great Lakes, clean up of Lake Winnipeg and strategies to address invasive species,” said the Council of Canadians.
