EcoNews — Illegal pesticides, beating plastic pollution, and big job gains from energy efficiency

In this edition of EcoNews, we bring you our Fundy Baykeeper’s scathing reaction to N.B.-based Northern Harvest Sea Farms’ deliberate use of illegal pesticides in the Bay of Fundy; we give you the good news from Moncton about a possible looming ban on plastic bags; we invite you to tell us your 2018 flood story as the St. John River and surrounding lakes slowly return to normal; we share the findings of a new study which shows New Brunswick could create thousands of jobs by investing in energy efficiency; we welcome you to join us for our upcoming tour of eco-friendly homes in southern N.B.; and more.

 

Fundy Baykeeper blasts deliberate, illegal pesticide use in the Bay of Fundy

Just weeks after Canada’s Environment Commissioner released a damning report about government’s failure to regulate and enforce the aquaculture industry in Canada, a New Brunswick-based aquaculture company plead guilty in provincial court to deliberately using an illegal pesticide in the Bay of Fundy. Our Fundy Baykeeper, along with fishermen associations in the region, blasted the company, Northern Harvest Sea Farms, for knowingly using a pesticide that kills lobster and other sea crustaceans, and took issue with the fine levied against the company — a mere $12,000.

As Moncton moves toward plastic bag ban, tell us what you’re doing
to keep plastic pollution out of our oceans

Great news: Moncton city councillors are looking at banning single-use plastic bags across the Hub City. Let’s help build the momentum for all of New Brunswick to #BeatPlasticPollution — tell us what you are doing in your home or business to reduce the plastic waste that pollutes our land and oceans!

After the flood

As the St. John River and surrounding lakes swelled to cause one of the province’s most destructive and devastating floods, your Conservation Council provided regular updates to ensure members had the information they needed to stay safe and healthy, while our Executive Director, Lois Corbett, spoke to media about the dangers of contaminants, from sewage to diesel oil, in floodwaters. Stay tuned to our blog and social media for more stories in the coming weeks of the flood and its aftermath. Were you affected by the historic flood? Tell us your story here.

Creating jobs and cutting carbon pollution

The transition to an energy efficient economy would create more than 25,000 full-time jobs in New Brunswick and increase the provincial GDP by $4.9 billion over the next 13 years, according to a new study from one of North America’s leading energy consultants. 

Risky business: the company behind the Sisson mine project

More than 1,000 New Brunswickers wrote the federal government about their concerns over the proposed Sisson mine project. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our letter-writing campaign. Today, we share with you a video of a presentation made at our Conserver House (180 St. John St. in Fredericton) about the history of the company trying to build the massive metals mine in the heart of the Nashwaak River watershed. Plus, scroll down to the bottom of the link below to read our official submission to Environment Canada regarding the project. 

Statement on Premier Gallant’s cabinet shuffle

Read our statement regarding the provincial government’s recent cabinet shuffle, which saw the Hon. Andrew Harvey, MLA for Carleton-Victoria, become the new Minister of the Environment and Local Government.

Your passport to a low-carbon future in N.B.!

Inspired by your neighbour’s low, low, low energy bill? Always wondered what an off-the-grid house really looks like? Do you want to reduce your home’s carbon footprint but aren’t sure how to go about it? You won’t want to miss our upcoming Passport to a Low Carbon Future EcoHomes Tour on June 9. Organized by dedicated volunteers from the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and the Saint John chapter of the Council of Canadians, the open-house tour will shine a spotlight on low-carbon homes and public buildings in southern New Brunswick. The tour is free and space is limited so reserve your spot today!

THANK YOU FOR READING! 

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