North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney tabled two petitions from her constituents on environmental issues in the House of Commons on October 5.
According to a media release from Blaney, the first petition was addressed to the minister of environment and climate change and pledged support for a made-in-Canada green new deal. Blaney stated that NDP MP Peter Julian introduced a motion in the first session of the current parliament, which Blaney seconded, calling for a green new deal. Blaney stated the motion wasn’t voted upon prior to parliament being prorogued in the summer but has recently been reinstated for the current session. The petition was signed by people from all across the riding.
The second petition focused on the use of herbicides in the forestry industry and is addressed to the minister of health, stated Blaney. In it, petitioners from Powell River and qathet Regional District raised concerns about the impact on biodiversity, water sources, climate change and wildfires.
Blaney stated that she has worked closely with local residents who wanted the issue raised with senior levels of government.
“I really want to thank those who do the work to put these together, with a special acknowledgement to Pesticide Free Powell River,” stated Blaney. “I hope the federal minister of health will heed their concerns and make the necessary policy changes.”
The government is expected to table a response to each petition within 45 days, according to the release.
“Petitions are one of the ways I can help people in the riding be heard in Ottawa,” stated Blaney, “It gives me an opportunity to stand up in the House of Commons and raise those concerns, prompts the government to respond, and if other MPs are hearing similar things in their ridings, we can work together towards real solutions for people.”
Constituents with an idea or issue they are particularly concerned about are always welcome to present them as a petition. For more information or assistance with drafting and formatting, contact the MP [email protected].
