Op-Ed: Time for an Environmental Bill of Rights

Last week the Environment Minister approved six requests to spray herbicides on Nova Scotia’s forested lands across 1,300 hectares in Colchester, Cumberland, Pictou, Antigonish, and Guysborough counties. This is despite widespread public concern about glyphosate and its possible risks to people, wildlife and the environment.

Was I surprised to read that the Liberals have given six new approvals for glyphosate spraying in our province while communities continue to raise concerns? No. Am I frustrated and fed up, after years of pushing for the government to change its tune on this issue and others regarding our natural environment? Yes!

The province says herbicide approvals for the forestry industry are posted online, however people are telling me there is not enough available information. Meanwhile, I have been questioning the use of glyphosate on our forests for some time now, while our NDP Leader Gary Burrill and Millbrook Chief Bob Gloade have both called for consultation on the use of glyphosate.

By this point in their mandate, it is clear that Stephen McNeil and his cabinet are not bothered by things like concerned citizens or the need to consult with communities on environmental issues.

Let’s recall their track record: abandoning the NDP’s fifty per-cent clear cut reduction target. Allowing tire burning near Brookfield. Ignoring the calls of residents, businesses and fishers to protect the Northumberland Strait. Brushing off concerns about gold mining and the hazards it poses to the Tatamagouche watershed. Ignoring the pleas of Glenholme, Fall River and Cape Breton residents to deny permission for gravel quarry expansions in their communities.

The situation cries out for an Environmental Bill of Rights - legislation that would protect the right to clean air, water, and soil, and give Nova Scotians a say in decision-making about what happens in their own communities.

We keep introducing it. They keep ignoring it. This fall, I plan on bringing the Environmental Bill of Rights back to the floor of the Legislature once again. Please ask your local MLA to help us get it passed this time. Aren’t our future generations worth it?

Lenore Zann
NDP Spokesperson on the Environment
MLA Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River