Top 10 Environmental Questions to Ask Your MLA Candidates
The environment directly impacts the cost of living, your health and the strength of your community. Clean air, safe water, affordable energy and a healthy environment are all connected to our quality of life.
We’ve crafted 10 key environmental questions for you to ask your MLA candidates. These aren’t just questions about nature — they’re about how your future MLA plans to tackle the rising cost of living, protect your health and build a better, more sustainable future for all of us.
Feel free to download our printable summary, explore our list of additional questions listed below and push them on any topic that concerns you.
TOP 10 QUESTIONS
Why this matters: The Environmental Trust Fund (ETF) has provided vital support for environmental work in New Brunswick, funding hundreds of projects annually since 1990. These projects helped protect the environment, educate youth, provide jobs, and inform government decisions. However, the ETF lost its dedicated revenue source after the New Brunswick Beverage Containers Act was repealed in 2023. Without a replacement, many environmental organizations won’t be able to continue local environmental projects that provide jobs, protect community health and support local economies. Without these projects, communities might face higher costs from environmental degradation and reduced quality of life.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to ensuring the government works with environmental organizations to create a long-term plan for rejuvenating the ETF and establishing a new dedicated revenue stream.
Resources:
Why this matters: The Wabanaki peoples, including the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey and Peskotomuhkati, have deep connections with the lands and waters in what is now known as New Brunswick. Their leadership is essential in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. However, strained relationships with the government have slowed progress on many environmental issues. Recognizing and supporting Indigenous-led conservation efforts is crucial for meaningful environmental protection.
Ideal answer: The candidate ensures that the government creates space for Indigenous voices, respects Indigenous knowledge, supports the establishment of Indigenous-protected and conserved areas and invests in species-at-risk restoration and stewardship by Indigenous communities.
Resources:
- https://www.ilinationhood.ca/indigenous-protected-and-conserved-areas
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/indigenous-led-protection-big-salmon-river-watershed-1.6558264
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/climate-action-and-policy-must-be-indigenous-led-youth-leaders-say-in-new-report-1.7241215
Why this matters: Every year, forest management companies in New Brunswick spray herbicides like glyphosate over vast areas of forest despite widespread opposition and petitions calling for a ban. Glyphosate is likely harming the health, resilience and biodiversity of New Brunswick’s forests, making them more vulnerable to threats like insect attacks and wildfires. Alternatives to glyphosate are available and have been successfully implemented elsewhere, proving that herbicides are unnecessary for effective forest management. Additionally, public funds are used to pay for these spraying programs, costing taxpayers tens of millions annually.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to banning the spraying of herbicides like glyphosate on Crown land as soon as possible.
Resources:
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/herbicides/
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/its-time-for-new-brunswick-to-listen-to-the-evidence-and-ban-glyphosate-based-herbicides/
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Letter-From-Conservation-Council-re-Glyphosate-Use-in-New-Brunswick_-May-2024.pdf
Why this matters: Biodiversity is essential for many human needs like food, water, medicine, a stable climate and economic growth. However, species are disappearing at an alarming rate worldwide. Despite existing strategies and laws in New Brunswick, the government has failed to protect the province’s plant and wildlife species. Stronger commitments and actions are needed to monitor, maintain and restore biodiversity in this province.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to ensuring that the government commits funding to support biodiversity efforts, develops a new biodiversity strategy, complies with the federal Species at Risk Act, protects 30 per cent of New Brunswick’s land and oceans by 2030 and takes action against invasive species.
Resources:
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/leading-environmental-groups-ready-to-take-government-to-court-over-failure-to-protect-species-at-risk/
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-05-19-Letter-to-Minister-Natural-Resources-and-Energy-Development-Mike-Holland.pdf
- https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63f90734d9086a595a4b4a2a/t/655f6e62ab4ae045ef3511b3/1700752995277/ECEL_Protected+on+Paper+Only_NB_September+2020.pdf
Why this matters: Clean water is essential for the health of all residents, but New Brunswick’s water strategy has fallen short. Many of the strategy’s actions remain undone, and some other promised actions have been watered down. Recent reports highlight ongoing water quality issues not addressed in the plan. Climate change also impacts water quality, yet this issue is not a focus of the current strategy.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to funding water monitoring and restoration efforts, addressing water quality issues, monitoring new pollutants, collaborating with Indigenous communities and environmental organizations on the strategy and providing regular updates on the water strategy’s progress.
Resources:
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/new-brunswick-governments-water-strategy-review-drowns-in-vague-commitments-and-shifting-targets/
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Letter-to-DELG-from-CCNB-Feb-2024.pdf
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CCNB-Comments-on-Water-Strategy-Progress-Report-and-Review-February-2024.pdf
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/water-ecoli-bacteria-climate-change-1.6914017
- https://globalnews.ca/news/9020375/new-brunswick-blue-green-algae-high-temperatures-rain/
Why this matters: New Brunswickers do not have a legislated right to a clean and healthy environment. This proposed Act aims to change that by recognizing the right of every person, including children, to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment. This legislation would also require the government to consult with the public on any policies or regulations that could impact environmental rights enshrined in the act. Passing this Act is crucial for ensuring the health and wellbeing of New Brunswick’s environment and its residents.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to voting in favour of passing legislation to ensure New Brunswickers have a right to a healthy environment.
Resources:
- https://nben.ca/en/bill-of-rights.html
- https://www.ecelaw.ca/blog/whylegislateenvironmentalrightsinnewbrunswick#:~:text=The%20human%20right%20to%20a,healthy%20and%20ecologically%20balanced%20environment.
- https://nbmediacoop.org/2023/10/25/proposed-environmental-bill-of-rights-nets-new-brunswick-group-united-nations-award/
Why this matters: Energy poverty is a growing issue in New Brunswick, affecting 36 per cent of the population, especially low-income households, seniors and rural communities. With energy rates set to rise further, more residents will struggle to afford necessities like heating, cooling and electricity. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring all residents have access to affordable energy, protecting public health and reducing inequality.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to supporting targeted energy assistance programs, prioritizing energy efficiency upgrades, investing in cheaper renewable energy sources and advocating for regulatory reforms to prevent excessive rate hikes.
Resources:
- https://sjhdc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/energy-poverty.pdf
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FINAL-Energy-Poverty-Factsheet-2024.pdf
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-seeking-rate-hikes-almost-10-percent-1.7060576
Why this matters: In 2014, New Brunswick implemented a moratorium on fracking due to environmental and health concerns as well as a lack of public support. These concerns still exist, yet the provincial government has pitched the possibility of lifting the moratorium. A complete oil and gas exploration ban would protect New Brunswick’s natural resources and help prevent future costs associated with environmental damage from climate change.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to enacting legislation that bans fracked gas, such as LNG and shale gas, as soon as possible.
Resources:
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shale-Gas-Fact-Sheet.pdf
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Atlantic-Canadian-LNG-Exports-Face-Scrutiny-Amid-Global-Renewable-Surge.pdf
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/from-fossil-to-future-a-collective-call-for-renewable-energy-in-atlantic-canada/
- https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/guest-blog-new-brunswick-does-not-need-shale-gas/
Why this matters: The Bay of Fundy is a unique and vital ecosystem that supports local fisheries and tourism. However, the Bay of Fundy is threatened by climate change, pollution and other factors. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is developing a marine conservation network plan that includes Bay of Fundy waters. This plan, which has been in development for nearly a decade, aims to protect ecologically significant sites and the long-term health of the bay. The province needs to work with federal authorities to ensure the plan’s success.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to working with the federal government to ensure the selection and protection of ecologically significant sites.
Resources:
Why this matters: The climate crisis is worsening health concerns by driving more extreme weather events, degrading air quality and increasing the frequency of heat-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations. Wildfires further compromise air quality, while heat waves amplify community health hazards. Poor localized air quality is a significant threat, especially for children, the elderly and individuals with existing health conditions. In New Brunswick, diesel buses contribute to the problem, endangering our children’s health. Switching to electric buses is a simple and effective way to safeguard their well-being and protect our environment, ensuring a cleaner, healthier future.
Ideal answer: The candidate commits to converting all diesel buses to electric. The candidate further commits to supporting policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring sufficient resources for homeowners to install cooling systems, such as heat pumps.
Resources:
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
The Bay of Fundy has some of the highest concentrations of salmon farms in the world. These farms can impact marine ecosystems and limit public access to coastal waters.
- Will you commit to, at a minimum, halting the approval of new salmon farms in our coastal waters?
- Will you ensure that large multinational salmon farming companies return unused sites to make these areas available for public use?
The health of our rivers, lakes and oceans is deeply connected. Pollution from industries, agriculture and clear-cuts can flow from land into our sensitive coastal waters, harming marine life and habitats. Species like gaspereau, salmon and eels rely on the health of both freshwater and marine environments.
- Will you commit to funding and supporting comprehensive watershed restoration projects similar to the efforts on the Skutik (St. Croix) and Petitcodiac Rivers?
Coastal lands, including marshes, wetlands, beaches, dunes and rocky shores, are essential for a healthy ocean ecosystem. They provide habitat for various marine and land animals and protect shorelines from storms and sea level rise.
- Will you commit to developing and enacting a Coastal Protection Act that prioritizes habitat integrity and limits coastal development?
Rockweed, a dominant algae in the Bay of Fundy, plays a critical role in the coastal ecosystem by providing food and habitat for marine species. Harvesting rockweed has raised concerns among coastal residents and marine advocates.
- Will you advocate for a thorough review of rockweed harvesting practices in New Brunswick, focusing on maintaining ecosystem integrity?
- Will you also push for stricter enforcement to ensure, at a minimum, no harvesting occurs in closed areas?
The American Iron and Metal (AIM) fire in Saint John, caused by non-compliance with the environmental impact assessment, resulted in widespread pollution affecting soil, air and water.
- How do you plan to ensure that industrial disasters like the AIM fire never happen again?
Energy
Energy production in New Brunswick contributes over a quarter of the province’s total emissions. Achieving a carbon-neutral electricity grid by 2035 and a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 is crucial to combatting climate change.
Programs, like the N.B. Power Enhanced Energy Savings Program, help homeowners reduce energy bills and lower emissions through efficiency upgrades.
- Do you support implementing a similar program for rental units, where tenants often face high energy costs and live in inefficient housing
Biomass energy production is inefficient and threatens New Brunswick’s forests.
- Do you support the conversion of the Belledune coal plant to a biomass reactor despite these concerns?
Saint John Energy reduced rates by using affordable renewable wind power.
- Do you support expanding cost-effective renewable energy sources like wind and solar instead of relying on more expensive options like nuclear and biomass?
Electric Buses
Converting transportation infrastructure to electric is an effective way to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health. This includes transitioning the diesel school bus fleet to electric school buses, which reduces air pollution and protects children’s health.
- How will you ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the growing use of electric vehicles?
- Will you work with municipalities to improve public transportation and move towards a zero-emissions model?
- Are there plans to follow P.E.I.’s example and pledge a full electric school bus fleet conversion?
Climate Engagement
Engaging the community is essential for effective climate action by empowering people to make meaningful changes. When communities are involved in the fight against climate change locally, you can build trust and solidarity, making it easier to mobilize resources, share knowledge and implement solutions tailored to local needs.
- How do you plan to educate New Brunswick residents on climate impacts and solutions?
- How will you involve the public in transitioning to a carbon-neutral electricity grid by 2025?
- With wildfires becoming more common in New Brunswick and across Canada, do you have plans to educate residents on wildfire preparedness?
- How will you ensure government departments work together effectively to meet climate goals?
Improving environmental literacy is crucial for informed decision-making and sustainable practices. Outdoor learning helps children connect with nature and develop important life skills.
- Will you and your party commit to providing long-term funding to support schools, non-profits and other organizations that promote environmental education and outdoor learning?
- Will you ensure healthy indoor and outdoor learning environments for New Brunswick students, such as proper ventilation, heat pumps and natural spaces?
- What specific policies or programs will you implement to integrate environmental education into school curricula at all levels?
- How will you support community initiatives that promote environmental awareness and literacy?
- What measures will you take to ensure that environmental literacy and outdoor learning are accessible to all demographics, including underserved and marginalized communities?
The Wabanaki (Acadian) forest is one of the most endangered forests in North America, with less than five per cent of its pre-settlement extent remaining. Industrial forestry, land development and climate change threaten this vital ecosystem.
- Will you and your party commit to implementing an ecologically based forest strategy that includes a significant reduction in clear-cuts, the elimination of glyphosate-like herbicides, legislated targets for increasing selective cutting, new protected areas to safeguard old-growth forests and more fairness and opportunity for private woodlot owners?
- Will you work with Indigenous communities to establish forestry practices that align with cultural values and implement a climate change adaptation plan that decreases single-species tree plantations?
- Will you ensure active compliance with buffer strip size and other forest management regulations?
Nature is in a crisis, with plant and animal species disappearing at an alarming rate. Biodiversity loss can have devastating impacts on the health of our planet, human well-being and economic prosperity.
- Will you and your party commit to protecting at least 30 per cent of New Brunswick’s lands, freshwater and oceans by 2030?
- Will you modernize the policies, strategies and legislation that protect a diverse array of wildlife and habitats and ensure resilience in the face of climate change?
- Will you develop strong regulations to protect New Brunswick’s wetlands, floodplains, old forests, eelgrass beds and salt marshes?
- Will you reduce pollution to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity and increase investments in Indigenous-protected and conserved areas?