© Conservation Council of New Brunswick 2024
In this edition of EcoNews, we explore the confusing priorities of New Brunswick’s government, which bought 10 cabinet ministers $82,000 Teslas while dragging its heels on electrifying the province’s school bus fleet. We’re also participating in Plastic Free July and have launched a new campaign with resources to help you combat plastic pollution. Additionally, check out our stories on ghost gear removal in the Bay of Fundy and the impacts of climate change on Canadian life!
Teslas for politicians, diesel buses for New Brunswick kids
New Brunswick Environment Minister Glen Savoie recently defended the government’s purchase of 10 Teslas for cabinet ministers, costing $82,000 each, saying the province “is instituting the use of electric vehicles to do our part to try to make the environment better.” Electric vehicles are certainly part of the solution to climate change — although less luxurious models can be purchased for much cheaper — but if the government really wants to do its part, it needs to start pushing to electrify the province’s school bus fleet.
While provincial cabinet ministers get these opulent electric vehicles, New Brunswick kids are stuck on diesel buses that jeopardize their health. All while the government sits and waits for an electric bus feasibility study that is well behind schedule. Check out what our director of climate engagement and campaigns, Danielle Smith, had to say about this:
Join us in the fight against plastic pollution
From bottled water to snack packaging, polymer-based materials, or plastics, touch every part of our daily routine. These materials have a profound impact on our environment. Recognizing this problem, our artist-in-residence Ji Hyang Ryu recently worked with youth in Riverview to create a powerful art project highlighting their environmental concerns, with a strong focus on reducing plastic pollution.
Inspired by their passion and creativity, we are participating in Plastic Free July this month. To support this initiative, we’ve launched a new webpage dedicated to plastic pollution and practical steps you can take to make a difference. Visit our site to find checklists and resources to help you track your progress throughout Plastic Free July. Together, we can reduce plastic waste in our communities.
We want your refundables!
Also, as part of our plastic-free push this month, we’ve organized a bottle drive! If you have refundable containers, bring them to the Conserver House (180 St. John St. in Fredericton) between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Let us know if these times don’t work for you, and we will make arrangements!
If you still want to help out, but don’t have any refundables to bring in, you can click below to donate and support our important work.
Peace in water through boundaries
Matt Abbott, our marine program director, recently participated in a panel with Deanna Musgrave and ECW’s Kalen Mawer titled Peace in Water Through Boundaries. The panel explored the changing nature of people’s relationship with water, reflected in Deanna’s Water Witness exhibition. Check out the link below for a full video of the panel discussion featuring a fun and knowledgeable conversation about local water issues.
Ghost gear busting in the Bay of Fundy
As part of our Plastic Free July campaign, check out this story by our marine director, Matt Abbott, highlighting how the Conservation Council has worked with local partners to tackle the critical issue of ghost gear and marine debris in the Bay of Fundy.
This lost fishing equipment poses severe threats to marine life and human activities, but our efforts to work with groups like the Fundy North Fishermen’s Association are making a difference. Learn about innovative programs to locate and remove ghost gear, community-driven initiatives like the Great Fundy Coastal Cleanup and the push for systemic changes to reduce marine debris.
Thank you to our donors!
We want to send out a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated in our donation campaign last month! Your contributions will help us continue protecting the air we breathe, our beautiful land and forests and our precious rivers, lakes, bays and marine waters and coasts.
If you didn’t get to donate last month, you can help continue the momentum by clicking below to contribute!
Or, help us by sharing this newsletter with friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to sign up for EcoNews to stay up to date on pressing environmental issues in N.B. and exciting opportunities to make a difference in their community.
Climate change is threatening the things we love
Climate change is having a profound impact on Canadians’ way of life. Dr. Moe Qureshi, our director of climate research and policy, highlights this impact in his latest op-ed. From the cancellation of the World Pond Hockey Tournament in New Brunswick, to dwindling maple syrup reserves, the changing climate affects us all. But, Dr. Qureshi notes, Canada has a historical role in environmental leadership and we can take that lead again to help solve the problem.
We could use a helping hand!
The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is looking for some volunteers to help out with some light yard work (like mowing) at our office at Conserver House in Fredericton. It will take about an hour every two weeks, and it will really help us keep the outside of our office looking great! Plus, it’s a fun way to meet other people who care about the environment. Come join us and lend a hand! If you’re interested or know someone who may be, click below to contact us.
Have your say in Canada’s Atlantic Salmon Strategy
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking feedback on a draft national strategy to restore and maintain Atlantic salmon populations and habitats. The deadline for comments is July 30. Developed over 12 years with extensive collaboration and feedback, the strategy focuses on four key outcomes: a collaborative restoration approach, alignment with Indigenous rights, an inclusive salmon community and transparent management practices. Give your feedback by clicking below!
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
July 12 | The City of Fredericton is working on bylaw changes to allow apartment building recycling for buildings with more than five units. Our director of climate engagement and campaigns, Danielle Smith, spoke to the CBC about the program, noting that this is a straightforward and overdue step in the city. However, combatting plastic pollution should begin with refusing plastic when possible, Danielle says.
Read the story.
Listen to the interview.
July 1 | The federal government has moved to ban open net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia by 2029. Following the announcement, our marine director, Matt Abbott, spoke to the CBC, highlighting the significant impacts of this industry in New Brunswick. Despite ongoing support from the provincial government, Matt continues to advocate for a transition to closed-containment, land-based salmon farming. The problems of sea lice, disease and interbreeding between farm and wild salmon remain critical issues that have not been adequately addressed. Read the story.