In a time of climate crisis…

In a time of climate crisis and biodiversity loss, we cannot afford to weaken the laws designed to protect our environment, uphold Indigenous rights, and include communities in decisions that shape our future.

We also cannot accept normalizing democratic erosion in our laws and government decision-making. I am especially alarmed by the reckless and rushed Senate and parliamentary process that is being used to advance this troubling bill.

Why I’m so concerned about the Building Canada Act:

Weakening environmental oversight: The Building Canada Act would expedite approvals for major projects without robust environmental assessments, potentially leading to irreversible harm to endangered species, ecosystems and the health of our communities.   

Undermining Indigenous rights: The bill lacks provisions to ensure the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous communities or meaningful consultation about potential infringements upon their rights and traditional territories.   

Eroding of democracy: The Building Canada Act says the federal Cabinet decides what projects are in the “national interest” based on “any factor”, with no transparent public process required — this risks a boom in political horse-trading and closed-door corporate lobbying. The Act also gives Cabinet massive and unjustified new power to decide whether and how federal laws apply to those projects, sidelining Parliament.

I urge you to: 

Oppose Bill 17 in its current form: Scrap Bill 17 and go back to the drawing board, ensuring a careful and participatory process for studying bills that may have serious impacts on our health and environment.

Our communities deserve laws and policies that prioritize health, justice, and safe environments.

I urge you to stand up for environmental responsibility and democratic values. Please vote against Bil C17 and call for a legislative process that prioritizes transparency, Indigenous participation, environmental protection, and public input.