Canada’s natural heritage is under threat from climate change and unsustainable development practices, said Liberal leader Mark Carney during a campaign stop in Victoria Monday.
It is also under a more immediate threat: President Trump wants Canada’s land, water, and resources, he said.
“Trump wants to weaken us so America can own us – but we won’t let that happen,” said Carney. “Our approach will draw on the wisdom of Indigenous traditions, the power of modern technology, and the strength of a united Canada.
Today, Carney announced a plan to protect Canada’s natural environment.
“Nature is part of our very identity as Canadians,” he said. “In this time of crisis, we need bold new approaches to protect Canada’s natural heritage and defend it for future generations.”
A Mark Carney-led Liberal government will:
- Conserve nature and biodiversity, including by creating at least 10 new national parks and marine conservation areas, and 15 new urban parks;
- Connect Canadians with nature by making access to National Parks and Historic Sites free for this summer;
- Bolster Indigenous stewardship, including by establishing a new Arctic Indigenous Guardians program, and funding Indigenous-led conservation and protection projects;
- Protect our freshwater, including by investing $100 million in a strategic water security technology fund to advance Canadian R&D, AI, monitoring, and data tools;
- Enshrine First Nations’ right to water into law;
- Protect nature where it protects us, including by implementing nature-based climate solutions which deliver measurable carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits, while supporting community resilience;
- Clean up, maintain, and protect wildlife in and around our coastal waters, including by investing an additional $15 million to modernize the location, retrieval, and responsible disposal of the ghost gear threatening marine mammals and birds; and,
- Champion nature conservation internationally, including by stopping illegal wildlife trade across our borders with modern digital solutions.