Debate for North Vancouver Puts Environment Front and Centre in Federal Election
Unprecedented call for Environmental Leadership from our elected politicians heard across the country
North Vancouver, October 4, 2019 – Last night’s debate in north Vancouver was one of the 100 Debates on the Environment taking place across Canada, with locals coming to Presentation House Theatre to hear from North Vancouver candidates about their views on the environment. Voters joined the large crowds across the country attending their local debates, demonstrating that concern about the environment is fueling a powerful force that no party and no candidate can ignore.
The environment debate for the North Vancouver riding was attended by Conservative Party of Canada, Green Party of Canada, Liberal Party of Canada, and New Democratic Party candidates all sharing their views on the environment and competing for voter support. The People\’s Party of Canada was invited and declined. Squamish elder Sut-Lut opened the evening with a prayer and acknowledgement of the Unceded Coast Salish territory where the debate took place. Hosted by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC) and 100 Debates, the debate asked questions on climate change, wilderness protection, toxic pollution and water. Over 120 community members were also in attendance.
CPAWS-BC and 100 Debates were pleased with the turnout and audience enthusiasm. Candidates expressed their excitement to continue the conversations on species protection and climate change strategy. It was exciting to see this forum in action with so many local voters and youth voicing their top environmental concerns with candidates. CPAWS-BC is pleased to hear candidates speak on the urgent need to support resilient ecosystems and species on the brink of extinction in the face of climate change. Collective action and partnership at each level of governance will set the course for Canada\’s role as a leader for the environment.
Voters in North Vancouver showed their concern for the environment this election, as did other Canadians at the other environment debates held across the country on October 3.
When considering issue-themed candidates’ debates, nothing in Canada has ever approached the size and scope of the 100 Debates on the Environment initiative. Hosted by local non-profits, scientists, health professionals and businesses, the debates took place in church basements and auditoriums in nearly every province and territory, with urban, suburban and rural ridings all well represented.
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For more information or interview requests, including with local organizers, please contact: Skye Vallance, Communications and Development Coordinator, CPAWS-BC | skye@cpawsbc.org | 604.685.7445 x22.
*Live Video Recording available on the 100 Debates x CPAWS-BC Facebook event page
ABOUT CPAWS-BC
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is dedicated to the protection of our public land and water, and ensuring our parks are managed to protect the nature within them. Our vision is to establish large, intact areas of wilderness on land and in the ocean that can nurture nature through climate change and support all life, Visit www.cpawsbc.org for more information.
ABOUT 100 DEBATES:
100 Debates is a national initiative to organize inclusive, politically neutral, and environment-focused all-candidates debates in communities across Canada. Local collaborators include national non-profits, schools, individuals, citizens\’ groups and businesses. Most debates are scheduled to take place on the same day, Oct 3rd, in over 100 ridings in Canada and have been coordinated by GreenPAC – Canada’s non-partisan organization that works to build environmental leadership in politics. Visit www.100debates.ca for more information.
