Environmental racism occurs when environmental policies or practices intentionally or unintentionally result in disproportionate negative impacts on Indigenous and racialized individuals, groups or communities. Too often, Canadian environmental law and policy fail to prevent this from occurring. It’s a gap that must be addressed with clear legal protections and government commitment. The US has had environmental justice legislation for over 30 years.
Bill C-226 – Last week on March 19/24 the Canadian Senate began deliberations on Bill C-226 the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act. This Act requires the Federal government to develop a plan to promote efforts across Canada to advance environmental justice and to assess, prevent and address environmental racism. Once enacted into law, Bill C-226 will empower the Federal government to fund programs aimed at levelling the playing field for marginalized communities. It will also ensure fair access to scientific studies to protect human health and restore local ecosystems.
Action – For more information and to learn how you can take action right now to support Bill C-226 follow this link to the website of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.
https://cape.ca/focus/support-bill-c-226-to-end-environmental-racism-and-for-environmental-justice/