© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2024
In this edition of EcoNews, we look at the facts surrounding Canada’s carbon price, clarifying its impact on affordability and emissions reduction efforts. Our focus then shifts to the provincial and federal budgets, where we air concerns over lacking environmental initiatives in the face of pressing climate and biodiversity challenges. Additionally, find out how we helped advocate for Atlantic Canada to lead the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, emphasizing the need to halt new fossil fuel projects. Also, check out how you can celebrate Earth Day with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick!
The facts about Canada’s carbon price
Lately, there has been a lot of misinformation circulating about Canada’s carbon price, particularly about its impact on affordability. We wanted to set the record straight on how the carbon price affects your wallet and helps Canada keep its promise to the world to reduce emissions.
Click below to read our news release outlining how the carbon charge benefits the environment as well as low-income families:
New Brunswick’s status quo budget misses the mark
New Brunswick’s 2024-25 budget overlooked the pressing climate crisis facing our province, maintaining the status quo on environmental initiatives despite consecutive surpluses. With Atlantic Canada facing an increasing number of wildfires and floods as well as warming oceans, the lack of attention on environmental measures is deeply concerning.
In the news release below, we urge the provincial government to reconsider its priorities and invest in solutions that will protect our environment, communities and future generations:
Federal budget falls short in protecting the environment
The federal government has touted the 2024 budget as “fairness for every generation.” However, we can’ truly have fairness for every generation without taking urgent action to protect our environment.
In the news release below, our executive director, Beverly Gingras, highlights some key concerns regarding the 2024 federal budget’s impact on environmental conservation. Bev raised the alarm about the significant decrease in new climate-related spending, emphasizing the need for investment in areas like biodiversity and freshwater protection. Despite some positive news on electric vehicles and Indigenous-led conservation, Bev stressed that we need more substantial commitments to nature protection and renewable energy.
Celebrate Earth Day with the Conservation Council!
Join the Conservation Council team for our Earth Day celebration on April 22! We’ll be hosting two events — one afternoon event in-person at Conserver House in Fredericton, and another evening event online.
You’ll have the chance to meet others who care about the environment and learn more about the crucial work being done by the Conservation Council. Our executive director, Bev Gingras, will be sharing her insights on the past, present and future of conservation .
This is your chance to voice your concerns and share your hopes for the environment with our dedicated staff.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect, learn and contribute to conservation and sustainability!
From fossil to future
Atlantic Canada has a remarkable opportunity to lead the way in renewable energy development and move away from fossil fuels. Most fracked gas projects in Canada are marketed as crucial components of energy export strategies aimed at foreign markets. But in reality, there’s little market for Canadian fracked gas overseas.
That’s why we helped lead an effort to organize 28 environmental groups nationwide to urge federal and provincial government leaders to halt new LNG, shale and fossil fuel projects. You can read the letter we sent by clicking the link below:
Shut down the AIM Saint John scrapyard for good
The September fire at the American Iron and Metal (AIM) scrapyard in Saint John did tremendous damage to the environment and negatively impacted people’s health. Given AIM’s track record of workplace incidents and flouting regulations, we believe this facility needs to stay closed for good.
That’s why we wrote to the Saint John city council’s public safety committee, supporting concerns raised by the citizens’ group Livable Saint John about the risks faced by the community if the AIM scrapyard resumed operating.
We urged city council to continue calling for AIM’s scrapyard licence to be revoked and offered our help in the effort. Check out the letter by clicking below:
Keep strong clean electricity regulations
When we saw the updated version of Ottawa’s draft clean electricity regulations in March, we were thrilled to see a loophole closed that could potentially allow facilities to build a series of small generating units to avoid emissions limits. However, we still have concerns that these regulations aren’t strong enough. We really want to see the feds keep these standards tough so they are the most effective they can be.
Click below to check out our recommendations to the feds on how to keep these standards strong. We’re looking forward to seeing the final recommendations released in the fall!
Setting the Table for Climate Justice
Climate change is a social issue and the only way we can solve it is by coming together. That’s why we’re inviting people to join us for an engaging exhibition that delves into climate justice, fostering a harmonious relationship with our planet and building resilient communities.
Date & Time: April 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 180 Saint John St., Conserver House, Fredericton.
There will be a grand opening with Grand Chief Ron Tremblay from the Wolastoqey Grand Council alongside talented artists. Drop by at your convenience to immerse yourself in the captivating art.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and contribute to our journey towards a sustainable future. See you there!
[in]VISIBLE Art Installation Exhibition
Looking for another way to celebrate Earth Day on April 22? Come check out a special pop-up exhibition featuring a stunning forest installation crafted by the talented youths of Keswick Ridge during our climate action art workshops.
Since October, artists Kim and Anne Stillwell of Ridge Works Studio have been working with the Conservation Council as part of our From Harm to Harmony artist residency. Now, they’re unveiling the work they helped create with 10 young people from Keswick Ridge to the public!
This event is open to all, so bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening celebrating nature’s beauty and our commitment to protecting it. Check out the link below for all the details:
Congratulations Dr. Moe Qureshi!
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for scientists to understand and participate in the processes that contribute to public policy. We’re excited to share that our director of climate solutions, Dr. Moe Qureshi, has been accepted into Evidence for Democracy’s Science to Policy Accelerator! This program for early career researchers in Canada offers specialized science policy and governance training from established experts across the public and non-profit sectors. Way to go, Moe!
We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in New Brunswick’s print, radio and television media. Here are the latest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary:
CCNB in the News
April 16 | Dr. Moe Qureshi, our director of climate solutions, tells the Telegraph-Journal that investing millions of dollars to replace coal infrastructure with fracked gas facilities in New Brunswick makes no sense. Instead, Dr. Qureshi says, we should be investing this money in renewable energy, not replacing one fossil fuel with another. Read the story.
April 15 | Jim Emberger, spokesperson for the N.B. Anti-Shale Gas Alliance, takes issue with a Telegraph-Journal editorial board column that encouraged dropping the current shale gas moratorium in New Brunswick. Emberger notes that conditions to lift the moratorium, set by the Gallant government, have not been met, including meaningful consultation with First Nations, achieving social acceptance and proving the safety of fracking scientifically. Read the op-ed.
April 12 | The nature park in Saint John saw the strongest storm damage in the park’s 30 year history this year. Dr. Qureshi tells Global News that this problem is recurring and gets worse year after year. Watch the interview.
April 5 | Dr. Qureshi tells Acadie Nouvelle why Premier Blaine Higgs’s idea to develop shale gas in New Brunswick as a substitute for coal doesn’t hold water. Spending large sums of money to replace one carbon source with another doesn’t make sense from an economic or environmental perspective, Dr. Qureshi says. Read the story (French)
April 3 | Dr. Qureshi explains to CBC’s Information Morning that climate change is fuelling the affordability crisis — not the carbon charge. Low-income households, Dr. Qureshi explains, benefit financially from this pollution pricing system. Listen to the interview.
March 13 | The provincial government’s review and progress report on New Brunswick’s water strategy was disappointing. The province has failed to make much headway at the mid-point of the 10-year water plan and diluted some of the commitments in the plan. The Conservation Council’s executive director, Beverly Gingras, tells the Brunswickan that the province needs to work with the groups that helped build the original strategy to get it back on track. Read the story.
March 11 | In an interview with Canada’s National Observer, Dr. Qureshi explains that geothermal energy is a promising opportunity for local energy production, especially through repurposing coal mines. Dr. Qureshi highlights geothermal energy’s reliability compared to intermittent sources like wind and solar, noting that geothermal is a great way to diversify energy resources as we transition away from fossil fuels. Read more.