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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
This story was brought to Nouzie by RSS. The original post can be found on https://www.conservationcouncil.ca/econews-n-b-splurges-on-teslas-for-politicians-while-waiting-on-electric-buses-plastic-pollution-campaign-and-climate-impacts-on-canadians/
