In this edition of EcoNews, we bring you our assessment of the recommendations from the legislative committee examining glyphosate use in our forests; we ask for your help amplifying our call to Premier Higgs for greater climate action in New Brunswick; we invite you to participate in our For The Love of New Brunswick video series; we share our recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries on enacting and improving the new Fisheries Act; we share a number of informative upcoming webinars and events; and, we give you the latest media interventions from the Conservation Council team.

A Missed Opporutnity To End Glyphosate Spraying

“If you’re looking for a dramatic U-turn on how we manage our Crown forests, you won’t find it in this report.” That’s how our Executive Director, Lois Corbett, responded to the Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship’s report and recommendations following its months-long examination of glyphosate use in our forests. The committee did not heed the call of the majority of presenters from citizens groups, First Nations, scientists and environmental groups to ban the toxic chemical in the Crown forest. Nor did it recommend that citizens stop paying forestry companies to spray. Despite these shortcomings, Corbett said the committee did recommend some changes that, if acted upon, could move New Brunswick a bit closer to ecological forestry practices. Click the link below to learn more.

Sign On To Our Call For Climate Action And Electricity Reform

In our last edition of EcoNews, we shared with you our letter to Premier Higgs calling for an updated climate action plan, including the need to reform electricity policy in New Brunswick to phase out fossil fuels within the next 10 years. This week, we’re hoping you’ll help amplify our message by adding your voice to our letter. Sign on to help push New Brunswick and Premier Higgs toward the urgent climate action citizens and scientists across the world are calling for.

Tell Us Your Story: Moms, Grandmothers, We’d Like To Hear From You!

We’re looking for New Brunswick climate champions to take part in our For The Love Of New Brunswick video series. One of the most powerful things we can do to influence our friends, families and communities is to talk about what we care most about, how we’re trying to make a difference, and share struggles, triumphs, and most importantly, hope.  Do you talk to your loved ones about climate change? Are you taking steps in your home to be more conscious of the energy you use and how your home is powered? How do you think climate change will affect the kids and grandkids you love? Click the link below to take part in this exciting and inspiring opportunity.

Our Priorities For A Modern Fisheries Act

As the Hon. Joyce Murray, new Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canada’s Coast Guard, assumed her role last month, the Conservation Council collaborated with NGOs from across the country to share our recommendations to the minister on implementing the modernized Fisheries Act. You’ll remember that we worked closely with groups and the former minister to secure the much-needed changes to the Act introduced in 2019. In this letter, we advise the minister on further implementation of the Act and new investments needed to ensure marine life and habitat are protected for generations to come given the serious threats of climate change, habitat loss and species extinction.

Upcoming Events

Check out some of the fantastic events coming up from the Conservation Council and our friends!

Nov. 16, 2021 — How The Energy And Utilities Board Makes Decisions That Affect All Of Us: This webinar will help you understand how the EUB works and contextualize its current mandate within the broader context of climate change and the global shift to a more efficient and renewably-powered system that powers our lives. Our Louise Comeau will moderate the panel of EUB and Public Advocate experts. Register here.

Nov. 27, 2021 — Conservation Council’s Annual General Meeting: We’re excited to invite you to attend our 2021 Virtual Annual General Meeting! Get an overview of our work during the past year from our program staff, find out the winner of the Annual Beth McLaughlin Environmental Journalism Award, and hear from fantastic guest speakers. The AGM is welcome to all, but a reminder that only members in good standing are able to vote in the business portion of the meeting. Register here.

Dec. 1, 2021 — Webinar: Phasing Fossil Fuels Out Of Our Electricity System: Learn about the path toward phasing out fossil fuels and switching to reliable, affordable and sustainable non-polluting energy from the Conservation Council’s Dr. Louise Comeau and two speakers from the Pembina Institute who will share results of two recent studies on coal phase out and fossil fuel replacement options. Register here.

Jan. 19, 2022 — Fredericton’s Green Resilience Project: Do you live in the Fredericton region? You’re invited to take part in a virtual conversation hosted by the Conservation Council in partnership with the Green Resilience Project where you’ll join with fellow community members to discuss the links between climate change, income security, and community resilience. Register here.

We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in the New Brunswick print, radio and television media. Here are the latest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary:

Oct. 29, 2021: Our Executive Director, Lois Corbett, spoke with CBC Information Morning Moncton about the new Shediac Bay Watershed Protection Plan, and her recommendations for ensuring greater water protections across the province. Listen here.

Nov 1, 2021: Louise Comeau, our Director of Energy and Climate Solutions, spoke with CBC Information Morning Moncton about the COP26 climate conference, her hopes for progress on lowering the global carbon pollution footprint, and how New Brunswick can play its part. Listen here.

Nov. 2, 2021: Matt Abbott, our Director of Marine Conservation, co-hosted a Coastal Routes Radio podcast on ghost gear and efforts underway in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada to deal with, and prevent, the issue. Listen here

Nov. 3, 2021:  Lois Corbett spoke with CBC Shift NB to give her assessment of the Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship’s report and recommendations on glyphosate use in our forests. Listen here

Nov. 8, 2021: Lois Corbett spoke with the Fredericton Daily Gleaner about ensuring new changes to the City of Fredericton’s water usage rates don’t create a disincentive for residents to conserve water. Read the full story here.

Thank you for reading our newsletter!

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