MONTREAL – Earlier this week, the Liberals led by Mark Carney announced plans for nature protection in Canada, unveiling a series of commitments aimed at conserving biodiversity, bolstering Indigenous stewardship, safeguarding freshwater, and meeting global protection targets. 

Greenpeace Canada welcomes the Liberal nature platform especially given current geopolitical dramatics. But more ambition is urgently needed if ecosystems are to be restored, biodiversity loss reversed and international commitments met. 

This means reintroducing Bill C-73, the Nature Accountability Act, with amendments proposed by Greenpeace and other groups. Bill C-73 is key to implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework and was being debated in the House of Commons when Parliament was prorogued in January. 

So far, close to 100,000 Canadians have signed a Greenpeace petition demanding a strong federal nature law that protects the rich ecosystems of Canada, respects Indigenous sovereignty, ensures public accountability, and establishes firm nature protection targets. 

Salomé Sané, Nature & Biodiversity Campaigner for Greenpeace Canada said:

“Canada’s heart beats in the tall forests and deep rivers of the land, but vague political commitments won’t restore the grasslands, forests and waters threatened by climate change, pollution, resource extraction and habitat destruction. Nearly 100,000 people in Canada have raised their voices, demanding a strong federal law that safeguards ecosystems, and prioritizes Indigenous stewardship.” 

“The Liberals along with other federal parties, must listen, and ensure that legislation is in place to hold Canada accountable for its international commitments, reverse nature loss, and make reconciliation and justice a central part of our shared responsibility to protect nature.” she added.

-END-

Notes to editors:

  1. Bill C-73, the Nature Accountability Act, was introduced in the House of Commons on June 13, 2024.

For more information please contact:

Ray Yeung, Communications Campaigner, Greenpeace Canada, [email protected] 

+1 (778) 681-9678