In Canada, not everyone has a guaranteed right to a clean and healthy environment. Many people struggle to protect their surroundings due to unclear laws. Recently, New Brunswick’s Bill 19 has emerged as a promising step forward, aiming to establish the right to a healthy environment for all residents.
This March, Green Party Leader David Coon revived Bill 19, “An Act Respecting the Right to a Healthy Environment.” The intention is clear: to secure ecological rights for everyone in the province. With the growing climate crisis, this measure is urgent. New Brunswick faces frequent flooding, stronger hurricanes, wildfires, and eroding coastlines. These challenges are not far-off threats—they’re our current reality.
Bill 19 first appeared in the legislature in December 2023 but stalled due to a provincial election. Its revival this year came with growing public support, leading to its examination by the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee.
This bill represents years of effort from the Environmental Rights Caucus and East Coast Environmental Law. Notably, the Passamaquoddy Nation backs this initiative, emphasizing the need for stronger environmental governance. Their call for modernization resonates, especially as current regulations fail to meet international standards recognized by various organizations.
On September 18, Chief Hugh Akagi advocated for a shift in focus—from exploiting natural resources to restoring them. The environment has already suffered extensive damage, and merely reducing harm isn’t enough. There’s a need for active repair, healing the land and its ecosystems.
Clean water and fresh air are essential not just for survival, but for overall well-being. Bill 19 aims to recognize this connection, but rights without accountability won’t suffice. Clear definitions of responsibilities for government and businesses, along with enforceable penalties for violations, are necessary for the bill to be effective.
Environmental harm often disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Bill 19 should address these disparities, ensuring fairness and promoting justice across all groups. It’s crucial that existing environmental laws do not perpetuate inequalities in their enforcement.
Another pressing concern is the ongoing debate about nuclear energy. Despite significant investments, it remains unreliable and produces long-term waste challenges. Instead, renewable energy sources like wind and solar offer cleaner, sustainable alternatives. The United Nations reports that these renewables generate minimal greenhouse gases and are often cheaper than fossil fuels. Bill 19 should favor this shift towards clean energy.
A comprehensive approach also requires assessing cumulative effects. Current evaluations often overlook how multiple projects can lead to larger environmental consequences. Understanding these interconnected impacts is vital for effective environmental policy.
Success in implementing Bill 19 will hinge on engaging communities it aims to protect. Environmental policies work best when they reflect the experiences and knowledge of local residents, especially Indigenous groups. Open dialogue can help transform the bill from an idea into a practical framework for environmental justice.
The decisions made now in New Brunswick will have lasting effects. Bill 19 offers a chance to replace outdated regulations with stronger protections rooted in justice and accountability. By ensuring meaningful enforcement of this legislation, we can affirm that the right to a healthy environment is fundamental for everyone.
Mayara Gonçalves e Lima advocates for the Passamaquoddy Nation, focusing on nuclear energy and environmental justice.
