New Environmental Caucus Unites Liberal MPs to Demand Stronger Climate Action from Carney | CBC News

As Liberal MPs gear up for their national caucus meeting in Edmonton next week, a group is pushing to spotlight climate change. They want to create a dedicated caucus for discussing environmental issues, which has been somewhat sidelined since Prime Minister Mark Carney took office.

Newly elected Montreal MP Éric St-Pierre noticed the lack of a formal space to talk about the environment and, alongside Nova Scotia MP Shannon Miedema, proposed this new forum. Their goal is to ensure that climate concerns receive attention, akin to existing forums on women’s and Indigenous issues.

St-Pierre believes that Carney has the expertise to lead on climate change. He expressed confidence in Carney, highlighting that the government is still in its early days and anticipates future proposals. Yet, some MPs worry that Carney isn’t adequately promoting his background as a UN climate action envoy. One MP remarked, “How can someone who has championed climate issues for so long suddenly stop talking about them?”

Under Carney, the first notable step was canceling the consumer carbon price, a key initiative from the previous government. Recent legislation, like Bill C-5, which aims to fast-track major infrastructure projects, has also raised eyebrows. This includes potential pipelines, raising concerns about commitment to climate action among some Liberals.

At the upcoming caucus meeting, MP Alexandra Mendes emphasized the need to bring environmental issues to the forefront. “This is a top concern for people in my riding,” she noted. Former leadership candidate Karina Gould echoed her sentiments, asserting the importance of the voices advocating for climate action within the party.

However, not all MPs agree on the current focus. Some believe there’s a need to balance energy development with environmental protection. A recent Léger poll revealed that only 4% of Canadians listed the environment as their primary concern. This suggests a complex landscape where public priorities might clash with the urgency of climate action.

In this era of shifting political dynamics, the Liberals are at a crossroads, trying to reintegrate environmental conversations while also addressing wider public concerns. The outcome of this caucus may play a crucial role in shaping their environmental policies moving forward. For ongoing updates on government initiatives, check resources like Canada’s Environment and Climate Change.

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