Opinion
Canada’s ocean protection ripple could become a wave
By Bill Wareham, Linda Nowlan, Sabine Jessen, Susanna D. Fuller Jun. 12, 2017
It’s now up to the federal government to move forward with a stronger Oceans Act and support for marine protection that provides refuge for ocean creatures, ensures economic opportunities for local communities and respects the rights of indigenous peoples.
Just as Canadians don’t expect to see oil wells in Gros Morne National Park, pictured, the WWF poll shows that 90 per cent of Canadians support a ban on bottom trawling, mining, and oil and gas development in marine protected areas. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia
Last week, a Canadian delegation joined world leaders in New York to support the United Nations’ goal to conserve and sustainably use the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources. Canada borders three oceans and has the world’s longest coastline, so marine protection should be central to our international reputation. A World Wildlife Fund poll shows 83 per cent of people in Canada are strongly in favour of protecting marine animals and habitats. Canadians expect their political representatives to keep orcas, belugas, salmon, sea otters, puffins, and cod healthy.
Related Stories
Politics This Morning
Your email has been added. An email has been sent to your address, please click the link inside of it to confirm your subscription.
More in News
Federal government ad spending rises after PM’s department bumps up limit 45 per cent in election year
The CRA used its newly beefed-up budget to run ads touting the Canada Child Benefit and two other tax benefits on buses and in prime-time TV commercials.Federal spending hits $300-billion, with 2019-20 main estimates up 8.6 per cent
On top of $301.8-billion in planned spending in the 2019-10 main estimates—combining $299.6-billion in budgetary spending and $2.2-billion in non-budgetary expenses—is another $51.2-billion in statutory expenses. Anxious Liberals want Grits to fill all-important national campaign director position soon
Liberal Party headquarters is still undecided on whether former PMO principal secretary Gerald Butts, a key architect of the 2015 election win, will have any role in the October federal election.Crowded field of candidates expected for Liberal nomination in GTA swing riding of Oakville
Former Ontario Liberal MPP Kevin Flynn and University of Toronto law professor Anita Anand are seeking the Liberal nomination in Oakville, Ont.Kenney’s Alberta win both good, bad for Trudeau, Scheer, say strategists
Conservative MPs Michael Cooper and Matt Jeneroux, both from Alberta, are sympathetic to Jason Kenney’s threat to 'turn off the taps' of gas to B.C.‘We’re finding our way’: MP Gord Brown’s widow reflects on year that changed her whole life
Claudine Courtois is planning a May 2 reception to mark the first anniversary of his death, saying she’s touched by Hill community support. Bring in quotas, financial incentives to get more women to run, says House committee
After studying barriers facing women in politics, the Status of Women Committee also suggests calling for a crackdown on gender-based heckling.ISG Senators say poll shores up Red Chamber reforms, but feds running out of time to make them law
‘We are committed to making legislative changes’ to continue with Senate modernization, says the office of Government House Leader Bardish Chagger.Defeated MPs to get access to more support services to navigate life after the Hill
‘Imagine losing your job, getting fired, but you’re fired by basically your entire riding and your whole life has been serving these people, and there’s just a lot wrapped up in it:’ Tory House leader Candice Bergen.Trending Stories
