NDP introduces three bills to address climate change and the environment

HALIFAX – The NDP Caucus will introduce three pieces of legislation today to address environmental issues and climate change. The first bill requires the government to become carbon neutral by 2028. The second improves the environmental assessment process. The third provides public funding to maintain the land link between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick through the construction of new and improved dikes.

“There is no doubt - climate change is happening,” said Lenore Zann, NDP Environment Spokesperson. “Our province is surrounded by the ocean, so we must act decisively to mitigate rising sea levels. This includes maintaining the Chignecto Isthmus which links Nova Scotia to the rest of Canada.”

Moving the provincial civil service towards a carbon-neutral approach will require the government to invest in carbon offsets, and evaluate the areas where the provincial bureaucracy and vehicle fleet can reduce its carbon footprint.

“Many jurisdictions around the world are taking action to reduce the carbon footprint of their public services,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “Nova Scotia has long been a leader in addressing environmental issues, from the recycling programs of the 1990s, to the unanimous support from all three parties for reducing carbon emissions in electricity. A carbon neutral government is the next logical step in that direction.”

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