For Immediate Release
15 September, 2023
The NL NDP is proud to be marching in solidarity with youth today, as they demand action to protect their future in this province, this country, and on this planet. We echo their call for a transition that is just and equitable for workers, communities, and our environment.
Canada has had the worst wildfire season on record, and it is going to get worse. People are losing their homes and their livelihoods. And while Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are struggling with the rising cost of living, big oil CEOs are getting richer than ever and their companies are being subsidized by public money.
Meanwhile, some residents of Port-Aux-Basques still do not know what is happening and if they will receive any help one year after Hurricane Fiona. That was just one hurricane – we must prepare for more.
People expect their government to take stronger actions to tackle the climate emergency. We presented ideas on a just transition plan to the House of Assembly. When pushed by the NDP, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change said he would be tabling legislation. Consultations should have started by now. We are not seeing any. What we have seen is his department admitting it will not achieve the 2020 or 2030 target for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Everyone knows we must phase out fossil fuels and have a plan for it. This government cannot keep its head in the sand and continue to subsidize fossil fuel exploration. Workers and communities feel like there is no alternative that will support them.
A transition cannot take place overnight, but for it to be successful Newfoundland and Labrador has to have the hard conversations we should have had years ago. Any transition must be just and equitable for workers, the communities that depend on these industries, and our environment. Government must meet with local leaders, unions, and experts in environmental resiliency to develop a plan for what the future of our energy industry and our province can look like.
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Media Contact: Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, 709.729.2137